Chapter 21

I watched the state of the soldiers’ training for a while. There was no one with a bad complexion. I couldn’t see anyone stumbling either. Secretly, I am relieved. As much as possible, I do not want to produce people who break from overwork.

Just as I was about to return, I heard a somewhat irritated voice. “Why isn’t it here?” “It wasn’t here at noon. That’s why I told you to find it.” “It was here in the morning.” Apparently, they had lost something. Moreover, it didn’t seem to be just a tool. When I strained my ears, the word “key” was mixed in. It seemed to be an old key, too. One soldier left the spot without saying anything and began searching the surroundings. First, he looked around. Next, he crouched down, dropped his gaze to the ground, and carefully checked the shadows of objects. After a while, he reached his hand into a gap between some boxes. “…Is this it?” What was pinched at his fingertips was a blackened old key. “That’s it.” “Where was it?” The two raised their voices simultaneously. The place where the key was found was not that far from its original storage place. It probably rolled when it fell and got kicked by someone’s foot. Its position was a place one could notice if they just lowered their gaze a little. However, without even saying thanks, they began arguing again. Apparently, they hadn’t even looked properly from the beginning.

I unintentionally interjected. “No thanks? Why didn’t you search at noon? Arguing is a waste of time.” The two who were arguing fell silent. “Surely, you might have been busy then, or had other business. However, it is not good to leave it as is.” After continuing like that, I turned my eyes to the soldier who found it. “You should say thank you.”

The soldiers who had been arguing finally opened their mouths. “Thank you.” “You saved us.” It was a token thanks. Without even trying to hide their bitter expressions, they exchanged glances. I didn’t say anything. Because I had already said what needed to be said. …The fact that that attitude demeans oneself is not something one understands by having it pointed out by others. Eventually, it is something they have to realize themselves. Whether they realize it or not. Even though people are always watching people.

I think. Response, manners, and judgment. Everything is shaped by the accumulation of one’s own consciousness. That is exactly why—I myself must always be mindful.

I left that spot and began walking. Those two seemed to have started talking about something again. While turning my back on that scene, I suddenly remembered. Recently, it seems hushed voices are being raised. —The Third Prince is annoying. —He is nagging. Too detailed. There are those who whisper that. But on the other hand, —That person watches closely. —What he says is not wrong. It seems there are also those who say that. Marc had heard that and once said to me. “Your Highness, I wonder about you intervening in such fine detail.” I answered. “Those who stand above are sometimes disliked. You must not be afraid of that.” One should choose the path one believes is correct. Even if that is a choice that is shunned by people.

I suddenly looked up at the sky. The sun was already slanting, beginning to cast long shadows on the training ground. The soldiers were cleaning up and returning to their posts as usual. There was no hastiness, nor impatience. It was orderly movement, according to discipline.

On time again today. It was peaceful.