Chapter 104

Episode 104

Despite the news of war, the Walker territory remained calm. The daily lives of the residents continued as usual.

Perhaps it was because the news hadn’t spread yet, but the residents were the ones who rejoiced the most when the lord changed. They were truly happy to see the tyrannical Baron Roman gone.

‘If they hear that Baron Roman is attacking, the residents will be the first to take up arms.’

This was one of the reasons why I wasn’t too worried about the war. We would be able to make up for our lack of troops somehow.

“Thankfully, the residents don’t seem to be panicking.”

“I agree.”

“Are you heading straight to the castle?”

“Yes.”

We spurred our horses and arrived at the castle.

The knights’ vigorous shouts echoed through the air. They were all busy preparing for war.

“Welcome back, my lord. You must be tired from your long journey.”

Head Butler Balzac, who had received the news in advance, greeted us. I handed the reins to a servant and said, “You’ve heard about the message I sent ahead, right?”

“Yes, Sir Jericho informed me.”

“I hereby order you: Return all supplies and materials from other territories. Do not accept anything. Understood?”

“As you command.”

Deneve and I immediately headed for the training ground. The young knights’ shouts filled the air.

They weren’t just swinging their swords randomly.

They were performing synchronized movements under Knight Selendis’s command.

‘Is that… a swordsmanship style?’

It was a style I had never seen before. It felt somewhat familiar, similar to the “Savion swordsmanship” that Selendis possessed.

‘Is she modifying that style and teaching it to them?’

It wasn’t unusual for a knight captain to teach their own swordsmanship style to their subordinates. It was a common practice.

It was even more so for the Walker Knight Order.

Since it was a newly established order, it was crucial to train the initial members as quickly as possible and establish a solid foundation.

But the swordsmanship style Selendis possessed was a secret technique of the Savion royal family.

Modifying and passing it down to the Walker Knight Order was both a great honor and a source of guilt for me, the head of House Walker.

“Selendis.”

“Welcome back, my lord.”

*Snap!*

The knights stopped their movements in unison and saluted me. They looked like a single organism, a testament to their rigorous training.

“The knights’ training is impressive. How did you achieve such results in such a short time?”

“Everyone is eager to repay your kindness, my lord. And we’ve been given an opportunity to prove ourselves. We’re training diligently, even sacrificing sleep and meals.”

“I’m grateful. But make sure you eat properly and get enough rest. I’ll give you ample time.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Can I see you for a moment?”

Selendis ordered the knights to take a break. But no one left the formation. They used this time to review the swordsmanship techniques they were struggling with.

Selendis and I walked to a corner of the training ground.

“I’m sure you were surprised by the sudden news. How are the preparations going?”

“Jericho is handling the logistics well. The problem is the training level of the knights and soldiers. They’re still no match for the veterans of the Gerard Knight Order.”

“Is that why you’re teaching them the Savion swordsmanship?”

Selendis was slightly startled when I stopped and asked her. She lowered her head.

“Forgive me if I’ve overstepped my boundaries. I…”

“What boundaries? I should be the one apologizing. The Savion swordsmanship is a top-tier secret technique. It seems wasteful to use it for a newly established family.”

“I don’t think so. House Walker will become a prestigious family in Kalisto.”

“Thank you for your confidence.”

Selendis explained how she had modified the swordsmanship style.

“I had a small epiphany during my training. I realized that the Savion swordsmanship is too defensive. It suits me well, but I believe House Walker needs a more offensive style.”

“Knights exist to protect something, whether it’s people or ideals. They need a spirit of devotion. A defensive style isn’t necessarily bad. But I respect your decision.”

“Thank you for your understanding, my lord.”

“How’s Lady Ionia doing?”

She was the most troublesome member of the Walker Knight Order, but also a promising talent. She had great potential, but teaching her knightly virtues was proving to be a challenge.

Her father was a renowned mercenary, and he hadn’t been present during her formative years. She had been raised by others.

As a result, she had a rebellious streak. And her teenage years weren’t making things any easier.

“Lady Ionia is…”

Selendis sighed, leaving her sentence unfinished. It seemed like dealing with Ionia might be more difficult than facing House Gerard.

“I haven’t found a solution yet, but I’ll try to approach her patiently, as you advised.”

“Time will heal all wounds. One day, that little rascal will understand what it means to be a knight.”

The brief silence implied that it would be a difficult task.

“How was the atmosphere at the vassal meeting?”

“Nothing special. Jericho will tell you the details later. I’ve taken up too much of your time. Go back to your men.”

Selendis saluted and returned to the training ground.

The short break was over. The knights seemed even more eager to train.

They were like students attending a night school, their eyes sparkling with eagerness as they absorbed Selendis’s every word.

I observed Selendis’s speech for a while.

“Why are knights called the swords of the family? Because they must protect the family from threats. That’s the situation we’re in right now. The lord has returned. We’re on the verge of a major war.”

She glanced at the knights. No one showed any fear.

Selendis was usually a quiet person.

Those who didn’t know her well might think she was timid. But that was a misconception. She was simply reserved.

As if to prove it, Selendis continued her speech eloquently.

“We are the proud knights of House Walker. Some might say that House Walker has no history to speak of. It’s true. We’re a newly established family. But that’s not a weakness. It’s an opportunity. An opportunity to write the first page of House Walker’s history. Our every action will become history and be passed down to future generations. I ask you: Do you want to be remembered as victors or as losers?”

“Victors!”

“That’s right. We must become victors and dedicate our glory to our lord and our family. To achieve that, we must constantly train our bodies and minds. There’s one thing we must never forget: We are knights. What is chivalry? It’s about shining the light of justice in a dark world. Justice isn’t just about helping the weak. It’s also about fighting against injustice. This war begins with healing the wounds of our people, who have suffered under Roman’s tyranny and mismanagement. We can’t let them fall back into the clutches of evil. That’s why we must win.”

It was a magnificent speech. We had a truly remarkable knight captain.

I suddenly felt curious and searched for Ionia.

It wasn’t difficult to find her among the thirty knights. She was one of the only two female knights in the Walker Knight Order.

Ionia’s expression grew bored as the speech dragged on. She looked like she was thinking, “Why so many words? Let’s just fight.”

Selendis must have noticed it as well because she called Ionia aside after the speech. The other knights dispersed for their meal.

“You still seem unfocused, Lady Ionia. Do you think it’s pointless to cultivate a knightly mindset?”

I hadn’t intended to eavesdrop, but her direct question piqued my interest.

“I don’t think it’s pointless. I just find it hard to listen to. I don’t see how it’s related to skill. Isn’t it enough to just swing your sword and cut them down?”

She had crossed the line.

But it was still a relatively mild opinion. Knights usually resorted to violence when they had a disagreement. I had seen it often during my time as an aide.

“Just swing your sword and cut them down, you say.”

Selendis sighed. Her expression was complex.

“There’s some truth to your words. But we’re not mercenaries. Protecting someone isn’t just about swordsmanship. It’s also about listening to their opinions, understanding their difficulties, and standing up against injustice. These things also make a person strong.”

“Sigh, I still don’t understand. It’s too difficult for me.”

Their conversation was going nowhere. But Selendis didn’t give up and continued to preach about knightly virtues.

Ionia tilted her head and said, “I’ve been feeling this for a while now, but I don’t think we’re compatible, Knight Selendis. Why did the lord recruit me as a knight? Wouldn’t it be better to use me as a mercenary?”

Kids these days were scary. Wasn’t she the one who applied to the knight order entrance exam?

I was curious to see how Selendis would react to Ionia’s emotional outburst.

And then, I was surprised. Selendis, who rarely smiled, was smiling faintly.

“I don’t think it’s possible to get along with everyone. And there’s no need to force it. You’ll inevitably encounter people you dislike for no reason. It’s enough to just do your part. So, there’s no need to try to be compatible with me.”

“You’re not angry? People usually get angry when I say things like that… Oh, don’t misunderstand. I wasn’t testing you or anything. It’s just a habit.”

“I understand.”

Selendis patted Ionia’s shoulder and continued, “I also had a younger sibling around your age. If she were alive, she would be about your age now.”

“…Excuse me?”

“It’s nothing. Go back and rest. Tonight’s training will be tough.”

Ionia left, seemingly unconcerned, but I knew the weight of those words. Selendis had lost her younger sibling.

And yet, she had shared that story with Ionia. The implication was clear.

‘I don’t think I need to worry anymore.’

As long as this rebel didn’t quit, Selendis would continue to reach out to her.

Relieved of my worries, I started working in earnest.

I went to the castle and requested an audience with Lady Lucia. But an unexpected statement awaited me.

“Sir O’Brien, you’ve waited long enough. I’ll give you the Inspection Unit’s sixth mission.”

…At this timing?