The sword that wasn't too long seemed to move fast. Athena was almost stabbed by the sword in the left chest, if Lucy didn't stop her movement immediately.
Instead Athena smiled happily, then she stood together with Lucy who lowered her sword.
"You learn very fast, Princess Lucy." Athena said. Her eyes sparkled with joy, she didn't expect that she could become a martial arts trainer for Lucy.
And Lucy smiled happily too. The girl looked very happy. She even jumped happily with her long legs. "Finally I have the ability to fight with the sword. Thank you for teaching me, Athena."
"I'm very happy to be able to teach you many things, Princess Lucy. However, your skills can't be practiced directly out there. You've only been training with me all this time. You're only fighting one person. Supposedly, an exercise like this required a few more people. But what you've done now, it's pretty good. My only message is, don't try to fight against a lot of people. You're not that great, Princess Lucy." Athena said softly.
Athena said that, because she knew that Lucy was quite a clumsy girl. Lucy would be proud if she managed to get something.
Hearing Athena's words, Lucy looked a little disappointed. Because she had a plan to show off her sword skills to the people in the kingdom. But after she heard Athena's words, she also canceled her intention.
The girl nodded slowly. "Ah, I shouldn't be happy like this. Should I practice swordsmanship with Royce?"
"If Prince Royce wants to do it, of course you can."
"I'll ask him later tonight. If he agrees, then while training I can fight you and Royce at the same time."
Athena chuckled at those words. Lucy has always had desires beyond her limits. Even though the twelve year old girl couldn't lift a real sword yet.
So far, the sword used by Lucy is a sword made of lighter material. So that the girl can practice well. And that little sword was the one Athena used when she was Lucy's age.
"You ordered Prince Royce and I to be your opponents?" Athena asked meaning to confirm.
Lucy nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Shouldn't I be training against more than one person at a time?"
"Hmm, yes, that's a very good idea Princess Lucy. But it would be nice if you didn't get too desperate. That's all for your training. You can't push yourself."
"I'm not pushing myself, Athena! I can do it!"
"Yes, I see what you mean. You do feel like you can do it, but not with your body. At the age of twelve, it's enough for this sword practice to end. When you're fifteen, I promise to train you well." Athena said. She tried to persuade Lucy.
"Ouh, three years is a very long time, Athena! Why am I still this young??"
Athena chuckled. "You haven't been able to draw a real sword. Real swords are much heavier than the sword you're holding now. You're not that strong yet to practice swordsmanship using a longer, real sword. I know you learn very fast, but you also have to be patient, Princess Lucy. "
Lucy fell silent with a languid look on her face. Then the girl nodded slowly. "Well, this time I relented and took your advice. After all, you've taught me this far. I'm very grateful to you, Athena."
"I will always be happy to assist you, Princess Lucy."
***
"You don't need to worry about your sister anymore. And from now on, you have to be more serious in dealing with all about the kingdom. Pay attention to everything in this kingdom, Royce. Soon you will succeed me as king. You will also feel how to lead this kingdom. Therefore you have to start mastering many things, especially financial matters in this kingdom."
Hearing those words, Royce remained silent and lowered his gaze. If his father had spoken like that, then Royce did not dare to argue.
"Over the past few weeks, you haven't looked too serious. You often travel to meet strangers. From now on, you shouldn't be doing any other activities out there. You have to focus on this kingdom. A crown prince isn't just good at fighting. But, you must also use your brain to fully serve this kingdom!!" Arthur said firmly.
Royce nodded slowly. "I'll try to do better, Father."
"About your lover from that village, have you settled it?"
"Mother's words are very true, Father. Tomorrow I will end our relationship. I will send her a letter. I apologize, that all this time I did not realize about the true nature of my lover. I was blinded by love." Royce said. He quite regretted his relationship with Jane.
Arthur took a deep breath. He really didn't want to be too hard on his son, but all this had to be done. Being the successor of the kingdom is not easy.
"Then accept the arrival of Princess Aubrey from the Crystalball Kingdom. Tomorrow she will come here with her father." Arthur said. After saying that, he immediately stood up from his seat. Arthur was about to return to the royal hall.
Royce fell silent and lifted his head. "I ended my relationship with Jane, it doesn't mean I want to accept the match, Father!!!"
But Arthur just walked away. He didn't want to listen to Royce who was protesting the decision.
Royce is old enough to get married. And according to the kingdom, it is better for Royce to get married immediately so that he can inherit the throne as the successor of the kingdom.
Because if want to be the successor of the kingdom, the crown prince must marry first. He can continue the throne when the previous king or his father has died.
Royce stood up and clenched his fists. He really didn't want the matchmaking. After all he was a man, so a man shouldn't be forced to marry sooner. Doesn't that apply to women?
Royce was really angry. He walked quickly to catch up with his father who headed to the royal hall.
*****