Ellis finally returned the greeting.
He did it formally, with the etiquette of the royal family, but, without trying to appear arrogant, rather, with a sense of elegance.
For the first time, he felt thankful that he had listened to Silas's advice and learned a little about them, even if he had thought it a waste of time back then.
Because now, making a good impression on the man in front of him was just that important.
After all, he couldn't simply command him to teach him knight training.
Even if he was "just" a knight commander in a magic kingdom where knights weren't given the respect and status they truly deserved, he still held a higher position than an abandoned prince.
It didn't take long for the pleasantries to finally end, as the knight commander Galen seemed more like a man of action than of words.
He was certainly not the type who enjoyed unnecessary formalities.
And he was forward enough to ask bluntly, "So, what did His Royal Highness need this old man for, that you called me here?"
'Why do I feel like the tone of his speech suddenly changed?'
With that brief thought passing through his mind, Ellis looked into the eyes of the knight commander.
It seemed that even if his body didn't give away his age… his eyes did. That was Ellis's first thought.
But even then, even as he sensed the passage of time reflected in those eyes… it wasn't just that.
His eyes conveyed the wisdom he had accumulated through countless experiences over the years… more than that, the sharpness that seemed to speak of just how many battlefields he had walked through.
And Ellis, looking into those eyes, decided not to go in roundabout ways anymore, and bluntly said as well, "I intend to start training as a knight… and I thought, if possible, it would be best to start it under you."
A flash of surprise passed through Galen's expression, but it disappeared just as quickly, replaced by seriousness.
He stayed silent for a moment, making Ellis a bit nervous, before he finally said, "Your Highness, can't you reconsider your decision?"
Ellis clenched his hand tightly. He felt like he was being rejected. Still, believing there was a chance, he didn't plan to give up so easily.
"That's impossible. I plan to start training either way… but can't you rethink your decision to help with my training?"
Looking into the little prince's eyes, those extraordinary eyes, full of fighting spirit, passion, and determination, Galen was impressed.
Had he ever seen this kind of fire in any other member of the royal family?
He tried to remember… but in the end, the answer was clear.
No. He hadn't.
This kind of fighting spirit… this kind of sincerity, was something he had never seen in any of them.
Aside from arrogance and greed, all he had seen in their expressions was disdain.
Disdain for him… and for all knights.
Was he… too moved?
Galen couldn't help but laugh slightly.
"Haha. It seems I caused a misunderstanding with my wording. I'm sorry."
"It's not that I don't want to help Your Highness, with the knight training."
"But it's just that… you're still too young."
"So starting your training at this age might be detrimental to your growth."
This time, it was Ellis who was taken by surprise.
A pleasant one, as he realized there wasn't any true rejection in Galen's words, and he naturally smiled.
Then, while waving his hands, he said, "You don't need to worry about that."
'I don't care about my growth anyway.'
He didn't say the thought out loud.
And neither did he mention the other doubt in his mind, that with his system, perhaps this kind of thing wouldn't even apply the same way.
Instead, Ellis continued, determined to convince the Knight Commander Galen.
Against Galen's summarized statement, which could be said to mean: you are still too young, and for knight training, you at least need to wait for a few more years. Ellis had to continue talking for more than half an hour before finally convincing him.
'The Knight Commander Galen was unable to win against the stubbornness of Master,' Silas, who had been standing behind Ellis, couldn't help but think this in admiration as she looked at her master, who was clearly looking far too excited. It was something he had wanted since even before… but had to wait for this moment, due to her persuasion.
Then, as she moved her gaze to the knight commander Galen, who finally stood up, intending to leave after deciding that the training would begin tomorrow…
She noticed the smile at the corner of his mouth that he was trying to suppress. And Silas couldn't help but wonder, Are there anyone able to resist HER MASTER's splendor?
…
While walking away toward the Royal Knights' training ground, Galen Valeson, who could no longer hold back his smile, suddenly couldn't help but start laughing loudly.
The thought, that a young prince was once again trying to have him escort him somewhere, wanting to show his status as a prince, and show his power by having Galen beside him, was the only thing that had come to his mind initially.
But knight training?
And for a royalty of the Valemere Kingdom, famous of their magic?
Galen couldn't have been more surprised… and still found what had happened hard to believe.
It's worth living long, he couldn't help but think.
But, while he had been forced to help in the little prince's training in the end… a thing that was bound to happen with or without his help… from the conclusion that he came to while looking at the prince. He thought that at least with his guidance, the prince would train the right way.
He could help shape his training in a way that wouldn't affect his growth.
And strangely… he suddenly wanted to watch over this eccentric prince, who had an extraordinary vibe.
One that not even the king had ever managed to give.