They didn’t realize how much they helped each other to improve during their time serving as knights. Until they each became commander of their respective Knightly Orders.
There was a reason why Xandarvan didn’t reject Daisy’s invitation.
Things have changed a little since Carlyx became the Commander of the Zistanter Knightly Order.
He always went to war, but his war achievements began to stand out and his status changed.
In the past, knowledge of his successes was buried because he was ‘just a knight’ and not even a single rumor came out.
However, the ‘achievement’ the public knows and the ‘achievement’ that the knights know were completely different. Since there was a limit to stopping people’s tongues.
About Carlyx’s achievement after he became the commander.
The public and most of the new knights had not heard, but high-ranking knights knew about it.
Hearing of Carlyx’s exploits, Xandarvan started to doubt himself.
The rivalry between Xandarvan and Carlyx ended when Xandarvan became a commander first. That fact made Xandarvan anxious.
Did Carlyx really lose to him or did he lose purposely?
For a prideful knight like Xandarvan, the question haunted him like a nightmare.
If you were curious, you could just send a letter or visit him, right?
But his vanity would not allow him to do that.
‘That’s why he won’t be able to refuse my suggestion and provocation.’
Harboring such a doubtful feeling was considered disgraceful for a knight. So no matter how much he cared about others’ opinions, he wouldn’t be able to ignore that provocation.
A way to resolve his doubt had finally come, so he would never refuse.
Contemplating the matter, Daisy eventually muttered in a confident tone.
“….Carlyx will win that day.”
It wasn’t a hunch, it was a conviction.
It was true that Carlyx had never beaten Xandarvan when they were Imperial Palace knights.
But it’s not like they have that much difference in skill. At least she thought so.
While Xandarvan was strong in individual fights, Carlyx was strong in mass battles.
She came to this conclusion after researching their fighting styles.
Xandarvan was excellent at plying strong blows at once while Carlyx was good at maintaining his concentration for a long time.
Their differences were revealed through their performance in the war.
Overall, Carlyx was better than Xandarvan. All he needed to do was to push Xandarvan to his limit.
“…Let’s take a nap first.”
She had awakened early and was exhausted.
Hoaam! Yawning, Daisy closed her eyes. The rising sunlight came through the curtains and embraced her.
Just in time, Carlyx, who had finished training, entered the mansion. As he passed by the office, he noticed Daisy sleeping on the sofa.
‘How troublesome.’
The bothersome feeling during their conversation earlier still remained in his heart.
Carlyx looked at her dully for a moment and then continued on his way.
***
Waking from her nap, Daisy hurriedly sat up. She opened her eyes wide when her dress, which had been raised up to her knees, fell down.
Even though the fabric touched her skin, she didn’t feel any pain.
“The doctor must have been here and left.”
Daisy bent down to lift her skirt. A bandage was wrapped around her injured knee.
She must have been hurt quite badly judging by the blood stains showing through the bandage.
‘Was it Carlyx?’
The thought crossed her mind for a moment, but she dismissed the possibility right away.
Since there was nothing pleasant about the conversation they had this morning.
He had no reason to visit her, so he would never have seen her wound. Even if he passed by the office, he wouldn’t have noticed the wound unless he came close.
“May or Tyler must have called a doctor.”
Daisy stood with a reassured smile.
Thump, thump. Her heart was pounding in excitement.
“My dear Princess and Prince, I’m on my way!”
Today was the day she promised to draw with River and Luciana.
It was like a light on a gloomy day.
What kind of masterpieces will they draw? Would they rival Van Gogh?
She was already looking forward to seeing their art.
***
“Ta-da!”
Daisy opened the silver container with excitement. The colorful paints hidden inside were exposed.
At that moment, River raised his body and Luciana opened her eyes wide.
“Guess what this is!”
“Stepmother! Is this Whitey? Will he be breathing fire?”
Revealed before them was not 50 but 100 colors of paint.
‘This is exactly the reaction I wanted to see.’
She tried hard to stifle her own excitement. She was able to evoke such a reaction from them because she personally brought the present.
In the children’s eyes, everything was special and magical.
“Woww! This many?”
“One, two, four, six!”
The children’s eyes shone brightly. Daisy naturally wrinkled her eyebrows due to how dazzling they were.
‘How refreshing! I don’t need a fan in this hot summer!’
The elated Daisy then said,
“That’s right! Whitey made each, one by one using breath of fire!”
A smile spread across her face.
‘When I recall Carlyx imitating Whitey, this morning’s fear seems to disappear.’
“Whitey’s the best!”
Clap! Clap! Clap! River clapped excitedly. His chubby white fingers were so adorable.
“That’s right. It’s all made by Whitey. You heard the ‘cawwww’ last time, right?”
Upon hearing that, Luciana began working through a difficult equation in her head.
Whitey is Carlyx; Carlyx is her daddy.
My daddy is Whitey. Whitey did a fire breathing…
So my daddy breathed fire….?
Luciana quickly lifted her head.
‘Daddy made the paints!’
I thought my daddy only knew how to lift a sword and stayed away from painting. I’m mistaken!
Luciana blinked slowly upon the new realization.
So there are a lot of things I don’t know about my father.
My father may have an emotional hobby unlike his behavior and appearance.
Then I must become a Master in drawing to catch up with my daddy!
“Here, there’s a canvas, too. Whitey took this out of its treasure box.”
“Whitey is breathing fire again! Canvas, cawwwwww!”
The excited River began to wriggle.
Maybe he was excited about Whitey, breath of fire, or canvas.
Daisy had no idea, but as long as he looked happy, Daisy felt happy too.
Grabbing her hands, River swung her arms back and forth.