Chapter 294
For a moment, the atmosphere grew solemn, as if the very air around them had stilled. The flickering light of the campfire reflected off the blade resting on Philip’s hands, as he knelt on one knee, head bowed.
The two witnesses watched silently, not even daring to breathe. The crackling of the fire, the soft snore, and the dwarf sleeping nearby added to the surreal yet strikingly real scene.
Ian, who had been observing this, finally reached out his hand. The cold sensation of the hilt spread through his palm, and he couldn’t help but suppress yet another faint laugh.
Of all things, here I am, about to bestow knighthood.
He had never once imagined Philip would be the one kneeling before him for such a ceremony. Yet here they were, faced with an undeniable reality. Life had a way of moving in unexpected directions. As Ian lifted the sword, Philip lowered his arms, pressing his hands to the ground. Ian then placed the flat of the blade on the back of Philip’s neck.
Thud, thud, clank—
He tapped each of Philip’s shoulders before bringing the sword down on his helmet with enough force to make his ears ring. Philip, however, didn’t even flinch.
... I hate this kind of ceremonial nonsense.
Despite his thoughts, Ian placed the blade back on Philip’s neck.
"I’ll ask you one last time. Do you truly accept the sword I offer?"Instead of answering with words, Philip raised both of his hands above his head once more, palms open. Ian rested the sword on them again.
With a sigh, he finally spoke, "... Rise, Philip. You are now my knight."
"I will serve you with all my loyalty… master."
At that moment, a quest completion screen appeared before Ian’s eyes.
[Oath of Loyalty.]
It was a quest he had never even received.
The reward was a small amount of experience, one point of Stamina, and a question mark. There was no need to wonder what the question mark represented—it was standing right in front of him, rising to his feet.
In the game, was this like hiring mercenaries, but with no cost...?
There was no way to confirm now, but maybe this was a knight-specific quest. Just like mages could climb the ranks in magic towers, knights had quests that could raise their ranks depending on their level. Perhaps, like the barbarians, they could eventually command their small knightly order.
As Ian was deep in thought, Philip secured his sword at his waist.
Seras’s voice broke the silence, seemingly prepared for this precise moment. "The knighting ceremony followed the correct procedure, and I, Seras Astrea, can vouch for its validity."
Her tone was serious, as was her appearance. Her radiant platinum hair and red eyes, now back in their true form, were shining with an air of formality. She had transformed herself into a proper witness for the event.
She caught Ian’s gaze and smiled. "It feels completely different from the ceremonies I’ve seen in the capital. I must say… it’s far more impressive."
Her crimson eyes held a genuine admiration as she spoke, not just flattery.
Philip gave a small cough as he stood quietly. "Is that so? Personally, I found it quite embarrassing."
Ian couldn’t help but chuckle incredulously as he glanced at Philip.
"Not as much as me, I bet."
"Well, yes. My lord—I mean master— you dislike anything that feels too sentimental." Philip smiled as he removed his helmet. Ian clicked his tongue as he sat back down by the fire.
"If you know that, then stop calling me that. Just speak the way you usually do."
The title master made his ears feel like they were tickling.
Philip chuckled as he sat down as well. "As you wish, my lord."
As Asme silently made her way toward the carriage, Seras, now seated again, glanced back and forth between Philip and Ian.
"I feel much more at ease now. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep if another royal or the Order had claimed Sir Philip. Now I can finally rest easy."
Of course, you would.
Ian gave a quiet snort as Philip added, "So does that mean all the people trying to bother me will finally go away now?"
"For a while, they may still approach you. However, once they learn you serve the Agent of the Platinum Dragon and that I have vouched for you, they’ll retreat. Once that information is out, they’ll abandon any lingering hopes."
Seras shrugged and glanced at Ian as she continued, "Don’t worry. As soon as this mission is complete, I’ll write up the certificate and submit it to both the Order and the royal family. Of course, it will have my official seal."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Philip said with a bow.
At that moment, Asme returned to the campfire, carrying a bottle of wine and some cheese in both hands—parting gifts from Fael. She uncorked the bottle as she sat down, and Seras smiled.
"It’s a momentous occasion. Shouldn’t we raise a toast?"
She’s more excited than any of us.
Despite his thoughts, Ian lifted his empty cup, as did Philip. Seras approached and filled both their cups, placing a slice of cheese on Ian’s knee as well. After refilling Philip’s cup, she swiftly returned to her seat by the fire, her movements quick and fluid, like a ghost.
Seras raised her cup. "To an unbreakable vow made in the heart of an unnamed forest at midnight."
This is so cheesy, it hurts.
Ian was the only one who thought so, of course.
"To an unbreakable vow," Philip echoed, his eyes glistening with emotion as he brought his cup to his lips. Asme followed suit, delicately raising her cup with both hands.
Ian also took a sip from his cup. Philip, who had finished his drink faster, let out a relieved sigh.
"It’s starting to feel real now. I can finally stop worrying. I’ll be able to leave the capital without interference and return to the frontier."
"You’re not going anywhere just yet."
"Huh...?" Philip stared blankly at Ian, who had just spoken as he set down his cup.
Unbothered, Ian set his empty cup down and picked up the slice of cheese from his knee.
"First, send a messenger to confirm whether Sir Riurel is still at the Temple of Brazier. If it’s certain that she’s left for the frontier, it won’t be too late to act then. In the meantime, stay at the Great Church."
"Of course, there’s something for you to handle while you wait."
"There’s also something you’ll need to do in the meantime, naturally."
"... There is? All of a sudden?"
"If you’re going to resist, we can forget the whole thing."
"Of course not. I just didn’t expect an order so soon."
Ian let out a quick snort. "Now that I’ve got an official subordinate, I might as well put you to use at least once. After you’re done, you can head to the frontier or wherever you want."
"Yes, give me your orders."
At that moment, a long arm emerged from beside them, draped in a cloak. Asme had approached again, refilling Ian’s cup while he pulled a blanket over Elia’s head and spoke.
"Look into the situation within the Order. Investigate the situation within the Order to uncover the divisions among the factions and identify any potential connection to those people."
"As expected, you need to hear the full story to understand." Philip’s expression turned serious instantly, realizing that Ian was referring to those connected to the Round Table Parliament.
Ian added, "This won’t be easy. Even though you’re not a dragon knight, you’re still officially my subordinate now. Some people might openly shun you, while others could hide their true intentions and approach you, pretending to be friends."
"Don’t worry. I won’t trust anyone. In fact, I’m not afraid of that at all."
"Keep yourself alive, too."
"You’re giving a tough order to an apostle blessed with a vision of sacrifice," Philip replied, his lips curling into a smile.
Ian snorted quietly. "That’s exactly why I’m saying it. If you die, I won’t be able to face Mev. So remember this: don’t die. That’s an order that will never expire."
"I’ll remember, and I’ll do my best with the task you’ve given me. I’ll uncover the truth... but how should I report it to you?"
Philip hesitated as he added, "By the time I finish the investigation, you might no longer be in the capital."
Ian glanced at Seras, who had been listening to their conversation with keen interest, tilting her head slightly.
"Even if I’m sent to the front lines, you, Your Highness, can find out where I am, can’t you?"
"... I suppose I could find out."
"When this one brings you a letter, could you send it to me? It’ll have sensitive details about the inner workings of the Order, so use a trustworthy messenger."
"Are you proposing a new deal?" Seras smiled, raising an eyebrow, clearly mimicking Ian’s own style.
Ian chuckled softly, impressed. "You’ve learned well. If you handle this, I won’t entertain any offers from the Order, even if they come."
"Alright, let’s do it that way. However, may I also read Sir Philip’s report? I’m quite curious about what’s happening within the Order myself."
"You have your sources within the church, don’t you?"
"I do, but none of them can provide such sensitive information. The bishops and paladins, even when they’re at odds with each other, never leak internal matters. Someone like Sir Philip is a rare case. No—"
Seras paused before adding, "He’s the only case I’ve ever seen. It’s the first time I’ve witnessed an apostle who’s received divine revelations opposing the Order."
"Hmm..."
While Ian pondered, Philip, who had thanked Asme, cautiously chimed in, "With all due respect, Your Highness, sometimes ignorance is bliss."
"Oh, dear... You saying that only makes me more curious," Seras’s eyes sparkled with intrigue.
She was the type who wanted things even more if she couldn’t have them, and if forbidden, she desired them all the more.
"You both seem to know something about the turmoil within the Order," Seras said, her eyes gleaming with the look she wore when she had a hidden agenda. She alternated her gaze between Ian and Philip.
"If you share what you know, I could help ensure Sir Philip’s mission succeeds. Discreetly, of course. As I mentioned, I have a few people in the Great Church. Sir Philip will need allies, won’t he?"
"I appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but it could put you in danger," Philip said, gently warning her.
Of course, it had the opposite effect.
Seras’s smile deepened. "I’ve already risked my life. What difference would it make?"
"Oh, Lu Solar... My lord, please say something. I don’t think I’m capable of handling this alone." Philip turned to Ian for help.
Stroking his chin, Ian looked at Seras and finally spoke. "Can you swear not to discuss what you’ve heard here tonight?"
"... My lord?!?"
Philip’s eyes widened in surprise, but Ian paid him no mind. While Philip attempted to dissuade him, Ian paid no attention and instead concentrated on observing Seras and contemplating other matters.
The Round Table Parliament likely had its tendrils within the royal family, but its influence there seemed limited. After all, the Emperor kept a close eye on everything within the palace. Moreover, the princess before him didn’t seem to be one of their agents.
Her animosity toward the Great Church was clear, and her primary focus appeared to be on the Empire and the succession dispute. Perhaps Seras could serve as both an obstacle to the Parliament and a source of information. Given her prophetic dreams, she might have a keener sense of impending danger than most.
Seras, meeting Ian’s gaze, spoke in a solemn voice, "I swear upon the Radiant Goddess and the Burning Goddess that everything I’ve heard here will remain secret. You can trust Asme as well; she’s practically part of me."
Asme, who was holding a bottle of wine and looked a bit confused, nodded along regardless. Ian finally turned to Philip, who seemed to have composed himself in the meantime.
Philip clicked his tongue thoughtfully. "If that’s truly your will, my lord..."
"You tell her. I’ll just add my thoughts here and there."
"... Are you sure about that?" Philip asked, intrigued by the offer.
Ian simply shrugged, and Seras, who had been watching the exchange, smiled.
"My goodness, my heart is racing again. Ever since I met Sir Ian, it seems I haven’t had a single peaceful day."
"I only remembered that you already shared one of your deepest secrets with me. I trust you’ll keep your promise," Ian responded calmly.
"Absolutely. I may not say much, but I never lie."
"Then perhaps you should stop drinking for now. This will be a long story."
Seras immediately set down her cup. Ian and Philip, on the other hand, didn’t follow suit. Philip, in fact, took another slow sip, seemingly gathering his thoughts.
"... I suppose I should begin by asking this question." Philip finally placed his cup down and spoke.
Seras, holding her breath, fixated on his lips as he asked in a near whisper, "Have you ever heard of the Round Table Parliament?"
And so, the conversation began. It stretched on late into the night, robbing Seras and Asme not only of their smiles but also of any remaining signs of fatigue, as the gravity of the discussion took hold.