The Queen Who Shares Love
Chapter 14 The First Exercise

Isabella carries a letter that Leticia gave containing the plot to fall of Emperor Braun. He'll pass on Leticia's offer to Gerald. 

Isabella walks into Gerald's office. Gerald was already at his desk holding a piece of paper. Isabella immediately puts herself next to Gerald.

Not yet had Isabella issued a letter that Leticia had left to her Gerald asked, "How did you meet with your old friend yesterday, Isabella?"

"Pretty good, sir. I brought a letter containing a favorable offer from him for Mr." Isabella takes out Leticia's letter, thrusting it at Gerald.

Gerald received the letter, he watched it for a while. Then open it, read the letter. Although Gerald's countenance did not change, Isabella realized the confusion her Master was feeling. Gerald closed the letter. 

"Your old friend is pretty crazy, Isabella," Gerald said.

"Have you accepted his offer, sir?" isabella was a little scared. 

Gerald fell silent. Wander to the door. The offer Leticia gave him was very difficult to refuse. He wanted revenge for his father's death to the imperial family. He could not reply directly to the late Emperor, but he could repay him to his son. Only, he was wary when it was a trap.

"Is he trustworthy?" ask Gerald. 

Isabella hesitated a little. Did he trust Leticia completely? To be honest he was still afraid that Leticia would betray him. However, their meeting yesterday made her realize Leticia's feelings. Leticia was actually able to help him, but Duke Hilbright cut off their contact.

"If he betrays you, punish me sir" replied Isabella confidently.

Gerald asks Isabella to take the blank paper and the envelope. Gerald wrote something on the paper, folded it, and put it in the black envelope. He closed the envelope with the melted candle and affixed his stamp.

"Tell him that I'm waiting for him." Gerald handed the envelope to Isabella.

"Good, Sir."

Isabella received the letter putting it in her pocket. He would give the letter to Leticia's daughter when he came to Faust's residence in three days. Isabella agrees to become Judith's sword teacher, but the cooperation to take down Braun is not her authority. All decisions are in Gerald's hands.

Although Gerald refuses Leticia's offer, Isabella will still teach Leticia's child. Isabella hopes her relationship with her old best friend will improve. I can't wait to meet Judith. He wanted to know what Leticia's daughter was like.

***

Dean was in the same carriage as Judith. He accompanied Judith to study swords at the residence of Grand Duke Faust. He is now Judith's bodyguard.

Yesterday's memories flooded Dean's head.

"From now on you don't have to escort me anymore, Sir Dean," Leticia said.

Dean bowed. He rethinks all his actions. Could it have been a fatal mistake until Leticia fired him?

"I apologize to the Empress if I didn't teach the Princess well. I also apologize if I made a mistake that I was not aware of. I will make amends in any way. Please let me continue to serve you, Empress," Dean asked bowed his head before Leticia.

Leticia was wrong to see Dean's actions. His words could mean firing Dean apparently. He tried to correct his words.

"I hope you'll be my daughter's bodyguard from tomorrow, Sir Dean. You don't have to control me anymore. You're the only bodyguard I trust to protect, Judith."

Dean looked up at his employer. Joy permeates his heart. Apparently he wasn't fired. "Thank you, Empress. But what about you?" 

"I can protect myself, sir. I will ask one of the other talented imperial knights to protect me. Again this is not because of your poor performance, only you I can trust to carry out this task" said Leticia.

Not everyone in the palace could be trusted. Dean knows that too. He felt many threats would attack his employer. The incident that befell Princess Judith must have made Empress Leticia feel uneasy. 

Dean felt proud to be trusted by his employer. He will do his job seriously. 

Dean saw a pretty magnificent building. They've arrived. Dean's coming down. Then, extended his hand to Judith to help her get off the horse carriage.

Judith was silent at the person in front of her. A red-haired woman whom the First Empress met a few days ago stood before the gate. 

"Me meet Isabella mel Wollard. I'll be your sword teacher, Princess," Countess Wollard said.

"I'm Judith el Houllem" Judith replied.

Judith hesitated to approach the woman. Dean smiled, wanting to tell Judith that Countess Wolard was a trustworthy person. At first Dean also distrusted Countess Wollard, due to Grand Duke Faust's ruthless reputation. However, he had to trust the person whom the First Empress trusted. The First Empress must have known someone worthy of being a sword teacher to Judith.

Countess Wollard approaches Judith. Judith's hiding behind Dean. It seems Judith is still afraid because of the events of the teacher who often torments her. 

Dean crouched down, talking to Judith. "It's okay, Princess. Countess Wollard is a trustworthy man. I'll also look at your training, you don't have to worry if anything happens, Princess."

Judith nodded. He's approaching Countess Wolard.

"I'll escort you to the training ground, Princess," said Countess Wollard kindly.

Judith followed Countess Wollard slowly. Followed by Dean being behind them.

***

Judith finished training. His body was soaked with sweat. He looked at it by sitting in a chair on the training ground. He was given a towel by his new sword teacher. Judith accepted it rubbing her face. He began to pique his new sword teacher a little. His new teacher was very firm and a little scary. But he treated her well. As he made a mistake, his new sword teacher did not scold him. He taught Judith diligently in order to master the sword techniques she taught.

Judith was more able to follow what her new teacher taught her. His new teacher's sword technique was more suited to him than Dean had taught him. Judith became even more eager to learn again. He wanted to protect the Empire. He wants his family to live in harmony.

"May I know what reason you want to learn to sword, Princess," asked the teacher suddenly. He sat next to Judith.

Judith hurriedly answered her teacher's question, "I just want to protect the Empire, Master."

"so... You have a noble purpose, Princess. I have something to tell Empress Leticia. I hope you can deliver it yourself." His teacher took out a letter and gave it to Judith.

Judith accepted. "Well, I'll tell you, Master."

"Are you going home, Princess?"

"I don't really want to go home. I still want to learn. Teacher is great. I can easily understand what the teacher is teaching. However, you'll be worried if I come home late."

Countess Wolard chuckled. He smiled at the funny behavior of his students.

"Thank you for your praise, Princess. I'll take you to the gate."

Judith nodded. Countess Wollard stands up. Judith stood up. He took Countess Wollard's hand. Countess Wollard was slightly surprised by the actions of her disciple. Judith immediately let go of her grasp, she realized the discomfort her teacher was feeling. 

Countess Wollard smiled. He held Judith's hand. Judith clasped her teacher's hand. His sword teacher was a good man. He can trust her. He hoped a peaceful day like this could go on.