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syfien · 5 hours

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medieval!prince/knight!garbo!au

its over 3k words.

World building:

The basics: Sorta like old timey medieval with magic, beasts and baddies. Ive recently read through Solo Leveling so grabbing some of my fave things from there. (Mainly the classes of fighters, mages, healers, defense)

The Siebalds

The ruling family over the kingdom in which the story takes place. There's the king, the queen and the seven princes,of which Garland is the youngest. All of Garland’s brothers are known for something, strong swordsman, master class mages, high ranking military or whatever the word is i dont do research.

Garland is the youngest, and least accomplished, and his father has referred to him as, “His most ordinary son.” (As well as, “We were trying for a daughter, but after 7 sons, we got the hint that it’s not meant to be, but I guess having Garland, is like having the daughter we always wanted).

The king tends to just ignore Garland, hoping to one day be surprised with his youngest, but honestly would marry him off to another smaller kingdom in a heartbeat. (It’s an area of contention Which fills Garland with dread at the thought of being forced to marry and sent off.), Garland is resentful towards his father, but tries his best to be a good son, he trains and studies, practices his sword. Sits in on meetings (or whatever they're called) even though he’s well aware it's pointless.

His father pays a retired high ranking knight to train Garland, in hopes that it amounts to something. But even after years of lessons he’s not improving (WHICH WILL 100% be touched on why that is)

His brothers kind of just ignore him, he’s just there. They'll interact with him and say hello, but Garland is left out a lot because he’s not a master swordsman, or a mage, nor does he have the ability to heal, or craft potions.

Enter Boris.

Who decides to become a knight to make better money for the family, alongside Sergei. (Still an orphan, living in a house with the rest of Borg) Prior to this they were both blacksmiths (coincidentally making the weapons they fight with) but between the four of them, were struggling to make ends meet. Boris joins after Sergei gets his first per diem because if they are both bringing that much money, on top of what Yuriy and Ivan bring in, they'll be alright.

It does come with some hardship. Boris is mouthy and not used to the structure and hierarchy, but man can he wield a sword, so a lot of his personality is overlooked (also like sergei is a super likable, tank and they're close so people overlook a LOT, when it comes to Boris and his out of pocket comments and mannerisms).

Boris still does blacksmithing after his knight duties. He’s not a fan of the standard sword that is used, but also having extra money is always good, they never know when something is going to come up and they'll need money.

So, like, how do they get together???

There’s a threat or something that startles the king, an attempted assassination that has the castle on high alert. The king is STRESSED. After the failed assassination of his eldest son that he;s concerned with his weakest, least accomplished, should have been a daughter, son (because if they failed on the eldest, the best bet to take out and destroy morale is Garland)

So the King is walking through an elevated part of the court yard with the commander of the knighthood, about lending one of his knights to sort of chaperon over Garland. And the commander is like i got JUST the guy. He’s dumb as dirt, but put a sword in his hand, and the other person is NOT coming out alive. *pointing down at a silver haired man comedically stabbing the air*

And the king is like??? That guy?

And the commander is like hell yeah that guy. He’s a little silly, (And a pain in the ass, doesnt listen well, but will get the job done) but if he’s with Garland,there wouldnt be a safer place (And then immediately after Boris does something stupid and the King is like this cant be real life this cant be a real knight)

And the kings like okay what about the guy NEXT to Boris, he looks sturdy. Which the commander is like that’s not what you want. He’s a tank, and for defense. Boris is a fighter. That’s the one you want. Trust.

AND SO STARTS THEIR FORCED INTERACTIONS.

BOTH HATE THE WHOLE IDEA OF BEING STUCK TOGETHER. They resent the HELL out of each other.

Garland’s self confidence is at an all time low. He feels like a joke because he;s the only one being treated like a fucking kid, being shadowed.

Boris feels like this is a punishment and hates being confined to the castle, following some lowly prince to and from lessons and classes and meetings, and fuck its hard staying quiet during dinner, which he now has a seat at until the culprits are caught (WHICH IS WHAT HE SHOULD BE DOING, FINDING THEM) He longs for being on the battlefield and raiding. Blood shed.

Boris trailing behind Garland on his way to his swordsmanship or whatever class, and sneering at the old guy there to train Garland. Side eying the “Master” the whole lesson, watching with eyebrow raises and faces at every movement. Snarky comments that has the master having words with Boris. And Garland cant believe that theyre fighting, as if Boris REALLY thinks he’s hot shit to have a say against the retired commander who’s been training Garland for years.

They fight and argue and bicker. Going at it. Boris def challenges Garland and is like if you feel so safe without me, beat me in a sword fight, which garland tries and fails to win.

Garland practicing with his sword by himself and Boris is watching, bored, unamused. And as time passes looks progressively more and more pissed off until he cant contain himself, approaching Garland and kicking his foot, twisting his body, moving Garland’s grip

But the kick has Garland seeing red and is PISSED, and goes to move, but Boris has his arms on Garland;s shoulders. And hisses out “THIS IS THE STANCE YOU SHOULD BE IN. Everything you do is wrong.. Try what you're doing like this.”

ANd that’s when it all comes out that Boris was a blacksmith so he knows how to handle a sword VERY WELL on top of all other weapons he has a proficiency in. and eventually BOris is like “Are you sure this is the weapon for you have you tried anything else? The sword should feel like an extension of your body, not like some *he waves his hands around* thing that youre doing now”(Boris bringing up his master is just doing this for the money; it's obvious to anyone who actually wields a sword. He’s not correcting things. And is just dragging this out for his own monetary gain)

And garland being like this is a VERY expensive weapon. (the sword he practices with)

And Boris is like just because it's expensive doesn't mean it's not the wrong weapon. They end up going to the armory and Garland fucks around with a saber and gavel and an axe before settling on a dagger. And for the first time the two spar and Boris feels some excitement because Garland moves so fluidly with a dagger compared to sword.

(It ends up being a dagger because Garland is a close range fighter, but a VERY close fighter, which makes sense because martial arts etc, just now his fists are sharp.

ANd that night Garland feels VERY funny over the whole day because no one has ever shown this type of interest in him, or taken the time to work with him like Boris did.

And then we progress sometime, when Boris is pulled from shadowing Garland for a raid or battle or something. Garland inquires with his brother, who happens to be running the whole thing about joining up, since he’s gotten stronger since changing weapons, but is told lol no stay home baby bro this is where you belong.

So garland sits at home in the castle and FESTERS. And at this time he realizes just how much his life has changed since Boris has been shadowing him, how lonely things are when Boris is gone. And honestly he hates it. He walks through the castle, goes for a walk through the village, but he is SO bored. And lonely and sits in his room staring out the window down at the garden. Looking forlornly.

HIs mother stops by commenting it's so quiet around the castle when the knighthood is out raiding. He mentions how she can't wait for his brother to return with their spoils and that theyre planning a big feast upon the knight's return. And Garland just rolls his eyes, because this is the only time she ever comes and visits, when his brothers are out, and the king is focused on it.

They dont return that night but the next morning, they won but are a little worse for the wear. And Garland tries not to be too giddy when he goes looking for Boris, but he can’t find his shadow. (who ends up being in the infirmary. He’s fine-ish just getting a check up but the healer.)

Scar

But in THIS AU this is where Boris gets his scar.

And the thing that confuses Garland is HOW did it scar, but then, where the fuck was his helmet? And Boris, just laughs, because if Garland thought he looked bad, he should see the other guy.

But anywho. The weapon he was scarred with had magic/enchanted/poison in it, so the healer did what the could, but unfortunately it left a scar, which Boris is indifferent about, he thinks it makes him look cool.

And Garland’s like, okay yeah that makes sense.

And Boris is like oh and the healer was one of your brothers by the way.

Which does not make the situation any worse or better, but it's meant as a distraction.

That's nice, but that doesn't explain how your helmet got off your head, or how something managed to pierce metal to injure you.

And Boris lets out a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, and is like lets not dwell on the past.

How did you lose your helmet?

And Boris sighs, “I took it off.”

“You took it off?”

“Yeah because they fucking sucked.” And yeah Boris ripped his helmet off and exclaimed to the enemy you cant be fucking serious this??? This is the best you got? Why am I even carrying all this extra weight? You guys aint shit”

And the whole thing fucking pisses Garland off, because how could Boris be that fucking stupid. Which he says as much to Boris. Does Boris even realize how upset he’d be if something happened?

And then Garland freezes. Because there’s more he wants to say, but he’s hearing what he’s saying and its weird feels too… raw. So he back tracks, that he needs an actual weapons master to continue teaching him, because one day Garland’s gonna be next to him on the field. And how does he ever plan to find a wife if he loses a limb? He’s lucky its just a scar and he still looks handsome.

(Which is the first time Boris has gotten a compliment from Garland like this, and… Garland thinks he’s handsome?)

The Catalyst

The spy is found, so the whole kingdom is lead to believe. Theyre executed and a celebration is in order. THere is an overwhelmingly good mood throughout the great hall. Everyone is well dressed and manicured. The knights are dressed in modest attire. Not a weapon in sight.

The whole thing is so bright and everyone is so spirited over the events. Finally they can relax. Finally Boris’ roll as Garland’s shadow will come to an end.

It leaves a bitter taste in Garland’s mouth and he nurses the same cup of mead the whole night, not feeling at all excited over the spy being found. Sure its great everyone whos been on edge can finally relax. BUt he feels… empty.

He sighs into his cup and makes small talk, looking around the room, eyes looking for… something. He;s not sure what it is, but he cant find it. Another sigh. He’s making conversation with… someone. He’s not sure he's ever spoken to, or seen, but he sees a lot of people in his day to day.

“Where’s your shadow?”

Garland shrugs, “Not sure. But that’s probably over now.”

“Seems a little premature.” His tone changes, but garland is too out of it to notice.

Garland shrugs again, looking down at the ground. “I don't think so, if the threat is gone-

“Who said the threat is gone?” And everything moves so fast. One minute he's half heartedly talking to ~whoever~ and the next minute there’s a knife to his neck, blade pressed against his skin, and sharp enough that if he breathes too deeply it's sure to cut skin.

There’s gasping and more chaos and people running to try and get out, just in case they;re next.

And Garland knows this is it. He's resolved to it. What a plot twist. There’s no way anyone could get to him in time before this assailant slits his throat. It’s a painless death, he thinks, as he feels the knife leave his throat.

Turns out somehow, in that time, in typical shonen fashion, Boris is able to separate the two, and slash the assailants neck (how the tables have tabled)

And Boris falling to his knees in front of Garland. Grabbing onto his trembling hand, pressing it to his cheek. He apologizes for not noticing soon, he should have stayed closer to his side. Should this should of that.

And now Garland is getting nervous out, because everyone is looking at the two of them, pulling Boris out of the main hall and down a side hallway to an empty corridor.

Telling him he can't just get on his knees like that he didn't fail at his job everything is fine.

And boris is like don't get it. I was so scared I wasnt going to make it in time.

And garland still doesnt get it, but is like “If i died the king wouldnt have blamed you, you werent even on duty, and where were you even hiding a weapon lol”

Garland, after all this time shadowing you, and hanging out. After everything, I can't lose you. you've been ingrained into me.

And silence. Because now it dawns on garland that oh

And then a very emotional kiss.

With them being silly afterwards and getting into an argument because that’s so on brand for these two. Be cute and sweet for a minute and then annoying the shit out of each other.

Found out

Very much late into Them being VERY CLOSE ™ and hooking up, is them getting caught by Garland’s father no less.The King, opens the door, see’s his most ordinary son on top of one of his knight’s lap.Closes the door immediately. It’s silent as the two pull apart from one another, and five minutes later, theres a knock on the door. The two are as far away from each other as possible. Not looking at each other but Garland is red.

The king is VERY indifferent as he speaks to his son, inviting him to the raid that’s in a week. He looks over at Boris, who looks just as indifferent back, as if a challenge to fucking say something, “I’ve heard since you’ve adopted using a dagger, you have made vast improvements. The monsters that should be encountered should be easy to defeat with close range fighting.”

The king turns towards Boris, “Kuznetsov, I trust you will continue to watch over my son, even on the battle field?”

Boris gets to his feet and bows, “Of course your highness, I would give up my life to save his.”

“Good good. Make sure you have Rybakov with you.”

“As you wish, your highness.”

The kings eye looks back at his son and then back to boris, and finally his son. “Carry on with.. Yourselves.”

And once the door is closed and the kings footsteps retreat away from Garland’s room, boris’ laughter booms out, and Garland throws a pillow at him.

“Your dad’s something fucking else, man.”

“Shut up.”

“He comes in here.” Boris starts, while crossing the room and sitting down next to Garland, pulling Garland on top of him, “Sees his youngest son, mounting the knight assigned to shadow and protect him , and doesn’t say a word.” He laughs again. “Instead he comes back and invites you to raid with us, which by the way babe, congrats.”

“I fucking hate you.”

“Yeah okay.”

Boris takes that as an okay to Them ™ and stays the night, sleeping next to garland.

—

Boris going home the day after and the house all being like where the FUCK have you been. And Sergei is more concerned than anyone, because did something happen after he left? That he was held to stay at the castle overnight.

“Boris, we all know youre an idiot, but this is the dumbest fucking thing you have ever done.”

“Do you have a death wish?”

They all go back and forth. Yuriy and Sergei admonish him for doing something so stupid. Ivan is amused. While Boris doesn't see it as a big deal and jokes around about it.

—

Eventually the king does talk to Garland about what he;s witnessed. It's just the two of them in the library, Garland collecting notes and data on the monsters that are present where the next raid (THAT HES EVEN INVITED TO) is located.

“Garland,” He pauses, “We need to talk about that day.”

The room suddenly goes cold. Garland feels like the blood drains out of his body. His throat feels like something is lodged in it, but he nods looking at his father.

The king sighs, “I don’t. Garland. I- How did- When did-” He exhales, “Just because I said you were basically like a daughter to your mother and I, didn’t mean you had to do this.”

Garland freezes, “What?”

“That’s not right.” He father huffs, “Im not sure how to talk about this. I’ve been thinking about it, playing out scenarios in my head. So maybe let’s get this to the point. You know being the seventh son there is no chance of you ascending to the throne when I abdicate, or worse case die.”

Garland nods.

“And the plan was to marry you off to another kingdom that is heirless, there were several options we were going to start looking into. Many families with all daughters and no sons.”

Garland swallows, dread crawling up the back of his throat. Fuck here it is. He’s going to send me off. He’s made the choice already to get me out of here, since i've brought disowner-

“But. Based on what I observed, that’s not a good idea. So I want to ask you this time, what do you want? You’re finally joining us on raids, and maybe the battlefield next time it's needed. You’ve been in high spirits, which is why I have let you keep your shadow even though it's no longer necessary.”

“What I want?”

“Yes Garland, I’m giving you a choice. We can start looking at future brides, or you can continue to do what you're doing, unmarried.”

“You’re okay with that? With Boris and I?”

THe king takes a deep breath, rubbing his temples, “Garland, less words. Your brothers will bring us many future princes and princesses. You not reproducing and settling down is not going to change that. I’m asking if you want the opportunity to marry into Kingship in another kingdom, or if you wish to stay here and join the knight order? What you do outside of that is up to you. Kuznetsov will remain a shadow, until i deem it unnecessary.”

“And when will that be?”

“Garland,” He growls, “Yes you want to marry, or no, you want to join the knight order.”

“I’d like to join the knight order.”

And okay they still bicker and fight because at their next raid Boris babies THE SHIT outta Garland which pisses Garland off to no end especially when they're fighting in the same raid and Boris swoops in to fight whatever beast Garland is about to kill. And Garland gets PISSED that Boris would steal his kill and then have the audacity to blow a kiss at him.

And this happens often that Boris just poofs into his space to ensure that his “precious pookie does not get hurt” (they 100% get into it with each other on the field. And sergei, the tank that he is, is just like guys please can this take place after i do have a real job other than shielding you while you work out your problems)

The other knights finally taking garland seriously. While at the start of this whole au, they think he’s a joke, or they feel bad for him, since he is so ordinary. But now after a weapon change and sparring with someone who actually wants to see garland get better??? And he’s joining them on the field? Respect. (tho yeah probably some mild homophobia, but who is going to say something to royalty, and two its good to keep boris, and by extension sergei on their good side)

#beyblade #Heart eyes for sure #Glorious GarBo

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