Arthas April 08, 2024 No comments
Don't forget to rate and review the novel on Novelupdates
The Knighting ceremony was neatly concluded.
Although it was somewhat forced, it was a level of coercion that could be accepted, and knowing this, the Cathedral authorities did not express any particular dissatisfaction with me.
An unchosen, inept knight of humble origins — that was likely how they viewed Diana.
There was no reason for them to be upset that I took her under my wing.
However...
‘This is a bit excessive.’
The bruises that bloomed all over her body and her emaciated appearance, which revealed her poor nutritional state.
The actual sight of Diana was more severe than I had anticipated, not just a fleeting scene in a game.
I knew that the treatment she received from the knights order was not good, but I never thought it would be this bad.
Well, it doesn't matter. At least from now on, it will be quite different from now.
I looked around as I left the Cathedral.
I could already see some of the noble factions gathering and socializing, and quite a few of them were also talking to the clergy and building relationships.
I had no intention of involving myself with the factions among them.
While the Knighting ceremony had concluded, my schedule was still far from over.
I slowly rolled my eyes and observed Diana's attire — her armor was shoddy, and her sword was terribly dull - an unimpressive sight.
Diana, who read my gaze, lowered her head with a somewhat sullen expression.
Seeing that, I suddenly became convinced — I was convinced that I needed to get Diana's equipment right away.
Fortunately, I had enough money thanks to selling my order in the Knighting arrangement for a high price.
"Raise your head."
Diana cautiously raised her head; her bewildered expression suggested she still found the recent events quite surreal.
I hesitated for a moment.
Should I pretend not to know her, or should I just move on?
Diana didn't know anything about me.
However, she would naturally find out as she served as my escort.
"What's your name?"
"Diana."
"Your origins?"
"...I don't have one. I spent my childhood in the Cathedral."
Although I already knew all this, I pretended ignorance and nodded.
"Do you know who I am?"
"I'm not sure."
"Kyle. Kyle Winfred."
At the clear resonance of the Winfred name, her shoulders visibly tensed.
"You will never be a knight of House Winfred. You have been sworn in as my personal knight."
"I understand."
Diana's eyes held a resolute determination - to be solely the sword of Kyle Winfred, not a knight of any glory for herself.
Perhaps owing to my lifetime of playing the villain's role, a vague doubt crossed my mind. Was that unwavering gaze merely a facade to curry my favor?
"You should also forget about the dream of rising in status. I'm not very well-received in the family. You'll never be treated as a full knight anywhere."
"That doesn't concern me."
"Oh? What if I'm the biggest villain in the world?"
"It matters not either," Diana gazed at me quietly; her eyes filled with a conviction bordering on fanaticism.
"I am the sword of my lord. I will cut if you tell me to cut, and I will stab if you tell me to stab."
"......."
"A sword has no self."
Her chilling words elicited an involuntary chuckle from me.
To cut where told, to stab where told - the essence of a knight, devoid of any romantic notions of chivalry.
“.........”
The short silver hair, gleaming in the light, was captivating.
I turned and walked away, smiling wryly, "Time to get you properly outfitted, then."
Choosing Diana as my knight was indeed the right decision.
* * * * *
I strolled the streets with Diana by my side.
It's dangerous to wander alone, they say, and I certainly couldn't risk my safety with today's newly appointed knight.
Despite the persistent obstacles from the guards of the influential families, there was still plenty of time before sunset.
I was eager to head straight to the blacksmith and inspect Diana's equipment, but fatigue from the Knighting ceremony was setting in.
Even the strongest falls prey to exhaustion. So, first things first – I decided to satisfy my growling stomach at a nearby restaurant.
We headed to a nearby restaurant, located right in the heart of the city.
"Welcome to Crotian,"
The name of the restaurant was Crotian.
With its antique exterior reminiscent of a medieval European castle, and the white marble and gold decorations that surrounded the entire building, Crotian was a high-class restaurant favored by the local nobles.
"I will show you to the upper floor," the waiter confirmed my status and promptly led us to the top floor. It seemed that the floors you could use were also divided according to your status.
I glanced sidelong at Diana. Though she tried to maintain composure, her shoulders flinched every time we passed by ornate displays. Seems like she couldn't control her nerves.
Soon, we reached the balcony on the top floor. As I sat down at the perfectly set table, Diana stood behind me with a posture that suggested that it was only natural.
Her movements were so fluid and natural that I almost didn't notice her.
"What are you doing?"
"I am on guard duty, my lord."
Guard duty, really?
"Sit down."
"You mean me?"
"Who else is here but you?" With a sigh, I commanded her, and Diana awkwardly plopped down, creaking like a broken wind-up clock.
"......What are you doing?"
"...?"
The issue was that she sat right next to me.
"Why are you sitting so close?"
"It is because it is easier to deal with unexpected situations if I sit next to you."
"It's uncomfortable, so just go over there and sit down."
"...Understood."
The flustered Diana shuffled to the seat across from me, just as the ordered dishes arrived, filling the table.
The portions were generous for two people, but that was fine. After all, Diana was recognized as a food enthusiast in the official setting book.
"Eat comfortably."
I took a bite of my food, and Diana, after glancing at me, began to eat with hesitation.
Her eating habits were quite amusing to watch.
Instead of using a knife, she sliced her steak with two forks. And then confidently sipped the freshly boiled soup, her fist trembling as if the upper parts of her mouth was burned.
To be honest, I was having a hard time holding back my laughter; not in a bad way, but in a good way.
"You eat well," I remarked.
"....."
The clinking of utensils filled the air as the dishes emptied rapidly. As expected, the setting book never lied.
After a while, our gluttonous feast concluded, and we left the restaurant. Our destination was the blacksmith's shop. With our stomachs full, it was time to fulfill the original purpose of inspecting Diana's equipment.
I felt lighter in spirit. After all, I had accomplished the main objectives for coming here.
Except for one.
'I should take care of that ring...'
I gently caressed the ring case stored in my pocket. Keeping it on me was becoming increasingly bothersome, but simply discarding such a valuable item was out of the question.
What could I do? I had to sell it as soon as possible to turn it into cash.
I walked with purpose, scanning the shops that dealt with metals and jewelry along the way. However, none of them seemed capable of handling a ring of this value. Entering each shop to have it appraised was out of the question.
So, I continued to search, keeping an eye out for a shop that met my criteria.
And then...
"Ah."
Finally, I found what I was looking for - an imposing jewelry emporium.
"Welcome! Please feel free to look around. We have a lot of new arrivals."
Ignoring the hawker at the entrance, I stepped inside.
That's when it happened.
"I greet the Sun of the North. I am the store manager, Orkan."
A soft, gentle voice.
I turned my head and saw a man with a smiling face greeting me.
Sun of the North.
It was another name for House Winfred.
He seemed to have recognized me from the family crest on my clothes.
"How may I assist you today?"
"I'd like to sell some jewelry."
"Oh, in that case, we need to appraise it first. Can I see the item you want to sell?"
I promptly retrieved the case from my pocket and handed it to him; as he carefully opened the case, a soft exclamation escaped his lips, "Ah, a ring."
"Yes, please go ahead with the appraisal."
"Right this way, if you will."
He led us to a private room.
As soon as I sat down and looked around the guest room, a gasp of admiration, almost a sigh, escaped from his lips, "This is a Sunstone. And an exquisite one at that."
Sunstone was one of the three most expensive precious metals in the world; especially the top-grade ones, their prices are skyrocketing.
"This is the first time I've seen a ring made with sunstone."
To put a top-grade sunstone on a simple engagement ring.
Even though it's my body, I can't help but think that it was crazy.
"Is it possible to sell it?"
"If you want to sell it..." He hesitated for a moment before responding, "...it is possible. But I think we need to have an auction."
"Auction?"
"We don't have enough cash on hand to buy it right away. But sunstone, especially top-grade sunstone, is in high demand, so if we put it up for auction, we'll be able to sell it for a reasonable price. Although you will have to pay a small commission."
Auction, huh? It was a pretty attractive option.
I looked at him with a suspicious look in my eyes, "When will I get the money?"
"You can collect it here whenever convenient. If visiting in person is difficult, we can send someone to your estate."
A perfect arrangement.
With no reason or excuse to refuse, I nodded my head readily.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"We'll hold onto the ring for now."
"Anything else required?"
"Nothing else. I just need you to fill out some paperwork."
* * * * *
After completing the paperwork, I left the jewelry shop, with Diana following behind me with a stoic expression.
Finally getting rid of that cursed ring felt satisfying. Now, all that remained was to outfit Diana with the equipment from the blacksmith's shop.
That's when I noticed...
"Huh?"
A young girl with a familiar face was hurrying away, head bowed down, and quickly disappeared down an alley. Her face was familiar. How could I not recognize it? I had seen it countless times when visiting Isabel's mansion.
"Do you know her?"
"...I do, unfortunately."
Erica, Isabel's personal maid.
She darted away like a frightened rabbit; her pale face seemed to convey news of defeat, like a messenger of bad tidings.
And then...
【Scenario Progress: 10%]】
"Damn it."
The system's annoying notifications began again.
Arthas April 08, 2024 No comments
Don't forget to rate and review the novel on Novelupdates
The Knighting ceremony was neatly concluded.
Although it was somewhat forced, it was a level of coercion that could be accepted, and knowing this, the Cathedral authorities did not express any particular dissatisfaction with me.
An unchosen, inept knight of humble origins — that was likely how they viewed Diana.
There was no reason for them to be upset that I took her under my wing.
However...
‘This is a bit excessive.’
The bruises that bloomed all over her body and her emaciated appearance, which revealed her poor nutritional state.
The actual sight of Diana was more severe than I had anticipated, not just a fleeting scene in a game.
I knew that the treatment she received from the knights order was not good, but I never thought it would be this bad.
Well, it doesn't matter. At least from now on, it will be quite different from now.
I looked around as I left the Cathedral.
I could already see some of the noble factions gathering and socializing, and quite a few of them were also talking to the clergy and building relationships.
I had no intention of involving myself with the factions among them.
While the Knighting ceremony had concluded, my schedule was still far from over.
I slowly rolled my eyes and observed Diana's attire — her armor was shoddy, and her sword was terribly dull - an unimpressive sight.
Diana, who read my gaze, lowered her head with a somewhat sullen expression.
Seeing that, I suddenly became convinced — I was convinced that I needed to get Diana's equipment right away.
Fortunately, I had enough money thanks to selling my order in the Knighting arrangement for a high price.
"Raise your head."
Diana cautiously raised her head; her bewildered expression suggested she still found the recent events quite surreal.
I hesitated for a moment.
Should I pretend not to know her, or should I just move on?
Diana didn't know anything about me.
However, she would naturally find out as she served as my escort.
"What's your name?"
"Diana."
"Your origins?"
"...I don't have one. I spent my childhood in the Cathedral."
Although I already knew all this, I pretended ignorance and nodded.
"Do you know who I am?"
"I'm not sure."
"Kyle. Kyle Winfred."
At the clear resonance of the Winfred name, her shoulders visibly tensed.
"You will never be a knight of House Winfred. You have been sworn in as my personal knight."
"I understand."
Diana's eyes held a resolute determination - to be solely the sword of Kyle Winfred, not a knight of any glory for herself.
Perhaps owing to my lifetime of playing the villain's role, a vague doubt crossed my mind. Was that unwavering gaze merely a facade to curry my favor?
"You should also forget about the dream of rising in status. I'm not very well-received in the family. You'll never be treated as a full knight anywhere."
"That doesn't concern me."
"Oh? What if I'm the biggest villain in the world?"
"It matters not either," Diana gazed at me quietly; her eyes filled with a conviction bordering on fanaticism.
"I am the sword of my lord. I will cut if you tell me to cut, and I will stab if you tell me to stab."
"......."
"A sword has no self."
Her chilling words elicited an involuntary chuckle from me.
To cut where told, to stab where told - the essence of a knight, devoid of any romantic notions of chivalry.
“.........”
The short silver hair, gleaming in the light, was captivating.
I turned and walked away, smiling wryly, "Time to get you properly outfitted, then."
Choosing Diana as my knight was indeed the right decision.
* * * * *
I strolled the streets with Diana by my side.
It's dangerous to wander alone, they say, and I certainly couldn't risk my safety with today's newly appointed knight.
Despite the persistent obstacles from the guards of the influential families, there was still plenty of time before sunset.
I was eager to head straight to the blacksmith and inspect Diana's equipment, but fatigue from the Knighting ceremony was setting in.
Even the strongest falls prey to exhaustion. So, first things first – I decided to satisfy my growling stomach at a nearby restaurant.
We headed to a nearby restaurant, located right in the heart of the city.
"Welcome to Crotian,"
The name of the restaurant was Crotian.
With its antique exterior reminiscent of a medieval European castle, and the white marble and gold decorations that surrounded the entire building, Crotian was a high-class restaurant favored by the local nobles.
"I will show you to the upper floor," the waiter confirmed my status and promptly led us to the top floor. It seemed that the floors you could use were also divided according to your status.
I glanced sidelong at Diana. Though she tried to maintain composure, her shoulders flinched every time we passed by ornate displays. Seems like she couldn't control her nerves.
Soon, we reached the balcony on the top floor. As I sat down at the perfectly set table, Diana stood behind me with a posture that suggested that it was only natural.
Her movements were so fluid and natural that I almost didn't notice her.
"What are you doing?"
"I am on guard duty, my lord."
Guard duty, really?
"Sit down."
"You mean me?"
"Who else is here but you?" With a sigh, I commanded her, and Diana awkwardly plopped down, creaking like a broken wind-up clock.
"......What are you doing?"
"...?"
The issue was that she sat right next to me.
"Why are you sitting so close?"
"It is because it is easier to deal with unexpected situations if I sit next to you."
"It's uncomfortable, so just go over there and sit down."
"...Understood."
The flustered Diana shuffled to the seat across from me, just as the ordered dishes arrived, filling the table.
The portions were generous for two people, but that was fine. After all, Diana was recognized as a food enthusiast in the official setting book.
"Eat comfortably."
I took a bite of my food, and Diana, after glancing at me, began to eat with hesitation.
Her eating habits were quite amusing to watch.
Instead of using a knife, she sliced her steak with two forks. And then confidently sipped the freshly boiled soup, her fist trembling as if the upper parts of her mouth was burned.
To be honest, I was having a hard time holding back my laughter; not in a bad way, but in a good way.
"You eat well," I remarked.
"....."
The clinking of utensils filled the air as the dishes emptied rapidly. As expected, the setting book never lied.
After a while, our gluttonous feast concluded, and we left the restaurant. Our destination was the blacksmith's shop. With our stomachs full, it was time to fulfill the original purpose of inspecting Diana's equipment.
I felt lighter in spirit. After all, I had accomplished the main objectives for coming here.
Except for one.
'I should take care of that ring...'
I gently caressed the ring case stored in my pocket. Keeping it on me was becoming increasingly bothersome, but simply discarding such a valuable item was out of the question.
What could I do? I had to sell it as soon as possible to turn it into cash.
I walked with purpose, scanning the shops that dealt with metals and jewelry along the way. However, none of them seemed capable of handling a ring of this value. Entering each shop to have it appraised was out of the question.
So, I continued to search, keeping an eye out for a shop that met my criteria.
And then...
"Ah."
Finally, I found what I was looking for - an imposing jewelry emporium.
"Welcome! Please feel free to look around. We have a lot of new arrivals."
Ignoring the hawker at the entrance, I stepped inside.
That's when it happened.
"I greet the Sun of the North. I am the store manager, Orkan."
A soft, gentle voice.
I turned my head and saw a man with a smiling face greeting me.
Sun of the North.
It was another name for House Winfred.
He seemed to have recognized me from the family crest on my clothes.
"How may I assist you today?"
"I'd like to sell some jewelry."
"Oh, in that case, we need to appraise it first. Can I see the item you want to sell?"
I promptly retrieved the case from my pocket and handed it to him; as he carefully opened the case, a soft exclamation escaped his lips, "Ah, a ring."
"Yes, please go ahead with the appraisal."
"Right this way, if you will."
He led us to a private room.
As soon as I sat down and looked around the guest room, a gasp of admiration, almost a sigh, escaped from his lips, "This is a Sunstone. And an exquisite one at that."
Sunstone was one of the three most expensive precious metals in the world; especially the top-grade ones, their prices are skyrocketing.
"This is the first time I've seen a ring made with sunstone."
To put a top-grade sunstone on a simple engagement ring.
Even though it's my body, I can't help but think that it was crazy.
"Is it possible to sell it?"
"If you want to sell it..." He hesitated for a moment before responding, "...it is possible. But I think we need to have an auction."
"Auction?"
"We don't have enough cash on hand to buy it right away. But sunstone, especially top-grade sunstone, is in high demand, so if we put it up for auction, we'll be able to sell it for a reasonable price. Although you will have to pay a small commission."
Auction, huh? It was a pretty attractive option.
I looked at him with a suspicious look in my eyes, "When will I get the money?"
"You can collect it here whenever convenient. If visiting in person is difficult, we can send someone to your estate."
A perfect arrangement.
With no reason or excuse to refuse, I nodded my head readily.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
"We'll hold onto the ring for now."
"Anything else required?"
"Nothing else. I just need you to fill out some paperwork."
* * * * *
After completing the paperwork, I left the jewelry shop, with Diana following behind me with a stoic expression.
Finally getting rid of that cursed ring felt satisfying. Now, all that remained was to outfit Diana with the equipment from the blacksmith's shop.
That's when I noticed...
"Huh?"
A young girl with a familiar face was hurrying away, head bowed down, and quickly disappeared down an alley. Her face was familiar. How could I not recognize it? I had seen it countless times when visiting Isabel's mansion.
"Do you know her?"
"...I do, unfortunately."
Erica, Isabel's personal maid.
She darted away like a frightened rabbit; her pale face seemed to convey news of defeat, like a messenger of bad tidings.
And then...
【Scenario Progress: 10%]】
"Damn it."
The system's annoying notifications began again.
