How To Choose A Knight - Chapter 53

His eye corners were long like decorations, with ends that slightly drooped and then curved up gently. So when his long eyelashes fluttered like butterflies, he looked very docile, but in reality it was the opposite.

He had to do what he wanted to do, and if he had to do something dangerous, he would jump in without hesitation. He had been swept up in those reckless movements before.

That purple hue became deep and vivid in the shade, and very clear in the sunlight. It changed colorfully like a jewel. A different color, but a sparkle befitting her name, Jade.

It wasn’t a leisurely winter day in the forest, nor in front of a fireplace where the body becomes languid, but he became stupid again. The determination he had made not long ago was once again blurred and scattered, leaving no trace.

Is it okay to go back to the forest without looking?

No way.

He thought if he looked just one more time, he would know what this feeling was. He thought he would know if he looked just one more time.

That thought was wrong. He couldn’t know perfectly. He didn’t know what kind of feeling this was. Because it was still too small to attach any words to.

But he was sure that he was annoyed that that pale, skinny wizard kept touching Jade.

Even now, isn’t he grabbing her wrist as he pleases? Her wrist is already thin and weak, what if it leaves a red mark?

In a moment of useless anger alone, someone approached Jade and chattered. He missed most of the conversation while looking at her beautiful purple eyes, but there was a sentence that stuck in his ears.

“You’re not even the official head of the Broen family yet, just the heir. His Majesty is going too far.”

Axel doubted his ears.

Broen?

In the past, even he, who had no interest in the throne, had heard of this family. The oldest wizard family in the kingdom of El Sion. They had excellently led the southern territory for generations.

He thought there might be some lies mixed in, but he didn’t expect it to be to this extent. She’s from a very prosperous family.

The corner of Axel’s mouth rose crookedly.

I see. Jade Broen.

He rolled her name over his tongue several times. So as to never forget it.

He had come to return a lost item, but there was no need for that now.

If it’s Broen, you should pay with your life instead. Isn’t that right, Jade Broen? Add interest too, since you left without saying goodbye.

He no longer regretted leaving the forest.

Rather, he became greatly pleased. Just by meeting those eyes again.

Although the subjugation team was organized based on ability, the command was mostly composed of those who had experience leading others.

It had to be that way.

What the command had to do was not just simple combat, but also leading the forces under them. They had to discuss supply issues and negotiate to pass through amicably if the lord of the territory they passed through raised complaints.

Could a knight with an unfamiliar name do this? Even with many nobles with great titles under him?

This was probably the question that came to mind for everyone in the Western Subjugation Team. So the atmosphere around the round table continued to be cold. Even Jade, who was supposed to raise such issues on behalf of the Western Subjugation Team, was just blinking blankly.

Leon? Who’s Leon? That’s clearly Axel…

Ignoring Jade’s confusion, Sir ‘Leon’ opened his mouth with an indifferent face.

“I don’t know exactly why His Majesty didn’t share the details, but I know that the fewer people who know a secret in the process, the better. So now…”

“Wait.”

Rigel Hias cut in with a sharper voice than ever before.

“Did you say Leon Vaintz?”

People around flinched in surprise at his tone, which had no respect at all. But Axel answered calmly, as if he had expected it.

“That’s my name.”

“A knight with a name I’ve never heard of represents us? Do you really think that’s possible? I think we should at least know one or two things you’ve accomplished. Don’t you agree?”

Axel twisted the corner of his mouth.

“I’m not sure if you absolutely need to know.”

“Then how can we trust and follow you?”

Rigel argued in a sharp voice.

“I know the knights around you are very experienced. But even if they vouch for you, I can’t believe it. We don’t know anything about you.”

“Is that so?”

Axel slightly tilted his head. Somehow his actions were too slow, seeming almost mocking. Just as Rigel was about to flare up, Axel’s lips parted again.

“Even if His Majesty chose me?”

This time Rigel’s mouth closed in bewilderment. Axel continued indifferently.

“I won’t be displeased by you raising questions. I know you’ve never heard my name before. But I don’t think it means you distrust His Majesty’s choice. The knighthood bestowed upon me was given by His Majesty. My appointment as commander-in-chief is likewise His Majesty’s will.”

His voice was weighty amidst indifference.

“If you still can’t accept it, I recommend contacting His Majesty. I will comply.”

At this, a slight flush rose to the pale face of the boyish wizard. He had only expressed distrust towards a knight whose name he had never heard, not realizing that the distrust extended to the king.

Axel looked around once. The round table had fallen silent. Jade was still dumbfounded.

That face resembled her look when she first fell into the Athanase Forest, and he smiled faintly inside for a moment. Of course, it didn’t show on the outside at all.

“Then shall we share the purpose of this subjugation team again?”

He said, leaning back comfortably in his chair.

“The purpose of this subjugation is simple. To kill the strong monsters that have taken up residence on the border. As you may have guessed, we will cross the border into the Kingdom of Jisen. But there’s a condition.”

Curiosity rose on everyone’s faces. Axel continued calmly.

“Without mercy, spectacularly. Thoroughly enough to win the favor of the people of Jisen who are tired of monsters.”

What they had expected became a clear goal from the commander-in-chief’s lips.

Jade pinched her thigh again calmly. Get a grip!

“Ouch, um, excuse me.”

The self-proclaimed Sir Leon looked at her. A straight and calm gaze. The familiar gray eyes were still clear and deep, without a single tremor.

Jade felt somewhat indignant. Just meeting him made her this shaky, but he was perfectly fine.

Moreover, he was even pretending not to know her!

Heated, Jade asked her question as clearly as possible. Very politely, with a sense of distance.

“You said this subjugation. Is another subjugation planned?”

“You’re quick to grasp the point. That’s right. After this subjugation ends, we’ll have a short rest and the next subjugation will proceed.”

“Then it won’t be the border area, but deep into Jisen territory?”

“Well. It’s hard for me to get ahead of His Majesty’s plans.”

He didn’t give a definite answer, but everyone could guess.

“I think it’s enough for now that you know who the commander-in-chief is and the goal of the subjugation team. Tomorrow we’ll leave Enardi province and head towards the border area without specifying a destination. I hope you have a good night, at least for today.”

Axel left as soon as he finished speaking.

Everyone sitting around the round table stood up, but they all seemed lost in thought and just lingered around.

“Lady Jade. Do you think I made a mistake in speaking?”

Rigel muttered with a dejected face. Jade sighed.

“It would have been better if your tone was more polite. Just now, you were the very image of a noble immersed in their own status.”

“Do you think that commander will report to His Majesty? I feel like I’ve already been on his bad side lately…”

“Someone might, but I don’t think that commander will do it himself.”

Whether Axel or Sir Leon, he didn’t seem to have such a loose tongue. Rather, he seemed too heavy.

Jade rose from her seat.

“How are the resting places decided?”

“The servants will guide you. Just ask anyone you see.”

Thanking someone for their kind answer, Jade quickened her steps. Towards where Sir Leon had gone.

She felt she needed to have at least a personal conversation. Whether Leon was his real name, and if not, why he was denying his own name.

Of course, she would have to be careful not to blurt out a greeting of welcome first.

The man had very long legs to match his tall stature. He seemed to be walking calmly, but Jade had to move briskly to keep up.

While trying to catch up, Jade suddenly realized. During her time in the Athanase Forest, she had always walked behind him at first, and later always walked side by side with him.

That change was due to Axel. Because he had matched his pace to hers.

Sniffling for no reason, Jade started walking briskly and soon began to run.

She felt people around her moving aside in surprise, but she had no mind to care about those gazes. Even though he must have heard her hurried footsteps, that annoyingly handsome back was still calmly facing forward.

But it was okay. This time, I can match his pace with my own strength.

“Sir Leon, have you properly checked the items?”

Now Axel was close enough for the conversation to be heard. A knight with attractively upturned eyes was speaking to him. It was definitely Grace Tanner.

There was a faint flush on that woman’s face.

“Well, I’m sure they arrived properly.”

“Unlike before, the amenities are more detailed, so there’s more to check than you might think.”

Axel just nodded vaguely without answering. Even while frantically moving her legs, Jade liked his indifference towards others.

She must be crazy. Well, she had been crazy for quite a while. She had been constantly crazy since leaving the Athanase Forest.

Finally, Jade grabbed the man’s thick forearm.