As Julian settled in among the group, his gaze fell upon the female knight. She had striking purple hair. Her dark eyes held a depth that drew him in, filled with a mix of misery and hope.
Her face, while undeniably beautiful, bore the marks of combat, scars that spoke of resilience and strength. Unlike the other women he was used to, her appearance conveyed a sense of hard-earned experience and determination.
Julian noticed her calloused hands that was the evidence of countless hours spent training and fighting.
This realization stirred something in Julian’s heart. He found himself moved by her spirit, the way she wore her hardship as badges of honor rather than signs of defeat.
It ignited a feeling of admiration and respect within him, and he felt an urge to learn more about her journey, to understand the depth of her character beyond the armor she wore.
The female knight caught Julian’s gaze, and a blush crept across her cheeks, making her look even more beautiful in the firelight. Julian felt a flutter in his heart at the sight, her vulnerability was beautifully different with her fierce exterior.
As he observed her, he thought to himself, Even with all the pain and hardship she has endured, she still longs for love. She wishes for a knight to save her.
It was a touching realization that struck him deeply. In that moment, he saw not just a skilled warrior, but a woman with hopes and dreams, someone who yearned for connection amidst the chaos of war.
Who does not want love? Who does not want someone to rely on? Who does not want home that they can return to? Who does not want someone to call them their own?
The warmth of the campfire flickered in the air, mirroring the growing warmth in Julian’s heart. He felt an undeniable pull towards her, a desire to protect her . This small moment of shared gesture awakened something within him, making him more determined than ever to not only lead his army but to also forge meaningful connections with those fighting beside him.
The leader’s voice brought Julian back to the present. “Your grace, have you eaten?” he asked, concern lacing his tone.
Julian jolted awake at the question, realizing he had been lost in thought. “No, I have not,” he replied.
The female knight then spoke up. Her voice was gentle yet confident. “Your grace, please have this,” she said, offering him a plate with a piece of meat and a soft bun.
Julian accepted the plate with a smile spreading across his face. “Thank you, my lady,” he said, genuinely grateful for her kindness.
“You can call me Rose,” she replied, a hint of warmth in her voice that made his heart skip a beat. This simple introduction felt like an invitation creating a bridge between them that went beyond titles, ranks and nobility.
He then took a bite of the food. The conversation flowed easily around the campfire, with laughter and unity. Julian learned that the two male knights were named Hugo and Charles. Hugo was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a loud laugh, while Charles was more reserved but had a sharp wit.. They all shared stories of their training and experiences in battle, creating a light-hearted atmosphere.
They referred to their leader as “Elder Uncle.”
Julian was curious about the man’s background, so he asked, “What’s the story behind that name?”
Hugo chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Elder Uncle has been serving the Easvil family since the time when the Grand Duke Augustus was still a duke. He’s seen everything, from fierce battles to peaceful times.”
Charles added, “But he is just a Supreme Realm mage so he has never been promoted beyond the rank of team leader. He’s dedicated to his men, and we respect him deeply for that.”
Julian glanced at Elder Uncle, who was sitting a little apart from them with a thoughtful expression on his face as he listened. Despite not holding a higher rank, the bond he shared with the knights was evident, they treated him with genuine respect and affection. He remembered his own grandfather, the way he had loyalty of tens of thousands of people who were willingly ready to lay their lives at his word.
Julian found himself wanting to talk to Rose, but a strange uncertainty crept over him. For the first time, he felt a hint of fear, something completely unfamiliar to him, especially when it came to speaking with others. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself, trying to get rid of the nervousness building within.
This is ridiculous, he thought, trying to muster the usual confidence that came so naturally to him. Yet, there was something different about Rose, a quality he couldn’t quite place, that made him feel as if he were stepping into uncharted territory. This made him even more drawn to her.
Strengthening his resolve, Julian decided he wouldn’t let this unfamiliar feeling stop him. He took a step closer to her, determined to see where this newfound curiosity would lead.
Julian took a long breath and finally asked, “What about you, Miss Rose? What’s your story?”
Rose hesitated, and for a moment, her expression shifted as it got shadowed by something unspoken. Julian immediately caught the change, noticing the way her gaze dropped, as if she was weighing whether to respond.
He quickly added, with a gentle tone, “It’s okay, Miss Rose. You don’t have to force it.”
Rose’s eyes softened with appreciation for his understanding. She managed a small smile and replied, “Thank you, your grace. Perhaps… another time.”
Her voice was low, and he could tell her past held burdens she wasn’t ready to share.
Julian simply nodded with a silent promise that he would listen whenever she was ready, feeling an even stronger pull towards this woman whose strength was matched only by the weight she carried.
Julian rose to his feet as he brushed the dust. “Well, I guess I’ll have to take my leave now,” he said as he offered the group a friendly nod.
