Ghost Festival has just passed, and the weather in the northern part of the empire is already a bit cold in September.
Here is an ancient city located below the Palohia Plateau called Bataparia, which means Great Watcher in Lamani.
This 500-year-old city-state was originally used for military purposes and was established to protect the people from attacks by ethnic minorities on the plateau. However, after the current Emperor of Padrosi, Sigsumund Voznorion Sekesitu I, came to the throne, he built fortresses to reform the army and took the initiative in strategy. The territory occupied by the highlanders has been greatly expanded. shrink.
Today's Bhattapariya has lost its past strategic intentions. In the past 50 years, it has gradually developed into a relatively leisurely rear city-state. The bustling atmosphere of the past no longer exists, but the pace of life here is indeed slower. The beautiful scenery of the plateau in the distance and the rich supplies make it a well-known health resort.
On a clear day, standing on the tower of Bataparia, you can see the black flag of Seksiyutu fluttering in the wind at the post on Upijinpaso Mountain in the Palohia Plateau, 10 kilometers away. This is Now the end of this line of defense is located, and the most forward outpost has to go deep below the horizon.
According to folklore, this hillock, which was only part of the great plateau Palohia 50 years ago and did not have its own name, was personally named by His Majesty the Emperor who had just ascended the throne.
Upiginpaso means "one small step," and the meaning of His Majesty's name is self-evident.
Taking this small step as a start, he finally succeeded in expanding the empire's territory to the east. Ambitious but thoughtful, for the Padrosi people, this is another emperor they have waited for a long time to win the title of "Great Emperor" bestowed by the Pope.
People live and work in peace and contentment, and various aspects of production are booming. The enthusiasm for missionary work also led to not only soldiers but also many missionaries stationed at the frontline outposts.
This was a time when religious and royal prestige were at their peak. And as the most outstanding sword and shield of the two, the patron saint of the people. The Twelve National United Knights are almost everyone's greatest heroic group.
Youngsters who dream of becoming knights treasure the badges of every knighthood, and among them, the most respected one, whose eyes always shine when they mention it, is the silver medal that has shone brightly in the past few years. Knights of the Guard.
"Bravely saved His Royal Highness the Crown Prince from the Necromancer!"
"The Silver Guard Knights killed the cult believers!"
"The base camp of the cult believers has been captured. Long live the Empire! Long live the Church! Long live the Knights of the Silver Guard!"
News like this happens almost every two to three months. The Highlanders were beaten to pieces on the front line and there was little fighting in the entire territory. Now, this kind of news has simply firmly grasped the hearts of the people.
The lone horse's hooves echoed on the bluestone slab filled with mottled traces of time. The red cloak worn outside the armor swayed gently with the movement of the black horse underneath him, attracting the attention of passers-by.
"That person is" "Ah, yes, from the Knights." The women who came back from laundry on a sunny afternoon stared at the knight and whispered, and when he looked over with his gray-blue eyes, they all looked at him with a smile. The blushing face averted his gaze.
There is a faint scent of incense in the air. This smell comes from the small altar near the square. The white jade stone wall in the middle of the square is engraved with many names in rigid Raman letters - all of them are the sages and martyrs who fought bravely on this land. The small altar is filled with large and small wooden plates and basins, with plain dough and various fruits placed on them. This is the ancestral food offered to the ancestors on the last day of the Ghost Festival.
Even though it has been more than a thousand years since they converted to the White Church's faith, people across the empire still maintain many of their past traditions.
The Holy Scriptures of the Church are not static. Many people who have not had an in-depth understanding of the church do not know this. In fact, the missionaries and sages added many details of the original native beliefs in order to make the church acceptable to the local people.
They put a lot of thought into making this religion that advocates peace more acceptable to people.
The monasteries established were filled with various charitable deeds, and the church with its strong financial resources not only took care of the food, clothing, housing and transportation of the poor. A lot of investment has also been made in various infrastructure construction.
Regardless of nobles or commoners, if you are willing to learn knowledge, then the clergy college will be open to you. This college funded by the church has three parts: School of Pharmacy, School of Science and School of Liberal Arts. In addition to learning church-related knowledge, you can also develop professional skills and become talents useful to society.
Of course, there will still be sneaky people in some details where supervision is weak. After all, there will always be areas that cannot be taken care of, but overall, this is the era when the White Church's popularity among the people has reached its peak.
The poor people will go to the church for help when they encounter almost any problem. Even though its teaching is that "any difficulty is a test from God", the monks and nuns are always willing to help others.
An organization that can develop and grow to this extent always has its own advantages.
He passed the square and began to go further inside. The residents along the way were talking a lot, and the patrolling legionnaires immediately stood at attention and saluted uprightly when they saw it.
He returned the salute with a slight nod, and then continued to drive forward.
Neatly worn armor is the latest style. The joints and torso are made of leather armor riveted with steel bars as the main body, paired with mail armor. It is lightweight but has excellent defense and flexibility. The thick leather surface is not only hardened, but also engraved. There is a shining shield painted on the left chest, which is outlined with a carving knife and then colored with silver paint.
The cloak that covers the outside is made of wool and is fastened across the chest with a silver chain.
Being able to ride on horseback while fully armed in the inner city area of the empire is a rare privilege even for the officers of the legion. Even members of the Knights are prohibited from being on duty. The only ones who can move freely in the city area fully armed are those who hold high positions in the Knights.
But why do such people come to this area?
Curiosity prompted people to look at the back figure, and he drove his horse forward slowly, gradually entering the lower city.
Bataparia has a standard city-state design. The closer it is to the upper city where the lord is, the more prosperous it will be. The people who live here naturally have a higher status. The lower city area is usually an area frequented by civilians. It is natural that people dressed as noble knights will attract attention here.
The silence caused by the sudden stop of footsteps was replaced by various whispered discussions. People stopped what they were doing and looked at the back of the man who was considered a star in the empire today.
They do not know the names of all the knights. For some security reasons, the names of the knights have always been kept secret.
The original intention of the establishment of the Twelve Knights was to become the sword and shield of the empire, and their approach was usually more inclined to become heroes behind the scenes rather than to come to the front. The reason why the Silver Guard has been so highly praised in the past few years is mainly related to the incident of saving the crown prince.
Necromancer, darkness, demon. Similar topics always spark endless discussions. These guys are notorious in the empire with strong religious beliefs. If a child cries and is ignorant, parents often use the saying "you will be captured by the cultists at night!" to scare them, and it is quite effective.
The target that everyone calls for a beating has a mysterious and dangerous name. These people saved His Royal Highness the Crown Prince from their hands, and attacked again and again within a few years, as if they wanted to wipe out all the cultists in the territory.
Justice defeats evil, light defeats darkness, there are countless similar themes. Since the church does not have private weapons, these knights have become the agents of gods in the world, defending the world of light and fighting against darkness.
Respected and admired by others, the child also boasted to his friends that he would join the Silver Guard and become a knight in the future.
On days like this, to be honest, it feels a bit lacking for him.
The scene of just joining the Knights is still vivid, as if it was only yesterday. However, when I look back, I have already traveled such a long distance.
How fast time passes, and only when you look back suddenly can you understand it firsthand.
The face that was still young at first began to become sharp and angular after years of fighting and being exposed to the sun and rain. Although he is slightly slender physically, he is more of a craftsman than a knight.
Soldiers value speed, but speed is the only thing that can't be broken. Use weapons and brains rather than brute force to fight - he emphasized it countless times, and he could even remember the opponent's tone clearly.
"It's time to have some snacks!" A mother in the distance behind her shouted, followed by a burst of cheers from the playing children.
Of course, the sacrifices to honor the sages have to be eaten by themselves after being placed. Festivals like this don't happen often, so people usually put a lot of effort into it. Children don’t understand traditions and respect for the ancients. In the final analysis, what they look forward to is just delicious snacks.
Simple and beautiful. He thought as he looked at the children running past his horse. One of them touched the shield hanging on his horse furtively. "You!" His mother patted his head, and the young man turned around and smiled at the other person.
"Would you like some, Sir Knight?" The woman smiled and handed him the plate, but he just waved his hand: "Thank you, no." Then he moved forward.
“To make this life possible for all children.”
"I want to learn more about this."
In a blink of an eye, 13 years have passed. Now he couldn't remember her face clearly, but only the serious tone when she said these words was still deeply engraved in her mind.
To say that he didn't like her would be a lie. But from that time on he understood deeply.
She was destined not to belong to him alone.
Call it a child's fantasy or an immature and naive idea. But that person has this kind of magic power, able to turn innocent ideas into reality and give others the strength to move forward.
Some people are meant to guide others.
Because of her few words under the sunset that day, he became who he is now.
Leader of the Silver Guard Knights.
Heimerning Heinzworm.
"Click--" The sound of horse hooves stopped, and the destination was not very impressive, just a small villa. Two floors with a small courtyard. The pear tree planted in the yard has poked its head over the low wall, but it is not its home field now that it is September. Instead, through the open gate, you can see the bright daisies on both sides of the road.
"People who don't know about it would think that this is the home of a flower farmer somewhere." He turned over and fell off his horse, making a heavy sound when he stepped on the ground. The knight in military uniform weighs more than 100 kilograms due to his height and physique, and he is quite intimidating when he walks.
"So you just took office today, and the first thing you want to do is to come to my nursing home." The sound of "build-build--" was heard from the corner of the yard, a somewhat skinny person The man walked toward the door with a cane and a wooden leg.
"After all, I still want you to be the first to see it." Haimirning smiled: "Master Captain."
"No, I can't stand being so praised by my current boss. As you can see, I can't afford to fall now." He shrugged, then pointed to the side with his chin.
"Make me a pot of tea, Captain." The former leader said. Although his body was damaged, his emerald blue eyes were still bright.
"You were not polite at all when you mentioned this." Heimielning shook his head and sighed, then sat on a chair in the yard with him and began to skillfully fiddle with the charcoal fire.
"New A?" Even though he has retired, the focus is still there due to habit. He said this, and Haymelin nodded: "There are also swords, shields and horses, all new."
"That's great, why did I retire so early - oh yes, I'm disabled." The former regiment leader shrugged again.
"It's so cold." But his joke obviously made people laugh. Heimerning shook his head, then picked up the kettle and poured water into the teapot. He blanched it first, poured out the water before pouring it in again, and then set it aside to let the fragrance of the tea dissolve into the water.
"It seems you still remember." The former captain looked at his actions, but did not continue after saying this.
"How could I forget it?" Haimirning poured tea for him, and then looked at the old wooden leg: "Are the joints still worn? The padding used is too hard. Let them help Make it velvet."
"Forget it. As you know, the budget in the group is tight now, so don't spend money on me, and get more good equipment." The former group leader took a sip of tea and frowned. He always likes to drink hot drinks. Tea, because high temperature can better bring out the aroma of tea: "Ah - not bad, your craftsmanship is better." He paused: "Besides, if you can't even overcome this discomfort, I am an old wolf. I’m afraid I’m really going to lose all my teeth.”
"...I have already taken my revenge." Haymelin suddenly said softly.
"Yeah." The leader nodded, but didn't say anything more.
"It's finally over." Haimirning raised his head and looked at the high blue sky, suddenly feeling a little confused.
"Veteran members, are you not dissatisfied?"
"No, thanks to the support of Gedo and Liccardo. If not, I was really afraid that someone would suddenly jump up and kick me off the authorization ceremony." Haimirning seemed a little scared, but compared to the four He has matured a lot over the years.
If he was just a young teenager when he had just matured, now he is already a decent knight.
"He is neither a noble nor a child of a wealthy businessman family. An orphan has become the youngest knight leader in the empire at the age of 23. No one will believe this." Haimirning imitated the leader's words. She shrugged: "To be honest, I still feel like I'm dreaming."
"Aha, do you want me to slap you?" The former leader glanced at him. "No need." The young man raised his hand, and then the two of them laughed together.
"Do you know, kid?"
"Actually, I'm not a noble either."
"Huh?" The slightly unexpected statement made Haimirning stunned for a moment.
"You also know the history of the Imperial Knights. The Silver Guard is the latest one to be established, and has a close relationship with the church."
"The reason why the recruitment department accepts civilians is because of the church's intention." The leader said, and Haymelin nodded in realization: "No wonder the people in other knights are so uncooperative with us, I thought it was Because we stole the show.”
"That reason cannot be denied." The group leader shrugged.
"They are all people of noble birth, which will eventually limit their thinking. Many people only have glory and territory in their eyes."
"Only those who have climbed up from the bottom will truly understand what the people at the bottom need. I accepted you during the interview to join the regiment because I saw in your eyes the determination to move forward," the regiment leader said. The tea cup was placed on the wooden table, and he continued: "This determination is combined with your origin, and don't forget where you come from. Our Silver Guards are not only the sword and shield of the emperor, but also the church and the people."
"We should take it as our duty to protect the people. This is what makes this knightly order different from other knightly orders. The reason why the church supports us is also for this reason."
"Silver and white are very close, aren't they? The knights of silver, the knights of the white church. Our long-cherished wish is to allow the people to live and work in peace and contentment. The common people are not stupid. They know who is doing practical things. Those jealous noble knights have been overshadowed by us. If the comparison goes on, the whole people are cheering for the name of Silver Guard." "Dong dong." The leader knocked on the table to signal, and Haimirning, who was listening intently, quickly added some more tea.
"You kid, please don't screw up, otherwise I will go over and beat you up with a cane."
"I respectfully respect the instructions of the captain." Haimirning chuckled.
The chatting time flew by quickly, and it was almost evening in the blink of an eye. It was inappropriate to leave for so long just after taking office, so he was ready to leave without the need for the former captain to rush.
"But even if you are a very good boy." Before leaving, the leader said meaningfully: "This promotion path is a little too smooth."
"...It is because of the help of noble people and everyone's support." Haimirning's voice became a little lower. This did not escape the ears of the group leader, but he did not point it out, just gently Sighing: "Be careful."
"There is no harvest in my own field, but the neighbor's field next door is full of fruit. As the saying goes, no man is guilty of carrying a jade. It is better to be more discerning."
"Yeah." Haimirning nodded: "Then I'm leaving."
"Go away, go away." The group leader shrugged, then spread his hands and shooed him away like a fly.
————
————
The Silver Guard's station is not far from Bataparia. After leaving the city, Haymelin started running with his horse, so he quickly returned to where he was. But he put down his weapons and shield in the stable and did not return directly to the headquarters. Instead, he walked towards his resting place.
The door is open.
Standing on both sides of the door were two men who were not inferior to him in stature. Although they were lightly dressed, they actually had weapons hidden under their robes.
This is an elite bodyguard, and their combat effectiveness is no worse than that of the official members of the Knights.
"——" They glanced at the person coming and quickly judged the fact that they were not carrying weapons. Then the road was cleared, allowing him to go further inside.
After passing through two doors, Haymelin entered a slightly larger room. This is the reception room of the knight leader. The entire hut belongs to him. From today on, even members of the group cannot enter easily without permission.
But there are already people here.
He wore a simple black robe and had long hair hanging down his head.
"..." Haimirning walked in silently, then bent down: "See Your Highness."
"..." The crown prince, who had still not been able to ascend the throne after four years, turned his head when he heard this, but looking at him, he just sighed for some reason.
"Child, do you always hold a grudge?"
"I dare not." Haimirning lowered his head: "I will always remember His Highness's kindness."
"...Sigh, but you know I didn't do it for you." The Crown Prince sighed repeatedly, but finally took out something from the pocket on his waist.
"We have information about the person you want to inquire about." Crown Prince Hermes said, and it was only then that Haimirning raised his head and looked at him.
As soon as two pairs of similar gray-blue eyes came into contact, the young man immediately looked away and lowered his head again, then changed the subject: "What exactly?"
"The news can be good or bad. The person you are interested in is indeed very capable, but because of this, she was sent to a quite chaotic place. It happened that I saw a name worth paying attention to while processing the documents." The Crown Prince handed over the documents. To Hymelning: "Where she is now."
"It's Aurora."
“The Birthplace of the Church.”
"There has been turmoil recently. The people of Suomir were very dissatisfied with the church leaders who were of Lamanite origin, and demanded to be replaced by Suomir people. After failure, they launched a rebellion. This is a letter they sent for help. Although they have recently relied on Support from local lords and the royal family was still maintained, but some churches in remote areas lost contact."
"..." The Crown Prince noticed Haimirning's silence. He hesitated for a while, and finally decided to tell the news: "His Majesty the Emperor has decided to send out a knighthood. The candidate has not yet been decided. If you want it..." Before he finished speaking, he saw the firm look in Haimirning's eyes and sighed: "Yu will help you fight for it."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Haimirning gave a heavy salute.
"...Sigh" the Crown Prince sighed again: "If you are truly grateful, can you address me in a way..."
"Forget it, it seems like it's an exchange of selling conditions. It's not something you are willing to do."
"It's Yu who failed in his duty, child." He stepped forward and wanted to reach out and touch Haimirning's shoulder. Haimirning was obviously not qualified to avoid doing such a thing as the crown prince, but he hesitated for a while, but he never put down his palm.
"Then, I left." Without any further hesitation, he turned around and started walking towards the door.
And Haimirning raised his head, looked at the somewhat lonely figure, and opened his mouth: "Please——"
But he was never able to say it.
He clenched his fists and stood up.
