Episode 55

"Sonnet! Are you heading to the training ground? Let's go together!"

Golden eyebrows arched high.

"Well then, I'll excuse myself, ladies."

The body that had been mingled amidst the women slipped out smoothly.

Striding towards me with wide steps, Lapis cheerfully began to speak.

"The mushroom soup this morning was truly exquisite. Perhaps it was imbued with Sonnet's affection—"

"I wasn't responsible for the soup today."

"But your mere presence in the kitchen must have enhanced its flavor."

A new dimension to the culinary arts, indeed.

Ignoring my gaze, Lapis continued to chatter brightly.

"It's my fortune to encounter Sonnet first thing in the morning."

"Right."

"I heard we're having tournament-style sparring today. Of course, Sonnet will triumph."

"Well, we'll see."

"I'll get knocked out in the first round, so I'll be cheering you on wholeheartedly!"

His vigorously shaking fist was lively.

'Why is he like this?'

Since we received group discipline late at night, Lapis's demeanor has changed drastically.

He had always been kind to women in general, but it was simply 'kindness.'

'He calls my name first, follows me if we happen to meet, and keeps talking to me.'

It was fortunate that he was friendly without any ulterior motives, but...

I squinted my eyes and stared at the boy standing next to me.

Since Lapis's gaze was fixed on me, our eyes met immediately.

"What's up?"

"It's just—"

"Of course, Sonnet, you can look at me all day or even a month without a reason."

"It's nothing, I just thought you were quite sociable."

"Time spent with a lady is never wasted."

He had a knack for saying such cheesy lines without changing his expression.

"And it's not because I'm a good person."

"I never said you were a good person."

His yellow eyes widened like round candies.

'Did I refute too bluntly?'

However, the boy who hummed cheerfully seemed even more delighted.

"Sonnet, you are really different from that person."

"That person?"

"Oops—no matter what, comparing that rogue to Sonnet is an insult. I apologize."

"Who are you talking about?"

"There's someone you should avoid all ten times if you meet them."

His mischievous lips wiped off the smile quickly. Don't fret, because it returned just as fast.

As usual, the morning began with one-on-one sparring like we had been told.

Since opponents were randomly selected regardless of skill level, matches were decided quickly.

"Finalist, Enge!"

"Finalist, Sonnet!"

"Wow! Sonnet! Sonnet! Fair-skinned Sonnet! We love you, Sonnet!"

Whistles resounded impressively.

Lapis, who had been eliminated in the first match, sat in the front row of the stone steps surrounding the parade ground.

I waved lightly and stood in the center.

The signal to start fell, and my opponent and I quickly clashed swords.

"That's right! Great! You look awesome! Sonnet! Sonnet!"

My opponent swung his sword broadly and asked.

"Did you give birth to that guy?"

"My karma doesn't amount to having a son who only runs his mouth."

"Then did he give birth to you?"

"Let's just say I gave birth to him."

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Thanks to our evenly matched skills, the spar didn't end easily.

Wiping his forehead lightly, my opponent suggested.

"Ugh, let's just finish this quickly."

"How?"

"Let's both make a big move at the same time, how about it?"

"Deal."

Boom!

The weight of the sword I pressed down with my weight was transmitted right in front of my chest.

Instinctively, I threw my sword and stepped back.

"The winner, Enge!"

---

"Why are you so good? You must be the best at handling a sword among the trainees."

"Enge won."

"Oh, come on, what's the big deal about that? Did you learn at an academy? Majored in swordsmanship?"

"Just as much as anyone else. Don't we all learn basic swordsmanship regardless of our major?"

"That's true. But many people can't handle a sword. It takes time to get used to it!"

"A kitchen knife is still a knife."

If I counted the years spent chopping ingredients in the kitchen, it's only natural to be familiar with swords.

Lapis continued complimenting my swordplay, claiming how effortless my sword's trajectory was.

"You are the best at using magic in the training camp."

"That's a different matter. Sonnet's swordsmanship is—"

"Raise your other arm."

His hands were careful as they rolled up my sleeves.

Since entering the infirmary, Ute had constantly looked upset.

'I thought he'd be happy that I got close to Lapis.'

His face resembled a child sulking.

His clear cheeks seemed somewhat puffed up.

'He doesn't start conversations or anything, just quietly treats me.'

It's only natural for a medic to focus on treatment, but...

As usual, Lapis completely ignored the man and only looked at me.

"Hmm... I think I've contemplated enough."

"Huh? About what?"

"Sonnet, after basic training, how about joining my team?"

The white hand that was disinfecting my wound flinched. I was equally surprised.

In the military, being on the same 'team' had only one meaning.

After the six-week training period, such people were the ones you would serve with until discharge.

Temporary soldiers like us rarely carried out 'military' tasks like border defense, unlike career soldiers.

Our role was to be dispatched to areas lacking manpower and carry out tasks that residents could not or would not do.

In short, unpaid civil servants.

Soldiers performing such activities had to move in groups of three, also known as a 'team'.

"Are you serious? Trainees can't even decide their teams."

"I'm a capable asset, so they'll likely take my opinion into account."

Lapis confidently grinned.

"The remaining member can be any woman you like. It's up to you, Sonnet."

"If I have a choice, I would—"

"I strongly recommend myself."

Well, I was going to recommend him anyway...

Ute, who had put down the gauze and tweezers, raised his hand and looked at Lapis.

"I'll volunteer as the remaining member."

"But you're a man!"

"Are you such a stickler for gender?"

"Of course! Men aren't beautiful! Neither are you!"

"But with that face?"

I was genuinely shocked. Lapis's sensitive face grew serious.

"Sonnet, appearance isn't important. What's important is whether they are a woman."

"How could you say such..."

As I quietly despaired, Lapis glared sharply at Ute.

"You,"

"Ute."

"I don't care about your name. Do you have a crush on me?"

"I do have an interest. I've been watching you closely from the beginning."

"Why on earth?"

"I want to be friends."

"Why?"

"That's—"

"I like women!"

Everyone in the training camp knows that.

Ute responded with a gentle smile.

"I don't care about gender, as long as you don't like me, it's fine."

For a moment, both men's gazes turned to me.

I inadvertently spoke.

"Huh? Me? Oh, in that context, I like men."

...Is this really that important?

"Come to think of it, you two are often together. Do you know each other?"

"I'm friends with Sonnet."

"I wasn't asking you. Are you dating or planning to date?"

"We are close friends."

"Even though I like women, minors and married people are off-limits."

He had clear boundaries as a playboy.

Strangely, both of them were looking at me while they conversed.

I nodded, looking back and forth between Ute and Lapis.

"Yes, we're friends."

"Then there's no problem. You'll definitely be on the same team as me, right?"

A long arm wrapped around my shoulders.

It was an unsolicited touch, but since he was young, it felt more cute than uncomfortable.

'He's younger than madam.'

A freshly graduated young boy.

I peered at the crown of his head, bathed in light, then raised my head.

Ute was gazing at me with an unfamiliar expression.

'A strange face...'

---

The day of the only family visit during the service period.

The training camp was filled with an exciting atmosphere.

"Ute, what about you? No one coming?"

"Yeah. Your mother said she'd come, right? Have a good time."

Ute gently smiled and pushed me forward.

"Trainee Sonnet, this way."

The person guiding me to the meeting room was not my usual instructor but a new face.

With his short black hair, the deep wrinkles around his eyes were clearly visible.

'The highest-ranking person I've seen so far.'

Even the quality of his fabric and decorations indicated his rank.

Why someone of such high rank was guiding trainees was beyond me...

"Trainee Sonnet."

"Yes."

"This question is unrelated to training, so you don't have to answer if you don't want to."

His blue eyes hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"Did you, by any chance, visit a bakery in the capital last year...?"

"Oh! Back then!"

A neat uniform, clear blue eyes, a blunt tone.

'Thank you. It seems I've caused trouble for a young lady.'

As I seemed to recognize him, the man's face softened slightly.

"Did you manage to order the dessert...?"

I thought we could finally have a proper conversation, but we arrived at the meeting room by then.

As soon as she saw me, my mom stood up abruptly.

"Mom—"

"Oh my god! Why are you here?"

---

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