Chapter 506: Rafal

Chapter 506: RafalIn the dead of night, Rafal was alone on the practice ground, fervently honing his sword skills. Despite the cold weather, his bare, robust torso glistened with sweat, a testament to the intensity of his training.

His troubled expression was evident as he slashed and parried, channeling his emotions into each precise movement. The moon cast an eerie glow upon the scene, adding to the atmosphere of introspection.

"Can’t sleep?"

A familiar voice interrupted his solitary session, causing Rafal to halt and bow, "Captain."

It was Imbert, the leader he respected above all others. Anyone else would have been met with a dismissive glance in Rafal’s current mood, but Arlan and Imbert held a special place in his heart, and he would never disrespect them.

Imbert, who usually appeared as a stoic knight in full uniform, was now dressed in a simple beige tunic shirt that complemented his well-built physique. His dark pants and boots gave him the appearance of a nobleman’s dashing son, rather than the cold, dutiful knight he typically portrayed.

It showed he was not here as a captain of knights but as a friend.

Imbert casually picked up a nearby sword from its stand and approached Rafal, fluidly swinging the blade to limber up his wrist.

"Care for a spar?" he proposed, a relaxed and friendly glint in his eye. "You can also ask me anything that’s been bothering you while we duel."

Rafal responded by gripping his sword’s hilt firmly, his muscular hand displaying determination. With both warriors ready, the metallic clash of their blades echoed through the practice ground, drawing the attention of guards and knights on night duty.

The practice ground resembled a circular arena, its center covered in sand where the combatants dueled. Surrounding it, ascending stairs provided seating arrangements.

A group of guards and knights standing outside the practice ground couldn’t contain their curiosity as the clash of swords resounded within. They turned to the guards stationed at the entrance, seeking answers.

"What’s happening in there? Who’s sparring?" they inquired eagerly.

One of the guards at the entrance promptly replied, "It’s Captain Imbert and Vice Captain Rafal."

The revelation sparked joy among those gathered outside. They couldn’t hide their enthusiasm.

"It’s been so long since we witnessed a duel between them."

"I wonder who will emerge victorious."

"We have to see this. Let’s head inside."

"No one can enter," the guard at the entrance warned, "Captain had ordered no one to enter inside."

"What?" they exclaimed together, "But why?"

"We’re not sure about the reason," the guards replied sternly, showing no intentions of letting them enter. "But if you’re feeling particularly adventurous and have a death wish, feel free to defy the captain’s orders."

Though eager, everyone held deep respect and perhaps a hint of fear for Imbert, and they dared not challenge his authority. With no other choice, they reluctantly returned to their respective duties.

Within the practice ground, amidst the exchange of strikes, Rafal spoke through gritted teeth, his words more of a conclusion than a question. "Captain, you aware of Her Highness’ true identity when she disguised herself as a boy amongst us?"

The clash of swords filled the air.

Clank!

Clank!

Imbert, facing Rafal’s relentless attack, replied with unwavering honesty. "I have been aware of the young woman hidden within that boy’s guise since the incident with those tribal people in Othinia."

Imbert understood that his knight harbored a multitude of questions and must have felt a profound sense of betrayal for being kept in the dark. When it came to Arlan and their closest circle, Rafal was accustomed to being as informed as Imbert. They were two halves of the same coin while serving under Arlan’s command.

Rafal’s next question came with an undertone of hurt and self-doubt. "Why didn’t you tell me then? Or I am that ignored to not find it out and don’t deserve to stand by His Highness’ side."

"Do not view it this way," he began, his voice steady amidst the clashing swords.

Rafal was sure not holding back from taking out his anger and Imbert was more than willing to allow his knight to vent his anger.

Rafal continued, his voice heavy with self-criticism, "I feel I don’t even deserve to remain by His Highness’ side if I couldn’t see through someone who was among us all this time. It suggests that anyone could deceive me, and I am unworthy of serving His Highness."

"There is a specific reason why I didn’t reveal her identity to you or intervene whenever you were on the brink of discovering it," Imbert explained.

"The reason must be to check how idiot of a knight I am?"

"No, it’s not about questioning your competence. It’s because if you, alongside His Highness and myself, had shown kindness to that boy, it might have raised suspicions. People would have wondered why we suddenly treated the newcomer so kindly."

Rafal remained unconvinced, relentlessly launching attacks with all his might.

Imbert pressed on, his voice earnest. "Rafal, you were like a shield that stopped others from taking interest in that young boy and protected him well. Your constant scolding and nagging discouraged anyone from getting too close to him. If I had informed you that the young boy was the woman who had captured His Highness’ intereste, would you have continued in the same manner?"

Rafal remained silent, his face contorting as if he refused to absorb Imbert’s words.

"Rafal, I had to be at His Highness’s side, so it fell upon you to protect her, that young woman who held a significant place in His Highness’s heart. It was essential for us to safeguard her."

Rafal countered, "Even if you had told me, I would have protected her with all I had."

Imbert explained further, "The protection we needed from you was the kind you provided – your tough, unwavering attitude toward her. Your sternness was her shield. You have protected her in your own way, though unknowingly."

Rafal launched another series of attacks, his frustration mounting. "Had you known she was the lost Crown Princess, would you have allowed me to disrespect her as I did? She’s our Queen, and I’ve been disrespectful all along."

Imbert countered, "Consider it a means to safeguard our Queen. Despite your tough exterior, Rafal, I could see that you were genuinely concerned when that young boy suddenly disappeared. You were the most worried among us. I even know you discreetly dispatched individuals to search for Orian, the boy who never returned to the palace."

Rafal’s hand momentarily trembled as the truth hit him. Amidst the chaos and demands of his duties, he had indeed been deeply worried about Orian’s absence. He had quietly sent a few trusted spies to locate the missing youth.

"Rafal," Imbert continued, "Your gruff exterior may deceive some, but no one else provides better protection and care for those around you better than you. Your devotion is unwavering, and you never forget anyone even if that person might not be of much importance in others’ eyes."

Rafal dismissed Imbert’s praise, his determination undiminished as he pressed on with his attacks. Fatigue crept in, but he refused to yield. "All that proves is my ignorance and foolishness. Even after you discovered her true identity as the Crown Princess, you chose to let me remain in the dark. And even when you learned I had sent people to find that young boy, you didn’t..."

"I only found out about it recently when your agents returned empty-handed," Imbert explained, his tone filled with sincerity. "I intended to inform you later, but you’re aware of the turmoil surrounding His Highness in recent days. I understand your anger, and my words might not make sense to you right now. But rest assured, you did your part excellently in protecting her."

Rafal’s fatigue had reached a point where Imbert felt it was time to bring the spar to an end. Shifting from a passive defense to an assertive attack, Imbert swiftly maneuvered, causing Rafal’s sword to slip from his grasp. Imbert’s blade now pointed towards Rafal’s neck, signaling his victory.

Too exhausted to even breathe comfortably, Rafal knelt on the sand, his head bowed, eyes shut, and sweat streaming down his body. What truly exhausted him was the anger and frustration inside him.

Imbert knelt before him, his tone gentle and empathetic. "Rafal, the situation between His Highness and Her Highness remains challenging. We must remain steadfast by His Highness’s side. We need you right where you’ve always been. You understand, don’t you?"

If anyone had seen Imbert tonight through out this spar, they would have been shocked to see this man can actually say these many words and was trying to comfort someone. It was not the Imbert that everyone knew.

Rafal simply nodded in response. "I will uphold the vows I took," he affirmed, referring to the solemn oath every knight made before serving their master, the Crown Prince.

Imbert placed a reassuring hand on Rafal’s shoulder. "You have always been my source of pride, Rafal. Having you by my side is an honor. If I’ve ever fallen short as a captain, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I apologize..."

"Captain," Rafal interrupted with a firm gaze fixed on the man he held in such high regard, "You need not apologize."

Rafal had no desire for his captain to shoulder any blame, especially when his own disappointment in himself weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Imbert recognized the sincerity of Rafal’s sentiments and ceased his apology. "You’re exhausted," he observed, concern in his voice. "You should rest. Tomorrow, we must stand by His Highness."

Rafal agreed with a nod, determined not to let his captain’s efforts go to waste.

Exiting the practice ground together, Imbert continued speaking, "Let go of the past. No one knew the truth that remained concealed from us all. Her Highness will also understand this. You do not have to feel guilty towards her. We all, including His Highness and Her Highness had made a lot of mistakes in past few months."

Rafal didn’t comment and continued to walk silently.