The four White Wolves and Kassel were traveling in a wagon. Every time the wagon wheel rolled over the parched land, clouds of white dust arose. The road was as desolate as a desert.
The journey was tedious, in part due to the unnerving incident that happened before leaving Koholrun, which caused everyone to restrain their words. Gerald had long lain in the wagon’s storage area, claiming he was tired, but he could not sleep and continued to toss and turn. Azwin and Dunmel were sitting side by side on the baggage, gazing off into the distance, while Sheyden was driving the wagon.
Kassel sat next to Sheyden, continually glaring at the horse’s behind.
“You seem deep in thought,” Sheyden said.
“I do have a lot on my mind,” Kassel replied, his gaze still fixed on the swishing tail of the horse.
“Like what?”
“Who am I? Why am I traveling with the White Wolves now? Who exactly are the White Wolves?”
“Huh? Why are you…?” Sheyden turned around and asked.
Kassel gave a broad grin and met his gaze.
“Why? The existence of the White Wolves is a dream to me. Naturally, I’m curious. But now that the real deal is in front of me, it doesn’t feel real, and I can’t even ask anything. So I was worrying on my own.”
“Ah, you’ve only heard rumors about us, haven’t you? I’ve heard those rumors too, and they make us sound like knights of legend sprung from the ground.”
“Were the rumors wrong?”
“What do you think? Do we fly around the sky and not sleep at night?”
Sheyden asked with a displeased expression.
“You haven’t done that in front of me, but who knows.”
Kassel joked.
“Then there’s the fun of correcting the wrong information. Go ahead, ask about us. Anything. Anything at all.”
“I heard there’s a test for selecting the Wolf Knights. What’s that about? Gerald said he couldn’t talk well and told me to ask you.”
At Kassel’s words, Sheyden turned around and laughed.
Gerald, who had been humming a tune from earlier, was finally silent. He must have fallen asleep.
“If the beginning of the story is from that, you’ve chosen well. I too became interested in the Wolf Knights from that point on. It was a radical proposal for a test. They said they would select based on swordsmanship and chivalry, without asking about age, nationality, gender, rank, or anything else. This was incredibly attractive to mercenaries of unknown origin and commoners without a trace of noble blood.”
Two crows flew from beyond the horizon of the wilderness and whizzed past the back of the wagon. Recalling the crows he saw on the battlefield, Kassel instinctively shrugged his shoulders.
“But that’s not to say there weren’t already knights among them. Plenty of nobles and swordsmen who could have joined other knightly orders participated in the test. The reputation of the Wolf Knights was prestigious, then as now. I was holding a position in Irophis, but the moment I heard the news, I rushed to Aranthia. I was extremely nervous, thinking I wouldn’t arrive in time…”
As Sheyden was naturally about to delve into that backstory, Azwin, who had been sitting on the roof of the cargo hold, suddenly jumped down.
“Wait!”
She landed on Sheyden’s neck, taking the position of riding a horse. Sheyden lost his balance and staggered forward, barely managing to stay upright with all his strength.
“You, are you trying to break someone’s spine?”
Sheyden shouted angrily, but he didn’t throw Azwin off. She stayed where she landed, wrapping her arms around Sheyden’s head. With her body curled up like a small child, she looked amusing and cute. Yet her eyes were glaring fiercely, as if warning that if anyone found her cute, she would kill them.
Like the other White Wolves, Azwin always looked unique, no matter what she was doing.
“Can I tell that story?” she asked.
“Oh, please do. Why are you asking for consent? Just break my neck and then speak,” Sheyden grumbled angrily. Azwin strangled his neck with her thighs so he couldn’t talk back, and then she started to tell the story.
“The story begins with a simple, innocent country girl who was a swordsman.”
Azwin closed her eyes silently and faintly raised her head to the sky. Suddenly, Gerald burst into laughter from his corner. He even slammed the floor with his palm.
“I just had a dream where Azwin was the innocent girl. Must have been a nightmare.”
Azwin, unperturbed, spoke in a dreamy tone.
“This girl had a divine talent for the sword. All the men who taught her swordplay in jest ended up being beaten by her later. Her parents, proud but anxious about their only daughter’s extraordinary talent possibly leading to trouble, sent her to a proper swordsmanship school. They probably thought she’d just learn self-defense. But the foolish girl, oblivious to her parents’ worries, dueled with the academy’s teacher on the first day, scored a proud draw, and was expelled.”
Azwin narrated, pretending to sob.
“The poor parents had to take back their foolish daughter who only knew the way of the sword. They struggled with how to deal with their troublesome child. Then, the girl met a man. He was…”
☆ ☆ ☆
“Hey, who taught you that swordplay?”
A man, his hair too filthy to determine its color, wearing rags, with half of his face hidden behind a beard, questioned her. But Azwin wasn’t the least bit intimidated by him, solely because she held a wooden sword. Since she was over thirteen, there was nobody in the village who could beat her with a sword. Also, the grubby man seemed to struggle just standing still.
“I did. By myself. Can’t really say I learned from the people who couldn’t last a day teaching me without losing.”
“That’s impressive. What’s your name?”
“I won’t tell you.”
“So, what should I call you?”
“You don’t have to call me anything. Just go on your way.”
Azwin retorted sharply.
“Oh, you seem eager to kill me if I cross you.”
“Correct. If you cross me, I’ll kill you.”
Azwin spoke with the most intimidating face she could muster.
The man slowly approached the stream.
“What are you doing?”
“Do I need your permission to drink water?”
Azwin didn’t have a comeback and shut her mouth, but somehow she was irritated.
He sat on a rock, pulled a leather pouch from his bag, and filled it with the flowing stream water. After filling the pouch and drinking, he filled it again, placed it on his leg, and closed the cap.
His actions were slightly different from the norm and awkward, but she didn’t notice at first. Only later did she realize that he only had one hand. It didn’t seem inconvenient, and he was even carrying a sword, so his one-handedness wasn’t obvious.
“Do you only have one hand?”
Azwin asked out of curiosity.
“Apparently.”
He shook his sleeve with no hand in it. Azwin slowly approached him.
“What happened?”
“Losing parts of your body is common when you wield a sword and roam battlefields.”
“So…”
Swallowing her spit, Azwin asked,
“You must have killed people, right?”
“I have. And I’ve almost been killed too.”
He said, as if already reading Azwin’s thoughts.
“You want to kill people, don’t you?”
“No way! But to uphold justice, don’t we sometimes have to kill villains?”
Azwin confidently voiced the values she had nurtured.
“Let me see, fourteen years old?”
He asked.
“Fifteen! And don’t you dare underestimate me.”
“I wouldn’t dare!”
His smile was soft and relaxed but somewhat unnatural.
‘No, it’s not me who’s unnatural, it’s him. There’s something strange about this man.’
He didn’t threaten her or mock her threat. But the more they spoke, the more she felt overwhelmed by his aura. This was a first. Other adults were not like this.
“Have you ever used a real sword?”
“No. Nobody gives such an expensive thing.”
The man drew his sword swiftly. Knowing nothing about swords, it instantly struck her as an extraordinary blade. Whether it was an optical illusion, she wasn’t sure, but it seemed a faint red light leaked along the edge of the blade.
The man flung the sword towards Azwin, who, in surprise, caught it.
“How does it look?”
A thrilling sensation ran through her body at the weight in her hand. Azwin tossed aside her wooden sword, tightly gripped the real one with both hands, and swung it forcefully after lifting it high.
“I’ve always wanted a sword like this.”
“Really? If I give you that sword and tell you where the villains are, will you go kill them?”
The man picked up the wooden sword Azwin had thrown away.
“Of course. I’ll be the best in no time.”
“But don’t you think you lack experience?”
“I’ll gain experience gradually. I’ll start with the weakest and slowly move up to stronger ones, eventually defeating the great demon king who will destroy the world. But why have you been asking about this?”
“Because I’m a mad murderer who goes crazy wanting to kill any young girl I see.”
“What?”
Before Azwin could react, the man swiped with the wooden sword. Something as sharp as a razor ran across Azwin’s cheek. Startled, she touched the spot to find blood welling up.
“I plan to kill all the women and children in a nearby village for fun. It would be inconvenient if there’s a lioness of justice like you around, wouldn’t it? Better to kill you first.”
The man spat out cruel words with the same expression he wore when he first appeared.
“I don’t like to kill easily. Unlike other girls, you don’t seem like the type to cry and beg for mercy. That’s why I’m giving you a sword so you can resist.”
Azwin froze. The man held his wooden sword and shrugged his shoulders.
“Hey, what are you doing standing there? Do you think I’m kidding? That sword can even cut a dragon. You said you’re going to defeat the great demon king? How are you going to do that if you can’t even defeat a one-armed man with a wooden sword?”
“If you, you come closer, I’ll, I’ll really stab you!”
Azwin shouted, but she couldn’t stop her voice from shaking.
The man swung his wooden sword. Azwin’s other cheek was cut as well. She had her sword out, but it was useless. Blood was now seeping from both her cheeks.
‘That’s impossible. It’s a wooden sword. It can’t cut flesh. Is there a hidden blade? But isn’t it mine?!’
The pain came later. But before that, fear quickly spread throughout her heart.
“Aaaaah!”
Azwin screamed and swung her sword wildly. However, the next moment, her sword was in the man’s hand, and Azwin lost her balance and fell hard. The man poked Azwin’s cheek with his wooden sword. A blunt piece of wood touched her. There was no hidden blade.
“You’re going to slowly kill the weak and gain experience?”
Terror-stricken, Azwin started to cry. She had never shed a tear during a fight before, but now she was.
“What happens if I’m your first opponent? Do you think you can gain experience against me?”
He asked, but Azwin couldn’t answer.
“Well, who are you…”
☆ ☆ ☆
Azwin tried to talk about that incident but stopped.
Kassel waited for the rest of the story with a curious face.
“So who was he?”
“I don’t know. Just a strange man who wasn’t quite sane. In the end, he didn’t even kill me. Um, I don’t want to disappoint you, Kassel, but I think it’s better to stop here. There will be a time to talk.”
After climbing down from Sheyden’s back like descending a mountain, Azwin pushed Kassel aside with her hip and sat down. Now, three people were sitting where there was barely enough room for just Sheyden alone. Sheyden ended up sitting with barely half her buttocks on the bench.
“Well, the man who taught me swordsmanship is him, but my true mentor in my heart is Irene Wolf.”
Azwin changed the topic.
“I think I heard this from Gerald for some time ago. You have some person you admire. Is that the person?”
“Correct. There is a rule in Aranthia that at least one of the White Wolves should be female because the ruler of Aranthia is a queen. It might seem like she was forcibly included due to this… That’s what they said from the outside. However, those who have actually seen the Wolf Knights in battle say this. Even amidst the dazzling battles the White Wolves wage, if there’s a movement that distinctly stands out, it’s Irene Wolf!”
Azwin clenched her fist in the air.
“After becoming a White Wolf, the first thing I asked Master was about Irene. Master described her very simply. ‘Irene was the most skilled swordswoman among us White Wolves. If she could handle the responsibility of a high position, the one you would be calling Master now would have been Irene.’ Whenever I meet her, the first thing I’ll say is this: I want to be like you.”
Azwin looked up as if Irene had appeared before her eyes.
“If she fought in the war 10 years ago, she’d be an old lady now, wouldn’t she?”
Gerald rudely interrupted from behind.
“Master is almost forty now, but can you compare him to middle-aged men with beer bellies? Irene was my age ten years ago. So, she’s much younger than Master. Of course, you can’t belittle her by calling her an old lady!”
Kassel, knowing that their conversations always escalated into arguments, stepped in to mediate.
“Can you tell me about the other White Wolves then? I mean, your seniors.”
“I don’t know. I asked Master about this before. Who are the other White Wolves besides Irene? Then Master said something very interesting.”
Azwin mimicked her Master’s deep voice.
“We made a bet when we parted. Because of that bet, I can’t tell you about them. You’ve already discovered Irene, but I can’t specifically tell you about the other two. When the bet ends, you’ll naturally get to know who they are. Not knowing would be more fun…”
Azwin shrugged her shoulders and continued in her original voice.
“There’s no need to insist on knowing when he says it would be fun.”
“Do the other knights of the Wolf Knights not tell you? There must be some older people, right?”
Kassel asked.
“They don’t tell. They didn’t force us to keep it a secret, nor did they make us swear an oath, but no one speaks. It’s a strange unspoken rule. In fact, the current Wolf Knights don’t tell us about their identities either. Probably the only ones talking about the White Wolves to this extent are we, the parties involved.”
‘So, that’s how rumors about the Wolf Knights are oddly inflated?’
Kassel seemed to understand.
“This time, it’s your turn, Sheyden. Tell us your story.”
“What story?”
“Your story about the Wolf Knights test. Or even your past. That would be more interesting.”
“Why should I?”
“It’s fun, isn’t it? When have we ever had such a conversation? It’s a good opportunity.”
Sheyden spoke in a rather reluctant voice.
“Well, I was an official in an organization assisting the knight practice in Irophis.”
Azwin nudged Kassel’s chest with her elbow.
“He was playing around with pens. Doesn’t it suit him terribly?”
Being in such close contact with her, Kassel had a hard time focusing on Sheyden’s story.
“Now, I’ve learned to use a sword, but back then, I didn’t even know how to hold one. But I was…”
Sheyden grimaced with a complex expression. His gaze was on the horse’s rump, but it seemed like he was looking at a decade-old memory.
“I had a sharp eye. Whether people wielded a sword or a spear, I could predict their next move swiftly. Then one day, having never wielded a sword myself, I witnessed something extraordinary. A lad no older than I was, single-handedly toppling knights of Irophis. Seeing this, an unexpected thought sprouted within me, I too, wanted to do something like that.”
At this point, Sheyden paused in his story.
“Then I casually learned how to wield a sword, kept training, and managed to get into the royal knights of Irophis. But the place valued hierarchy and chivalry over swordsmanship, which didn’t suit me. I then heard of knight recruitments in Aranthia, which led me here.”
“You’re narrating in such a boring way,” Azwin interjected.
From the back, Gerald sided with Sheyden.
“He’s better than you, at least. You cut your story off entirely.”
Kassel inwardly agreed.
‘But Sheyden also omitted key parts of his story, just like Azwin. Well, everyone has a past they want to hide. I could never tell them that my motivation for this war was jealousy.’
Azwin pointed a finger at Gerald.
“Then let’s hear your story, Gerald.”
“My tale is so thrilling, it might cause a commotion.”
“I bet.”
“So let’s begin. I was the strongest mercenary in the history of Irophis.”
“Amusing.”
Azwin scoffed at him from the get-go.
“Ah, but that’s true. Even back when I was just a bureaucrat, his reputation as a fiery mercenary was quite remarkable.”
In retort, Sheyden seemed to take Gerald’s side.
“Did you hear? Sheyden only tells one lie a year, and since he already used it up denying his affair with the maid a few days ago, this must be the truth.”
Gerald commented smugly.
“Where did you hear such nonsense?”
“Let me finish my tale. I was working as a mercenary when… uh, um, a certain incident…”
Suddenly, Gerald’s eloquence seemed to dry up.
“What incident?”
Azwin asked.
“Ah, um, well, anyway…”
Gerald stuttered out his reply, hastily finishing his story as Sheyden had.
“Then I heard about Aranthia and went there. I planned to beat everyone in the test, topple Quain, who was said to be at the peak of swordsmanship, and then set off again on my journey in search of another challenge… That was the goal. But as you may guess, I failed to achieve it.”
Gerald concluded his tale.
‘Gerald is also not talking about the crucial parts?’
Kassel didn’t probe further.
Gerald then pointed behind him and spoke.
“Just so you know, we still don’t know much about Dunmel. He’s a reticent guy who never talks about himself.”
Kassel surveyed everyone again as he chewed.
Suddenly, the conversation ceased.
‘Everyone is probably thinking about the parts they didn’t talk about.’
Worried that the atmosphere might turn heavy again, Kassel spoke.
“Now, tell me about the Wolf Knights’ test. What was it like? Was it like a tournament?”
Sheyden was the first to reply.
“Honestly, I did go expecting a tournament.”
“Right. But if there had been a tournament, we wouldn’t have done such a foolish thing. It was somewhat unexpected, anyway.”
Azwin chimed in.
“What was it like then?”
Kassel asked with keen anticipation.
“Let’s see, it was utterly dull.”
Azwin replied blandly.
“I agree. The first test was ‘doing nothing’.”
Sheyden concurred.
“Do nothing? What kind of test is that?”
As Sheyden prepared to reply, Azwin elbowed him in the ribs and cut in.
“I want to tell this part!”
Sheyden made a strange noise as he twisted his body away. Azwin pushed him further away with her hip and continued her story.
“Where do I even start? Yes, it’s better to start from there. I joined a bit late, you see.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Azwin joined a little late. News that the Aranthia royal family was publicly recruiting for the Wolf Knights spread quickly to other countries. If the fastest rumors were spread by gypsies or merchants traveling all over the place, it would have been impossible to have three hundred applicants in just one month. Those who could come, did so immediately upon hearing the news. Among them were knights already employed by other nobles and even instructors from renowned swordsmanship schools. At a glance, they were all people of caliber.
Thanks to her ‘teacher’ from her childhood, Azwin neither overestimated her own abilities nor stopped training midway. Therefore, when the number of people around her who could match her skills started dwindling, she didn’t think ‘I am the best,’ but rather participated in knight exams or mercenary tests even if she had to seek them out. The atmosphere in such places was usually similar, but the Knight Exam in Aranthia was completely different.
“Judging by the fact that no one’s brushing up against me, the standard here is quite high.”
Azwin evaluated with her peculiar judgment criteria.
Everyone was concentrating, facing a crucial test. Azwin liked that aspect. All the examiners here were genuine. It was indirect evidence that those who were not genuine did not dare to come to such an exam.
As per the announcement, the exam supervisors did not ask them about their place of origin. They didn’t even insist on loyalty after becoming a knight.
The supervisors only confirmed eligibility through a simple sword dance and physical examination, in front of which, Azwin undressed her overcoat without hesitation. The supervisors inspected her body in a perfunctory manner and passed her as eligible. There were a few questions about the knightly character, but they were formal.
Two weeks passed and the rumors spread even more, and a hundred more gathered, and by the time the deadline was nearing, it was close to five hundred. The tent where the applicants were gathered could no longer accommodate people.
The knights and nobles with a bit of money solved their lodging comfortably in nearby inns, but the rest lived communally in a large tent on the open field provided by the Aranthia royal family. Food was provided, but for them, who were known as the best examinees from all over, it was a blow to their pride.
Azwin was sufficiently satisfied with the consideration from the organizers who provided a separate tent for women. Unlike other examinees who looked at her with a ‘what are you doing here as a woman’ kind of gaze, they did not see her as anything more than another applicant, which she appreciated. However, the examiners did not take responsibility for the inevitable disadvantages she faced as a woman. The day of the exam was her menstrual cycle day.
Azwin was worried as her condition was dropping significantly. She thought about telling the exam supervisor and asking to postpone her exam day but gave up, fearing it might tarnish her image. She even suffered from menstrual cramps just before.
“Great. At my level, it’s about time to have a handicap like this.”
On the morning of the exam day, there were quite a few women among the gathered people. Roughly counted, there were twenty. They too seemed to like the atmosphere of the supervisors saying ‘we won’t care even if you’re a woman’. That didn’t mean they grouped together or showed each other any consideration. After all, they were also competitors.
On the other hand, nobles well-dressed seemed to hate not getting special treatment.
There was a man lugging a hammer so big it seemed like he came to demolish a house, and another who participated empty-handed. Even those who looked like criminals at a glance.
There were more skilled people gathered here than Azwin had ever met. At this point, she should have been waiting for the start of the exam with a fluttering heart, but instead, she felt uneasy.
“I came here to check if the reputation of the Wolf Knights is real.”
“I’m here to compete with Master Quain. I don’t care if I become a knight or not.”
“Aranthia is a rich country. There’s no doubt that if you become a knight, you will receive an enormous salary.”
“All sorts of riffraff are gathered here. If such fellows get selected as knights, I’d protest against this test itself. Aranthia should’ve officially invited me to the Wolf Knights.”
Even as Azwin sat quietly, all sorts of rumors floated around her. None of them were particularly helpful for the exam. There was talk about what kind of test they would be subjected to, but Azwin paid it no mind. After all, nobody knew what would unfold next.
Soon, three people who looked like the exam supervisors, escorted by three members of the Wolf Knights, appeared in the open space where all the participants were gathered. Silence fell over the grounds for a moment. The gazes of the crowd were drawn to the three knights of the Wolf following the supervisors.
The Wolf Knights, though young, looked dignified and powerful. The aura they emanated was so intense and unapproachable that even those who claimed to have joined the exam to compete with the Wolf Knights seemed likely to recant their words soon.
A surge of energy coursed through Azwin’s hands as she watched them.
‘You want to test me? No need. I could take you on right now!’
After unrolling a long scroll, the exam supervisor declared the start of the examination. The tense gazes fixed on the Wolf Knights shifted back to the supervisor.
“The exam method is simple. You all will spend a week here within the designated area.”
The supervisor explained in a rather feeble voice. A murmur rippled through the silent open space. Even Azwin was slightly taken aback.
‘A whole week?’
“You may converse with potential future comrades, eat and drink if you brought any food or alcohol. You may gamble or read a book; you’re free to do whatever you want. However, if you attempt to attack or harass someone else, we will expel you. Drawing a sword frivolously also means expulsion. Please be careful.”
As the supervisor continued speaking, the murmuring grew louder.
“We will announce the successful and unsuccessful candidates each day before sunset. Those individuals will be removed. However, the remaining participants will not know whether those expelled failed or passed. They will also not know why they failed or passed. Only the successful candidates will realize why they passed.”
The candidates were bewildered by the unusual exam format. Some quickly raised their hands to ask questions, but the supervisor spoke first.
“We will not accept any questions. While many of you may wish to evaluate your skills directly by drawing swords, it is nothing more than self-indulgence.”
The hands of the candidates dropped. The supervisor continued.
“We assume that those who have applied here have already demonstrated their abilities elsewhere. We don’t plan to trivialize this by assessing your talents through a mere sword-fighting match.”
The supervisor rolled up the scroll.
“In summary, you have only two tasks from now on. Stay within the designated area and do not attack the others living here. That’s all. Don’t get too anxious. We’re only looking for potential and talent, and there’s no limit to the number of selections. Everyone here could pass, or everyone could fail. That’s all.”
After finishing, the supervisor left. Soon, the trumpet sounded for a new morning, and meals were unexpectedly served.
“What is this?”
That was the reaction of most.
Azwin, on the other hand, was relieved that there was no sword-fighting exam. She figured she could beat most of these fellows in her current condition, but she wasn’t satisfied with not being able to showcase all her skills. If an applicant of the caliber of the Wolf Knights she’d seen earlier was present, it could be dangerous.
This was one of the most valuable lessons her ‘teacher’ had given her.
The moment he met the young Azwin, he feigned being a murderer, brandishing the wooden sword at her. That day, Azwin experienced the terror of death for the first time. As she wept, her Teacher, looking down at her, gently put the wooden sword down.
“I was a swordsman who feared nothing in the world. A bounty hunter who killed countless people when I was younger than you. But look at my arm. I lost it to a stronger adversary. In this world, where people kill and are killed, there is no villain who would die for your experience.”
Her teacher crouched down, meeting Azwin’s eyes, and extended his hand. Surprised, Azwin cringed, but he wiped the tears and blood on her cheek with his large hand. His face was still frightening, though kind.
“Always consider the one who is after your life as the strongest enemy you have ever met. And never forget that the one you will kill could also be.”
He gently patted Azwin’s head.
“This is my first lesson.”
And the first lesson from her teacher never left Azwin’s mind her whole life.
You may meet the strongest adversary at the worst moment. You may be fatally ambushed when you least expect it. Hence, Azwin had no complaints about her current physical condition.
“If I can’t handle this handicap, then I’ve been wrong about being a Wolf Knight from the start.”
Although she had no appetite, she ate regularly to build up her stamina. Considering it was food provided for over five hundred people, the quality was decent.
“Aranthia indeed is a wealthy nation.”
The first day passed without any incident. Azwin spent the whole day, eyes wide open, looking at the exam venue, anticipating something to happen, but nothing notable occurred. Other people also spent the whole day tense, but gave up by the evening. The evening came, but no one was disqualified, nor were there any passers named.
The morning of the second day dawned. People were sharing stories about the exam over breakfast. Someone who had stayed awake all night thinking there might be a surprise attack from the examiners had red, swollen eyes. Another speculated that this was just a group life test and that the real exam would be held separately. However, Azwin believed that the exam content was somewhere here.
“Something has to happen within this week. The fact that nothing happened on the first day was a deliberate ploy to make us anxious. I can’t fall for it.”
Azwin maintained a state of not being too tense or too relaxed, like standing on a battlefield just before the fight. It was a mindset she had honed as a mercenary.
She thought the day would pass without anything happening again. Just when she thought it was taking too long to build tension, suddenly there was a commotion outside. When she went out of the barrack, two people were really fighting with swords. It was a fierce fight that could have ended in death if a supervisor hadn’t come to break it up.
“He tried to kill me first.”
One of them said.
“Nonsense. Is it wrong to pull out a knife to peel an apple?”
“That has to be a joke. Who peels an apple with such a big knife?”
“The rule said not to attack, not that drawing a sword itself was a violation of the rules! Isn’t that right?”
The other complained to the supervisor.
“Clarify the rules! This guy clearly pulled out a sword next to me! Wait, aren’t you the bounty hunter who’s been after me?”
“What if I am? I’m a knight of a prestigious family whose name will surprise you. A bounty hunter? You’ve just insulted me and the honor of my family.”
The two were about to clash again even with the supervisor watching. The supervisor picked up a pen and wrote something on the list.
“Hold on, what are you writing?”
“Hey. You saw it just now. It’s his fault!”
“No. He started it, so I had no choice but to draw my sword!”
“I was only defending myself. Is it a problem to protect your own life?”
The overseer shook his head, then spoke with a smile.
“Do not worry. I only wrote down your names, I did not say you were disqualified.”
He showed them the list he had written. Indeed, only their names were written. The two withdrew with anxious faces.
After the horn signaling the end of the day’s task blew, the examiners called the two people by their names. The two were led outside following the examiners’ guidance. As initially announced, there was no way to know whether they were disqualified or passed. Everyone assumed they were disqualified.
‘That’s it!’
At the moment they were called, something occurred to Azwin.
‘Those two, they didn’t really fight. It was a fierce and high-level fight, but there was no intent to kill, no exploiting weaknesses, no striking at vital points. They were acting a fight. So, this is the test problem, and a hint just got given.’
Azwin did not share this realization with anyone. And she was not the only one who caught on. There were a few who watched the two being called out and nodded seriously. Azwin felt a sense of camaraderie as she watched them.
‘You all got it too, didn’t you? The real test is just beginning!’
The third morning dawned. Many participants began to feel bored. There were many who sought companionship to alleviate their boredom, and others brought out drinks. While there were those who had become friends over the past month, there were also many like Azwin, who kept to themselves. Regardless, it was terribly dull to sit dumbly without anyone to talk to in such a small space.
Amongst them, Azwin spotted a man sitting with a large iron rod that looked too heavy to lift with his own strength. There were plenty of people with such weapons, but the way this man sat was very impressive. He was muscular, large, with fierce eyes — just Azwin’s type.
Azwin approached him out of pure curiosity.
“Where are you from?”
As Azwin started the conversation, he glanced at her briefly, then quickly looked away.
“If you need someone to talk to, it doesn’t have to be me.”
‘Take a look at this guy? The type who considers it a point of pride to have no interest in women.’
Azwin didn’t give up, but took a seat a little distance from him.
“Honestly, it’s quite boring. Let’s chat. What do you think the purpose of this test is? Don’t the first two who were removed seem off?”
“If you think they are off, I have nothing more to say.”
At his response, Azwin burst out laughing.
“Great answer! If you hadn’t said that, I would’ve walked away. I don’t want to approach any man who is just ordinary.”
“You too… Have you figured something out?”
Azwin whispered so no one else could hear.
“It was a ruse. Tell me first what you think the ruse was.”
“They didn’t really fight.”
The man lowered his voice, too. Only then did he show interest in Azwin and ask.
“What do you think that means?”
“It’s likely part of the answer key to give hints for this test. If I’m correct, the exam overseers of Aranthia are usually above average. And without a doubt, Aranthia intends to form an exceptional knight squad.”
Azwin was sure that this man was now on her side. And if he couldn’t show even a hint of curiosity after she’d said this much, then he was not worth winning over and she planned to get up without regret. Fortunately, the man straightened his stern face and extended his hand.
“Sheyden Kahn. I’m from Irophis.”
“Azwin. I’m from Carnelock.”
She took his thick hand and shook it.
Sheyden was called out on the third day after the test started.
By then, a considerable number of people had been called. Ironically, those who had drawn their swords, as well as those who had spent the day doing nothing but sitting, were summoned. It had become unclear what the criteria for the call were.
However, Sheyden was seen brandishing a spear, attacking someone. Azwin, who had been lightly jogging around the testing site out of boredom, quickly rushed over to him. Sheyden was nervously looking around, sweating profusely, with no one around him.
“What are you doing? Swinging such a long spear in a crowded place like this, what are you thinking?â€
Azwin shouted loudly on purpose to prevent the others, who were startled by his sudden behavior, from thoughtlessly speaking. Then, she pulled him aside and whispered.
“Why did you do that? What happened?â€
“Nothing, nothing at all.â€
Sheyden looked around again with an uncertain voice.
“But I think I did participate in the test once.â€
At Sheyden’s words, Azwin was startled.
“What? Did someone attack you? Was there anyone around?â€
“Right. There was nobody.”
“So, did you pass? They said those who pass will know they passed.”
“Well, I’m not sure about that either.”
Sheyden wiped the cold sweat off his forehead.
“Since you don’t know… are you a fail?â€
Sheyden smiled weakly.
“I guess so.”
By evening, Sheyden was indeed called and left. Azwin was sorry that her only friend had disappeared. In particular, the words of the examiner who had said that those who passed would know they passed lingered in her mind.
Night fell. Azwin, unable to sleep, was walking outside when she looked up at the sky. The weather had been consistently clear recently, so the stars were very visible and beautiful.
She tried to imagine her future wearing the white armor of the Wolf Knights, but couldn’t picture it clearly. Her confidence had waned regardless of whether Sheyden had passed or not after his departure.
Azwin closed her eyes and faced the cold wind. Then, an icy killing intent swept over her back with the wind. It was a tremendously strong killing intent that even seemed to prick her back with the tip of a sword. It hadn’t actually touched her, but for Azwin, it felt as if it had.
Azwin quickly rolled forward and drew the sword from her waist. She had long forgotten the rule that the sword should not be drawn. The blade, reflected in the torches lit all around, flashed, and someone was standing in the direction the tip of the sword was pointing.
His face was obscured by the darkness. He stared intently at Azwin, then suddenly turned and left.
“Who are you?”
Azwin shouted, then belatedly noticed the drawn sword and hurriedly sheathed it. However, the examiner who was keeping watch even at night had already seen it.
She was startled and tried to say something to the examiner, but gave up when she saw him already writing something in the record. Many people had protested the judgment, but the examiner always emphasized that the person whose name was written was not necessarily disqualified and did not accept the protest.
Azwin had always scoffed at those who protested, saying ‘You’re not disqualified,’ but when she found herself in that situation, it was unbearable.
‘It was unfair just now. While stupidly staring at the stars, I was attacked by someone I don’t even know and reflexively drew my sword…’
Azwin felt uncomfortable all day the next day, waiting for the evening. Even during the day, there were sounds of swords being drawn here and there, and sometimes disturbances occurred.
Some couldn’t stand the test and voluntarily left the testing ground. Others mentioned their affiliation and origin and demanded preferential treatment, threatening not to participate in the test if not. They even threatened the examiner, saying it would be a waste to lose a talented person like them. However, the examiners had no regrets about such people. They did not stop those who chose not to take the test from leaving.
That evening, a record-breaking number of forty-two individuals were called out, Azwin among them. As they all came out with rather reluctant faces, one man suddenly clapped his hands. Azwin could hear his whispering voice.
“Now I understand the meaning of this test. And I’ve passed.”
Upon hearing this, a few of them perked up their ears and moved closer to him.
“How did you figure that out?”
“Really? You’ve passed?”
“And what about me?”
It was complete chaos. However, the man spoke calmly.
“I can’t explain it. Many people are still waiting for the test here.”
The forty-two selected followed the supervisor out of the exam hall. They were made to wait in a meadow outside the castle. The supervisor instructed them to wait and left only a guard behind as he disappeared.
“I have quite a keen observation. Today, I watched all the few names written by the supervisor.”
Said the man who had clapped in realization. Everyone, who was anxiously waiting for the results, unsure if they had passed or failed, listened to his words.
“Among us, there may be some who drew their swords and were called out, and some who did nothing and were called out. I’m sure that those who felt nothing happened to them or did not draw their swords have all failed.”
At his words, the majority of the forty-two opened their mouths almost simultaneously. The objections poured out in a jumble, to the point where no one could understand what was being said.
“On what grounds do you make such claims?”
“So, you’re saying you’ve passed, and I’ve failed?”
“Explain the criteria for passing in detail!”
As if they had found a common enemy, they all attacked him. Azwin, who had no particular intention of helping him, realized the meaning of his words and exclaimed in surprise.
“Yes, that’s it.”
Now all eyes were on Azwin. She thumped her chest in pride.
“I’ve passed. I’ve been pacing around all day without realizing it.”
She laughed, out of breath.
“What gives you the right to speak?”
One person started cursing, and soon everyone else followed.
“Stop joking. There’s no way you’ve passed.”
“Just because Aranthia is ruled by a queen, it doesn’t mean the Knights will admit a woman!”
The next public enemy was Azwin. But she didn’t care at all.
“I’m not the one who determines whether you pass or fail! I don’t mean to mock, but losers should keep their mouths shut.”
The provocative remarks of Azwin made everyone even more furious. There was even a man who thought about drawing his sword immediately. Moreover, there was only one guard at the scene. The guard seemed to be frightened by the sudden harsh situation.
“The woman is right.”
At that moment, a hefty man who had laid his axe on the ground took Azwin’s side.
“Not drawing your sword was a trick from the start.”
He was the man who had casually whistled and walked in a relaxed manner since he arrived. He sat comfortably on a stone in the garden, watching the situation, and spoke as if he knew everything.
“Anyone who didn’t draw their sword today is disqualified. Only those who drew their swords pass.”
“You, you didn’t draw your sword today, did you? You said so to me earlier…”
One of them asked in a somewhat anxious voice.
“That’s correct. I didn’t even swing my axe or take a stance. But if the supervisor here isn’t a fool, I’m a pass.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I glared at them.”
At his words, Azwin burst out laughing.
“Just by glaring? That’s impressive.”
A man, too skinny as if he would stagger, asked in surprise.
“You, you just faced it by glaring?”
“Well, I almost peed my pants.”
He said. Azwin laughed again. A man with a terrified look said.
“I… In an attempt to dodge by jumping backward, I accidentally destroyed a barracks. I thought that was why I was called out today.”
“I was eating and knocked over the table. I didn’t draw my sword. But they called me, and I passed.”
A very short man interrupted with these words.
“Good. We have about six successful applicants among us.”
A man with an axe spoke as if declaring something. His words provoked the dissatisfaction of over thirty people. However, he responded with an unfazed smile.
“Hey, it’s dangerous for failures to speak that way to those who passed, don’t you think?”
They all promptly closed their mouths in astonishment.
Azwin admired the scene and asked,
“Are you impressive or something? What’s your name? I’m Azwin.”
“I’m Gerald. Everyone calls me Gerald the Mercenary of Fire.”
A significant number of those present gasped in surprise at his words. Azwin looked puzzled at their reactions.
‘Is he famous?’
Gerald boasted,
“My goal isn’t to become a knight of Aranthia or something. I joined because I want to surpass the greatest swordsman who is revered for his skills. So those who were called without ever swinging their weapon should quietly go back to their countries and continue what they were doing. Otherwise, you’ll get a taste of my fire axe.”
His words cooled the atmosphere. Even the other four who seemed to have passed wore tense expressions. Only Azwin laughed out loud as if she were about to leave. Trying to suppress laughter in this tense atmosphere, a mocking snort leaked from her throat.
“Are you finding this funny?”
Gerald asked accusingly.
“Don’t you find the term ‘fire axe’ funny? Wasn’t that meant to be a joke?”
The atmosphere became even chillier, but Azwin continued to laugh so hard she could hardly stand it. In fact, the tension she had been feeling all this while was released in a fit of laughter. Finally, Gerald also laughed.
“Right. Initially, it was a nickname I made up for laughs. But so many guys died by my fire axe that it became a symbol of terror.”
“But why a fire axe, of all things?”
“When I swing my axe, it’s so fast that it gets as hot as fire!”
“You’re lying, right?”
“Wow, you’re the first to directly challenge me like this.”
A moment later, the supervisor brought someone over. Seeing his face, Azwin, Gerald, and the other four were surprised.
It was the man who had tried to attack Azwin at night. The man who had drawn his sword with killing intent.
Reflecting on it now, competing with someone exuding such an aura would have been intimidating enough to make her worry about parrying even a single strike. She understood why Sheyden had swung his spear in surprise and was sweating coldly afterward.
He was about forty years old, with dark, thick eyebrows, a somewhat pale face, and gentle eyes. He quietly asked something of the test supervisor and nodded his head. He scanned the crowd and spoke.
“By now, those who have passed know they have, and those who have failed don’t yet realize they have. If you know you’ve passed, step forward confidently. Let’s go. Welcome to becoming apprentice knights.”
Azwin, Gerald, and the other four stepped forward without hesitation. Three more hesitated before stepping forward, only to be dismissed by the supervisor.
“Not you.”
Feeling greatly insulted, they left without a backward glance. The remaining ones, not knowing whether they had passed or failed, still looked at the supervisor with a glimmer of hope. After checking the number of people, the supervisor nodded.
“Six people, correct, Master Quain.”
“You’ve done well. Now, those who have passed, come with me.”
Everyone stood motionless as if Quain had spoken in a foreign language.
“You’re Quain?”
Gerald stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly as he asked a question. For a moment, Azwin had thought he was going to cause an unexpected accident. He was the one who had declared that he would defeat Quain and earn the title of Master.
‘Is he going to challenge? Here and now?’
Quain replied with a smile.
“Indeed.”
Quain was not armed, and he didn’t exude the Aura as he did during the test, but the pressure from him had already left Gerald with a face of submission. Then Quain spoke first.
“Is that your usual stance?”
“What, what?”
Gerald looked down unconsciously. His lower body was shaking.
“I will see if I chose wrong.”
Quain said, smiling broadly as he walked away.
Azwin quietly approached Gerald.
“I think that guy just thought you were cute and smiled at you.”
“Shut up.”
Gerald’s face reddened as he grew angry.
The place Quain guided them to was a training field located separately next to the castle. The other knight candidates who had already passed were already training there. Among them were two of the fake candidates who had pretended to fight at the very beginning and were then called out. They seemed to be trainees here too.
Sheyden was there as well. Azwin waved, and Sheyden lightly raised his hand in response.
“I knew you’d come, Azwin.”
“That’s what I thought. I felt like a weight was lifted seeing Quain in person.”
“Huh? A weight?”
Sheyden chuckled as he spoke.
“The second test has already started, Azwin. Don’t let your guard down.”
“Huh? I didn’t hear anything like that?”
“Did they announce the start of the test during the first test?”
“That’s true.”
Seeing Azwin’s displeased expression, Sheyden pointed to a man. A young man with a short haircut and a gloomy expression, similar in age to Azwin.
“Keep an eye on that guy. He’s not officially passed the test like us but seems to be a special case. He might be the benchmark for passing the second test.”
“Benchmark? What does that mean?”
“You’ll have to figure that out.”
“…So, what’s his name?”
“Loyal.”
Sheyden answered.
☆ ☆ ☆
‘So finally, the story of the knight named Loyal.’
Kassel had been engrossed in the story for a while. But now Azwin stopped talking, squinted, and stared straight ahead.
“The knights are coming. They’re wearing armor.”
Azwin said in a cautious tone.
Slowing the carriage slightly, Sheyden spoke.
“Black armor, right? Is it the Black Lion Knight Order or something?”
“Not all black armor is the Black Lion Knight Order, but… those look like the Black Lion Knights.”
Kassel said, looking at the approaching black dots. Azwin, who had been sitting snugly next to Kassel, climbed up to the cargo area. Suddenly feeling a sense of emptiness as she disappeared, Kassel felt alone.
Dunmel stood in the cargo area, observing the approaching knights. Gerald, who was inside the cart, also poked his head out.
“They’re carrying weapons.”
Sheyden said.
The Black Lion Knights swiftly passed by the carriage as if to collide with it, then turned their horses to encircle the carriage in no time. They did not point their weapons at the carriage, but they weren’t friendly either.
“Where are you wanderers heading?”
One of the knights asked. As soon as the question was asked, Azwin turned her gaze to Kassel. Sheyden did the same.
‘Ah, it’s my turn to speak.’
Kassel opened his mouth.
“Are you the knights of the Black Lion Count?”
One knight furrowed his brows under his helmet and grew angry.
“If you ask such a question again, none of you will survive this encounter!”
Kassel was taken aback.
‘Huh? Did I ask such a rude question?’
Sheyden, who was holding the reins, and Gerald, who was sticking his head out of the cargo area, also furrowed their brows. As Kassel was wondering what to say, Azwin stepped forward.
“Well, not everyone will die. If something happens here, we will survive.”
The knights looked back and forth between Kassel and Azwin with incredulous expressions. Then they turned to Kassel and said, “You need to keep a tighter leash on your women.”
Azwin, as if she had been waiting for such a comment, straightened up on top of the luggage wagon.
Kassel extended a hand and said, “Please, observe some decorum. Is it not you who started with the needless threats?”
“Dare you claim my words to be unnecessary threats? We are the Black Lion Knights of Count Lumerier.”
Azwin laughed out loud at this.
Fearing an imminent fight, Kassel chose to reveal their identities. After all, Count Godimer would have sent a letter to Normant by now.
“We come from Aranthia. We are the White Wolves of the Wolf Knight Order, en route upon receiving a formal invitation from the royal family of Camort.”
The knight was momentarily at a loss for words, looking at his companions. His tone softened slightly.
“If you truly come from Aranthia, then there should be an invitation or a royal messenger accompanying you! Show us.”
“We have no invitation. The royal messenger died on the way.”
“Are you jesting now? This is your last warning! We have no time to deal with frauds in this state of emergency!”
The knight’s tone, which had softened a bit, quickly turned harsh again.
Upon his signal, the knights brandished their weapons.
Atop the wagon, Azwin and Dunmel looked down at the knights, prepared to act if necessary. Sheyden was still holding the reins, but he was not one to remain idle. What was more terrifying was Gerald inside the wagon. The three hadn’t drawn their weapons yet, but Gerald would have been prepared, hidden from view.
‘I always get angry at such commanders in novels. They can’t properly assess the ability of their subordinates, advancing when they should retreat or retreating when they should advance, leading to the destruction of their troops.’
Kassel reflected on his own role.
‘I also mustn’t fail to understand the capabilities of the White Wolves.’
Kassel spoke in a slow, measured tone.
“Do you need proof that we are the White Wolves?”
“Yes.”
“Then prove first that you are knights of the Black Lion Count.”
“What?”
“How can we be sure that you aren’t just ruffians or bandits, stopping carriages and picking fights arbitrarily? We’ve encountered quite a few such characters on our way here.”
The black-armored knight growled, “This armor and crest serve as proof.”
“Had you approached courteously from the start, I would have explained the situation courteously as well. But since you drew your weapon first, we shall respond in kind. Your armor and crest are proof? Then the White Wolves will prove themselves with their swordplay.”
“Are you…?”
“Threatening you? Yes, I am threatening you.”
Kassel deliberately enunciated his words slowly.
“If you don’t like that, let’s go back to the beginning and discuss why you felt the need to threaten us in the first place. I’d rather not negotiate fatalities in my first meeting with the Black Lion Count.”
The reaction among the knights, all wearing helmets, wasn’t hard to read. The threat had worked on three of them. It only made the other two angrier.
Kassel drew his shortsword.
“Here, this is the shortsword of Aranthia and the symbol of the captain of the Wolf Knight Order. Since you spoke of crest and armor, this is all I have. It’s also the last of my patience and courtesy.”
The knight hesitated before dismounting. He respectfully examined the sword.
‘I’m not sure if he knows what he’s looking at.’
He returned the sword, apologizing.
“Due to a crisis here, we were in a hurry. Please forgive our rush. We did not hear that the Wolf Knight Order was visiting…”
“That’s fine. And the news probably only reached Normant by now. We came a bit hastily.”
Kassel sighed in relief internally.
“But, may I inquire what this ’emergency’ is?”
From atop the wagon, Azwin let out a disappointed ‘tsk.’
‘She really wanted a fight!’
A chill ran down Kassel’s spine.
The knight began to explain the situation.
“This area was under the jurisdiction of our knight order, but this morning we discovered two teams dead, no survivors. At first, we thought it was the work of the Rose Knight Order, but it wasn’t. According to witnesses, it was knights in black armor like us, risking us being mistaken for the perpetrators. We are now on the chase for the culprits.”
“Is the direction we need to go the same as where you came from?”
“Then you must be careful. There are rumors of knights in black armor indiscriminately destroying villages, slaughtering all humans in sight. It’s too bizarre to merely be enemy spies, and we were attacked while investigating. This morning, there were reports of sightings near Normant too.”
“So, they aren’t mere bandits?”
“Right now, we can’t be certain. They move both in large groups and individually, each with monstrous power. Ideally, we should be escorting you to Normant, but please understand. We were in a hurry to the place where they were reported.”
“Your warning is enough. Thank you.”
The knight was about to turn his horse when he stopped.
“What’s happening in Normant?”
“We’re going to pay respects to His Majesty, the King of Camort.”
“Because of the war?”
The knight asked sharply. Kassel simply nodded. The knight spoke with a strong tone.
“I’m not sure what meeting the young king will achieve. If you’re here to help the country, it would be better to seek my liege. The Black Lion Count will certainly welcome and entertain a distinguished guest from Aranthia.”
“Dom’t you think your hospitality is already too much?”
The knight flinched at Kassel’s words.
“Let’s go, Sheyden.”
The knights of the Black Lion Order hesitated, watching the carriage leave. Soon they left in the direction they intended to go.
Kassel waited until they were distant, then turned to Sheyden.
“How did I do just now?”
“How did you do?”
Azwin on top of the baggage spoke.
“You did well. But it wouldn’t have hurt to fight.”
“What’s good about that?”
Sheyden shouted in frustration.
Kassel turned back to Azwin on top of the baggage and asked.
“But if you had actually fought with those knights, could you really have won? They were armored and there were five of them.”
Azwin replied.
“While you were talking, Dunmel had already measured the distance. If a fight broke out, the three who were at the sides of the carriage would have died without even knowing what hit them. In that sense, you did well. Did you speak confidently because you thought we would win if we fought? That confidence scared them. In that sense, you…”
Azwin was excitedly explaining, then suddenly stopped.
“What?”
Kassel turned to look at her.
“You really trust us, don’t you? Isn’t that so, Sheyden? I could feel Kassel’s trust in us. That’s why the Black Lion Knight was scared. If he had spoken timidly, we would’ve had a fight.”
“Now that you mention it, that seems right.”
Sheyden admitted too.
“You are strange. You told me about yourselves earlier. Just listening to that, it was easy to understand that in that situation, the Black Lion Knights were the ones in danger.”
Kassel spoke as if it was a matter of course.
“No, that’s not really the case.”
Azwin moved over and sat next to Kassel again, continuing the conversation. Sheyden, who had just settled down, was pushed aside again.
“My teacher always taught me never to become a leader.”
“By teacher, do you mean that one-armed swordsman from before?”
“Sure, calling him a teacher might be a stretch. He’d only visit once or twice a year, teach for a week, and abruptly leave. But it’s true that my foundation comes from him. He told me I could lead the fight of the pack but could never lead their hearts. He advised me against ever becoming a captain, even if I were to join the knight’s order in the future.”
Sheyden asked curiously,
“Is that why you rejected Master’s request to become a captain this time? Because of what your teacher said?”
“I can’t be a leader who commands hearts. Sheyden, you’re closer to that.”
“No way.”
Sheyden vehemently denied. Azwin looked back at Kassel. As her face got closer, Kassel instinctively turned his head.
“For a moment, you just commanded my heart. I felt you trust me, Kassel.”
“Thank you. But I’m just a bookworm who believes in the legend of the White Wolves.”
“I know. Just saying.”
☆ ☆ ☆
‘Go to Aranthia.’
Before coming to Aranthia, Gerald had many options. He could’ve chosen a comfortable life under a rich noble family. He had a chance to become a royal knight in Irophis. He could have formed a mercenary band with a strange name and terrorized the world. Yet, Gerald chose the uncertain journey to Aranthia.
There were two reasons. One was a monstrous shadow that appeared in his dream out of nowhere, pointing and telling him to go there for revenge. The direction pointed by the monster was Aranthia. He could hardly remember the contents of that dream now.
The other reason was the declaration of another fellow becoming a knight of the Wolf Order before him. Both reasons were so embarrassing that he couldn’t tell anyone. So, when Kassel asked, Gerald gave no answer.
While Gerald was immersed in these thoughts, Sheyden was explaining about Loyal, who was not present, to Kassel.
“Loyal has the best sword sense I’ve ever seen. Fighting him feels like he can see my next move, so I always have to consider his defense when I move. I have to think a few steps ahead when I attack, and when I defend, I can’t let my guard down because I don’t know when the trajectory of his sword will change. After a fight with him, my head is more tired than my body.”
Gerald thought differently.
Loyal was just a foolish fellow. Being too honest and inconsiderate, didn’t he always invite misunderstanding with his words, create trouble with his nonsensical actions, and lose his belongings frequently? Well, he kept quiet not to seem like he was unnecessarily badmouthing his friend.
But he had to admit, when Loyal held a sword, he became terrifying. The truly scary part was that even when using such swordsmanship, Loyal’s expression didn’t change from his usual foolish look.
Gerald was humming softly as he gazed off into the distance.
“Bored, Gerald? I’m bored too.”
Azwin moved toward the carriage’s luggage compartment.
While Sheyden and Kassel were discussing how to deal with the two counts, what to say to the king, and how to behave, Azwin and Gerald quickly got bored and sat down facing each other to chat.
“What do you think Loyal’s doing in Normant?”
Azwin proposed as if to make a bet.
“You first.”
“Caught up in a troublesome matter and struggling?”
“That’s too vague. Okay. Then, I bet he’s entangled in an unexpected matter and can’t escape.”
“Bet 5 gold.”
“Deal.”
They shook hands. Sheyden explained to Kassel, who was watching them.
“Don’t look. It’s contagious. Those guys always expend all their energy on such pointless things.”
When it became night and they prepared to camp, Sheyden made a sudden request.
“Gerald, teach Kassel some swordsmanship.”
“How good must he be? Like the Wolf Knights in just three days?”
Gerald joked, but as always, Sheyden responded seriously.
“Just teach him ‘how to pose like a good swordsman’. Come here, Kassel. Gerald knows the most abundant and various tricks among us. Learn them.”
“You brat! How can you call these tricks, huh?”
Gerald beckoned Kassel and taught him ways to walk with a sword and how to grip it, among other things. However, the process was a mess and took a long time.
‘This guy really doesn’t have talent. He’s only passionate.’
Azwin taught Kassel how to dance. This was not a necessary skill for a Wolf Knights, so he didn’t need to learn it. But Kassel was eager to learn.
In front of the campfire, Gerald asked Sheyden in a whisper.
“Do you think Kassel is doing that because he wants to hold Azwin’s hand, or does he genuinely want to learn?”
“Probably both.”
Sheyden answered seriously and then asked another serious question.
“Did you see Kassel facing the Black Lion Knights today?”
“I saw it. Quite impressive. I found myself watching out for Kassel without realizing.”
“That part, yes.”
“And what of it?”
“Do you remember what Master said, that no one would be able to control five White Wolves as tools?”
“Barely.”
Gerald responded, gesturing as though picking up something invisible between his thumb and forefinger.
Sheyden ran his hand through his hair as he spoke.
“Do you know why I didn’t take up the captaincy on this mission? I don’t trust myself to use my four friends as tools. Normally, I seem calm, but once I get into a fight, I can’t think about anything else. I prefer that. It’s torture to stay calm in those moments. If Azwin were captain? She’d have been so excited she’d have immediately given an attack command when that moment came, don’t you think?”
“So you’re saying Kassel is great because he didn’t?”
Gerald spoke, watching Kassel, who was holding Azwin’s hand and dancing, stumble over a rock.
“I can’t be sure if the kid wants to hold onto tremendous power.”
“Could you, Gerald? Could you give orders to all the previous White Wolves, including Master Quain?”
“Us and them, it’s not the same, how can you say that?”
“We’re more than that to Kassel.”
“Is that so?”
“To be honest, making that guy the acting captain was a bit of an impulsive decision, but it’s becoming more fun.”
“I agree it’s fun. But it might not be fun in a good way.”
“So negative.”
“If you’d said negative, I’d have said positive.”
Gerald replied with a laugh.
In the meantime, Kassel’s dancing skills were improving.
‘He’s got more talent for dance than swordsmanship.’
Gerald nodded in approval.
Azwin also looked surprised and complimented Kassel.
“Wow, you can dance pretty well.”
“When I was young, I learned from my father to try to appeal to girls. But no one wanted to dance with me, so…”
Kassel answered honestly.
“That’s too bad.”
In Kassel’s arms, Azwin spun lightly. He caught her as she stumbled and helped her stand up again.
“I can’t help it. It’s the fate of an unpopular guy, I just have to accept it.”
At Kassel’s words, Azwin shook her head.
“No, what I meant is that it’s a shame for those girls who couldn’t recognize a boy who dances so well.”
Gerald, who had been watching their splendid dance, snorted and commented.
“Hey, Sheyden. Can you dance?”
“A little.”
“Should I learn too?”
“What are you talking about? You used to criticize dancing as a frivolous pastime for nobles. Hm? Are you jealous of Kassel right now?”
“Shut up.”
“Why, do you want to put your hand on Azwin’s waist, too? Is that it?”
Sheyden teased with a serious face, and Gerald glared at him.
–TL Notes–
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