"It's a pity he dislikes royalty, Queen Erlsel is a competent ruler. I'm sure that if he got to know her, he would like her." said Gaga, silently adding though she's a bit…ditzy.
"Hmm. That's possible. I simply hope that if they meet, he doesn't get all protective of us."
"Protective? Why would he? It's not like she's threatening you."
"Perhaps not, but there have been many rulers who have, either personally or through their military. Once, we had to flee a country because he nearly lost his temper. The lord of that land had been making some subtle threats, and he was sick of it. He decided to make some unsubtle threats back."
"What did he say?"
"If I recall, it was something along the lines of 'I don't appreciate your poor attempts at intimidation. If you're going to threaten my family, do so openly. However, if you ever cause harm to me and mine, I'll hunt you down like a rabbit and lop off your head.'"
"What? Did he know how dangerous it was to say that?"
"I'm sure he did. And he didn't care. When he says he'll do something, he'll do it, even if it's potentially devastating. He meant every word he said. He really would have killed that man, and hang the consequences." She looked Gaga squarely in the eye. "Don't you have anything that you would willingly give up everything, your life, your honor, your station, your dignity, everything for?" They had finished with all of the cleaning up by now, and Niobe left Gaga to ponder that question.
Did he have anything like that? Something that he'd willingly give up everything, his life, his honor, his station, and his dignity for?
A week ago, I wouldn't even have thought about it. I'd have said 'yes, for my duty as Princess Grenda's servant, I would do anything.' But now…I'm not sure I would. Or rather, I would do it, but unwillingly. That's not the same thing. Do I have anything I would willingly give up everything for?
He was interrupted in his pondering by Niko, who had sent Grenda off to join the other girls. Niko jerked his head for him to follow him. "Come on, I've got something for you to do."
Gaga followed him to the place where Niko practiced with Grenda every day. "What is it that you wanted me to do?"
"Take this." Niko held out a sheathed sword. "Starting today, you'll be taking fencing lessons from me."
"What?"
"It's quite possible that we won't be able to change to back to a demon, or at least, it will take a long time to figure out how, if there even is a way. You need to learn to defend yourself as a human."
"But won't that interfere with your other duties?"
"Not really. As the time for our festival and performances approaches, I'll need to do more administrative work, but I should be able to spare an hour every afternoon to teach you."
"Oh."
"Now draw your sword."
Gaga did so. It was a fine blade, even and balanced, with a cross-guard and a wire-wrapped hilt that fit his hand well.
"We'll begin at the beginning. Tell me everything you know about swords and swordsmanship."
Gaga looked at the blade for a moment, then started.
