Self isolation wasn't enjoyable when there was nothing to do.

For the first half of the next day JiYeong didn't mind lazing about in bed. It was easy to doze off in the comfort of the blankets and pillows.

That only lasted for a few hours and then JiYeong was itching to get out and do something.

She was in a brand new world, after all. Who knew how long she would be here or when she would get a better time to explore? Not to mention she would be able to find a way home much faster being out and about.

When Shiloh came to check on her JiYeong asked the Sylph if she could help her into a simple dress, and then took to exploring the castle.

The first place on her mental list was the Training Room. With Mathieu she hadn’t been able to get a good look, and figured since she wasn’t currently with the Prince she could take my time looking around the room.

It was big. On the immediate left were mats lining the wall and coming out about a quarter of the room. There were wooden dummies along the back wall, and on the wall to the right were targets of various sizes. When she glanced at the ceiling she noticed a few targets tucked in the corners as well. The room for the weapons sat on that wall as well.

It seemed like a more condensed version of a room JiYeong remembered briefly seeing during the one quest to the Academy she'd done. The training room hadn't been accessible outside of the quest though, and there were no interactions available.

Next was the outside.

When she'd arrived in Whitewall, one of the servants had taken YeongGi to the stables.

It took a few minutes of wandering but she stumbled upon them eventually. A smile crossed her lips as she saw her mount stabled comfortably.

“Hey there YeongGi.” She pet the horse's mane gently. He nuzzled her cheek and a warmth spread through her at the affection. It was still surreal how he recognized her even though she technically wasn’t the JiYeong he knew.

“How are you liking it here so far? Better than running around with me all the time, huh?”

A noise drew her attention further into the stable, and when she stepped around YeongGi to look, she was surprised to see Silvyyr brushing her mounts mane. There was a large wolf sitting next to her, dozing.

JiYeong sucked in a breath. Silvyyr hadn’t noticed her yet, and she debated saying anything. They hadn’t parted on very good terms considering JiYeong had over-reacted the last time the two were together. She wasn’t sure if she would appreciate her speaking to her.

“Hey, Silvyyr.” She finally decided to say, slowly walking towards the Elcres.

Silvyyr looked up, seeming surprised. “Oh. Good afternoon.”

“Uh…about the other day. I wanted to apologize for my attitude.” JiYeong scratched at the back of her hand. “I know it’s not really your fault for me being here, you were just following orders. I overreacted and took it out on you and Iridia, and that wasn’t fair for either one of you.”

The silence was hard to judge, and JiYeong rocked on the balls of her heels, debating on if she should run or not.

JiYeong wasn't typically one to run from her problems, though, so it was a very odd reaction for her. Even odder that this was the second time she’d had that exact reaction.

In the midst of her inner struggle Silvyyr responded. “I should apologize as well. While getting to Whitewall was important, I should have at the very least explained why you were summoned. I had not realized you did not know, but that does not excuse my behavior.”

JiYeong let out a breath as the weight that'd settled on her chest finally lifted. "I should apologise to Iridia too." The Faerie was admittedly more at fault than Silvyyr was if JiYeong were going to be nitpicky but even still, she was just following orders. And she was awfully sweet on top of that.

“There's no need! I forgive you too!” Arms circled around JiYeong's waist and she was being hugged tightly. Iridia giggled when she stumbled a bit from the sudden contact, releasing her and fluttering to Silvyyr’s side.

“Lots of people say things they don't mean when they're taken by surprise. Besides, I knew you were nice! Just like when you helped me months ago.”

JiYeong couldn’t help but laugh a bit, running a hand through her hair. The wolf peeked an eye open from the noise and was eyeing her warily.

“Luna I brought you something.” Iridia hummed, going over to squat next to the wolf, whose tail wagged lazily behind her.

JiYeong was glad the two forgave her. They seemed like good friends to have, and good allies as well. Allies were definitely something she would need while trapped here. There were enough enemies with DoHyeon as it was.

On the thought of enemies, her mind moved to Mathieu and she suppressed a wince. That was another apology that would have to be made.

⚔⚔⚔

“JiYeong. It is time to wake up.”

JiYeong rolled onto her stomach, burying her face into the pillow. She definitely did not get enough sleep. The night had been filled with worrying about her upcoming session with Mathieu. She hadn’t seen him since that first day, and she didn’t like having people angry at her, especially when she was the one who caused it.

“What time is it?”

“Not yet five in the morning.” Shiloh answered.

She tried to sink further under the covers. “Seriously? Is he trying to kill me?”

“I am sure that is not the case.” Shiloh chuckled lightly, peeling the covers back from her form. There was an attempt to curl away but Shiloh clicked her tongue, successfully pulling JiYeong into a seated position. “But Prince Mathieu will not be pleased if you are late for your session.”

JiYeong rubbed her eye, looking up at Shiloh with a pout. What did it matter if he was displeased? He was probably still angry for what she'd said to him. It had been uncalled for.

Facing an angry Mathieu wasn't something JiYeong was keen on doing. The Scout seemed like an easier target. Still, angering him more wasn't a smart thing to do either.

JiYeong rolled out of bed, letting out a sigh. “Alright. I’m up.”

Shiloh gave her a smile, ushering her to a room she had yet to go into. Her assumption from the first day was right in that it was a bathroom.

Quite literally, it was a room with just a giant bath in the center of the floor, shelves lined with towels and various products on the walls.

“Shiloh?” JiYeong asked as the Sylph worked one of the products on her skin. She was told it was supposed to help prevent soreness and stiffness, and that it would occur every morning. Anything to prevent the inevitable pain was welcome. “Why is Mathieu so grumpy? I think I only saw him smile once, and even then it didn’t seem genuine. I mean I’ve only spent like twenty minutes with him but still...”

Shiloh hummed a bit, scooping water into a small bowl to rinse her body off. “Prince Mathieu has always lived in his brother’s shadow. Being the youngest by barely two minutes will do that to a person, especially when the elder is the future king.”

“They’re twins?” Now that she thought about it the two did look very similar to each other. Not identical by any means but definitely similar.

“Yes. Where Piers was pretty much pampered his whole life, and treated as the king he was born to be from day one, Mathieu was not afforded such attention. Sure he still got respect and was still pampered in a sense, it was not on the level as Piers. Queen Adaora tried her hardest, and still tries to show them the same attention, but naturally being the future king, there are things Piers has to know, and so he was always worked with more than Mathieu.”

The guilt of her comment to Mathieu only intensified.

“Why did he decide to become a Lord Knight then?”

Shiloh gestured for her to step out of the bath. “You will have to ask him that yourself.”

They fell quiet again as Shiloh worked on getting her ready for training, dressing her in the training clothes provided. They were thick, but surprisingly breathable.

Her hair was put into a simple ponytail, and then it was time to meet with Mathieu.

JiYeong expected to stop at the training room, so when Shiloh walked past it she gave the older woman a confused look. “Are we not going to the training room to train?”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

“Lord Mathieu instructed me to lead you outside.” Shiloh explained, opening the doors and allowing JiYeong to go ahead. As they neared the place Mathieu was waiting Shiloh slowed. “My lady,” she began, waiting until JiYeong looked at her to continue. “I have known Prince Mathieu since he was very little. Give him a chance, you may find your opinion of him change.” She didn’t give room for a response, giving a light bow before turning and walking away.

Once again JiYeong found herself alone with the prince. He looked different today than he had before. Instead of the Lord Knight armor he’d been wearing yesterday, he had on clothing similar to mine. His hair had been pulled back into a low ponytail.

Without all the armor, and the sword at his hip, Mathieu was not as scary as he’d been previously. Still intimidating, but far less. It also allowed her to see just how fit he was.

The tunic was tight fitting, showing off the muscles in his arms, and how much wider his chest was compared to Piers. He was attractive, something JiYeong admittedly irritated to have noticed, and something she absolutely would never admit out loud.

“We will meet here every morning.” Mathieu began, arms crossed in front of his chest.

Straight to business then. It made sense that he wasn’t going to bother with pleasantries, especially with how she’d acted before. She couldn’t blame him.

“We will start with a light jog around the entirety of the castle. Depending on how you fare after the first lap will determine how long we will be out here.”

“Jogging around the whole castle? That’ll take all day.” JiYeong couldn’t help but complain as she looked back at the large building behind her. Physical education, while not particularly difficult, was not her favorite subject in school. Biking the five minutes from her job to her apartment took a lot out of her. Jogging around the castle would most certainly kill her.

Of course she couldn’t tell Mathieu that. Guardian’s were expected to be fit.

“I normally sprint. We are jogging because you do not seem as if you’d handle sprinting well.” He looked her up and down before settling his attention to adjusting his sleeve. “I would rather not have to explain to my mother why her Champion is passed out in the middle of the courtyard.”

“Why are we even doing laps? It isn’t as if I’m brand new to training, I had to do this much to get this title.” Though of course that wasn’t the truth. JiYeong knew if he’d simply stuck a sword in her hands she would be immediately found out. But for him to just assume she needed to start at the basics rubbed her the wrong way. It also did nothing to quell her suspicions that he might know more about her origin than he was letting on.

He glanced down at her, the slightest smirk touching his lips. She had to have imagined it. That was the first pleasant look she’d gotten from him, even if it was at her expense. Instead of answering her question, he said, “Come, we’re starting now.” Without waiting for a response he began the jog.

The apologizing would have to wait later. He didn’t seem as if he had gotten over her words, despite the almost-smile, and she couldn’t very well talk and jog at the same time.

“Today Champion!” Mathieu called when he looked back to see she hadn’t moved.

JiYeong bit back a reply and began jogging toward him.

⚔⚔⚔

After two laps Mathieu finally slowed to a stop. JiYeog stopped beside him, immediately doubling over in an attempt to catch her breath. Two laps had taken them nearly as many hours, and she was exhausted.

A look in Mathieu’s direction told her the Lord Knight did not look at if the run affected him at all. Aside from a barely there sheen of sweat on his forehead, he looked the same way he had before they’d begun running.

Even though she knew it was due to his undoubtedly extensive training, JiYeong couldn’t help but feel jealous.

Mathieu turned his attention to JiYeong, who was still leaning on her knees. He rose an eyebrow, hands going to his hips.

“Guardian, huh?”

She clenched her jaw.

He looked as if he were contemplating something, but shook his head. “Are you ready to go again?”

“Again?”

That smirk was back on his lips.

“Did you think we were only going to do a few laps and then break for tea and cake?” The sarcasm was thick in his voice.

JiYeonh glared at him, straightening and letting out a breath. “No.” She paused to take in another deep breath and then said, “Is there really cake?”

Mathieu rolled his eyes. “Come, Champion.”

⚔⚔⚔

The sun was high by the time the two stopped again. This time JiYeong collapsed to the ground, taking in huge gulps of air. Keeping count of how many laps they’d run this time around hadn’t been on the forefront of JiYeong’s mind. Breathing was easier when she wasn’t concentrating on what they were doing.

“That’s it. I’m convinced you’re trying to kill me.” She managed once she caught her breath.

Mathieu was smiling, but there seemed to be a mixture of amusement and confusion on his face. He still didn’t look tired, though there was sweat dripping from his face and his hair was slicked and darker. From the heat more so than from the run. “If I wished to end your life, I would do it in a more efficient way than having you run laps.”

Was that supposed to be comforting? JiYeong was surprised he was joking with her. At least she hoped it was a joke. “There is a thing called torture.”

“Ah but running laps is not a very fun way to torture someone. If I were to torture you I’d do it in a way that was enjoyable for me.”

He held out a hand, offering to help her stand. JiYeong took it, hesitantly, groaning as her bones protested the movement.

“I’ve got to hand it to you, Champion, you did a lot better than I thought you would.” Mathieu commented as he began walking in the direction of the castle. She didn’t understand why he expected anything less. “We will take a small break for lunch, and then start on hand-to-hand training.”

Following silently, JiYeong let out a sigh. Her legs felt like lead. Doing hand-to-hand training was going to be a pain if she couldn’t feel her...well...everything.

In the kitchen Shiloh, Luvie and Sustea were waiting, two settings at the table made. There was a sandwich on the plate, a bowl of soup, and a cup of what looked like some type of juice.

“Thank you.” Mathieu smiled lightly at the three, taking a seat at the table. JiYeong followed suit.

The food was surprisingly good. While in-game, she’d been leveling up Culinarian as her secondary class. Would that skill translate now that she was in this world? And how? There wasn't an option to just click a button and have the food cook itself. And JiYeong was no chef back on Earth. That would have to be something she would experiment with when she had time. If she got time, that was.

Cooking was never really her forte in the real world, and it seemed like one had to actually know how to cook. There wasn’t an option to point and click and let the game do the rest. Maybe JiYeong would experiment one day.

“So,” JiYeong started. Mathieu was looking at her, already finished with his sandwich and working on his soup. She hadn't even made it halfway with her sandwich. “Mind if I ask why you decided to become a Knight?”

“I am not next in line to be King.” Mathieu began slowly as if it should have been obvious. “I am just the second son. I did not want to go through life simply being a Prince, or Piers younger brother. So I decided to start Knight training.” Bitterness seeped into his voice as he said, “It took years of training and climbing up the ranks before I obtained the title of Lord Knight.”

Guilt hit JiYeong hard and fast and she found herself shrinking into her chair. If ever there was a good time to apologize, now would probably be it. “Sorry.” She muttered, eyes firmly focused on her soup. A moment of silence passed between them before she said a bit louder, “What I said that night was uncalled for. I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sorry.”

“No worries.” Mathieu said, and let the subject drop. He lowered his cup, already finished with his meal. “If you’ve finished playing with your food, it is time we go back to training.”

The sandwich was still only halfway eaten, drink and soup forgotten about.

“I suggest you finish eating. You will need it.” Mathieu stood, grabbing his empty dishes and going into the kitchen.

Now that Mathieu was gone JiYeong quickly finished her food, standing and going to bring the dishes into the kitchen Mathieu had disappeared into. He was laughing, standing at the sink washing his dishes, sleeves pulled up to his elbows.

“I get paid to do this you know.” Shiloh huffed, hitting him lightly on the shoulder with a towel. Luvie giggled lightly when Mathieu blew bubbles at Shiloh, and the Sylph sputtered in response.

It was a strange sight. JiYeong had made Mathieu out to be a very serious man, if sarcastic at times. Seeing him like this, smiling and laughing with the maids was…actually a bit refreshing. It made him seem less like a robot and more human.

“Ah, miss!” Luvie quipped, hopping from her spot on a barrel and floating over to JiYeong. “I can take those for you.” She took them over to the sink, plopping them into the water.

The action caused suds to splash into Mathieu’s face. Luvie fell into a fit of giggles, earning a smile from Mathieu. It seemed so out of character for him.

He pulled his hands out of the water, rubbing suds on Luvie’s nose before taking the towel offered to him by Shiloh and wiping his hands off. “Okay, I’m going back to getting our Champion back in shape. Don’t have too much fun in here.”

“Cleaning and cooking for you all is so much fun I don’t know how I’ll be able to contain myself.” Shiloh hummed as Mathieu began walking away.

JiYeong wanted so badly to comment on what she’d just seen but she had already stuck her foot in her mouth once concerning Mathieu. She didn’t want to offend him again. So she resolved to follow him silently.

“Spit it out Champion. I can see it written all over your face.”

“Well...that was just surprising is all.”

“What was?”

“You. Being human. Smiling.”

“I do know how to display basic human emotions.” He didn’t sound irritated, but amused. “Shiloh has been here my whole life, and Luvie is akin to a sister to me. I consider them family.”

JiYeong hummed lightly, falling quiet again. He had joked around the same way with Adaora and Piers. Being around people familiar with him, it was only natural he’d let his guard down some. “Ah, I don't have my sword. I can use one from the Armory, right?”

Mathieu began laughing and she couldn’t help frowning at him. Why was that so funny?

“You would not be able to handle sword training.”

“What do you mean? Fighting with swords is kind of what we do.”

“Guardian swords are bigger than you are.” Mathieu said, eyeing JiYeong up and down. “You would not be able to handle it.”

He had a point. It was clear JiYeong only resembled her character. And while the swords used by the Guardian class looked normal size on her character, she must have been quite a deal smaller than that for Mathieu to comment on her size. JiYeong had made the height of her character near the top, so it made sense.

They stopped at the training room, Mathieu pushing open the doors and leading her inside.

“Oh, we’re not going back outside?”

“Hand-to-hand combat is not very comfortable on the hard ground. Unless you wanted to go outside? Most war isn't inside anyway so...”

“No, in here is fine.” It had gotten unbearably hot by the time they stopped for lunch, she could only imagine how hot it was now. “So how are we supposed to train if we’re not using swords?”

“We will fight with swords. Just not today. Stand here.” Mathieu pointed to one end of the mat. Once in place, Mathieu went to stand on the other side, gesturing to himself. “Attack me.”

“Excuse me?”

“Attack me.” Mathieu held his hands out.

Attack him how? Was she supposed to just…come at him? Punch him in the face? While the thought was amusing, JiYeong had never actually fought anyone before.

“Attack...right.”

Eventually, she decided to throw caution to the wind, running towards him and aiming a punch at nowhere in particular. Mathieu caught her easily by the waist, sweeping her feet from under her and pinning her to the ground.

JiYeong felt her face grow hot and Mathieu’s smirk said it had turned as red as it felt.

“Rule number one. Don’t go for the obvious kill.” He stood, offering his hand.

“This time block me.”

How was she supposed to block? Mathieu didn’t give her a chance to ask, already running towards her. When it looked like he was going to go for her face JiYeong threw her arms up. Instead, he moved around her, an arm going around her shoulders, the other hand digging into her waist. He pulled her flush against his chest, her face growing hot again.

“Rule number two.” He said, his hand moving from her waist to her hip, pulling her closer. His mouth was close enough to her ear that JiYeong could feel his breath fanning across her cheek. “Never expect the obvious kill.”

Much to her relief - and surprising disappointment - Mathieu released her and took a few steps back. “Come, again.”