Though he could see that she's skilled, aside from his pride as a man, there is still the pride of being a senior knight that he wants to uphold. Heck, he almost cried in grievance when that stinky boy Kai beat him in a sparring session, hence why he's moping around when he got him as a rival for the vice-captain position. If ever Evelyn would beat him on a sword, he would surely cry blood this time.

Kai is enough for a rival.

Nathan heard their conversation but didn't pay attention to them. His ruby eyes were glued at the fights, sharp and scrutinizing. Even those who are fighting could feel his stares making them nervous.

"Stop.

" His cold voice rang in their ears and the fight immediately ceased.

"I will give you ten minutes to rest. After that, the training resumes.

"

The exhausted individuals panted as they caught their breaths and retreated to the side.

"You were good,

" William commented and offered his hand for a handshake.

Evelyn smiled and took it, thanking him as well.

"Yeah. You were good too.

"

"Nice fight.

" It was Dazwath Shized this time, William's friend who also treats Evelyn as equals.

The three of them joined their other groupmates and spent the whole ten minutes discussing things regarding the fight just now. The others look at their group strangely, particularly to Evelyn who seemed to blend in like fish on water.

How could this woman be better than them, they don't understand it.

On the other side, Nathan was discussing with the other knights who are assigned as mentors but he looked inattentive. He then stopped talking for a while and frowned. For some reason, he felt restless but had no idea why, so his mood began to sour. And this sudden change was noticed by the others.

"Hey, Captain. Why do you look like you want to take a **? Are you constipated?

" Eon teased him which then made the others look at him with incredulous eyes.

Dare to joke around when their captain is in a foul mood? Only Eon has the guts to do that. Even Luther is scared to say anything yet this man never learns.

Nathaniel sharply glared at him but didn't admonish him like usual, he was distracted. And this distraction saved Eon's dumb ass.

Before Eon could further endanger his life, Lukas entered the grounds and charged straight to Nathan. His presence got all of their attention when he steadily made his way inside the grounds and made the trainees curious.

No one is allowed to enter the training ground except for authorized personnel like the mentors and the captain. So this tall domineering man must be an important figure because the guards didn't even stop him.

Most of these young people came from afar and had no idea who's who aside from very important people such as the royal family, the arcane tower master, and some renowned scholars. They hear rumors but they can't connect them to a face right away and it's what is happening right now.

"Who's that? He looked like a noble.

" Someone whispered among Evelyn's group.

Eon's eyes widened upon seeing Lukas while Nathan waited, questions popping in his mind.

'Why is he here?'

Lukas stopped just in front of him. The two gazed at each other. Lukas then thought for a moment before opening his mouth.

"Nadia was attacked. She's at the Ethalion Residence.

"

His words were short but straight to the point that it even shocked those who heard him.

Nathaniel's heart skipped a beat.

"What?

"

He didn't hear him wrong, did he?

He stared at Lukas dead in the eyes, measuring him and confirming what he said. The man did not say anything else and held his gaze calmly. That alone is enough confirmation.

"Wait, what?

" Eon voiced his shock.

"What did you say?

"

Luther was also taken aback but had already composed himself. Hearing Eon's question, he immediately elbowed him to his side.

He is talking to a duke right now, what is with that tone?

But Eon was too surprised to pay attention to his warning and stepped forward, only to get held back by Luther.

"You better go if you're that worried.

"

Lukas could see that Nathaniel was pretty shaken by the news. He seemed to want to storm out and go to Nadia's side quickly but was also conflicted to leave. After all, he is still on duty right now. He couldn't just compromise and take advantage of his position and leave the palace.

"I-- I can't…

" Nathan felt frustrated. He's concerned about his sister but he can't do anything but wait until later.

"Hey, ahem. What happened to Nadia? You said she was attacked? Is she okay?

" Eon tried to butt in again but his words fell on deaf ears.

The other knights stared at Nathan's pale face and felt bad for him. They knew how protective he is of his sister and is also well-acquainted with his character. So they are also aware that though Nathan wanted to leave, he is still being held back by his role.

"Leave the training to me.

" Lukas smiled crookedly,

"I have nothing better to do anyway. And I'm giving you a favor.

"

Nathaniel still hesitates.

"Hmm. Fine,

" Lukas's purple eyes bore on him.

"Take this day off. This is an order.

"

Nathan's body turned rigid for a moment. In the eyes of Eon and the others, he looked like he was stunned. And then he became serious, saluting to Lukas so naturally the others were left speechless.

'What the hell?'

This is the proud captain they are talking about. He only heeds commands from the emperor himself, what is this situation? Why is the captain of the royal knights saluting to a duke?

Eon was incredulous and cannot believe his eyes, so is Luther who had been with Nathan for a very long time.

After making everyone dumbstruck, Nathan rushes out of the grounds while the rest could only watch his retreating back with several questions popping inside their heads. The trainees were curious why the captain left so suddenly and at the same time, the knights were watching Lukas oddly.

Lukas tapped his chin as he thought to himself, glancing at the gazes of the knights who looked awkward. He then made a resolution and brought out the badge he always carries with him all the time for no other reason than the thought of having to use it in emergency situations such as this. It was an intricate gold pendant with a large black jewel in the middle, the symbol of the highest authority in the army.

He has a total of three badges. The general, the silver wing, and the royal. The latter, he doesn't use that much and had never carried it around. It was sitting somewhere in his study, collecting dust maybe.

Upon seeing the badge, the knights' eyes widened in amazement. They only saw it on illustrations before and there is only one badge like that in the entire Rosenthal. But it appeared right here.

After a moment of astonishment, they all resolutely stood upright in a salute, seemingly excited.

"Greetings to the general!

"