CH10 Preview, Part III

New month, new preview!! 

This one includes a cute little personality/conversation variation ✨

“How long have you been training with a straight sword?” $aname asks, gesturing to his weapon. 

“Only a few weeks, Royal Protector.” The trainee glances at you again, reluctance growing into anxiety on his face. “Since the palace needed more guards, after $ctheir Imperial Majesty coronation.” 

“Good.” $aname hands $atheir wooden sword to the bemused trainee. “Your skill levels are comparable, then.” $cathey looks back to you. “Does this suit you, Your Imperial Majesty?” 

IF THE CROWN IS 'BLUNT'

“Aside from the fact that the boy looks like he’s about to shit himself, you mean?” you reply dryly. “Yes, suits me fine.”

$aname snorts, smothering it before it can turn into a laugh. “Don’t worry, it’s only nerves. Isn’t that right, trainee?” 

“Yes!” the boy says hastily, though his ears are turning red. “I will most certainly perform well so as to not cause you shame, Your Imperial Majesty, and I’m most certainly not shitting- I mean- defecating—”

IF THE CROWN IS 'CHARMING'

You turn a skeptical eye on the boy. “How old are you?” 

“Eighteen, Your Imperial Majesty.” 

That’s about the last thing you wanted to hear.

“Skies, he’s a child.” You sigh, rubbing fingers across your forehead. “I’m going to spar with a child. This is embarrassing.” 

“You’d better not lose, then,” $aname remarks wryly, seeming remorseless, and you shoot $athem a glare.

“I may be young, Your Imperial Majesty, but I assure you I’m the best of my class!” the boy insists, and you arch your brows at him.

“Didn’t you say you’ve only been training a few weeks?” 

“Ah…” The boy looks away, ears turning red. “Yes, I did say that, but a week is not an inconsiderable amount of time, if one considers—”

END VARIATION

“Trainee.” $aname looks amused, though $atheir voice is stern. “That’s enough.” 

The boy lowers his head and his shoulders slump. 

The regular posting schedule picks up again next week, but you can expect a progress report on Sunday 💖