Chapter 62

Having successfully completed Godolphin's task, I came to the Ygralian Royal Capital Central Barracks, carrying only the wooden sword as instructed.

According to Godolphin, this facility is mainly where the 3rd Army Corps of the Royal Knights, responsible for the security of the capital and its surroundings, is stationed.

It is entirely insufficient for the vast capital to be patrolled by just 120 members of a single corps.

Therefore, there are subordinate organizations such as the police force and vigilante groups, and the 3rd Army Corps Commander, Dyu Oveller, is in charge of coordinating these groups, making him incredibly busy.

To put it in terms of my previous life, it's like when a war with another country seems imminent, and a high-ranking member of the Self-Defense Forces is also in charge of coordinating the police.

It's only natural that he is busy.

By the way, the Royal Knights have seven corps, from the 1st to the 7th, and including the Royal Guard, the organization consists of about 900 members.

Among them, there are about 200 magicians, including engineers.

One might wonder if a war with another country is possible with such a number, but in the event of a crisis, the army is formed by the private knight corps of the upper nobility and the graduates of the knight course of the lower nobility, who are regularly trained to be ready to act as an army in peacetime.

For the usual tough monster hunts or monster stampedes, this scale is sufficient, but if invaded by another country, volunteer soldiers composed of explorers and civilians are also recruited.

After all, in a world where almost everyone over 12 can use magic, even civilians can serve as sufficient defense forces.

The Royal Knights command the formation of these volunteer armies.

The corps commanders are undoubtedly very important people.

Exactly five minutes before the appointed time, I arrived in front of the barracks, with a slight tension and anticipation, and passed through the gate, tightening my resolve.

◆

"Excuse me!

I am Allen Lovene from the Royal Academy!

I have come to see Corps Commander Dyu Oveller on business!"

I shouted at the entrance of what looked like a guardhouse next to the gate, as there was no door to knock on.

"Ah, I was expecting you around this time.

I'm Dante.

Nice to meet you!"

In response to my voice, a giant man with bulging muscles, standing about 2 meters tall and weighing around 120 kilograms, came out from inside.

His short, silver hair shone brightly, and his gentle gaze made him look incredibly refreshing. If not for his double chin, he would have been very popular in Japan as well.

Dante was wearing a black fabric with what seemed to be a family crest, embroidered differently for each person, and the mantle of the 3rd Army Corps of the Royal Knights, which I occasionally saw in the capital.

He extended his hand for a handshake, and I was surprised.

It wasn't that he gripped my hand particularly hard, but the rock-like feel of his hand gave me a sense of the intense body-strengthening magic he had undergone.

... He's strong.

If it came to a direct battle, even if I and Ryeo worked together, it would be hard to see a way to win.

That's how much of a difference in strength I felt.

"I have the general idea of the situation.

I'll take you to Dyu's office, so please follow me.

Oh, before that—"

Dante cleared his throat and read from a piece of paper.

"Order!

Allen Lovene, a student in the 1st year A class of the Royal Academy, is appointed as a provisional member of the Royal Knights!

From now on, you will be under the command of the 3rd Army Corps Commander, Dyu Oveller, and will perform your duties within the scope that does not interfere with your studies!

Signed, Ygralian Royal Knights Commander, Oline Zaitzinger.

Read by Dante Segran."

Dante read the order appointing me as a provisional member of the Royal Knights in a loud, resonant voice.

This was something I had already heard from Godolphin.

Corps Commander Dyu is very busy, and to secure time to learn from him, the most practical way is to come here and participate in the knights' training or join a campaign.

However, the procedures for entering this strictly secured barracks or for a student to join a campaign are very complicated and cannot be adjusted and applied every time.

Therefore, the system of provisional membership, which is used for the Royal Academy students' summer internships in their third year, was utilized to clear these procedures.

"Phew, phew, phew.

Even if you don't aim to become a Royal Knight, seeing the knights firsthand will be a good learning experience," Godolphin had said.

Indeed, this workplace experience will be a good way to prevent mismatches.

I have no interest in the knights, who seem to have a rather dark nature, but if this perception changes, aiming for a job in the knights could be one way to enjoy this world.

"Here, this is your proof of membership.

Since you are a provisional member, it doesn't have embroidery, but while you wear this, you will be treated as a Royal Knight.

It comes with the appropriate responsibilities, so be careful.

And, although it's a small amount, you will also receive a salary."

Dante handed me a pitch-black mantle.

It looks quite cool and is surprisingly light despite its sturdy material.

If this were for sale, it would probably cost a considerable amount.

The Royal Knights indeed pay 1000 reals per hour, which I don't consider a small amount, but I'll gratefully accept it.

Especially since the Geography Research Club, which I am involved in, is struggling financially and can't do anything we want to do.

Although it feels strange to come for training and get paid, according to Dante, "Even if it's provisional, you are a knight, so training is part of your job."

I immediately put on the mantle and followed Dante into the barracks.

◆

As I had imagined from the exterior, the inside of the barracks was much larger than the small gate suggested.

It was probably built on a hill that had been leveled.

After passing the guardhouse, there was a fan-shaped staircase with about 50 steps.

At the top of the stairs, there was a stone-paved square, and a red carpet stretched straight to the main building.

This is probably where important visitors receive honors and where ceremonial guards are presented.

We entered the building without stepping on the red carpet and cut through the interior to a vast courtyard.

There, knights were scattered around, engaged in mock battles and training exercises.

As Dante and I entered the courtyard, everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at us curiously.

... Well, since I was pushed by Godolphin to join as a first-year student, it's understandable that I would receive some curious looks.

Then, a familiar face approached with a grin, wearing a pitch-black mantle.

"Hey, you made it.

Allen Lovene, right?

I'm Justin Rock.

Do you remember me?"

"Yes.

You were the one who handled the registration at the Royal Academy's practical exam, weren't you?

I didn't know you were a Royal Knight."

Hearing my response, the older brother laughed.

"Ha ha ha.

Of course.

It was the Royal Academy's entrance exam, wasn't it?

What did you think it was?"

"... I'm sorry, I thought you were a third-year student or something helping out."

"Ha ha ha!

I'm sorry for laughing, but during the entrance exam, to prevent cheating, not only students but even staff members who are not involved in the exam are not allowed in the school.

On the contrary, it's impressive that you managed to pass the exam and get into class A without much prior knowledge."

... Well, that's my dad for you.

He proudly mentioned that the practical exam is largely up to the discretion of the examiners, as if it were a secret, but it seems I didn't even have the basic knowledge.

As I smiled wryly, Justin continued.

"Does that mean you didn't know that I was a knight?"

Justin's grin turned to a look in the direction of a guard who looked like he was suffering from a hangover and in a bad mood.

2023/01/17

I have corrected the wording of the order to avoid contradictions with later settings. I apologize for the inconvenience!