【Beginning】
Since becoming the strongest warrior of the kingdom, Diarmuid also became the king’s best friend. They discussed everything with each other, from stately affairs to private matters. One day, the king summoned Diarmuid and assigned him with the mission of receiving the king’s betrothed.
- Diarmuid: A woman that even the king loves...I wonder what she is like.
- Amor and Celos: ‘She must be a beauty!’
- Diarmuid: And very clever and gentle as well, I guess. Will I meet a woman who will let me admire her wholeheartedly?
- Amor and Celos: ‘Yes, you will. You surely will.’
When the lances were granted a name, they developed a conscious mind, and became the most attentive listeners to the secrets that resided in Diarmuid’s heart. Diarmuid smiled as he looked at his two lances. To others, it seemed like he was murmuring to two ordinary weapons, but he clearly knew that the lances would answer his thoughts.
Not long after, Diarmuid arrived at a mansion, but he was yet to know that the woman he was going to receive was not only the king’s betrothed, she was also the one who was going to change his life...
【End】
Diarmuid and his squad waited outside the mansion and after some time, the doors slowly opened. A lady-in-waiting walked out before Diarmuid could approach and state the purpose of his visit. Her expression was filled with delight. She hurriedly asked the others to open the door and she ran toward the lady’s room. Looking at their happy faces, Diarmuid and his companions also broke into laughter.
From above the stairs came footsteps of high-heeled shoes. The sounds neared Diarmuid and his companions before it suddenly stopped. Diarmuid looked at the direction of the footsteps — an elegant maiden stood there. She glanced at the squad and slowly walked down the stairs.
The maiden looked delicate, but her eyes were resolute. Diarmuid was captivated by what he saw, and his heart started pounding. It was not until the maiden started talking to him did he kneel down on one knee and extend his greetings.
- Isabel: I am Isabel. You are here to receive me to the palace?
- Diarmuid: That is correct. His Majesty is waiting for you.
- Isabel: Is that so...then I have no choice...
With this, Isabel turned and went back to her room, while her ladies-in-waiting started packing for her. Only Diarmuid stayed at the doors, peering at Isabel’s diminishing figure. Even in fierce battles, he had never felt his heart pound like this before.
- Diarmuid: Why is my heart pounding like this? Am I sick?
- Amor and Celos: ‘You must have fallen in love with her...If it really is a sickness, it is definitely love-sick.’
Diarmuid felt uncontrollably different whenever he was with Isabel. He could not help but gaze at her, as if he was carving everything about her into his mind. When they arrived at the palace, Isabel left with the maids, but Diarmuid still could not turn away from her, not until she completely disappeared from his sight. However, he missed her even more after the separation.
After knowing that what he felt was love, Diarmuid felt even more vexed because he clearly knew that his love for her was forbidden. However, whenever he saw her or even simply heard anything about her, his feelings would surface again. There was no escape from these feelings, so he told Amor and Celos about his forbidden love to ease his heart. Diarmuid thought that this would help him gradually let go of Isabel, but he turned out loving her more.