Chapter 125

I walked with Friedrich through the castle garden, hand in hand.

It was still winter—bare and sparse—but walking with him made the setting feel romantic regardless.

"Is it all right for you to come out like this? You're the commander."

"Personal training is necessary too."

Friedrich had become the commander of the Rozental castle guard.

He had originally sought out the previous commander to learn under him—but had defeated him rather too easily.

"I—I think I should be learning from you, sir."

The commander had said it himself, thoroughly taken aback.

Friedrich had declined the post as more than he deserved—but ultimately accepted under the collective persuasion of everyone involved.

"Are there any difficulties? Anything the guard needs? If you need budget, say the word."

"Hmm..."

Friedrich thought about it seriously—then answered with an expression of mild concern:

"You've seemed so busy lately. That's been a little hard to watch."…