Chapter 24 (1/2)
Chapter 24
The Knights of the continent were divided into three main groups, the first of which was the National Order of Knights of the Imperial family or Royal family.
The National Order of Knights was a colossal organization. It didn’t only have knights; university-graduate wizards and dungeon researchers formed most of its personnel. The knights belonging to this group were called the nation’s executives during emergencies, which was why only the highest level of talent among the cadets in the Knight Academy could join.
The second was the Knight Orders managed by families. Of course, unless they had a large territory, they wouldn’t even be able to dream of running a Knight Order. Only families with vast domains with a high possibility of forming multiple dungeons could manage such a division. Among them, the Yukline Household’s Hadekain Knights were most preferred by the Knight Academy cadets due to its special geographical conditions and the fact that they’d be stationed in a major city.
Finally, the Private Knights. More than half of the 108 knights of the kingdom were private knights. If most National and Familial Knights were connected to their region, Private Knights usually stayed in major cities and went on trips two to three times a month. They carried out local duties such as suppressing evil, dungeon raids, and other such tasks, earning them plenty of money from loot and donations.
However, since the conditions for establishing a Knight Order were very strict and complex, forming a new one only happened once or twice a year.
“…What a relief.”
Hence, a group of private knights became affiliated with Freyden’s main building instead. Julie sighed in relief as she looked at the book of accounts, finding a surplus in the first half of this year. Good luck seemed to have finally caught up to her, considering how much evil they had suppressed by attacking villages and the number of dungeons they had successfully raided.
“That’s right. We just have to work this hard in the future as well….”
Julie leaned back in her chair and enjoyed her listless happiness.
Knock, knock—
“Commander Julie.”
Rockfell, Julie’s senior knight and the current vice-captain of Freyhem, opened the door.
“Yes, Lord Rockfell? What’s going on?”
“A company in Brecht is asking for an escort on the express train.”
He fiddled with his scruffy beard and held out a document.
“Are you talking about the Bercht summit?”
“Yes.”
Private knights sometimes received missions more suited for adventurers. However, the credibility required by knights was different from adventure teams. The knights only accepted tasks from verified organizations or the nation itself if it served the public interest.
“It’s been fifteen years since Bercht’s last summons. I didn’t think we’d receive a request.”
The Bercht express train. It was a magically engineered train that passed through the edge of the mountains and served as the only means of transportation that could bring people close to the summit of Bercht’s mountain range.
“I don’t know even why this suddenly came to us,” Rockfell sounded repulsed.
It wasn’t Deculein’s fault, but since he was going to attend the conference as well, her knights chatted as if it was anyway.
“It’s fine. You can accept the request.”
“What?”
Rockfell’s eyes widened, and Julie simply shook her head in reply.
“Is it really fine? Veron said he wanted to do it, but…”
“Veron?”
Julie’s tone sounded stern, unbending. In public, she was known to be a firm and inflexible boss.
“Yes. The duty came designating him. He has distinguished himself these days as a VIP escort.”
Veron was a commoner who hadn’t even gone to university. However, with his knightly mentality and tremendous efforts, he had reached the same caliber as the knights from the Imperial Family. He had the tendency to meditate alone most times, but he showed great courage and care for his colleagues in the Gracken dungeon. Julie witnessed his feats in person.
“That’s good, then. He’ll do a great job. I authorize you to proceed.”
Veron was the most trusted knight in Freyhem, even with Julie included. Even the meticulous Zeit complimented him, saying, “he smells of the old school knights, which is very rare these days.”
“But…will it be okay?”
“Yes.”
“Really? Veron has been raised riding in our coattails.”
“…Lord Rockfell. If you doubt me further, you’ll soon incur my wrath.”
Julie’s eyes narrowed. She couldn’t stand him asking if it was okay despite her already saying multiple times that it would be.
“Don’t you know it just as well as I do? Express train escort missions are one of the hardest there is. If Veron does well, it will be beneficial for our Knight Order’s reputation and, of course, his career.”
“Yes, I know, but…”
Rockfell thought quietly.
‘No way. Did she make up with Deculein? Was it yesterday that I heard they held a meeting? No, it simply can’t be possible!’
“Stop thinking about weird things.”
Julie, glancing right through him, cut his thoughts off completely.
“Ah, yes. Ahem. By the way, Commander, what are you doing today?”
“I have to stop by somewhere today.”
“Well, I was thinking of a company dinner, but if you have something to do, then it can’t be helped. I’ll be on my way.”
Rockfell left the room, scratching the back of his neck.