"On the day you were born?"
Ceremus' confusion deepened as he tried to make sense of Hael's cryptic statement.
"I'm sorry, I don't quite… understand. Just how old are you exactly?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
Hael hesitated for a moment, blinking. "I'm not really sure... The animals told me I should be twenty-five in human years," he mumbled, clearly uncertain of his own age.
"Human years? What does that even mean?" Ceremus pressed, his eyebrows furrowing.
Before Hael could offer any more explanation, there was a knock on the door, and Anemone's voice could be heard calling from the other side.
"Your Majesty, if I may, it's time to return to your duties."
Ceremus let out a deep sigh. "He always intrudes just when I'm having a bit of fun," he grumbled, clearly annoyed but still in good humor. The remark made Hael laugh, a soft, genuine sound that caught Ceremus off guard.
The King turned to him, watching as Hael let out a quiet giggle that quickly faded. The brief moment of joy made Ceremus' heart clench, and he found himself suddenly unsettled.
"As you heard," Ceremus said, shaking off the feeling, "I need to return to my study. But you're free to roam the palace. Do as you wish."
Hael nodded in understanding, and Ceremus made to leave, but stopped at the door, turning back one last time.
"You can also explore the training grounds if you'd like. Feel free to practice while I'm occupied."
Hael smiled at the offer. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he replied, watching the King leave before setting off in the direction of the training grounds.
Upon arrival, Hael asked one of the servants for directions and quickly made his way to a space where various knights-in-training practiced their swordsmanship. He spotted a wooden stick and picked it up, imitating Anthanasia's graceful, yet strong movements with her sword. The rhythm felt familiar in his body, and before long, he found himself absorbed in his training.
After an hour of practice, a young knight-in-training appeared, heading toward the grounds to perfect his own form. When he saw Hael practicing, he paused, watching in silent awe. Though Hael's form was flawless, something seemed off about his movements, as though there was something missing in his technique. Intrigued, the boy slowly approached.
"Who are you?" the boy called out, his voice curious but guarded.
Hael stopped mid-motion and turned to face him, observing the young knight. Despite the boy's youthful appearance, he was tall, with a sturdy build that hinted at his strength. His straight black hair was tied half-up, half-down, and his large, dark eyes seemed to study Hael with a quiet intensity. The boy wore a standard trainee uniform, a sword in hand.
Hael said nothing at first, simply observing the young knight as he stood, waiting for the next question.
After a moment, the boy asked again, "Who are you?"
Hael finally spoke. "I'm Hael."
The boy's eyes widened in recognition.
"Hael? As in the Ultimate Warrior? The one who fought hand to hand with the King?" His voice held a note of awe and disbelief.
Hael couldn't help but smile slightly, amused by the boy's reaction. "Yes, that's me," he confirmed, a playful gleam in his eyes.
The young knight's eyes sparkled, excitement evident in his gaze. "I see. Are you a knight, by chance?" he asked tentatively, as if unsure of his place in the conversation.
"No, I'm not a knight," Hael replied, offering a reassuring smile.
The boy's face fell slightly, his excitement dampened by the answer. "Oh, I see..." he murmured, his shoulders slumping in mild disappointment.
Hael noticed the shift in his demeanor, and his smile softened. His eyes fell back on the sword he was holding.
"You are able to wield those weapons, yes?" Hael's question broke the silence.
The boy blinked in confusion. "Pardon? What does that have to do with—"
"—Yes?" Hael cut him off, his voice firm, his posture ready.
The boy hesitated, unsure what was happening, but after a brief pause, he nodded.
Hael smiled though not physically, but with his eyes. "Alright then. There shouldn't be any more problems."
Hael stepped forward as he took on a fighting stance. The boy's eyes widened. "What are you—"
"I was looking for someone to have a spar with and you happened to come at the perfect time. Let's fight." He said.
The boy's eyes grew wider. "Why would you want to fight a mere trainee like me?" He asked bewilderedly.
"What does being a trainee have anything to do with wanting to fight? Your ranking means nothing in the middle of a battle doest it not?" He said with raised brows. "When we fight, those kinds of things do not matter."
The boy felt himself growing more puzzled with each passing second, but seeing the serious look on Hael's face made him take a fighting stance as he readied himself for the spar.
The two sparred and Hael noticed how talented the boy was. He wielded his sword with great ease despite lacking in strength which he more than made up for with agility.
The spar ended with Hael knocking the sword out of his hand. The boy panted, having exerted more energy than he intended to. Despite having lost, he didn't feel aggrieved at all. In fact, he felt happy having someone he could spar with, especially someone he didn't have to hold back his strength with.
"You fight well, for a trainee." Hael joked which made the boy smile.
"Thank you sir." He said.
Hael gave the boy another once over before returning his smile. "What is your name?" He suddenly asked.
The boy was stunned by his question but answered him anyway. "My name is Atilla." He said shyly.
It was the first time an adult had ever asked for his name, let alone bothered to approach him. It was a strange feeling, but one he didn't mind experiencing.
The two conversed a little more until Atilla realized he was going to be late for his afternoon training. He bid Hael farewell and ran off.
Left alone, Hael decided to continue practicing. Unbeknownst to him, Ceremus had stepped out to check on his progress. The King watched with an amused expression as Hael swung his weapon.
Though his movements were still clumsy and far from perfect, Ceremus could see that, with enough practice, Hael would become a skilled swordsman. He observed a bit longer before returning to his study.
"Being a king can be such a hassle sometimes," he muttered to himself.
Once Hael finished on the training grounds, he decided to visit Loki since he had some free time. His duties as a guard wouldn't begin until the following day, and he figured it was the perfect chance to leave the palace while he still had the freedom to do so. After informing Anemone of his plans, he set off.
Loki was surprised to see him back so soon. "Have you finally realized that working as the king's guard is a pointless task and come back?" he asked, eager.
Hael shook his head. "No, unfortunately for you, I still haven't quit," he said with a laugh.
Loki tilted his head in confusion, a gesture Hael had come to adopt from him. "Then why have you returned? You shouldn't neglect your duties, even if they are meaningless," he scolded.
Hael rolled his eyes. First, Loki didn't want him to leave, and now he was being told to do his job properly. What does he want from me? he wondered as he looked at his smug friend.