CHAPTER - 189

  Narrator: Dav watched Algernon's proud expression as he spoke of Selene.

  With genuine respect, he said in a calm, reassuring voice:

  "I'm certain she still needs you.

  Even if she's grown stronger, I doubt she's tired of training with the one who guided her from the start.

  And I'm sure she's grateful for everything you've done.

  Even if she doesn't say it often.. I believe a man like you knows it anyway."

  He pointed with two fingers at the man's chest, offering a slight smile.

  Algernon lowered his gaze slightly.

  His eyes grew moist, but he held back.

  They remained those of a veteran, hardened by countless battles, now touched by a gentler emotion.

  "Thank you"

  he replied in a deep voice.

  "Thank you for helping her where I could no longer be of use.

  That.. means a lot to her. And to me as well.

  Seeing her shine, knowing it wasn't all in vain, that the sacrifices mattered.. it's the greatest gift for an old man like me."

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  For a moment, the two remained silent, watching the soldiers in the courtyard.

  The wind blew gently through the nearby trees.

  Then Algernon spoke again, smiling with a hint of irony:

  "There will be a banquet in her honour tonight.

  I still need to choose the right outfit, and a Lord Commander must always be impeccable, right?"

  Dav made an ironic grimace, running a hand through his wind-tousled hair:

  "Ah, right... the party. I completely forgot.

  Well, I think my uniform will do.

  It's the only one I wear at the academy, but many say it perfectly represents 'the Italian hero' or something like that."

  Algernon turned to him, observing his uniform attentively.

  He tilted his chin slightly forward, pondering:

  "Yes.. it's perfect.

  Elegant, distinguished, and it looks comfortable.

  If you wear it every day, I'd say it represents you well."

  Dav leaned back a bit, stretching:

  "Anyway, while wandering through the corridors, I didn't see Selene or the Queen.

  And the King.. well, I doubt he's eager to see me, ahahah!"

  He burst into a light laugh, and Algernon followed with an amused smirk.

  But behind them, a dry voice was heard, with a falsely offended tone:

  "Ahem! Excuse me.. am I disturbing you? Should I leave, gentlemen?"

  The two turned abruptly.

  Edmund, standing behind them with arms crossed and an ironic gaze, stared at them with a half-smile on his lips.

  Dav widened his eyes, then pointed at him:

  "How long have you been there, old man?!

  Were you spying on us?

  You're such a busybody, you know?"

  Algernon paled for a moment upon hearing the hero address His Majesty in such a manner, but said nothing, observing the scene.

  Edmund responded with a theatrical gesture, pointing a finger at Dav:

  "You're always the same insolent brat! You'll never change!"

  Their voices echoed lightly in the courtyard as they exchanged ironic jabs, like two old friends who had known each other forever.

  Algernon remained still, struck by how naturally and confidently the two interacted, forgetting titles and ranks for a moment.

  Then Edmund approached and sat beside them, crossing his legs naturally and watching the training in the distance:

  "Anyway, your uniform is perfect.

  You're just missing the cloak, which I suppose you've left in your room.

  As for Selene and my wife.. you won't see them before tonight.

  They're both very busy with the preparations."

  The three remained there, sitting on the grass, watching the engaged soldiers.

  The sun began to set, tinting the sky with a soft orange hue, while the wind carried the scent of the kitchens and the distant sound of clashing swords.

  END OF CHAPTER - 189