"Y–Your Highness…" Cedric stammers, posture snapping into a near-bow.
Kyle blinks. "Your… what?"
Cedric doesn't even look at Kyle. His eyes stay glued to the boy, not with admiration...but fear.
Cold, quiet fear.
The boy raises a brow. "Uh… hi?"
Cedric swallows hard and forces a stiff smile. "I—I didn't know you were at the estate, Your Highness."
The boy tilts his head. "My father summoned me early. I like to train."
Cedric nods too fast, trying not to sweat.
Kyle steps back slightly, confused why Cedric, who beat him half to death last night looks like he's facing a lion this time.
Then suddenly...
Footsteps echo in the courtyard. The Duke and Baron approach with several knights behind them.
The Duke's stern gaze softens when he sees the boy and Kyle.
"That was an excellent spar, " he praises." Fast, clean, disciplined. Both of you carry the talent of knights far beyond your years."
The Baron adds with a proud smile, "Kyle… I've never seen you move like that. You've grown."
Kyle lowers his head, humbled.
Then the Baron's expression shifts... its more serious now.
"Kyle… you'll be moving to the Duke's estate," he announces.
Kyle's head snaps up. "What?"
The Duke places a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You'll continue your path as my squire. And you'll train under my marshal alongside Zachary."
The boy brightens instantly. "Yes! Finally someone my age worth training with."
Cedric's face drains. His rival… moving to the Duke's manor? Being trained by the on of best swordsmen in the kingdom?
The gap between them just turned into a canyon.
The boy steps forward with an easy grin and holds out a hand.
"I'm Zachary Oriana… second son of Duke Drake Oriana. "Then he leans in slightly, dropping the formal tone.
"But just call me Zach."
Kyle nods slowly, still processing everything.
"Alright… Zach."
Cedric clenches his fists. The Baron sighs softly. The Duke hides a knowing smile.
Two prodigies stood side by side.
And the real story was only just beginning.