(Continuation…)
(Third Person View)
"So, Princess Viviana, is there anything you are interested in other than Swordsmanship?"(Rai)
Rai asked curiously, and he couldn't help but break the stillness.
"That's kind of random, Prince Rai.
–Rosalind's eyes fluttered open, and she glanced at Rai with a playful hint of reproach.
"You have a long way to go to start a conversation, but I appreciate that you are at least trying."(Rosalind)
She quipped, not missing the opportunity to tease him gently.
Rai grinned, accepting the reprimand with good humor.
"Hum, I suppose you're right."(Rai)
He said, leaning back in his chair.
"*chuckled
–Rosalind chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"See, you are not even denying it, now, Prince Rai.
–her teasing smile softened into a more thoughtful expression as she continued.
"And as for your question, Yes, I do have other hobbies."(Rosalind)
–She didn't deny it.
"Is that so? May I know what they are?"(Rai)
Rai leaned forward, genuinely curious now, and questioned.
Rosalind's eyes sparkled as she shared.
"I like reading books, Prince Rai."(Rosalind)
She answered, and unlike her teasing tone, it sounded quite genuine.
…and a little sad.
Rai even wondered whether he might have misheard her tone.
Before Rai could respond, Rosalind shifted the focus, putting him on the spot.
"Now it's your turn, Prince Rai.
"Do you have any other hobbies other than the recent one you have picked?"(Rosalind)
Rosalind once questioned Rai in a roundabout way, pointing out his mindset of starting Archery randomly.
"It's no–"(Rai)
Rai began to answer, but Rosalind cut him off with a mischievous smile.
"Wait! If you are the type to get a new hobby every time you have a change of mindset.
"There might be too many to list out."(Rosalind)
She teased.
Rai's face flushed slightly, caught off guard by her witty remark.
He had indeed been known to dabble in various interests, but he never thought someone would point it out so boldly.
"I have {3-Y.Exp} on [Writing and Literature] Princess Viviana."(Rai)
Rai's immediate response of saving some face ended up as a sudden outburst of his skill name and [Y.Exp].
"{3-Y.Exp}?
"What does that mean, Prince Rai?"(Rosalind)
Rosalind questioned not understanding the term.
"*ahem!
"Nothing, Princess Viviana. I have had the hobby of writing small stories for quite some time."(Rai)
Collecting himself, Rai said.
"Is that so…?
"That really is a wonderful hobby, Prince Rai.
"Wish I could read a few…"(Rosalind)
Rosalind replied with an evidently doubtful tone of uncertainty, as she thought Rai was simply trying to impress her.
"I am not jo–
"..."(Rai)
Rai, undoubtedly catching her tone, started explaining, only to abruptly stop right in the middle while turning his gaze towards the entrance of the garden.
"..?Huh?
"What happen–
"...Maya?"(Rosalind)
Rosalind, confused by Rai's sudden halt in words, started to question, only to stop once again as Kavir, Rai's shadow, and her maid Maya stepped forward.
They were both walking side by side while carrying medieval-looking suitcases each.
"Sorry to interrupt, Your Highness.
-Kavir began with a respectful bow towards Rai and the two Princesses.
"The Bow was finally prepared according to your preference.
"Miss Maya informed me you were in the garden with Lady Elizabeth and Lady Viviana Rosalind.
"I thought it would be the perfect place to inspect it."(Kavir)
He said the reason for the meeting at this hour.
"That was fast, I guess…"(Rai)
Rai muttered as he glanced at the two suitcases.
He guessed they contained a Bow, Quiver, Chestguard, Shooting gloves, Quiver, and other equipment related to Archery.
The reason he asked to prepare it in Alchemoria Kingdom rather than his own Kingdom when he returned was because he knew Alchemoria is not the best when it comes to Blacksmithing or making weapons, but the quality of the material available here is unmatchable.
And the presence of Master Woodcarftsman of Lotuscrest Royal Family.
Many don't know about him because they all exclude his Woodworking only for Ornaments, Figurines, Sculptures, and other purposes of crafting out of wood.
No one recognizes his same or even more exceptional skills in crafting Weapons made of wood.
"Prince Rai, did you order a Bow?
"Why didn't you say this to me? I could have introduced you to our finest Blacksmith of the Lotuscrest Family?"(Rosalind)
Rosalind asked in a slightly disappointed tone, as she wasn't informed by Rai about this.
"Princess Rosalind, the Bow was actually made by a person introduced by Prince Adrian."(Kavir)
Kavir added, while Maya nodded her head in conformity from aside.
"Your Highness, may I present the ShortBow."(Kavir)
Seeing everything was clear, Kavir announced
"...*nod."(Rai)
Rai nodded approvingly.
Immediately, Kavir gently lifted the latch and opened the suitcase.
Inside, snuggled beneath a bed of silky cloth, lay a Shortbow of exquisite beauty.
The sight that greeted them was awe-inspiring.
The Shortbow's elegant curves and precisely crafted limbs seemed to beckon him.
"And what is this bow made of, Kavir?"(Rosalind)
Interestingly, Rosalind inquired, curious about the mundane details.
Rai was the total opposite and simply stood, pretending to show interest.
"Lady Viviana Rosalind.
–Kavir gave his attention, launching into an overly detailed description.
"The bow is made from the finest yew wood, aged for five years, and meticulously crafted by the skilled hands of Master Woodcraftsman of Lotuscrest Royal Family.
"The string is woven from the strongest fibers of flax and hemp, treated with oils and resins to enhance its elasticity and durability.
"The grip is wrapped in genuine leather, meticulously hand-stitched to provide a secure and comfortable hold."(Kavir)
Rai patiently listened, though inwardly he found it hard to suppress his growing frustration.
Each word seemed to stretch into eternity, and the plain voice of Kavir amplified the tedium of the situation.
Nevertheless, he endured.
"The bow's limbs have been carefully shaped to provide optimal flexibility, and the tips have been reinforced with horn to prevent any untimely breakage.
–Kavir went on.
"The bow's length measures exactly four feet and seven inches, and the draw weight is precisely fifty pounds."(Kavir)
Rai's eyes glazed over as the list of specifications continued, and he glanced towards Rosalind and Maya, who were trying their best not to yawn.
Just as Kavir was about to delve into the bowstring's tensile strength, Rai couldn't take it any longer.
"Kavir, I believe I can handle it from here."(Rai)
He interjected, relieving the butler of his lengthy duty.
"Oh, of course, Your Highness."(Kavir)
Kavir replied with a hint of relief in his voice, seemingly glad to be spared from the never-ending recital of bow attributes.
Stooping, Rai stepped closer, towards the Shortbow.
He reached in, carefully grasping the bow in his hands.
The moment he touched it, an irrefutable electricity surged through his fingertips, as if the ShortBow knew him as its natural owner.
It wasn't something supernatural or anything. It was more like a sense of feeling-
-Confident and Unstoppable-
.
(Rosalind's[:Viviana] POV)
I watched with curiosity as Rai picked up the bow.
His whole demeanor seemed to change in an instant, catching my attention.
It was like he had entered a different world, far from the usual polished prince I knew.
There was a spark in his eyes, hinting at a skill he had kept hidden.
The way he handled the bow showed that he was no stranger to archery.
As he mimicked drawing an arrow, I was drawn in by his smooth and precise movements.
His posture was perfect, and he moved with confidence.
Each motion seemed to carry a strong determination.
When he "released" the invisible arrow, the sound of the imaginary bowstring echoed through the garden, erasing any doubt I had.
I had underestimated Rai, not because I wanted to, but because I hadn't seen this side of him before.
My eyes caught the bruises and the new red line on his fingers, a testament to his efforts.
He managed all this in just one week?
It makes me wonder what more he can do with more practice and time.
He continues to surprise me in one way or another.
Seeing Rai like this, my respect and admiration for him grew even more.
It was clear he had put in a lot of hard work and dedication to master archery.
.
(To be continued…)
★─────⇌•★•⇋─────★
Chapter words : 1400
Total words : 23.63K