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.

During the week leading up to the match with Glenn, I focused on training to familiarize myself with the saber, abandoning my usual training routine.

No matter how much preparation had been made for me, I needed to adapt my movements to suit the saber’s characteristics.

However, it wasn’t too difficult because I had built a solid foundation through years of training.

And then…

“Ha-ha, you got me.”

“Th-thank you!”

In a sparring match with General Cyrus, I achieved victory for the first time. Of course, he primarily used a halberd, so it wasn’t a true victory in that sense.

Nevertheless, I was happy because I had met the expectations of General Cyrus, who had recognized me and trained me to this point.

I had gained the power to protect Princess Abigail and the kingdom.

“Well… Your Highness Gustav, you’ve finally defeated General Cyrus.”

“Which means the Empire now has not only a spear and shield but also a sword.”

As usual, the knights, Mick and Terry, exclaimed with admiration.

“Would you like to spar with us next time?”

“You’re actually asking us! We’ll do it!”

“I won’t accept it if His Highness Gustav, who has not only Princess Abigail but also Miss Mariette under his wing, defeats us! Today, I’ll give you a run for your money!”

The two of them challenged me, their faces turning bright red. But their expressions were full of joy and excitement.

“Haha! I won’t lose!”

We sparred with swords until the sun set, and before we knew it, we were all lying on the ground.

However…

“In the end, I could only beat the General once…”

“Haha! You still have a long way to go!”

Except for General Cyrus, who remained composed. It was a bit frustrating, but this was my current level. The path to surpassing the Empire’s shield was steep.

“Damn… We never managed to beat His Highness Gustav, did we?”

“Don’t say that… The General has gone far away…”

“Well, what are you guys moping about for?”

Well, at first, when I started receiving guidance from General Cyrus, I used to lose to these two as well, so in that sense, the gap in our abilities has indeed narrowed.

“…I’ve become stronger thanks to both of you.”

After sparring with Glenn and gaining recognition from General Cyrus, it was these two who acknowledged me. They always endured tough training with me, teased me, and supported me, encouraging me…

“What’s wrong?”

“…Well, saying that makes me feel embarrassed.”

“Unconscious or not, you do have those moments.”

Mick and Terry covered their faces with both hands, struggling. Unfortunately, such a sight from two brawny men wasn’t in demand.

“Well, jokes aside… If you lose tomorrow, I won’t forgive you.”

“That’s right. We’re betting on Your Highness’s victory.”

“Haha, it’s a heavy responsibility…”

I see… If they’re expecting that much, then I have no choice but to do it. Of course, that was my intention from the beginning.

I raised my right fist toward the evening sky.

“Leave it to me. I promise I won’t let you down, no matter what.”

Saying that, I smiled.

—

“Well, Terry’s foolishness got the best of him…”

That night, I visited Princess Abigail’s room as usual through the hidden passage and shared the day’s events. However, I was overly excited, talking too fast and doing all the talking, so I felt a little sorry for her…

Listening to my story, she nodded repeatedly and relaxed her cheeks.

“…Tomorrow at noon, the duel with Sir Glenn finally arrives.”

“Yes.”

Staring at the moon outside the window, Princess Abigail murmured to herself.

However, her expression didn’t reveal any signs of anxiety, impatience, or expectation. Even I couldn’t discern what she was thinking.

“Ah… Hehe. Of course, I don’t intend to stop your match with Sir Glenn now.”

She must have thought that I was worried about her. Princess Abigail chuckled.

But it’s a little surprising. She was the one who opposed the match the most, fearing that I would get hurt, and she always stood against it.

“Your Highness Gustav, you have endured General Cyrus’s rigorous training to achieve victory over Sir Glenn. Now, I simply trust that you will win.”

She placed her hand on her chest and looked at me with a dignified expression.

Her eyes, as crimson as ever, didn’t show any hesitation.

“…Yes. I will win. I will show you victory. I will dedicate my victory to you.”

“Hehe, I look forward to it.”

She smiled gently and took my hand.

Small, white, soft, and delicate hands.

Her hands trembled slightly.

“Ah…”

“I promise. I will return safely to you.”

“It’s a promise, so you must keep it.”

I embraced Princess Abigail.

I didn’t want to worry her, make her anxious, or show any signs of weakness. I held her, this small fiancée of mine, who always tried to be brave.

Princess Abigail buried her face in my chest and repeated our promise many times.