Chapter 25

Nero, the deputy commander of the Black Claw Knights, was a man of strict discipline and integrity.

His face was stern. With his short blond hair and sharp eyes, he resembled a leopard. Tired of the monotonous days of plowing fields, he joined the war as a common soldier in his youth.

His strength and speed made him suitable for messenger duties, but one day he was captured by the enemy. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Nero tore up the order papers and swallowed them just before being captured.

He was subjected to brutal torture. Nero did not break. He had deliberately avoided reading the contents of the order, so he had nothing to say. Still, he was kicked, beaten, and tormented. The main army of the Dylarn Magic Kingdom, commanded by King Alan, was incredibly strong, and the enemy was cornered. Their desperation led to the harsh torture. It seemed that there was no other outcome for Nero but death.

But at that moment, the king's forces attacked the enemy camp, and Nero was rescued. The king's healing magic restored his lost nails and teeth, and he immediately returned to the battlefield. The king recognized his efforts. Nero was praised for keeping the secret and for not losing his fighting spirit despite the brutal torture, and he was awarded a medal.

The king did not heal Nero out of compassion. He was a man who would not flinch even if ten thousand soldiers died, and he would never use healing magic on common soldiers for anything other than war. The king's purpose was to give the soldiers the impression that "as long as the king is there, they will not die even if they are injured," to boost their morale.

However, for Nero, it was an event that warranted a lifetime of loyalty.

From then on, Nero advanced rapidly in his career. He not only received a medal but also, after seeing death, his magical talent soared, and he was taught the magic of the "Hound" by Erina, the leading magic researcher in Dylarn. Now, despite being a commoner, he is the deputy commander of the Black Claw Knights.

Nero holds more power than most nobles. Especially when it comes to monitoring for rebels or slackness in the knights or mages, he is allowed to take considerable liberties.

Moreover, bribery has no effect on Nero. Perhaps because of his loyalty to the king, he despised the border people. In his eyes, while the king was fighting bloody battles for the country, the border people were only concerned with their own comfort, and they were seen as slack and spoiled. The dirty gold coins they tried to bribe him with held no appeal for Nero.

However, recently, Nero's frustration had intensified because he was not getting the cooperation he needed in searching for rebels. In particular, over the past six months, the activities of the rebel army, which had raised the banner against the king, had become more active. Just the other day, remnants who had continued to resist after the Dylarn Magic Kingdom's victory had joined forces with the rebels and were approaching the capital.

Although they were eliminated by the power of Queen Bazalde, there must have been an important officer who linked the rebels and the remnants. When Nero tried to mobilize the knights of the border territories to search for this person, they refused, giving various excuses.

Of course, for the people of the border territories, who were often called to war and heavily taxed to maintain the main army, this was an extremely troublesome situation. Even the nobles who governed the border territories were dissatisfied.

Furthermore, there were no clues about the appearance or face of the rebels, and no solid evidence. The border knights could not simply nod to Nero's unreasonable search orders based solely on his intuition. They searched half-heartedly and sent him away.

Nero, in retaliation, announced an inspection of the border territories.

The deadline was one month later.

But in reality, he was already touring the areas a week earlier.

Of course, to reprimand the border knights who were in a panic over the preparations.

"Are you planning to make excuses like 'the enemy came suddenly' if you lose in war?"

This was Nero's duty, and he had no hesitation.

To solidify the rule of the Dylarn Magic Kingdom, Nero continued to move tirelessly.

◆

"How is it, the cavalry of the Silver Scale Knights?"

"Ugh...!"

On the plains surrounding Shelrand, the knights on horseback were lined up. Under the clear sky of early summer, Byron, the commander of the Silver Scale Knights, proudly showed them to Nero.

Byron was a cheerful dandy with black hair, a black beard, and a brown complexion. He was famous both as a simple swordsman and as the leader of the organization. Incidentally, he was a devoted husband and still wrote love poems to his wife as he did when he was single. He was a man with no flaws except that his poetry was a bit clumsy.

Today, Byron wore a smile full of ease and elegance. Contrary to Nero's expectations, he did not show a fierce expression. He raised his voice and gave orders to the knights.

"Silver Scale Knights, ready!"

"““““Yes!””””

"Charge!"

The horses started running in perfect formation.

Even in training, their morale was high.

They galloped around Shelrand and deliberately passed close to the outer walls of the town.

The people who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the honorable knights cheered.

"... You have certainly prepared well."

"Indeed, I reflected on the criticism that 'the horses' equipment was inadequate' when you visited last time. I am truly grateful."

"I only said what needed to be said as part of my duty."

"You are right. I deeply reflected on it."

Despite his humble words, Byron crossed his arms and wore a cool expression. He was more proud of the beauty of the cavalry under his command than of getting through the inspection.

The knights, armed with silver lances and clad in black shining armor, were all elite. They would immediately scatter any enemy, whether human or monster. At least, they were the strongest knights in the eastern part of the Dylarn Magic Kingdom.

This time, the horse armor they had prepared to cope with the emergency was of excellent quality. It was light, hard, and beautiful. The emblem of the knightly order was clearly imprinted in black on the bright brown leather.

Sturdy leather armor often gives an impression of being rough and intimidating. It spreads fear to those it protects. But this emblem transformed the impression of fear into one of reliability. This was the image the commander sought. Byron aimed to be a knight who protected others, not one who destroyed enemies.

"But, no matter how good the appearance, does the substance match? Training is just training, not the real thing."

"That is true. To protect what is important, we must always sharpen our fangs. We must have substance that matches our appearance. I appreciate your advice."

"…Hmph. There were no problems with the inspection. I will report that you are well-trained."

"I am honored."

"There is nothing more to see. I will take my leave."

"Ah, but we have also prepared a banquet."

"I did not come for the banquet. I am busy."

Nero left the scene before the horses returned.

Byron watched him go and sighed.

"He doesn't take bribes, doesn't rest, and came a week early for the inspection. It's quite a feat... If it weren't for the painter's advice, we would have been in trouble."

Soon, the horses returned to Byron.

The horses seemed to enjoy galloping in their armor. Despite the heavy burden of the saddle, stirrups, and armor, the horses must have felt the excitement of the knights they carried and the pride in their appearance.

"I think the painter is tired of seclusion and it's time to call him back... But before that, let's take a ride, huh, partner?"

Saying this, Byron stroked his horse's back.

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