Vincent was devouring his food at an alarming pace, barely stopping to take a breath, while Liz, more composed, picked at her meal. Princess Rose and her personal knight, Cody, sat nearby, watching.
Princess Rose (with a smile):
"Alright, from now on, you two are officially under my command. I'm Rose, and this is Cody—my personal knight."
Vincent (grinning, teasing):
"Oh, so my slave's name is Rose now? And this idiot's called Cody?"
(Cody scowls, fists clenched.)
Cody (looking ready to strike):
"I'm not an idiot, you..."
Rose (raising a hand, calming Cody):
"Let him be, Cody."
Vincent (leaning back with a sly smirk):
"Alright, alright. My real name is Vincent. Nice to meet you all."
Liz, staying quiet until now, narrowed her eyes and broke the silence.
Liz (seriously):
"So, what now? What's the plan?"
Princess Rose (matter-of-factly):
"You two will train for a whole year—nonstop. After that, we'll have a mission. You can decide if you want to stay with us after, or if you wish to leave. But during that year, you're committed."
Vincent (raising an eyebrow):
"One whole year? What about pay for our services, then?"
Liz (gritting her teeth, muttering under her breath):
"This idiot's lucky his life was saved, and now he's asking about money."
Princess Rose (with a calm nod):
"Yes, I will compensate you both. But the real reward is in the mission's outcome."
Liz (curious, eyes narrowing):
"And what's the mission?"
Princess Rose (looking distant, mysterious):
"That depends on how capable you both become. When the time is right, I'll tell you."
---
Scene: Rose Orders a Makeover for Vincent
After their conversation, Princess Rose decided that Vincent needed a makeover—he was no longer going to look like the disheveled beggar he once was.
Princess Rose (giving orders):
"Vincent, it's time for a change. A little hair trim, and a bath—don't worry, you'll look much better."
Vincent (chuckling):
"Alright, alright. I've been through worse... Let's see what you've got."
Hours later, Vincent walked out of the bath, now looking like an entirely different man. His hair was neatly trimmed, and his rugged features were more refined. He stood tall at 6 feet 2 inches, looking every bit the handsome warrior.
Vincent (smiling, flexing a little):
"Well, how do I look now, ladies? You want to join me in being my... subordinates?"
(Princess Rose and Cody exchange a glance, both visibly unimpressed.)
---
Scene: Training Begins
The next month was filled with relentless training. Liz focused on enhancing her ice magic, receiving herbs from Rose to boost her abilities. She spent hours in a cold room, meditating, channeling the magic within her, feeling the frigid power radiate through her body.
Liz (to herself, as she concentrates):
"Focus, Liz. Let the cold flow through you. This power will be mine."
Meanwhile, Cody was putting Vincent through the paces with sword training. Every swing was met with a strike from Cody's blade. Vincent didn't back down, but he was getting beaten again and again.
Vincent (gritting his teeth, wincing after yet another strike):
"You think you can break me, huh? Keep trying, I'm not giving up."
Cody (smiling coldly):
"Not broken yet? Good. I want to see how long you last."
Rose watched over the training, pleased with the progress but knowing they both still had much to learn.
---
Scene: News Spreads
The kingdom buzzed with news that the beggar and the elf were now Princess Rose's subordinates. Their transformation had been impressive, but their true test was still to come.
One day, the slave merchant who had previously owned Liz arrived at the palace, demanding her return. He had been informed of her escape but was unaware of her new status.
Slave Merchant (nervously):
"Your Highness, I request the return of my slave. I have business to settle with her."
Princess Rose (calm but firm):
"Do you know what she's done? She's committed crimes—crimes you are now responsible for. If you're still claiming ownership of her, then take responsibility."
The merchant, sweating and visibly scared, realized his mistake.
Slave Merchant (apologetic, bowing):
"I... I see my mistake, Your Highness. I'll accept the consequences. I'll pay any price... I'll even give 100,000 gold coins to the kingdom for my wrongdoings."
Princess Rose (after a pause, nodding):
"Very well. But you'll make it right with the kingdom. Pay the price for your mistakes."
---
Scene: Vincent vs. Liz - Training Fight
The princess had one last order for her two subordinates that day—Vincent and Liz would have a practice fight. Vincent was eager to test his strength.
Vincent (grinning):
"So, Liz, ready for a little sparring session? I've been dying to see what you've got."
Cody (frowning, voice low):
"Don't be too cocky, Vincent."
But Rose, sensing the playful tension between them, smiled.
Princess Rose:
"Go ahead, Vincent. Show Liz what you've learned."
As the two stepped into the ring, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation.
Vincent (challenging, smirking):
"Come on, Elf, let's see if you can handle me now."
Liz's eyes narrowed, and she raised her hand, a cold breeze enveloping the arena.