Julian approached Raphael, who was skillfully training with his spear in the training yard. The sound of metal clashing and the sight of Raphael’s focused expression made it clear he was eager for battle.
“You really are excited for war,” Julian remarked, watching his knight’s intense training.
“Yes, my lord,” Raphael replied, pausing for a moment to catch his breath. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. I’ve trained for years, preparing for a chance to fight the war. I want to protect you and show my loyalty on the battlefield.”
Julian nodded, appreciating Raphael’s dedication. “I have no doubt you’ll make us proud. Just remember, it’s not just about strength; strategy is key.”
Raphael smiled, determination shining in his eyes. “I will give it my all, my lord. I’ll be ready to follow your lead, no matter what comes our way.”
Julian felt his heart flutter as he searched the training camp for Rose and her group, but he couldn’t find anyone.
Raphael noticed Julian’s distracted demeanor and asked, “My lord, are you searching for someone?”
Caught off guard, Julian quickly responded, “No, Raphael.”
He forced a casual smile, trying to dismiss his anxious feelings. Deep down, he hoped to see Rose, but he didn’t want to admit it.
Raphael raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “If you say so, my lord,” he said with a knowing grin. “But if you need help looking, just let me know. I’m always here to assist you.”
Julian appreciated Raphael’s words but felt a mix of embarrassment and frustration. He decided to change the subject. “Have you finished your training for today? I thought I saw you working on some new techniques.”
“Yes, just refining my skills,” Raphael replied,
Julian’s thoughts still lingered on Rose, wondering if he would cross paths with her soon. Julian then moved through the camps.
As Julian moved through the camp, Raphael followed closely behind. The soldiers noticing Julian’s approach quickly straightened up and bowed their heads in respect.
“Lord Julian,” one soldier called out, “it’s an honor to see you here!”
Julian nodded in acknowledgment, a sense of pride swelling within him as he returned their gestures.
“Keep up the good work, everyone!” Julian encouraged, his voice carrying warmth and assurance. The soldiers smiled at his words, energized by their young duke’s support.
Raphael glanced around, noting the morale among the men. “They look ready for anything, my lord,” he said, impressed.
Julian agreed and said, “Yes, they have lot to loose if they lost the war after all”
As Julian moved through the camp, his eyes finally fell upon the group he had been searching for. Hugo and Charles were engaged in a spirited training session, their laughter and banter echoing through the air. Nearby, Elder Uncle was busy preparing armor, the sound of metal clanking providing a familiar backdrop.
But it was Rose who caught his attention the most. She stood farther from the others, her face was glowing with a warm smile as she spoke to someone.
Julian paused, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her. He placed a hand over his heart, taking a moment to calm the fluttering sensation rising within him.
The way her hair danced gently in the breeze and how her eyes sparkled with joy filled him with an overwhelming sense of admiration. It was as if the world around him faded away, leaving only her enchanting presence.
Gathering his thoughts, Julian stepped forward, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. As he approached, Rose turned, her eyes meeting his.
He couldn’t help but smile back, his heart racing as he drew closer, eager to join her and share in whatever joy she was experiencing.
Raphael watched in astonishment as Julian’s demeanor transformed before his eyes. The usually confident and commanding young duke was now infused with a youthful innocence that Raphael hadn’t seen in him before. A broad grin spread across Raphael’s face, realizing that even someone as tough and formidable as Julian could be swayed by love.
The difference was huge, here was the heir of the esteemed Easvil family, a young man destined for greatness, captivated by a girl who was not a noble but a dedicated soldier.
Raphael felt a sense of pride and happiness for his lord. He understood that behind the tough exterior, Julian was still a young man capable of feeling deeply.
As Julian took another step toward Rose, Raphael couldn’t help but think that perhaps it was moments like these that made the burden of nobility a little lighter.
“Your grace,” Rose said as she bowed her head slightly, her voice warm and respectful. Julian felt his heart flutter at the sight of her, the sunlight catching the golden hues in her hair.
“Raise your head, Rose,” he replied, his voice softer than he intended. “How have you been?”
As she lifted her gaze to meet his, he was momentarily lost in the depths of her expressive eyes, a captivating blend of determination and warmth that drew him in.
“I have been busy preparing for the war,” she answered, a hint of pride in her tone.
As she spoke, a gentle breeze stirred around them, causing her hair to dance playfully in the wind. A few strands fell across her face, momentarily hiding her smile.
Julian’s heart raced; he felt a shiver down his spine, an overwhelming urge to tuck those delicate strands behind her ear, to touch her gently and make her smile more radiant. Yet, he stood there in silence, caught between the desire to act and the fear of overstepping.
It was a rare moment of vulnerability for Julian, who was often seen as the strong, commanding future leader of the Duke family. Here, in the presence of Rose, he felt a different kind of emotion blooming within him.
The soldiers training nearby paused, glancing at the young duke, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity at the sudden silence enveloping the young duke.
