The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

“What’s wrong, what’s wrong! Beating Glenn in such a state is just a pipe dream!”

“Guh…!”

It had been a week since the match against Glenn was decided.

General Cyrus’s training had become even more intense, and I couldn’t help but buckle under his merciless strikes.

Indeed, being the Imperial Shield had its weight, especially when he went all out.

Considering my small stature, even attempting to defend myself proved to be an impossible task.

In my first life, my height had plateaued at 165 centimeters, so I couldn’t expect any further growth.

But even so…

“Aaaaaaah!”

I refused to let that be the reason for losing to Glenn.

I refused to let that be a reason to give up.

“Haha! That’s the spirit!” General Cyrus laughed heartily as he watched me desperately parry his strong strikes.

However… it had been several months since I started training under him. Not only was I using both hands, but I was also beginning to counter his attacks.

He aimed to strike him with a blow, even someone as skilled in defense as Glenn.

If he could achieve that, he believed he could seize victory, even against an opponent like Glenn.

“Phew… let’s call it a day for today.”

“Haa… haa… thank you very much…”

Finally, the training came to an end, and as usual, I collapsed on the ground.

But what was clearly different from the beginning was that I was hardly struck by General Cyrus anymore.

“Hmm, indeed. His Highness Gustav seems to be acquiring my swordsmanship.”

“I-Is that so…”

Even though they called it General Cyrus’s swordsmanship, to be honest, I couldn’t quite grasp it.

My body was small, but General Cyrus was well over 190 centimeters and muscular.

With such a significant difference in physique, our fighting styles would naturally be different… how would it turn out?

“Uh… by any chance, do you dislike it?”

“N-No! Not at all!”

Stared at with a piercing gaze, I hurriedly denied it.

Honestly, being acknowledged for using the same swordsmanship as General Cyrus, who was known as “Impenetrable,” was a great honor.

“Well, it’s only natural for it to resemble General Cyrus’s swordsmanship.”

“That’s right. His Highness Gustav is the General’s top disciple, after all.”

“Eh… oh, I see…”

Being called the “top disciple” by the knights, I inadvertently loosened my lips.

Until now, I had never been acknowledged by anyone, so I was extremely happy.

“Haha! Of course, there’s still a long way to go to defeat Glenn! So… I’ll keep training you vigorously, Lord Gustav!”

“Yes!”

General Cyrus patted my head roughly. His big, rough hand was warm and very gentle.

—

“Ma-Marion, are you sure you’re okay?”

“Please don’t worry. With this, I won’t be embarrassed even in front of His Majesty the Emperor.”

As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror and asked, Marion nodded with a smile.

Actually, I was about to have a dinner with King Edward.

Moreover, it would be just the two of us, Edward and me.

Of course, I thought the purpose was related to the “two requests,” but this might be a bit too obvious…

Then,

“Lord Gustav.”

Approaching the room with an anxious expression was none other than Princess Abigail.

Claire was standing behind her.

“Um… Are you really sure about this? If something were to happen, I could forcefully accompany you…”

“It’s okay. His Majesty the Emperor will surely not treat me disrespectfully.”

She didn’t know about the secret meeting with King Edward during the baptism ceremony, so it was only natural for her to be worried.

However, since we didn’t know what King Edward was thinking, it was better to be cautious, and besides… Bridget was on my mind.

She should have been aware of my secret meeting with King Edward, but there had been no contact from her until today. All that had happened was that Claire had been attacked, and she had been forced to demand the annulment of the engagement with Princess Abigail.

Well, thinking that way might be hasty.

Anyway, that woman should be aware of my dinner with King Edward today, so there might be a chance she’ll barge in with an innocent face during the meal. Unlike Princess Abigail, Bridget is favored by King Edward.

“Lord Gustav, it’s about time…”

“I understand.”

After a final check in the mirror, I left the room… but.

“Haha… Shall I accompany you to the dining hall?”

“Yes.”

With a wry smile, I extended my right hand, and Princess Abigail nodded vigorously, placing her small hand on it. She might be a bit overprotective and anxious.

While I muttered such thoughts in my mind, I actually appreciated her kindness. Of course, I also cherished the time we could spend together during this walk.

And then,

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

“Lord Gustav, please take care…”

“It’s just a dinner, nothing to worry about.”

With her crimson eyes glistening, Princess Abigail bid me farewell with a somewhat reluctant bow. I passed through the door to the dining hall, which had been opened by the knights, and there was King Edward, already seated and raising a glass filled to the brim with wine.

“Waiting for you.” King Edward greeted me with a smile as he held up his wine glass.