As the soldiers dispersed, each returning to their respective drills, the Commander also departed. Arthur set down his wooden sword and left the training ground.
As he walked towards Artemis, the full extent of his fatigue from the intense training session began to set in.
Soon, he felt so exhausted that he found himself kneeling on the ground, overcome by weariness.
This moment revealed the physical toll that the rigorous training had taken on him, despite the triumphs and accolades he had just earned.
As Arthur knelt there, attempting to recover his strength, Artemis approached him and extended his hand towards Arthur.
Suddenly, Artemis's hand began to glow and burst into flames, enveloping Arthur in a gentle, warm light.
The small flames that surrounded Arthur were comforting and seemed to have a rejuvenating effect.
Gradually, Arthur's strength returned, and the fatigue he had been feeling started to dissipate.
Artemis, unlike Arthur who had only a fraction of the power, was fully blessed with the abilities of a Zodiac Leo.
This made him the titled Chyrum in their kingdom. Besides his combat prowess, Artemis also possessed the rare ability to heal various kinds of injuries.
"Artemis… I was just tired.
The Chyrum flames are a gift, you mustn't waste them," Arthur said to his brother, acknowledging the preciousness and the significant power of the Chyrum flames.
This exchange not only showed the deep understanding and respect they had for their unique abilities but also highlighted the sense of responsibility that came with such powers.
"It isn't a waste, my vanguard looked after me, why shouldn't I –" Artemis began, but was suddenly interrupted by a bout of coughing.
Despite being a Chyros with more potent powers than his brother, Artemis had a weaker constitution and struggled to control his abilities. Each time he used his powers, it visibly drained him.
Arthur's concern for his brother was evident.
He was reluctant to see Artemis use his powers excessively, fearing it might exacerbate his condition.
Artemis quickly reassured his brother not to worry too much, attributing his coughing to the chill outside.
Arthur suggested that they should return to their chambers, but before they could move, a soldier announced a significant piece of news:
"His Grace has returned!"
Artemis's spirits visibly lifted upon hearing this.
Their father's return was clearly an event of great importance to him. He eagerly grabbed the hands of Erica and Arthur, urging them to hurry to welcome back their father.
This sudden development added a new layer of excitement to their day, shifting the focus from their training and personal concerns to the return of a significant figure in their lives.
The soldiers quickly sprang into action, momentarily halting their drills to form an orderly formation in honor of the returning King.
They bowed their heads in unison, a gesture of respect and acknowledgement for their monarch's arrival.
However, before Arthur and Artemis's father made his appearance, their mother also emerged. She walked slowly and gracefully, evidently eager to join in welcoming back her husband.
"Your Grace! This is no place for one such as you!" exclaimed a maid, concerned about the Queen's sudden appearance.
"I would gladly brave hell itself to see my darling boy," the Queen responded, her voice filled with affection as she walked, surrounded by her attending maids.
"Gentlemen, Chyros Desi thanks you for your indefatigable loyalty," she added, addressing the bowed soldiers with gratitude and acknowledgment of their service as she made her way towards Artemis.
As the Queen approached, Arthur and Erica promptly bowed their heads in respect, while Artemis maintained eye contact and greeted her.
The Queen expressed her concern for Artemis.
"You should not be outdoors. We have discussed this," she said, her tone laced with worry, holding a handkerchief over her nose.
Artemis apologized but remained silent, the sadness apparent on his face, possibly fearing reprimand for merely watching his brother's training.
To ease the tension, Arthur greeted his mother,
"Good day to you, Mother," bowing his head respectfully. Erica, too, bowed, gracefully holding her gown.
However, the Queen's response was noticeably different towards Arthur. She barely acknowledged him, focusing her attention solely on Artemis, as if Arthur's presence was less significant to her.
This interaction hinted at a complex dynamic within the royal family, where Artemis seemed to be the favored child, receiving more attention and concern from their mother.
"Come, Artemis. Your father will be expecting us," said their mother, completely disregarding Arthur's greeting. She took Artemis by the hand and left to meet their father, who was on his way.
Commander Lord Van, who had observed the interaction, felt the tension and the apparent discrimination within Arthur's family.
He too felt a sense of sadness for Arthur, who was diligently striving to become a valorous vanguard, yet seemed to lack the recognition and support from his mother.
As the Queen walked away with Artemis, she called out to Lord Van, inviting him to join them in welcoming the King.
This gesture further emphasized the distinction in how she treated different members of her family and those within the royal circle.
"What a way to treat your own flesh and blood," murmured a soldier to his comrade, after witnessing the Queen's treatment of Arthur.
"I know. It's not his fault. Not everyone can be fully blessed with the Zodiac abilities. Especially a Chyros," replied another soldier in a hushed tone.
Erica sensed Arthur's sadness and tried to catch his eye, but Arthur, masking his pain and embarrassment, offered her a forced smile.
To shift the focus from the uncomfortable situation, he then suggested that they follow the others to greet his father.
This gesture displayed Arthur's resilience and his attempt to maintain composure despite the evident familial strain and the emotional toll it was taking on him.