During this journey, Mil seemed to be plagued by dreams.
His childhood, though only a few years when counted, felt exceptionally long…
At Gerlach Royal School, noble children began their basic cultural education at age 7; private tutoring had gone out of fashion 200 years ago.
Although it wasn't yet the age for awakening magic talent, many people's talents were already beginning to show their first signs.
Diana's grades in all subjects were top-notch, including cultural studies, magic affinity estimation, equestrianism, archery, music, etc…
But she was still obsessed with swordsmanship.
While those around her weren't as well-rounded, they each had their strengths.
In such a grand environment, Mil's mediocrity became increasingly apparent.
Although the Lyata Family treated him well, they had never mentioned arrangements for marriage or discussed his future plans in the early years.
At this age, he also understood some truths: as an adopted son, mediocrity was even more fatal.
With no achievements, no one's favor, and ostracized by others, he quickly became a target for the 'bad seeds' among the students.
But Mil's fists weren't soft either; when his temper flared, he'd roll up his sleeves and charge…
Facing these bullies who preyed on the poor and feared the strong, Mil only needed to make a slight move, and in no time, he would be beaten black and blue.
Although his fists weren't soft, there weren't many of them.
Fortunately, whenever Diana was nearby, she would always come to help.
Although she didn't have many fists either, she had a sword in her hand; a wooden sword hitting people resulted in 64 bumps from 8 people…
57 of them were on the slow-running Fat Man.
As she grew older, Diana's beauty became increasingly outstanding, almost perfect, making her seem like an unreachable bright moon in everyone's hearts.
And Mil, who was closest to her, also fell into a vicious cycle of interpersonal relationships.
However, every time something happened, Diana would pat her chest and say, “I’ll protect you from now on!”
Mil felt like he had found a rich patron; perhaps he wouldn't have to worry anymore?
Especially after the Royal Hunt - Magic Tide incident, Mil felt that she owed him a life.
Who knew that woman had water in her brain…
Did she get her competitive spirit fired up?
Before, whenever she heard Mil was being bullied, she would rush over immediately.
Later, she would only help when she wasn't practicing her sword.
The problem was, besides eating, sleeping, and attending classes, she spent the rest of her time practicing her sword, so Mil could only stay quietly by her side.
In the dark, he always felt that this girl was starting to distance herself from him?
A sense of broken loss began to brew in Mil's heart.
And then, time flew by…
From some unknown day, writing love letters became popular among the older students in the neighboring Magic Academy.
This unhealthy trend quickly spread around Mil, and under its influence, Mil became increasingly tempted.
The cultural studies teacher instilled the romance of words into the students; the swordsmanship coach emphasized the value of courage to everyone.
And it was at this time that Mil also met a couple of bad influences…
The Royal Academy's basic education only went up to age 12, after which everyone would go their separate ways, and it was rumored that the Royal Family was also moving to a new capital.
Under the encouragement of those around him, Mil felt that if he didn't make a move, if he didn't find a way, he would definitely drift further and further from Diana and lose her forever.
Oh God…
At that time, he would be a failure, sent by his adoptive father to some manor to guard cabbages, muddy and sweaty, all alone, dying by the millstone under the windmill.
So, Mil began to prepare his love letter, practicing his handwriting for over three months alone…
He meticulously pondered how to express his feelings, revising his wording and phrasing again and again, feeling that every word was painstakingly crafted.
Unfortunately, in the end, he still couldn't hand the love letter to her personally…
News came from the Holy City, inviting Diana's royal father to be crowned at Saint Bahari Cathedral.
It was during the coronation ceremony that everyone merrily made Mil the butt of their jokes, feeling it was just innocent childish talk, unaware that Mil's heart was shattered.
Diana's eyes were firm; her eyes held only the sword.
Of course, if this matter had ended there, perhaps it would have been nothing…
However, one month after the Emperor's coronation ceremony, Diana returned to Gerlach Royal Academy for the last time.
Mil was alone at the swordsmanship training ground, somewhat hesitantly pulling out that love letter…
He didn't notice at all that someone was approaching from behind.
Then, a strong and powerful hand suddenly snatched the letter from Mil's hand.
Turning around, he saw it was those few people who usually didn't get along with Mil…
“Are you looking for death? Give it back to me!”
The group, as if they had discovered some treasure, cheered and ran towards the crowd with the love letter.
Mil ran at the fastest speed of his life, but unfortunately, he was still a bit late.
They cheered and jeered, reading every word of the letter clearly in loud voices…
After reading it all, they waved the letter and went to find Diana, who had returned to school.
Mil didn't chase after them anymore…
A moment later, the instigator returned, grinning, and in front of everyone, he pinched his nose and imitated Diana's tone, saying:
“What is Mil thinking? I’ve already rejected him, why does he still write such boring things?”
The mockery was deafening, and Mil fought with these people for the last time.
At that moment, Mil felt an unimaginable power erupt from his body…
Unfortunately, that was just a feeling; Diana didn't come back to help, and Mil didn't win.
But from then on, Mil understood: what fists couldn't solve, wisdom should!
The instigator was the second son of the Marquis from the Far North Border. Mil observed the Marquis's mansion for a long time…
Finally, he wrote a letter revealing the secret that his mother had an affair with his brother and gave birth to his sister, telling everyone.
He didn't even need to exaggerate. Mil just felt that even though he had taken revenge, it wasn't entirely satisfying.
…
“Princess Diana, it’s getting a bit late. Abend Eisenburg is just ahead; shall we have dinner there?”
On the distant ridge, the towering castle faced the twilight, one side golden, the other dim.
Seeing Diana's delayed reaction, the adjutant beside her raised his voice a few notches:
“Princess Diana? Princess Diana!”
“Ah? Sorry…”
“What are you looking at? Do we have other tasks?”
“Nothing, just a family letter…”
Saying that, Diana folded the yellowed and brittle letter in her hand, carefully placed it into a leather folder, and tucked it into her bosom.
Although she had intentionally brought this letter to the Holy City, once she learned that Mil was engaged to Lilith, she couldn't bring herself to present it.
Perhaps she should have clarified things with Mil earlier, but unfortunately, by the time she realized it, it was already too late.
Meanwhile, in the church carriage, Mil suddenly woke up, rubbed his throbbing head, and muttered under his breath:
“What a stupid dream?”
Why would he think of writing a letter to expose his mother's secret? Shouldn't he have used that as leverage to talk to his mother?
His methods were still too naive…
As for Diana, her eyes only held the sword?
Sorry, my eyes, this king's eyes, only hold the world.