Chapter 165 - Recognition (9)

After the oath recitation ended, the appointment ceremony proceeded. Beside me, Silveryn sat with crossed legs, watching the platform.

Soon after, Grand Duke Gainax rose.

A stubborn-looking hooked nose and thick neck. Prominent cheekbones and square jaw. And shortly trimmed beard. Due to his unusually large build, his clothes seemed tight. If not for his elegant sovereign's attire, Grand Duke Gainax's sturdy and powerful appearance might have been mistaken for a street fighter.

Seeing him, the rumors about seeking a strong man as a son-in-law made perfect sense. In his eyes, other men must appear weak and frail, leaving him unsatisfied.

Dazzling sunlight poured through the dome's skylight, focusing precisely on the knights who stepped forward on the platform for the appointment ceremony.

Only five knights were receiving the appointment as representatives. Their ages varied widely, from twenties to elderly men who looked old enough to have grandchildren, with no visible commonalities in appearance.

Though I didn't know what achievements they'd made, judging by the apprentice knights' deeply respectful gazes, each seemed to carry significant accomplishments.

The knights' silver armor shone brilliantly and beautifully. Their cloaks fluttered in a light breeze from somewhere. It was like a painting.

Memorial Hall was quiet and solemn, almost like a religious ceremony.

"Ronawn of Redfield, step onto the platform!"

When Grand Duke Gainax called the name, a knight in his thirties climbed the steps from below.

Everyone looked up at him with envious, admiring eyes.

The first knight knelt on one knee before the Grand Duke.

"Ronawn of Redfield. You have remained honest and honorable despite poverty and famine, becoming an example to others. Under the goddess’ blessing, you shall grow further, and I, too, shall stand behind you. Following heaven's will, I bestow upon you knighthood and this silver sword containing the goddess' blessing."

The knight called Ronawn removed his helmet and said, "Until this right arm becomes bone, I shall live by the virtues of knighthood, wielding this sword."

Then a priest presented a silver sword on silk before him. As he accepted the sword, refined applause erupted from the audience.

The next knight's name was called, and the conferment continued.

"Sorel of the Empty Plains, you displayed wisdom without yielding even in desperate situations, saving pitiful young souls. Use the blessing within your mind to benefit the world."

Silveryn, resting her chin on her hand and watching with a bored expression, whispered quietly to me, "I've heard of Sorel. They say he faced a notorious vampire who kidnapped children and, using only his tongue, persuaded them to release all prisoners without spilling a drop of blood."

"That's... amazing."

"Yes. Victory without fighting is even more precious. It was so impressive that I couldn't forget the name."

"..."

If Silveryn remembered him like this, he must truly be remarkable. The world was vast and full of extraordinary people.

They each seemed to have achieved feats worthy of knightly virtues and were being honored for them. Silveryn narrowed her eyes and studied my face carefully.

"My disciple, why that expression?"

Honestly, it stung a bit hearing Silveryn, who was usually stingy with praise, speak well of this man called Sorel. It bothered me more because he was close to my age.

"It's nothing."

Silveryn smiled slightly and silently placed her hand on mine as if comforting me.

Though I had achieved something noteworthy, it seemed insufficient by the Principality's standards. If they were going to bestow something on me, they would have included me among those five knights. Given that I'd faced hostile gazes from high nobles before, it was unreasonable to expect anything.

The solemn appointment ceremony concluded with these five knights. 

Is the ceremony reaching its end? 

The priest on the platform silently slipped away. The audience was adjusting their attire. Everyone seemed to be preparing for the conclusion.

However, Grand Duke Gainax remained standing in place even after the knights had returned.

Just when I thought the appointment ceremony was over.

Five priests ascended the platform carrying something.

They held it up straight for all to see.

It was a platinum shield engraved with the Principality's lion emblem.

Then, piercing through the silence where not even breathing could be heard, Grand Duke Gainax's firm voice echoed, "Knight Damian of Wiesel, answer the call of the Principality of Yulisia."

For a moment, I doubted my ears. 

Did I hear correctly? 

The Grand Duke's thunderous call still echoed. My heart was racing as if struck by lightning.

The audience rose from their seats in unison, as if rehearsed. They all stood, waiting for the called person to step forward.

I reflexively looked at Silveryn. She nodded at me with a benevolent smile. Silveryn seemed to have known all along.

"Go on, my beloved disciple."

I even forgot to say, “I'd be back.”

As I stood, Silveryn's hand that had held mine gently fell away. I walked across the center of the hall. My steps were hesitant, still unable to believe they had really called me.

Countless standing people watched me. Their gazes held genuine respect that felt excessive for me.

In that silence, only my footsteps were permitted to make a sound.

Finally, I climbed the platform to face Grand Duke Gainax. I lowered myself formally as the other knights had done.

He examined me carefully with a paternal expression and showed a faint smile that seemed unsuited to his strong features.

"...You harbored no hatred despite contempt and alone maintained hope even when evil consumed all. You overcame crisis through ingenuity where there seemed no way out, and fought bravely even when facing death."

"..."

"Thanks to this, numerous knights and vassals, and Duchess Bibi of divine blood could preserve their lives. You are a most honorable knight who has realized the virtues of knighthood and have proven yourself worthy of universal respect. Therefore, this platinum shield is yours, and your achievements shall have their place in the Principality's history."

"...Though honored, this is far too much for me."

Grand Duke Gainax added quietly, "...Moreover, as a father, I wish to thank you."

The priests approached and presented me with the platinum shield. I took a deep breath and accepted it. Indeed, it was as heavy as its meaning.

I later learned that among those honored as “Knights of the Platinum Shield”, there were three Sword Masters including Zeldan Hart and one Archmage.

Despite their fame, I remembered their portraits as ordinary, even shabby. This was because when they received their shields, they were wanderers, farmers, and traveling performers with no credentials.

Their rise to fame came much later.

***

Luna carried an armful of firewood and set it down by the hearth. Seeing this, the kitchen head said.

"Oh my, how did you carry all that with such a delicate frame? Wait, I'll bring the flint."

"...It's fine."

Luna summoned a spirit and lit the firewood as if it were nothing. The sparks spread instantly without needing bellows.

The plump female kitchen head's eyes widened in surprise.

"M-magic? They said you were an Eternia student, so I guess it's true."

Having lived a life completely unconnected to spirits, the kitchen head couldn't perceive the spirit floating before her eyes.

"...Something similar."

"Is that so? But, the fire seems a bit strong."

As soon as she finished speaking, the fire that had been blazing like a forge's hearth diminished.

"Oh my, oh my."

The kitchen head kept exclaiming in amazement.

Luna tied back her long blonde hair tightly and fastened her apron to prepare for cooking, showing no sign of pride.

Then she struggled to move a large jar and placed it on the hearth.

"I'm ready..."

"Good. We need to simmer the meat with herbs on low heat for two hours. We need bay leaves, pepper, and Longdinel root."

"...Is the fire okay now?"

The kitchen head bent down to check the hearth fire carefully and said, "Just perfect. Luna, get the ingredients from the storage. You're thin so you can't do heavy lifting. I'll fill the pot with water meanwhile."

"...Yes."

When Luna returned with the ingredients after their tasks were divided, the pot as large as an oak barrel was not only full but already boiling.

The kitchen head was preparing meat for the stew, and Luna silently washed the Longdinel root beside her.

As steam filled the kitchen, the head cook glanced at Luna.

Skin so pale it was almost white, long slender hands without calluses. Cat-like eyes and a doll-like face. Movements that showed noble refinement. She seemed completely out of place in this remote kitchen full of meat smells.

"But you seem nobly raised. You said you attend the Academy..."

"..."

"Is there a reason you want to learn this work? I was shocked when Old Pinyar introduced you. You seem so unsuited for kitchen work. You must be busy enough with studies, it makes me sad seeing you working so hard coming all the way to Rigbed."

Luna answered in her usual calm voice, "...It's fine."

"Are you having trouble with tuition? Look, if you can use magic, you could find other good jobs. Top students have people fighting over them everywhere. Even if you're not top of the class, you seem capable enough to make a good living."

Luna lowered her head shyly, seeming embarrassed as she answered quietly, "That's not it..."

"Then, if you don't mind, could I ask the reason? I'm just so curious."

"...I want to learn cooking."

The kitchen head paused her meat preparation and stared at Luna.

"If you're nobly raised, you must have plenty of servants. Why come all the way here to work so hard?"

"I... like this."

"How strange. What do you plan to use cooking for?"

"It's a secret."

"Come on, what is it? What could be so important that you have to hide it?"

"..."

"Just tell me. If I know, I might be able to help!"

She hesitated before shyly opening her mouth.

"Actually, with my friend at home..."

Luna bowed her head deeply and avoided the kitchen head's gaze.

"What? What did you say?"

"When they return... um... celebration..."

Luna's voice grew increasingly smaller until it was drowned out by the sound of boiling water.

"Huh? You want your friend to work here too?"