Chapter 54

In the morning, I register new arrivals, and in the afternoon, I check the status of those who have made reservations. I've become quite accustomed to this routine.

Recently, not only adventurers and mercenaries but also merchants and students can be seen in the queue.

After seeing the status of many people, I've come to realize that about one in a hundred people has some orc-human mixed blood. It might be a distant connection, even unknown to the person themselves. However, those with special attributes like enhanced hearing or leg strength have some orc blood in them. Lava explained to me that orc status has some unique aspects, but she left the details for later. The guild focuses on job levels and skills, so I'm the only one who has noticed this.

I haven't had the opportunity to see the status of orcs yet. When the time comes, Lava might notice it too. Since it's a delicate matter, it would be better to consult the former king through Luke.

The music signaling the lunch break plays inside the guild. I finish my morning work at a convenient point. Starting today, over the next two days, I will go to the Mencius Knights' barracks in the afternoon to check the status of all the members. It's like a health check-up by a doctor. I will ride the guild's carriage to the Mencius Knights' barracks.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the knights."

"There are so many noble young men, I'm excited!"

Lava and Renji, who are accompanying me, are getting excited.

"Did I make a mistake in the selection...?"

"They are women, after all."

When I muttered this, Eugene smiled wryly, as if it was inevitable. It's not that women are prohibited, and the knights have no problem with it, but I didn't expect Lava to react this way. Both of them have their eyes shining like schoolgirls.

"Hehehe... Is there a skill that only nobles inherit? This is a good opportunity to gather data on the job levels of knights."

"Meeting noble, rich, and handsome young men that I wouldn't encounter in the guild is calling to me!"

Correction. Their eyes are like those of carnivores, drooling over an unseen prey. Lava is focused on data collection, and Renji is eyeing a wealthy marriage. Poor Eugene is recoiling in horror.

"Haha, you're twisted, aren't you?"

"...Eugene, let's do our best."

"...Yes."

Quincy looked away, pretending not to know. Eugene and I, the two men, patted each other on the shoulder.

Before announcing my skills, I already know the status of half of the Mencius Knights. One reason to review them again is to organize the data through the crystal. Another reason is to identify potential issues that might arise when visiting the knights and nobles. With the Mencius Knights, it's easier to handle any problems. They have strong connections with other nobles, which will help spread the understanding of my skills. Based on the former king's plan, we are heading to the Mencius Knights.

"Yah-ho! Everyone is here!"

When we arrived at the barracks, Luke and Gerard welcomed us. Luke's arm injury has fully healed. I checked on it several times to make sure.

"The captain is waiting inside."

"Understood."

Although we see each other every day, this is the first time we've spoken inside the knights' barracks since then. When we entered the captain's room, Tristan, who was reviewing documents, looked up.

"...Noah."

"Hey, good morning. No need for introductions. This is Lava from the Magic Guild. Eugene and Renji, the skill consultants, are my assistants."

Tristan nodded and introduced himself to Lava and the others.

"I am Tristan Stern, in charge of the Mencius Knights. I've heard about this from the former king. The rest will be handled by Vice-Captain Baldor."

He quietly added, "I'm counting on you." From now on, Vice-Captain Baldor will supervise the process.

"It's been a while, Noah. I'm sorry for what happened back then."

Baldor bowed and apologized to me. He had heard about my condition from Tristan but wanted to apologize in person. He said that.

"Baldor..."

I tried to keep my composure. I thought this was Baldor's way of taking responsibility. His unwavering commitment to his principles was something I admired. I could only nod when he looked up. Baldor laughed heartily and started walking again.

"Everything is ready. Can we start?"

Baldor led us to a large wooden hall where the knights were gathered. The Mencius Knights consist of ten squad leaders, each leading about ten knights. In total, there are about a hundred members and thirty or so knight apprentices. Some members bring their retainers, but I will only check the status of the knights and apprentices.

In times of crisis, soldiers from each knight's family will join them. The soldiers are not permanently stationed and are recruited from their hometowns when needed. They can be farmers or mercenaries with temporary contracts. The number of soldiers varies depending on the family's status. The Mencius Knights are primarily composed of noble heirs. If they are the heir, they must return to their hometown to command. If they are the fourth son, for example, they might not have the means to provide soldiers unless they come from a powerful family. No one delves into these details because there hasn't been a war involving the mobilization of knights for a while. I don't even know the structure of the Self-Defense Forces in Japan, so I really have no idea how things are protected.

"Noah, is something wrong?"

"...No. This is the first step. Let's do our best."

Eugene nodded without any doubt at my words. I can't say it's for the sake of humanity. I will do what I can to protect my family, friends, and myself. This is a big first step towards that goal.

2015/01/12 Correction