"That's because you're an elf," David sighed. "You perceive time differently than we humans. Never mind—just for your sake, I'll go another round. But please, don't make wagers when Christina is involved."
Floralys's eyes sparkled, her smile radiant.
"Thank you! You're the best!"
David recalls thirteen years ago, when he first met Floralys, the elven Lady of the Greenwood.
Greenwood, thirteen years earlier
Deep in the forest, at the edge of Greenwood, stood the hunter's house, close to the wilderness where earth‑element beasts reigned. Birds shrieked among the treetops, and the air carried the scent of boar's blood and damp soil. The hunter's son, a young boy, dragged behind him a massive wild boar he had just slain. The marks of two swords cut deep into the beast's tough hide.
From between the trees stepped Floralys Greenwood, Lady of the wood elves. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity as she stopped before the boy.
"Are you the hunter's son?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.
"I am," the boy replied, panting slightly. "My name is David."
Floralys's gaze ran over the two swords he carried.
"They say you hunt boars with blades."
David nodded proudly.
"In Greenwood, the wild boars are all earth‑element beasts. Their hides are so tough that even ten arrows won't stop them—they'll run off unharmed. That's why I think it's simpler to cut them down with swords. But even then, their skin is too hard for one blade alone. With two swords, I can strike enough blows to bring them down so they can't escape."
Floralys smiled and inclined her head.
"So that's why you carry two swords? How old are you, David?"
"I'll be fifteen at the end of summer," the boy answered, a little embarrassed.
Floralys's eyes pierced deeply into him, as though she sought to read his future.
"Would you like to be my knight?"
David froze at the question.
"Me, a knight? But I'm a hunter."
A playful smile curved Floralys's lips.
"What kind of hunter uses swords instead of a bow?"
The weight of those words burned deep into David's memory.
Return to the Present
David blinked slowly as the images of the past dissolved. In the half‑light of the locker room, he found himself once more in the present. Thirteen years had passed since he first met Floralys Greenwood, Lady of the wood elves. Back then, he had been only a hunter's boy with two swords in his hands. Now he was Captain of the Green Hawk Knights, preparing to fight his duel upon the sands of the Royal Arena.
The words of the past still echoed within him: "Would you like to be my knight?"
And David knew that every strike of his blades, every battle since, had led him to this moment.
Floralys Greenwood stood gracefully before him, playful light sparkling in her eyes, though her voice carried a hint of challenge. David leaned against the wall, his two short swords resting at his waist, as if always ready for the hunt.
"Are you even listening to me?" Floralys asked, a touch sternly, though her smile betrayed her.
"Of course," David replied, mischief flashing in his eyes. "I was just thinking how well a maid's outfit would suit you."
Floralys laughed, tilting her head playfully.
"Really? Perhaps that's why the Young Wolf made this wager. Then it won't be such a disaster if you lose. But still—better win, alright?"
"Fine, fine, I get it," David sighed, weary but smiling.
Floralys's gaze drifted to his swords.
"If you didn't insist on using two short blades, the Greenwood family's legendary sword, Hawkclaw, wouldn't be gathering dust above my bed."
"A longsword is for knights, not for a hunter's hands," David answered firmly.
"You're already a Knight Captain!" Floralys shook her head. "Do you still think of yourself as a hunter?"
"I became a knight only for your sake," David said, his eyes flashing seriously. "Even now, I spend more time hunting than fulfilling knightly duties."
Floralys leaned closer with a mischievous smile.
"If the Young Wolf becomes my husband, then you can hunt bandits with Ironclaw. That way you'll hunt and fulfill your knightly duties at the same time. Hahaha!"
David's eyes gleamed, his voice barely audible.
"I already pity the Young Wolf."
"Did you say something?" Floralys asked, her eyes glinting with curiosity.
"I didn't say a word," David replied quickly, turning his gaze away.
In the Wolf Knights' Locker Room
The half‑light of the locker room was heavy, as though the weight of the coming duel pressed against the walls. Andrea sat on the bench, polishing her sword, determination gleaming in her eyes. Then entered the Young Wolf, Andras Wolfwood, leader of the Wolf Knights. His steps were firm, yet his voice carried a playful challenge.
"Thought I'd let you know," Andras began, mischief flashing in his eyes. "I made a wager with Floralys on your match."
Andrea lifted her head, curiosity sparking in her gaze.
"What did you wager?"
"If you win," Andras replied, serious yet smiling, "I'll have two pointy‑eared maids serving me for a whole day. But if you lose… I might have to dress as a maid myself, and walk through the capital's streets alongside Floralys."
Andrea's eyes darkened, her voice ringing with resolve.
"I will win! No one will disgrace you like that!"
Andras nodded, trust shining in his eyes.
"I know. I'm counting on you. Don't toy with your opponent—just shut them down."
Andrea rose then, sword in hand, her voice thundering through the locker room.
"I won't stop until the finals!"
The arena's sands were once again thick with tension. The day's final, fourth clash was about to begin, and every eye was fixed upon the battlefield. On the eastern stands, the Wolf Knights' cheering squad remained silent this time—they did not jeer at the opponent. The children saved their voices for Andrea Wolf, and when the female Wolf Knight stepped through the gate, their thunderous cheering erupted.
"Go, Wolf Knight! Give it your all, Andrea! You're the best! She‑Wolf! She‑Wolf! She‑Wolf!" the children roared, their voices filling the Arena.
In the royal box, Floralys Greenwood turned to Andras with a smile.
"So, you won't mock my knight? How considerate of you. Surely not just for my sake?"
Andras Wolfwood's eyes flashed seriously.
"In truth, the people of the slums only despise the Royal Knights. That hatred spread to the children as well. I never ordered them to mock anyone. The Royal Knights earned that themselves. They won't mock other knights—so your knight is safe."
Floralys sighed, a little disappointed.
"I see. Though I would have preferred if it had been only for me."
Andras leaned closer with a mischievous grin.
"If you want it that badly, then when you're my maid, we can play at you misbehaving and me scolding you."
Floralys's eyes sparkled playfully.
"Not a bad idea—but I'll be the one to win the wager."
Andras's gaze hardened, his voice firm.
"This duel won't last even five minutes. Andrea will win."
Floralys laughed lightly, though challenge gleamed in her eyes.
"Hahaha! We'll see about that."
Andras fell silent, his gaze fixed upon the battlefield. The roar of cheering filled the Arena, but within he already knew the truth.
"I have already seen it with my magic eye," he thought.
The images of the future had already flashed before him: Andrea's victory, the triumph of the Wolf Knight.