JULIAN POV
When I saw her walk down the aisle with her father next to her, tears escaped my eyes. I can't stand it. She is finally here. And, from now on, we will exchange our sacred vow in front of the entire kingdom and claim her as mine. Claim me as hers.
The music fades away and all I can see is just her and her beautiful smile that beamed wonderfully on her face in slow motion. This day finally came and I know that I would never be happier than today and having her as the one and only wife that I'd have and cherish for the rest of my life.
When I saw her for the very first time 15 years ago, I was spellbound. I was 10 years old back then. Apart from other children in our small and remote village, my name was chosen and was called by General Luceras who was mandated to initiate the annual recruitments for joining in royal armies. I still remember that day.
Opposite me who heard the announcement with a lousy and ignorant face, mostly the boys and girls who are the same age as me, welcomed it excitedly and rushed to the officer to sign up their names immediately. Because once they passed the test and are officially chosen as a candidate for the royal army, you no longer need to worry about anything. The kingdom would take care of you. The king would pay your salary with some extra bonuses and benefits. You will be well-trained and your whole family will be fully fed. In other words, once you're in and accepted, you already have the future on your palm.
But, me…
I'm not too enthusiastic about it. I still have a younger brother and he's crippled because of yellow fever and we were too poor to bring him to the nearest physician when he got the disease. And, I also need to take care of my old grandma. My parents had left us and their whereabouts are nowhere to be found. Since then, I decided to be the breadwinner and take care of my loving ones at home. We have a small farm nearby our house and the crops that we reap are enough for our daily meals I can sell the rest to the market and get some pennies for us at the end of the day. And, that's enough for us.
Then, when our neighbor, Martha, told me to join the recruitment, I rejected it. But, that shitty-old-woman is persistently stubborn and pleaded to my grandma so that day, she called me and insisted I join as one of the participants. Unwillingly, I nodded my head. During my absence, Martha would take care of my family.
And, that's how my story began…
...............…..
I was in a cart with other kids back then. Maybe there were around 40 of us that has been submitted our names to the officers and now, we were leaving for the next chapter in our life. The combat. The duel. The competition.
Once we arrived in Gomesh after spending 28 hours on the shaky, rough road. We were placed in tents. Ten people in a single tent and we also can wash and have a proper meal afterward. I relieved. At least, I can get rid of all the sweat and dirt that covered my body.
We arrived pretty late that night. Along with other youngsters from different states and provinces. We stuffed our starving tummies with homemade bread and fruits. We ate a lot like that day would be our last day on earth. We chatted and have a good laugh. I feel relaxed. I forgot how long I had never been so eased like these because I must get up so early in the morning, work on the field, and take care of my family. I also made some friends here.
Ruka from Verner province.
Kitka from Therrian province.
Both are boys and we are the same age as me. Both are dreaming of a better future and career for their family. Both are dreaming of making a name for themselves and having a nice, good life afterward. Having a beautiful woman as their wife and creating little minions of their version in the next ten years, perhaps?
I scoffed and chuckled.
Outside, I'm being so positive and supportive of their marvelous dream. Inside, I was damn pessimistic about their goals. Please don't get me wrong. Having a sweet, nice dream is good. Imagining something virtuous for your life ahead is a wonderful thing. But, one thing that you should remember.
Life is suck.
I was a dreamer and I lived on my dream before.
I dreamed that my parents would return to us and we can live happily once again.
I dreamed that one day they would show up in front of our door and smile and hug me and Nikki in their embraces and promise to never leave us alone anymore.
I dreamed that one day, our life will be better and we'll have bigger land and many crops to reap and sell.
I dreamed that one day, we'll live in a nice, beautiful house.
Nah.
None of those dreams ever happened. None of those dreams came true.
My parents never came home. We are abandoned. And, I should accept it.
I have been waiting for 5 years with no result. None in my village knew where they have gone. At that time, I had never felt so hopeless as that in my life but this is the hard truth that I should face. That night, I howled out. Cried out loud all my sorrows and miseries. In the morning, my eyes were puffed but my spirit fired on.
I woke up with a new hope. Life must go on and I must survive.
............…..
The sun shone brilliantly and the wind breezed nicely. Blowing our faces with the fresh scent of summer. The heat was nice and relaxing. That day, all participants were lined up in rows and waited patiently until their names are calling out one by one. I was one of them and sitting among the others when suddenly, my name was called and I saw her.
And, at that moment, my world stopped spinning around…
All sounds and noises seem to fade away…
The only thing that I could see was just her.
It's her…
The girl is walking and sitting next to her father with a pout face. Her long silvery hair braided neatly to her back. A peachy tip that is contrary to her fair skin. A pair of teal blue eyes that hypnotized me. It's alluring, yet, so innocent and pure. And, the natural blush of her cheeks. She is…
Mesmerizingly beautiful…
Stunningly charming…
And, at that moment…
DUAGGHHH!!!
A pang of pain stung me greatly and my body was bounced back meters away. Turned me back into reality.
Fuck!!
I cursed inwardly. Blood seeped out from the corner of my mouth. I got punched. It was hard and my opponent still stood in his place. Smirked, mocked me with his sneer, and gestured for me to get up and fight.
I spat out and throw a glare at him. This boy looks bigger and he seems older than me. But, I don't care. The hit had impacted my dignity and especially, embarrassed me in front of the young girl that I adored. My pride and ego can't accept this. The rage filled up my chest and I stood up once again. My face still hurts but I don't care. Then, I put on my stance and get ready for another attack.
My dad indeed left me but before he leaves, at least, he taught me how to fight so I can take care of myself. He taught me one or two moves that are pretty much essential for a combat duel like this.
"Let the enemy makes his first move and you'll know how to dodge it then, before he realized it, hit the soft spots of him…"
My dad pointed to his nose, neck, and crotch.
"Here…"
"If your opponent is a man or boy, hit those areas. It's their weakness and once you hit one of those spots, you're able to win the fight..."
So, this is what I'm doing now. I'm waiting until he finally made his move and I can swiftly dodge it. Then, I punched his neck. As hard as possible.
I DID IT!!
A loud growl could be heard when my opponent coughed hard after I launched my attack. His face reddens and his eyes are watery because he tried to hold the great pain in her throat. He coughed hard and cupped his neck. His balance unsteadies and I know, this is my chance to win this fight.
Shortly, I kicked his legs and he fell.
Then, I kicked his head and he stumbled hard on the arena. He collapsed and no longer move.
My breath is panting and I observed my opponent thoroughly. My knuckles trembled a bit because of nervousness and I kept my stance on the ground. Get ready if he suddenly arises and makes another move without my knowledge. I can't lose this fight!
Not after I met her…
Then, for the most terrifying minutes of my life, I can hear the deafening clapping and rumble from all the crowds when a soldier uplifted my arm to the air. Celebrating my winning.
Then, I saw her again. This time, she clapped her hands for me and smiled.
A smile that freezes the universe…
................
Since I got accepted into the military academy, I have made a promise to myself to work hard. I was chosen from a hundred participants that finally passed the test and officially registered as First Soldier. That's the lowest rank in our military hierarchy.
I must wake up at 5 in the morning, prepare myself, and train on the field with the others. We learned how to fight in short combat with bare hands, swing our swords in deadly swift movements, throw the spears correctly, and do the archery. All in one package. That's the basic requirement that we should do every single day in the camp for the first three years. Sharpen our skills and abilities in the field. Then, in our fourth year, we learn about the strategies and tactics from the manuscripts given to us for learning and studying. We also learn about the rules of Borderline and the characteristic of each kingdom in Midearth. Their history, their strength and weaknesses, then their army and the number of soldiers that they have. We also learn about the mythical beast that sometimes roamed and wandered around the Borderline.
It breaks the rules and they must be terminated if their actions are harmful and bring a threat to the harmony of the Orderly Pact.
Sylvninian Kingdom is a peaceful country and because their armies are the strongest, it is often mandated to be one of the peacekeepers on the Borderline. Aside from the army of the Kingdom of Fyn and Etherea. And, this tradition has been done for thousand years. We must keep the tranquility of each country and living beings in Midearth.
I spent over 10 years in the military academy until I finally got my chance to join the front liner on the battlefield. This time, we have got a report that a styrga had entered the Borderline and it had killed numerous Etherian people when she tried to cross it.
It's a female demon similar to vampires but a styrga usually born because of an evil, dark magic. A woman who died and she holds a cavernous grudge towards those who killed or murdered her. Her hatred drew a witch who put the spell over her corpse and returned her soul to finish what remained unfinished. Her revenge.
To kill her, we must cut off her head and other parts of her body as well then burned them out to the ashes. Does it sound easy peasy?
Well… the fact is…
The doing is a little bit complicated because she is fast and has a horrible look. You should prepare yourself mentally when you face these kinds of things. Once you can do it, you can do kill.
And, I'm done with it.
She's my first kill.
It also giving a glorious impact on my rank. My promotion accelerated.
..................
When I was promoted to be a Third General, I eventually retract from the front liners and often attended regular meetings with the generals from other provinces. I often come to Palace Gallantia and discuss lots of things with General Luceras and King Theon himself. I also have moved my family to the capital so I can watch them over and take care of them regularly.
I also started to set my eyes on the princess.
The love of my life and the only woman that I adored since our first meeting fifteen years ago. Of course, she wouldn't recognize me back then. But, things are different now. I believe that I can turn around the table.
Compared with other girls that make a move toward me, she's pretty hard to approach. I often meet her during the galas party and other occasional events but she rarely socializes with others. She always looks adorningly stunning with her dress which matches the jewelry as well. She's polite and bright. She always smiles at everyone but at the same time, I could see and feel a tinge of loneliness in her blue eyes. Only if her best friend, Maryam, come along and accompany her to the party, she would look a bit lively.
I started to gather all information about the princess and I finally found out that she often spends most of her time in the library and the garden during afternoon tea time. And, she loves books. Everyone calls her a nerd because she's aloof and a loner. For me, she stands on her ground and has her principles. Something that I admired the most from her.
Until one day, I got the opportunity. I saw her when she was sitting on the swing and muted herself from the surroundings and deeply focused on the book that she was reading right now.
"Is it Smyrna, isn't it? A philosopher from the Euginian Era"
Stunned, she looked up and our eyes met.
I spontaneously held my breath.
For all gods in Midearth, she's so gorgeous.
Even much more mesmerizing from the last time I saw her. Or, is it because I was captivated by her charm already?
She frowned and looked confused at my question.
"Do you know her? How come?"
Gosh… even her clear, crisp voice melts me down.
I cleared my throat nervously and inhaled a deep breath before I continued.
"Because she's my favorite writer too..."
After she heard it, she chuckled lightly and keep staring at me amusedly.
"So, tell me, general. What was her famous line?"
Smyrna Odelia is one of the bravest women in that era who often spoke up her mind against the racism and discrimination towards her kinds. She's like a superhero and a real feminist.
"You may bury me to the deepest of hell but you can't burn my soul and my voices will keep sounding against the tyranny until the end of world…"
She is clapping her hands in amusement and looked at me with a different gaze.
She was shocked and amazed that I knew the line perfectly. All thanks to my determination for reading massive numbers of books lately for having a single conversation with this marvelous lady.
"I didn't know that a general like you would like to read those kinds of books. That was quite surprising, General…"
"It's Julian Arch, Milady…"
"And, there are lots of things that you didn't know about me, Milady…"
"What are they exactly, Julian?"
"I think it will be nicer if we find them out together. Don't you think so, Milady?"
I smirked and winked my eyes. Deliberately teasing her.
On the next second, she laughed and nodded her head on my stupid, ridiculous idea.
"Very well, Julian…"
I only need a single shot and I used it well. I grabbed my chance and I never regretted it. She's one of the kinds and I'll be the luckiest man on earth for having her in my life.
...............…