In truth, she'd been thinking that for some time now. In her life as a knight, Galkhein was the enemy. Their knights were truly powerful and a terrible threat on the battlefield, but it wasn't as if none of them ever died. Looking at Fritz and the other cadets, she wanted them to achieve their dreams. But at the rate things were going, those dreams would lead them to war.
"My son lost his life in the last war." Lawvine said with a soft smile.
"As much as I would like to praise him for fighting with pride and meeting an honorable end, I deeply wish he were still alive."
"Oh, Lord Lawvine…" Rishe could say nothing more, so Lawvine continued.
"I want the young people of today to grow up strong. I want their futures to be full of hope. I long for it, having lost my own son." His voice was kind but forlorn.
Rishe realized for the first time why he watched over the trainees with such sympathy in his eyes.
"War steals people's futures. To conquer that fear, you have to stand against it."
"Stand against it how?"
"You must not deny your hopes or your emotions. Rather, let them be the fuel that drives you forward. Find your mission and complete it."
Rishe considered his words.
My hopes…and my mission.
Rishe had been a knight herself once. She had a lord she respected, and she'd sworn to protect him and his family. Even now, she didn't regret giving up her life for them. At the same time, she balked at the thought of those she treasured being in danger. She didn't want to watch her comrades lose their lives the way she had.
"Thank you, sir."
"Well, it appears there's nothing to worry about here, so I'll be on my way. See you later." With that, Lawvine dipped his head politely and left the training grounds.
Watching him go, Rishe thought, I want to be free. I don't want to die. For this, I need to stop the war. And I don't want Coyolles to be destroyed either. But that's not all…
She squatted down again and squeezed her eyes shut, digging deep.
Right now, Galkhein's military might is feared the world over. Because of its overwhelming power, it has no favorable equal relationships with other countries.
Before, Rishe assumed it was Arnold's father—the emperor—who ruled with such warlike ferocity, but last night Arnold had said he and the emperor were of the same mind. Rishe recalled Arnold's words and self-deprecating tone. He said, "I'd rather conquer a country than ally myself with one."
Does he really believe that?
It had been a month and a half since she'd come to Galkhein. Having observed Arnold from up close, she just couldn't see it.
If Prince Arnold thinks of himself that way…
Rishe slowly opened her eyes.
I need to tell him it's not true. He might not even realize.
And she couldn't just say it—she needed to make him see it for himself.
There must be countries that Galkhein didn't annex, that they don't yet have hostile relationships with. If it wasn't just Coyolles, but many others—maybe Prince Arnold's future actions would change as well.
Rishe slowly stood up. She took a deep breath and slapped her cheeks, then looked ahead.
I have to think hard and charge forward to bring my hopes to fruition! Time's going to keep moving. Nothing will change if I don't act!
While she gave herself a pep talk, Sven and Fritz returned from their water break.
"Sorry that took so long, Lu. Huh? You look like you're doing better."
"Yeah. I realized I just needed to think, and there's no point in worrying."
When training was over, Rishe would plan her next moves. As Fritz had said, her head was clearer, and she felt much better.
**************************************
"Observing your training today is the very lord you will serve with your lives: The crown prince of this nation."
After training began, the sight of the man before them sent a great stir through the knight cadets. They all knew they shouldn't get too excited, but they couldn't help themselves. Fritz, who was standing next to Rishe, was so surprised by the guest appearance that he almost toppled over.
Rishe alone was trying desperately to keep the grimace off her face. She yearned to clutch her head in her hands. Lawvine went on with his introduction, oblivious to her plight.
"His Highness, Arnold Hein!"
Right in front of Rishe, the man with the most beautiful eyes in the world glowered down at her.