A week after the Spring Opening Festival, morning drills had just ended. The white mist had yet to clear, and warmth rose from the grounds of the Red Tide Knight Training Camp.
Instructor Bruch stood on the platform, holding a sheet of parchment. "Every year, Lord Louis selects a few young knights to join his Personal Guard. This means trust, but it also means a test."
The training grounds fell silent at once, dozens of pairs of eyes fixed on that scroll.
Bruch unrolled the list and lifted his chin with a faint smile. "This year, those chosen are... Kosa Coldtooth and Gray Harlow."
For a moment, the air seemed to stand still.
Kosa froze, his hand suspended in midair. He had not even caught his own name clearly, and by the time he recovered, his palm was slick with sweat.
Gray, beside him, slapped him so hard he nearly knocked him sideways. "Did you hear that? We're in the Personal Guard!"
Applause and cheers erupted across the training grounds. Their comrades crowded around them, teasing them and clapping their shoulders. In their excitement, they even hoisted the pair up and tossed them into the air a few times.
A few gazes held envy and jealousy, but far more people laughed with genuine delight.
Bruch smiled and shook his head on the platform. "Do your best. This is not just an honor, but a responsibility. Remember, the chance to stand beside Lord Louis comes once in a lifetime."
That night, Gray tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Every so often, he rolled over and threw his pillow at the bed beside him. "Hey, Kosa, can you sleep? I'm already imagining myself riding a warhorse, guarding Lord Louis."
"Shut up." Kosa had his back to him, but his eyes were open