Eye Candy
The Great Cataclysm, also known as the Dark Age, was triggered by a gigantic meteor crashing into the Gods Mountain range, leading to massive earthquakes and floods. Simultaneously, the amount of magic in the world significantly decreased. To this day, no one knows how or why this occurred. This event also allowed, for the first time in 213 years, travel between the Human and Beastman territories. It wasn't long before the Ancient Kingdom, as we know it today, fell. In its place, several rebellions arose. Multiple uprisings and Beastmen attempted to gain a foothold but were ultimately pushed back to their own side. As a result, the Kingdom of Amantes was formed 50 years after the Great Cataclysm. This union occurred through the marriage of King Ainar of the newly established northern Kingdom of Lunae and Queen Eliana of the ancient southern Kingdom of Solis. Their marriage was blessed by Pope Abner of the Amantes faith, after which the kingdom was named. Now, in the year 457, more than four hundred years after the Great Cataclysm…
I look up from my homework and yawn. Although this history is fascinating, Otto's assignments have been getting longer and longer lately. He has been tutoring me for a few hours each day for the past two months, but recently, he has had to return to his "old" job, overseeing the education of Marquis Yuwen’s children and managing paperwork.
Bored with the history book, thicker than my outstretched hand, I gaze out the window into the training yard. Young knights, old veterans, and soft-faced squires are sweating together under the evening sun, training with swords, shields, halberds, spears, and bows. From above, it looks like an ant colony preparing for war. I’ve heard that the Ibasan scouts have become increasingly active and daring, and everyone seems convinced that war is imminent.
While I've considered the possibility of fleeing, I'm not entirely sure about it. According to this book, the fortress has stood for 402 years, so it seems reasonable to assume it will last at least a few more years.
With this thought in mind, I continue to observe the training ground until my gaze settles on a particular figure. Janus’s white shirt is soaked with sweat, the now-transparent fabric clinging to his skin. His muscles constantly move as he practices the motions required for a top-down sword swing.
Again and again, up and down.
Just then, I notice Janus’s brother, Jack, tapping him on the shoulder. Jack pulls Janus out of his trance and points up at me. Before I can avert my gaze, Janus has already turned around, and our eyes meet. I awkwardly wave at him.
Janus waves back in response.
Jack bursts into laughter, and I shrink down until my head is below the windowsill, my face beet red. I can hear the rest of the training ground erupting in laughter.
I’m going to kill Jack.
**Janus’s Side:**
I love training. It’s one of the few times I can clear my head of all the stress and pressure. Just me, my weapon, and the dirt beneath my feet. I could swing my sword for hours if not for… them.
No matter the day, a few women are always staring our way. I can tolerate the looks, but occasionally, they’ll drop things on purpose, so one of us can pick them up for them—or sometimes so we can see them bowing down, presenting their rear to us. It’s annoying.
But just like any other day, I tried to ignore them until I felt someone tap my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw Jack’s playful smile.
“Sigh, I don't care who it is this time. I won’t look,” I said, but Jack’s grin only widened despite my annoyance.
“Really? Even if it’s Ruby?”
“Huh?” I followed Jack's pointed finger upwards as if I had completely forgotten my previous determination not to look. There she was, resting her arms on the windowsill, staring down at me, her eyes shining in the light, her hair painted a warm orange by the sinking sun. She gave me a small wave, and I responded in kind just as she moved away from the window.
Next to me, Jack and the others in the training ground are dying with laughter.
I’m going to kill Jack.