The knights panicked at the sudden declaration of the Emperor.

There was no joking in Enrique’s personality.

I knew he would retaliate for what happened with Helene at the banquet, but I didn’t expect it to be like this.

It was too juvenile, and I couldn’t bear to look.

“Well… Your Majesty, please reconsider!”

Knight Commander Wexon begged, bowing at the waist.

It probably won’t be of any use.

“This matter has already been approved by the nobility. For some reason, there is a trend of young talents with sacred power increasing from all over the country.”

Enrique, after saying so in a dry tone, glanced in my direction.

It was a look as if saying, ‘It’s not a big deal that the Empress received a revelation.’

“And so, it was decided to double the current strength of the Crusade. As there will be knights coming in as trainees, they will need accommodation and training grounds, so they will use this place. The tasks you were doing will now be handled by the Crusade.”

You without sacred power, just leave now, right?

“Indeed. Although I mentioned receiving a revelation, there was no particular reaction.”

Is there such an increase in people with sacred power that the suggestion to reinforce the Holy Order was accepted?

“This is not a good sign.”

I always talk about causality because nothing in the world happens suddenly.

‘If those with sacred power increase, it means that demons will also increase.’

I need to inform Duke Ahillo to reorganize the soldiers and form alliances with skilled mercenaries.

Having organized my thoughts to that extent, I shook my head and took a step forward, looking around at the royal knights trembling with contempt.

“As the Emperor has ordered, they are no longer members of the royal knights from now on. The administrative order has already been issued, right?”

“That’s right.”

“Well, that’s good. Will there be any objections later?”

When I, still with a bright voice and a positive attitude, spoke, the knights who seemed to dig holes everywhere raised their heads.

I grabbed the chin of Chefen Kye, who was closest to me, and gently pushed it up.

I don’t know why their submissive attitude of bowing their heads makes me so disgusted.

“Since Your Majesty made decisions without asking for my opinion, I will also make decisions as I please with the authority of the Empress.”

“What are you trying to do?”

“I’m trying to establish my own knight order. According to the Imperial Law, the Empress can have her own direct knight order, similar to the Imperial Guard.”

Of course, it is possible.

It’s just that no one has done it.

If you get along well with the Emperor, there is no reason to have a separate knight order, and if you have weak authority, you have to serve someone, so you wouldn’t have the courage.

Also, even if all the conditions are met, it’s not easy for the knights to pledge their allegiance so easily.
Though there was a law, it was impossible given various circumstances.

At this moment today, until I achieve it.

“How about it, knights? Will you not become my direct knights?”

The casually thrown question carried an undeniable weight.

“I will be your shelter. You will be a sturdy pillar and fence for me.”

Being the Empress’s subordinate and being the Empress’s knight had clearly different meanings.

The latter held higher authority, prestige, and dignity.

‘Since the nobles already perceive Bacquere as the Empress’s sword, let’s make them entirely mine.’

Incidentally, I had recently tailored uniforms for all the knights.

I can use them as formal attire.

With a cheerful smile, I turned to Enrique, who seemed dumbfounded.

“You won’t speak two words in one mouth, will you, Your Majesty?”

“……Ha!”

The expression of the Enrique I met again did not reveal much. I wanted to torment him more, who was awkwardly holding the crown and awkwardly weighing it. I wondered what expression he would make if I exposed the turmoil inside him.

‘No matter what attack you bring, I know you’ll blink at least once.’

After seeing Enrique’s face after taking a hit, I finally felt relieved, but if I end it here, I’ll have to return the business card that says “demon.”

It might be chaotic, and I might feel like vomiting, but I have to finish saying what I want to say and then faint.

I stood upright and spoke each word in a lively manner. While glaring at Enrique.

This, too, was something I had wanted to say so badly.

“The knight order’s name will be… Yes, let’s call it the Astalor Knight Order.”

It was at that very moment.

Enrique’s expression, which had been as solid as a brick wall, crumbled.

Looking at him staggering as if he had received a significant shock, I struggled to suppress my laughter.

‘You actually remember my name?’

It’s ridiculous. It’s absurd, but why do I feel like tears are about to fall? I don’t know why my mouth is dry, and my fist is clenched.

At that moment, a warm energy, contrary to the bone-chilling sacred power, enveloped me.

Even without turning around, I knew. It was Mermem.