THDK Chapter 19

Being left out is sad (Part 1)

A metallic sound echoed through the early morning knight training grounds as swords clashed. A sword flew through the air, stabbing into the ground.

“I guess I still can’t beat Alan.”

I raised my hands in defeat, and Alan snorted in response. It had been ten years since I came to the demon king’s castle, and I had turned twenty. I pulled out the practice steel sword from the ground and put it away in my sword holder, Solurack. I reattached Oreole, which I had laid on the bench, to my waist and turned to face Alan.

“I’ve got another loss on my record.”

It had been a while since I started learning swordsmanship from Alan. It took a year of persistent requests and undergoing strict scolding before he finally agreed to teach me.

“Hey, you’re at it again.”

I greeted Zain, who had just arrived at the training grounds, looking sleepy.

“Good morning, Zain.”

Alan and Zain looked almost the same as they did when I was a kid. I was the only one who had changed significantly. My arms had grown longer, and my height had increased to match Zain’s. Sometimes, people told me that I was cute when I was younger.

“Training’s over.”

“Thanks, Alan.”

I thanked Alan, but he just turned away. He was still as aloof as ever, but I knew he was kind at heart since he was willing to train me.

“I’ll join you for magic training after breakfast.”

Zain agreed, and I was grateful. Ever since I told Nox about my brother, I was able to learn magic gradually, and now I could even have magic battles with Zain.

My stomach growled loudly as I headed to my room. Inside, I saw my beloved person reading a book in a chair. Their beautiful, crimson eyes met mine, and I sensed a faint smile on their face.

“Sol, are you done with training?”

“I lost again today.”

I sat down in the chair next to Nox, and Beatrice brought us food. I was looking forward to the cake after the meal, as Thomas’s daily cake selection was always delicious.

“Nox.”

Nox turned to me when I called their name, and I tried to feed them a piece of bread. However, they dodged it and started eating on their own.

“I can eat myself.”

“You used to feed me when I was younger.”

“I’m not a child anymore.”

Nox muttered under their breath and continued eating. I gazed at them, smiling, feeling happy to have been able to interact with them like that in the morning.

“You’re going to let it get cold.”

“Just a bit longer, I want to look at Nox.”

I treasured this time, as it was the only moment when no one bothered us. After we ate, we had to go to our respective training and duties.

“Eat.”

Nox forced me to eat, and I felt happy that they were willing to feed me sometimes. Their finger touched my lip, and I felt a flutter in my chest.

“It’s delicious.”

Nox looked away, responding simply, and I sensed a faint redness on their face. I worried that they might be sick and placed my hand on their cheek. Our eyes met, and I saw surprise in their crimson gaze.

“Hey, your face is getting redder. Do you have a fever? Are you okay?”

“I-I don’t have a fever. You’re too close.”

“Oh, sorry.”

I realized I had leaned in too close and quickly moved away.

“I’ll feed you, so don’t move.”

“Mm, okay.”

I looked at Nox as they fed me soup, feeling grateful for their kindness. It made me feel special, and I wished that moment wouldn’t end. As I watched the soup disappear, I thought to myself that I didn’t want it to run out.