7 - The chosen guards
1088 Words
"Because of your strength, mentality, and physical condition, I would like to extend an invitation to you to our Royal Palace. Would you be interested in working as a devoted guard to safeguard someone?" The suggestion came from Duke Raphael.
"What exactly will I be getting out of it?" Dillion swung his head to the side a little.
"If you are chosen, you will have the opportunity to live in the royal palace, eat the royal meals, and be compensated with a fair salary. But only if you have a strong sense of loyalty towards us. And if you are not chosen, we will provide money to help you at the very least find a place to live." The Duke went on to elaborate further.
"I guess I will go ahead and do it. Thank you so much for your help." Dillion greeted the Duke with a friendly grin and a respectful bow.
"It is entirely our pleasure, and I would appreciate it if you would accompany me." Duke Raphael greeted Dillion with a bright smile and escorted him to his chariot.
Dillon followed the Duke and climbed into the carriage, where he was joined by another six men.
"Hello, sir, what is your name? My name is Ellen, and I am from the town of Palphia." One of the men introduced himself to the new comer.
"My name is Dillion, and I'm from the town of Bringdal." He lied about his hometown because he didn't want his genuine identity to be revealed.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Dillion. Do you have any trepidation about visiting the Royal Palace?" Ellen was the one who inquired.
"No," Dillion said with a shake of his head.
"That's like a man!" The other five men clapped their hands to cheer him and express their joy.
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THE ROYAL PALACE
"Duke has arrived at the main gate." It was announced to Duchess Serena that the Duke was on his way to the palace. She was informed by a maid.
"Thank you very much; I shall proceed down myself." The Duchess rose from her chair and made her way downstairs toward the grand hallway.
Duke Raphael strode into the palace with the seven men who had been following him behind him.
"Go and summon the princess here. I wish to see her here," The servants were ordered by the duchess.
A short while later, the princess walked downstairs, chatting and giggling with her maids, "I despise that piano...", But when she saw the duchess, she came to a halt.
The Duchess called out to princess Sabrina, "come here dear." the Duchess began before turning to face the seven men in the hallway, "Welcome, young gentlemen!"
They all bowed to the Duchess as the princess approached and took up a position next to Duchess Serena, but Princess Sabrina's eye caught the attention of someone else.
One of the seven men, Dillion, who stood at the corner and behind the others, occasionally peeked at the princess, making sure the duchess didn't notice him. Dillion was the only one who looked at the princess.
As soon as Princess Sabrina realised someone was actually glancing at her, her heart bloomed with joy. She gave him a friendly grin as their gazes locked.
However, as soon as she smiled, Dillon was flushed and bowed his head to the ground.
"Young gentlemen, we are going to test you tomorrow morning to show us your strength, wisdom, and insight. You must all get a good night's sleep and rest well tonight in order to perform at your peak tomorrow. Remember, only the most deserving candidate will be selected to serve as a royal guard for our princess." The Duchess extended her hand in the direction of Sabrina.
"Hello, my name is Sabrina, and it is an absolute pleasure to meet you all." She introduced herself with a smile, yet she managed to get Dillon's attention once more.
"Servants, please direct them to their respective chambers." The Duchess gave the command.
All seven gentlemen were escorted to their respective chambers by one of the maids.
When she turned to face the princess, the Duchess exclaimed, "Sabrina, where were your manners when you entered the hallway while chatting and giggling with your maids?"
"Please forgive me, Duchess; I will not make the same mistake twice." she lowered her head in a respectful manner, when she noticed Dillion standing at the corner of the hallway gate watching her.
"Everything is alright, just don't repeat it. Now that you have heard enough, go to each of their chambers and speak with them. Your goal is to discover who it is that you are most comfortable with." The Duchess gave her some advice.
"Of course, Duchess." Princess Sabrina complied with a polite nod.
"And yes, do not forget to bring Rosie along with you." the Duchess added further.
"Okay, Duchess Serena, thank you very much." the Princess said as she bowed before beckoning to her and turned to her maid, "Rosie, please accompany me to their chamber."
When the princess peeked at the hallway gate, she saw that no one was there. She let out a sigh.
As Rosie led the princess into the chamber of the gentlemen, the princess smiled for some unknown reason. After they arrived at the first chamber, Rosie stood outside the chamber, although only the princess knocked and entered the room.
"Hello, may we have a brief conversation for a few minutes?" the princess inquired.
"Yes, y—your highness, I am s—sure I can help you," the man asked further while stammering, "What can I do for you?"
"How about you tell me your name?" The princess took a seat on the couch.
"Well, my name is Von Teren Sai, and I am from Volka Town, but your highness may address me as Teren." The man said, his palms sweating.
Prior to Princess Sabrina departing, they finished their brief conversation about themselves.
When she arrived at the next chamber, she went up to the door and knocked on it.
"Who is that?" the man asked from within the room.
"I am Princess Sabrina," she introduced herself.
"Come in then," he said.
As soon as she opened the door, the smell of wine filled her nostrils. The princess was shocked to see him drinking wine. "Where did you acquire the wine?" she inquired.
"I brought it with me since I can not live without wine," he explained, gulping down the entire glass.
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