One Day, My Fiancé Brought His First Love Along - Chapter 47

“This kind of sudden order, how is that even fair?!”

“I know, right?”

Tanil groaned, his face contorted in genuine misery.

“Honestly, I really enjoyed the special training with Sir Carlisle.”

He looked absolutely crestfallen.

“They say it’s about dealing with northern tribes, sure—but the four of us were definitely getting more focused attention than the others.”

“……”

“He tailored techniques to fit each of us, corrected our forms… How am I supposed to just give that up willingly?!”

Tanil practically screamed the last part, clutching his head in both hands like he was mourning a terrible loss.

And he wasn’t wrong. There was a clear reason behind Tanil’s disappointment. Among the four knights—two from the Khan Order and two from the Lil Order—selected for the joint training, Carlisle had certainly given them what could only be described as special treatment.

Normally, they would simply learn the training techniques and relay them to their respective Orders.

But Carlisle had gone above and beyond.

If someone stayed late to practice, he would often offer them personal feedback. Sometimes, he’d correct their posture or teach subtle techniques tailored to their fighting style. Other times, he’d introduce entirely new concepts, just for them.

“Don’t get me wrong, I respect our commander too, but let’s face it—Sir Carlisle is the Empire’s top knight.”

“…That’s true.”

“Just recently, Sir Carlisle pointed out something Commander Cylas hadn’t caught, and it helped me break through a block I’ve had for months!”

Tanil looked visibly relieved as he praised Carlisle. If any of the Khan Order’s senior knights overheard him, he might’ve been disciplined—but to Tanil, Aileen was already on his side.

And Aileen, fully aware of that fact, chose not to scold him—just offer a quiet reminder.

“Even so, Sir Tanil, don’t forget—you’re a knight of the Khan Order. Always remember that.”

“Oh, of course! No worries there. Who else would I even talk to about this? I’m only saying it to you, Aileen.”

“Then that’s good to hear.”

“…To be honest, I’ve admired Sir Carlisle for a long time.”

Lowering his voice like he was confessing a secret, Tanil’s eyes gleamed.

“He’s been famous since the academy days—as a swordsmanship prodigy. Do you know how many knights would give anything for a single lesson with him? For the Sel Order, it might be routine… but for the rest of us?”

“…You’re not wrong.”

“So yeah, that’s how I feel. I’ve been wanting to say it for a while now, and you bringing it up first really helped. Thanks, Aileen.”

What he really meant was: thanks for taking the fall with Commander Cylas first. Aileen gave him a mock-serious look in response, then smoothly changed the subject.

“Next time, I hope you’ll speak up first. Anyway, just two more days left—tomorrow and the day after.”

“Right. The week’s already halfway through.”

“…Should we go speak to Sir Carlisle directly?”

“Speak to him? Like, in person?”

“He probably hasn’t left yet. If we go now, we might catch him. What do you think?”

Tanil’s reasoning was sound. Personal feelings aside, Carlisle had helped her refine her skills more than anyone in recent memory. The special training sessions had been undeniably valuable.

What mattered now was her own improvement. If asking directly meant she could continue even just a little longer, it was worth trying—even if she wasn’t sure he’d say yes.

“That’s not a bad idea. But… would that get us in trouble with Commander Cylas?”

Tanil clapped his hands at the suggestion, but his voice quickly lowered, nervousness creeping in.

“Well, Sir Carlisle is our acting commander for this program, even if temporarily. As long as we don’t say anything disrespectful and just express our wish to continue training, I think it should be okay.”

Aileen’s calm tone gave him reassurance. Tanil mulled it over with a groan, then nodded.

After all, knights from different Orders often trained together when needed. It wasn’t about allegiance—it was about discipline and growth. If someone was willing to teach, and someone was willing to learn, it was never considered wrong.

“Alright. Let’s do it.”

“But let’s be discreet. If Commander Cylas hears we went behind his back…”

“Come on, I’m not that clueless, Aileen. I can be subtle. I’m kinda hurt you thought otherwise.”

“Let’s go.”

Aileen’s dry reply made Tanil whimper softly as he followed after her.

Fortunately, the path to the Sel Order’s commander’s office was clear. The deputy commander was usually out handling other duties, and Carlisle’s aide—who preferred solitude—rarely kept him company. It was the perfect moment.

They scanned their surroundings and quietly knocked.

“Come in.”

A soft click. The door unlocked.

The two stepped inside.

“What is it?”

Despite the fact they belonged to another Order, Carlisle didn’t look the slightest bit surprised to see them.

Perhaps he’d expected them.

“Well, um…”

When it came time to speak directly to Carlisle, Tanil—who had been so vocal just moments ago—suddenly froze, his neck stiffening from nerves.

“S-Sir Carlisle,” Aileen stepped forward, taking the lead. “We’ve come to ask a favor.”

For someone making a request, her expression was rather stoic.

Her tone was purely professional, almost cold, but Carlisle gave a slight nod, as if to say, Go on.

“Sir Tanil and I would like to continue participating in the joint training.”

“……”

“I understand the tournament schedule has been set. And it’s clear that both Sir Tanil and I will be competing, which means we’ll need to increase our personal training.”

“So?”

“Despite being designed for group combat scenarios, I believe the joint training has significantly improved our individual skills as well.”

“……”

“If you’ve been considering dissolving the training or replacing any of the current members, I wanted to respectfully ask that you take our opinion into consideration.”

The request, spoken so plainly, might have come across as bold—especially considering it was addressed to the Empire’s top knight.

But because of Aileen’s calm tone and composed face—almost resolute—it didn’t come off as rude. She had stayed just within the line of formality.

Carlisle didn’t answer right away. He merely stared at her, his eyes expressionless, fixed only on Aileen.

In that moment, it felt as if the rest of the room had disappeared, as though the two of them were sealed in a space of their own. And Aileen didn’t avert her gaze from Carlisle’s, though she couldn’t begin to guess what lay behind those deep blue eyes.

In the past, when their eyes met like this, his gaze would always stir with emotion—storms of it.

But now…

She couldn’t read him at all. His emotions, once so vivid without the need for words, were now like a forest swallowed by night and fog.

Finally, Carlisle opened his mouth.

“Very well.”

There was no suspicion, no irritation, no hesitation. Just a short, quiet acceptance.

Tanil, who had been holding his breath beside her, finally let out a sigh of relief. Aileen, half in disbelief, half unsatisfied, asked,

“You don’t have any questions?”

“None.”

Short. Final.

Since he had accepted, there was nothing more for her to say. Aileen bowed briefly and turned to leave. She could feel his gaze at her back, but she didn’t look back as she stepped out and closed the door behind her.

She hadn’t expected such a smooth answer from someone as meticulous as Carlisle—especially since this could easily cause friction with Cylas. It wasn’t the kind of favor that came without consequences.

Carlisle was a man who preferred things clean, efficient, and simple. That was how he handled everything—even his work.

“That went a lot easier than I expected, Aileen.”

Tanil glanced over, testing her mood. Aileen replied calmly.

“Let’s wait and see. I’m glad we spoke up. Maybe we should’ve asked Sir Carlisle from the start.”

“Right? I just hope he truly understands how important this is to us… and defends our case properly.”

Clasping his hands together like a prayer, Tanil gave a small, hopeful sigh.

The next day, during the special joint training, Carlisle addressed the four participating knights directly—two from the Khan Order and two from the Lil Order.

“I’ve already spoken with the commanders of both the Khan and Lil Orders. Before I say more—does anyone here wish to withdraw from the special training?”

It was a blunt question.

In truth, only the two knights from Lil needed to be asked, but it was clear to everyone that Carlisle had phrased it this way deliberately—to shield Aileen and Tanil.

The two exchanged silent glances. Their silence was answer enough.

The Lil knights remained quiet as well. None of them wanted to stop.

As the silence stretched on, Carlisle gave his verdict in a low, steady tone.

“Seems there’s no one. After today’s session, I’ll speak again with your respective commanders and express your commitment to continue. So be sure you don’t make me take that back.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Then, let’s resume.”

His gaze swept across the four of them—but lingered a little longer on Aileen.

Perhaps it was because she had spoken up.

Aileen pushed the thought aside and focused on training, relieved that everything had gone as she’d hoped. The faint unease she’d felt disappeared almost instantly.

She and Tanil finished the session like usual, but upon returning to the Khan Order’s training grounds, they both stopped short.

The atmosphere was… tense.

They could almost feel it in the air—as if they’d stepped onto thin ice. From the looks of it, Commander Cylas and Siran had already come by.

But instead of training, the other knights were huddled in groups, whispering with serious expressions.

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