‘They seemed to have wings on their backs, soaring across the sky, or moved unseen in an instant, appearing anywhere on the battlefield to attack. They were fewer in number, or so I’d heard, but they seemed more. Sometimes, it felt like an incalculable multitude was pressuring us from all sides.’
This was how their enemies described the terror of the Wolf Knights.
‘They were everywhere and nowhere. We could not rest a single night in peace when facing them. Sometimes we had to retreat even when none of us had died.’
Praises and epic tales filled the world for them. The swirling rumors made it hard to discern exaggeration from fact.
Kassel had vaguely imagined that they must possess some intimidating charisma when met face to face. But the reality was different. Usually, fantasies crumble upon direct confrontation, but in Kassel’s case, the disappointment was severe.
Gerald was just a muscular lump, not unlike the Countless mercenaries he had enCountered before. Although his stance with arms crossed had a certain appeal, he did not look particularly impressive compared to other mercenaries he had seen on the battlefield. His occasional jokes were painfully unfunny.
Sheyden projected a more intellectual image. His eyes, buried under thick eyebrows, shone clearly. Had Kassel not witnessed him spinning a spear, too heavy to lift, effortlessly with one hand, he would have mistaken Sheyden for a meticulous bureaucrat in some office.
Azwin was as beautiful as he had remembered upon first sight. Whenever she closed her eyes and tilted her head, the sight of her white nape reflected in the candlelight left him breathless.
‘This must be due to my lack of experience with women. Any woman would spark my desire.’
Kassel dismissed his thoughts, reasoning there was no time to be infatuated every time he saw her.
Another member of the White Wolves appeared only when morning came. He was a lean man who seemed somewhat frail. He was tall, but too skinny to seem muscular. While Kassel spent most of his night crouched in one of the four beds, the man appeared silently, gazing at him.
At first, Kassel thought he was a ghost and screamed in fright. Sheyden, awakened by the noise, introduced him.
“That’s Dunmel Wolf.”
Kassel hastily offered a handshake, his fingertips still trembling from the scare.
“I’m Kassel.”
He omitted the introduction that he was the newly appointed captain. Dunmel didn’t shake hands, he just nodded slightly. His light brown eyes, an unusual contrast to his blonde hair, emitted an empty light, as if uninterested in everything about his Counterpart.
Azwin got up, her hair tousled, and began to speak.
“Dunmel neither hears nor speaks. When you want to communicate, just look at his face and show your mouth while speaking. He doesn’t require further attention than that. Dunmel always operates independently and assists us. Isn’t that right, Dunmel?”
Azwin lifted her thumb up, and Dunmel responded with a dry smile.
“Oh, I see.”
Kassel laughed awkwardly. Two thin, short blades were attached to Dunmel’s waist, which he hadn’t removed even after entering the room.
“And what about Loyal?”
Azwin asked Dunmel.
Dunmel shook his head and then gestured something with his hands.
‘So, that’s sign language. This is the first time I’m seeing it.’
Azwin grumbled and lied back on her bed, understanding what he meant from his hand gestures.
“That guy, wandered off again. He’s probably sleeping somewhere, or forgetting about his duties.”
There was an awkward silence for nearly an hour. With Dunmel unable to speak and Sheyden choosing not to, Kassel was left with no choice but to sit uncomfortably.
Only when they all finally rose to prepare did the atmosphere gain a little liveliness.
“We are going to Count Godimer’s mansion. What about Loyal?”
Azwin asked, changing her clothes regardless of the other men’s presence. Kassel looked away, surprised by the sight of Azwin’s bare chest.
“He’ll come along on his own.”
Gerald responded dryly.
Kassel, already dressed, stood by the window, looking outside. He saw the reflection of the White Wolves in the window, making it look like a gang going out for fun. However, the sight of them arming themselves at the end was fierce.
Azwin attached a round shield to her back and strapped a not-so-long, broad sword to her waist. Sheyden had no place to hide his long spear, so he wrapped it in cloth and stood it up. Gerald shouldered an axe, and Dunmel prepared a long wooden rod with pointed ends. Only later did Kassel realize that it was a bow. Strange characters were carved all over the wood. They all finished preparing by covering their weapons with a clay-colored cloak.
“Shall we go, Captain?”
Gerald asked.
Just before leaving the room, Kassel mentioned the ‘dangerous guys that targeted him at night.’
“Even though it’s broad daylight, isn’t it dangerous?”
“Unless they’re fools who don’t learn from experience, they won’t attack again.”
Sheyden responded. Recalling the sight of two people being impaled at the same time on the end of his spear, it didn’t seem like bragging.
The journey to the Count’s mansion in the center of the city was not long. However, during the short journey, there was a suspicious person trailing them. By the time Kassel was about to warn the others, they had already noticed and were prepared to respond.
“Should we take him out?”
Azwin asked.
When nobody answered, Sheyden nudged Kassel’s back.
“She’s asking you, Captain.”
“Ah, um, isn’t it needless to ask me about matters of combat?”
“It’s essential to avoid confusion. It’s better for one person to give orders.”
It was almost a coercion.
‘Are they testing if I can make sound decisions as a captain?’
Kassel asked Sheyden back.
“How many are following us?”
“Confirmed ones are about five. Probably more.”
Dunmel corrected his statement in sign language.
“Dunmel says there are seven.”
“Do you think they’ll attack?”
Kassel asked cautiously, staring straight ahead.
“No.”
“Then let them be.”
“I don’t like being tailed.”
Azwin remarked.
“I just think starting a fight in the middle of a crowded town isn’t a good idea. But this is just theoretical, if you think differently…”
“No, that’s a good idea.”
Sheyden was convinced and didn’t argue further.
The Count’s house was a small mansion, quite modest for the owner of a city of this size. The fence was high and the iron gate firmly shut, but the security didn’t seem particularly tight. When Kassel knocked on the gate, it didn’t open, but a small cover at eye level opened slightly. Someone, their eyes only visible, asked.
“What brings you here?”
“I’ve come to see the Count.”
Kassel responded.
“Do you have an appointment?”
“Yes.”
“There’s no such record.”
The guard scrutinized Kassel and his party with suspicious eyes.
“No, there is. Please check.”
“Whom should I say is here?”
“Tell him the guests from last night are here.”
He studied Kassel’s face.
“Wait a moment.”
The cover shut and the sound of footsteps faded.
As Kassel waited for a response, he asked something he had been curious about.
“I heard that the selection process for the Wolf Knights is quite rigorous. Even the number of knights isn’t known. How many are there in the Wolf Knights? Are the White Wolves their elite unit?”
“It’s not exactly a secret, you know? They just don’t announce things that don’t need to be announced, let rumors be rumors.”
Gerald responded casually, kicking at a stone.
“But I need to know.”
“Huh? I have to explain this?”
Gerald looked at the other three. Azwin just blinked, Sheyden shrugged, and Dunmel was indifferent. Kassel said,
“I know a bit from books. But don’t I need to know the specifics? Like internal information outsiders wouldn’t know.”
“I guess an insider not having that kind of information would be suspicious. Very well. Where should I start? The Wolf Knight test. Yes, that seems like a good place to begin.”
Gerald looked at the other three as if asking for agreement, then started speaking.
“Did about five hundred apply then? Out of them, around a hundred were selected in the first round.”
“Sixty.”
Sheyden corrected him.
“Sixty. Ah, right. Then, a little less than fifty were picked in the second round.”
“Forty.”
Sheyden corrected him again.
“Forty. Ah, right. Then, about twenty knights, still active from the original Wolf Knights, joined.”
“Fifteen.”
Sheyden interjected again. Gerald glared at him, prompting Sheyden to shrug and say, “Go on.”
Kassel quickly asked, seemingly trying to prevent any conflict, “So, what about the White Wolves?”
“Well, we also have seniors. Four in total, and one of them is Quain, the current master. The rest… We don’t know much about.”
Gerald shot a glance at Sheyden. This time, he didn’t interject. Gerald continued his story.
“Their names are not even known. Well, it’s not so much a secret as everyone is simply not interested in digging it up. Hmm, and… It’s not entirely wrong to say the White Wolves are the elites, but to be precise, we are Quain’s disciples, the candidates to be future queen’s guardian knights. In other words, there was a secret third test for those who had already become Wolf Knights, and we are the ones who passed that third test.”
Azwin frowned.
“Hey, wasn’t that supposed to be a secret?”
“You could’ve said something yourself.”
“Do as you wish.”
Gerald scratched the back of his head.
“Well, that’s about it. Ultimately, the White Wolves are also Wolf Knights. They are not necessarily the ones who step forward saying, ‘Follow me!'”
“I’ve heard that there were no White Wolves in Aranthia until recently?”
“There could have been. Were there?”
Gerald asked Azwin.
“Maybe… were there?”
Azwin passed the question to Sheyden.
“There were. The existence that was originally there became famous after the war ten years ago.”
Sheyden stated definitively.
Kassel spoke up.
“Now I have a rough idea of the structure. So, what’s the difference between the White Wolves and other Wolf Knights? If there’s no difference in authority, is it a difference in skill?”
Gerald laughed, and Azwin chuckled. Only Sheyden answered with a poker face.
“It would be best not to say anything about skills. The other Wolf Knights wouldn’t think they’re weaker than the White Wolves.”
“So, what should I keep in mind? For instance…”
Kassel asked after some pondering.
“How skilled are the White Wolves? Honestly. Without humility or exaggeration.”
“To a degree that they wouldn’t lose anywhere outside the Wolf Knights?”
Gerald answered vaguely.
Sheyden agreed.
“That’s a fairly appropriate response.”
Kassel wasn’t exactly sure what that implied.
“Here’s another personal question. How does one become a Wolf Knight?”
“You mean ‘how do you’ become a Wolf Knight?”
Gerald had surprisingly honed in on the meaning.
“That’s… correct.”
Kassel replied, slightly embarrassed.
“I’m not sure. Azwin. What do you think? Is proficiency in swordsmanship the answer?”
Azwin had long since lost interest in the conversation and was amusing herself alone. Judging by her behavior, she seemed more like a bored Country girl on the brink of madness than a White Wolf.
“If we’re talking swordsmanship, you won’t make it, Kassel.”
“Quite a conclusion.”
He had known it, but hearing it out loud was disappointing.
“Indeed. Kassel, how old are you? Twenty-one? Twenty-two?”
“Twenty-three.”
“Oh, don’t lie. Are you sixteen or eighteen?”
“I’m twenty-three.”
“In that case, it’s even more unlikely. Among the Wolf Knights, there isn’t a single person under twenty who doesn’t show talent in swordsmanship. And there’s even a sixteen-year-old who can match me. Sheyden might be a late starter, but on his first day wielding a spear, he knocked down a royal knight from Irophis.”
Sheyden seemed embarrassingly pleased with himself.
“That’s because that guy was particularly unskilled.”
“You need to be at least that good. You should be able to defeat a representative knight of a Country on your first day of learning swordsmanship and brag about it. What about you?”
Kassel answered despairingly.
“Not at all.”
Gerald picked up the conversation from Azwin.
“Shall we talk about our trials? There were so many diverse and eccentric… all the hot shots in swordsmanship from the entire continent gathered. But they all failed. Only those with promising abilities passed the Wolf Knights’ first test. And only those with even greater potential remained after the second test.”
For some reason, Gerald used the term ‘remained’ instead of ‘selected’ when referring to the second test. Kassel brushed it off as a matter of expression.
“So, I don’t have the talent after all?”
“Well, I was just sharing my experience. I said you lack the talent in swordsmanship, but I didn’t say you couldn’t become a Wolf Knight.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
Kassel asked. Gerald waved his hand dismissively.
“The Wolf Knights don’t only select based on a swordsmanship test. There are also those who are added on, like Loyal. Dunmel was like that too, right?”
Dunmel just nodded.
“But are Dunmel and Loyal not good with the sword?”
Kassel asked.
“Oh, they’re phenomenal.”
Gerald replied.
Kassel was disappointed.
Just then, the iron gate opened, and three guards, along with an elderly butler in a black suit, welcomed them. The butler greeted them respectfully and said,
“Welcome, Knights. I apologize for making you wait. We intentionally did not inform the guards.”
Kassel swiftly changed his gloomy expression and asked,
“We understand completely. If you had informed us earlier, we would have come through the back door.”
Azwin gave a thumbs up.
“If this was a test for facial expression changes, you’d pass!”
The butler looked between Azwin and Kassel, a puzzled expression on his face.
Kassel asked,
“Where is the Count?”
“He is waiting inside.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Count Godimer was waiting for them all the way out in the mansion’s garden. It wasn’t a polite welcome, but rather a restrained look of pleasure.
“I’m glad to see you safe. I was worried all night.”
The Count struggled to keep the broad smile off his face.
“I’m sorry to have caused you worry.”
Kassel looked at the Count’s bandaged arm and asked,
“Were you badly hurt?”
“It’s nothing serious. If it weren’t for Anfler, I wouldn’t have been able to stand here. Let’s go inside. We have much to discuss. Ah, are these your subordinates?”
The Count pointed at Azwin, Gerald, Dunmel, and Sheyden. They did not appear displeased by the term ‘subordinates.’ However, Kassel shook his head.
“We don’t have superiors and subordinates. They are my friends, and I am merely their representative. To the White Wolves, a captain is just such a figure.”
“My apologies.”
The Count led them inside personally, admiring each of them in turn. Kassel followed the Count first, with Azwin trailing behind. She gave Kassel a pat on the shoulder and flashed him a thumbs up. In response, Kassel raised a finger, which made Azwin smile. To Kassel, her smile was the best reward for the situation.
“Please entrust your weapons to us.”
As soon as they entered the hall, the old butler made a respectful request to everyone. Kassel gestured at everyone who looked displeased.
They had no choice but to unbuckle their weapons. Azwin handed over her shield and sword, Gerald gave his axe, and Sheyden handed over his spear. The weight was too much for the old butler alone, and even when other soldiers came to help, they struggled with Sheyden’s spear and Gerald’s axe.
Gerald made a comment,
“It’s best not to drop my axe.”
The soldiers immediately lost their nerve. Dunmel handed over his two swords, four daggers, and quiver. There were no arrows.
“I will keep my sword, Count Godimer. It’s more of a keepsake than a weapon.”
Kassel said, speaking faster than the butler who came to collect his sword.
“Very well.”
At the Count’s gesture, the butler reluctantly backed off.
“Well then, let’s all head to the reception room. I hope you haven’t had breakfast yet. Our cook has baked some rather splendid bread that will pair nicely with mountain tea.”
The Count led them upstairs with an excited voice. Standing in front of the reception room was Anfler, dressed in different, clean attire compared to yesterday, and with a clean-shaven look. However, his gaze was sharp, not polite, and his intimidating aura remained.
“I apologize for yesterday’s events, Captain Wolf.”
Anfler spoke to Kassel. But his gaze was on Gerald.
‘Was Gerald the one who grabbed him by the collar and shoved him yesterday? He must’ve been quite humiliated, almost hanging in the air.’
Kassel replied with a deliberately bright voice.
“Let’s forget about the misunderstanding. I should have introduced them yesterday, but I’m a bit late. These are Azwin, Sheyden, Gerald, and Dunmel. Friends, this is Count’s guardian knight, Anfler.”
The four knights greeted and shook hands lightly.
Anfler, lastly, held Gerald’s hand longer and spoke.
“I showed quite a disgrace yesterday. Shall we talk formally some time?”
“Eh? What disgrace?”
Gerald spoke leisurely, putting strength into his hand.
“You’ve been holding his hand for too long, Gerald. Let’s go in.”
Kassel spoke sharply. Gerald quickly let go of the hand.
Even after everyone followed Kassel and the Count into the reception room, Gerald stood in the corridor, turned to Anfler, and spoke.
“Ah, that? Sorry, I just remembered.”
Anfler narrowed his eyes slightly. Kassel looked back worriedly, but Gerald, undisturbed, walked into the reception room.
The table was already set with bread and teacups. Everyone took their seats, and a young, pretty maid sliced the bread and placed a plate in front of each person.
After the maid respectfully bowed and left, Anfler came in, closed the door, and stood guard beside it. Kassel broke the awkward silence first by tearing into the bread.
“It’s really good.”
The Count, who had been anxiously gauging everyone’s reactions, finally replied with a smile.
“This bread was made by the best baker in Koholrun, using wheat from Lurun. I’m particularly thorough about these things because I love cookies and bread so much.”
Kassel was startled by the unexpected mention of his hometown and choked a bit. After taking a sip of water, he asked,
“Lurun?”
“The wheat there is of very good quality. I have a particular merchant I deal with there, so I can enjoy this bread even during famine.”
Kassel was pleased to hear the familiar word from someone else’s mouth, especially a noble’s.
“I know it’s sudden, but let’s start the discussion.”
Kassel yearned for more bread, but the sudden severity in the Count’s expression made it impossible. Additionally, the eyes of Knight Anfler, brimming with palpable hostility, caught his attention. His arms were folded, a display of restraint on his face. Oddly enough, it appeared the hostility was directed towards him.
‘Hey, look at Gerald, not me!’
“I understand that you have a lot of questions. Truth be told, I’ve considered multiple ways to start this conversation and planned, but the critical issue is that I know virtually nothing about you all. However, I want you to understand one thing. I want to help you.”
First, Kassel glanced at Sheyden. Sheyden responded with a nod.
‘Do as you wish.’
Kassel gave a faint smile and turned his gaze back to the Count.
‘I’m sitting here, eating bread with a noble, someone a peasant would struggle to meet even once in their lifetime.’
Surprisingly, he didn’t feel too uncomfortable. For some reason, it even felt familiar.
“You’re cunning, Count.”
Kassel opened his mouth.
“What do you mean?”
The Count showed a slightly awkward smile.
“Aren’t you cleverly making us open up first?”
“That wasn’t my intention.”
The Count flashed a soft smile. But to Kassel, it looked subtly sly.
‘He has a favor to ask?’
Kassel honed in on that part.
“We were attacked yesterday, but the truth is, we were attacked even before we arrived in this city. Why were we attacked?”
“That’s what I wanted to discuss yesterday. It’s definitely the doing of either the Black Lion Count or the Red Rose Count, without a doubt. Or possibly both.”
Sheyden and Kassel quickly exchanged looks. Kassel continued the conversation.
“Their purpose?”
“You must have guessed. The war between the two Counts, regardless of the pretext, ultimately aims for one to seize the throne and take control of this Country.”
“I don’t think there’s a simpler way to express the war in Camort.”
“The current king has no allies, no power. As you know, the king of Camort cannot have a standing army. All he has are the royal knights, and even they have been disappearing recently.”
It was news to Kassel. He realized he was getting deeper into this matter.
“The only things left for His Majesty the King are the insignificant support from powerless nobles like me and his title. But who looks up to a king without power? What can he do with his name? There was only one way he could use his name to save the Country.”
“Requesting reinforcements from another Country?”
“Exactly. As far as I know, only Aranthia has answered that call… According to rumors, the disappearance of the royal knight orders is also said to have occurred when they secretly went to Irophis or Carnelock to ask for reinforcements and got killed. It’s an open secret that one of the two Counts is behind it. But what can we do? There is no power that can touch the two Counts.”
Anfler was still glaring at Kassel. When Kassel glanced back, he unfolded his arms, let out a silent sigh, and excused himself to go outside.
‘I mean, if you’re upset, why don’t you vent it on Gerald?’
“So, the king hopes to form an army with the help of foreign reinforcements to suppress the two Counts, right?”
Kassel asked, seeking confirmation for his understanding. The Count nodded.
“Even though they’re the two most powerful Counts within the Kingdom of Camort, if another Country gets involved, the situation changes completely. Of course, if this becomes public, it will inevitably put His Majesty in a difficult position.”
“Foreign military intervention in domestic affairs is highly dangerous.”
“Indeed. But if even a simpleton like me has figured it out, do you think the other nobles don’t know? The fact that you have been attacked by assassins already implies that one of the two Counts has figured it out.”
Kassel shut his eyes tight and opened them again.
‘Wow, am I getting involved in something big here?’
The Count asked.
“Tired?”
“No.”
Kassel managed a forced smile.
The Count nodded and said,
“I won’t reveal the fact that I’ve met with the White Wolves for now. By the way, when is Aranthia’s army arriving? If we add my standing army to your Wolf Knights, and combine what remains of the royal knights…”
Interrupting the Count’s hopeful tone, Azwin added as if pouring cold water on it.
“We are the answer.”
“Pardon me?”
“We are Aranthia’s reinforcements, Count Godimer. Where’s the restroom? I’ve been holding it in for a while.”
The Count pointed outside with his finger.
“It’s downstairs. There are many maids around, you can ask anyone.”
“The maids here are all very pretty. Lucky you.”
Leaving behind a somewhat ambiguous remark, which could be seen as a joke or a jab, Azwin went outside. The door opened, and a brief gust of cold air filled the room.
“Truly…”
The Count searched for the right words and finally spoke.
“A charming lady. To be honest, she doesn’t quite fit the image of a knight.”
“She’s also one of the White Wolves. Now that the situation has escalated so much, wouldn’t it be better to notify His Majesty sooner rather than later?”
“Certainly. I have prepared the carriage, horses, and guards.”
“What about the departure time?”
“Any time you wish!”
The Count was smiling, but he couldn’t hide the glimmer of disappointment.
‘Five knights for a vanguard, it’s rather underwhelming.’
“Ah, right. We still have one member who hasn’t joined us yet. They’re somewhere in Koholrun. We’ll set off after… After our friend arrives.”
Kassel hesitated, not yet finding an appropriate word to designate the White Wolves.
“Besides that, Count Godimer, this may sound impolite, but we haven’t had breakfast, let alone dinner last night. Do you have anything besides bread?”
“Such an oversight on my part! You should have told me earlier. I’ll have meals prepared immediately.”
The Count rang a small bell that was sitting next to him.
“If there’s a specific dish you prefer, let me know. The chef should be able to prepare most things.”
Instead of responding, Kassel asked the other knights behind him for their preferences. Gerald responded simply.
“Meat. Lots of it.”
The Count slowly nodded at his tone that suggested some trouble if food wasn’t served soon. A butler knocked and entered the room.
“Did you call for me, sir?”
“Instruct the chef to fill the table with the quickest meals he can prepare. Do we have lamb ready?”
“Yes. It’s been prepared to the highest quality.”
Kassel barely managed to stifle a laugh that was threatening to erupt within him.
Who would believe that the White Wolf just threatened the Count with ‘meat, lots of it’? The once intimidating White Wolves were gradually starting to feel more approachable to Kassel.
☆ ☆ ☆
Azwin left the room and walked down the corridor. Decorative suits of armor stood on either side, their ornamental swords thrust into the floor. Instead of heading to the downstairs where the bathroom was located, Azwin walked towards a window.
Ike Anfler was standing there, looking out the window, his arm propped against the sill.
“Your name’s Ike, right?”
Azwin leaned her shoulder against the wall, her arms crossed, and casually asked. Anfler glanced at her then returned his gaze outside, seemingly uninterested.
“Yes, it’s Ike Anfler.”
“I’m Azwin Wolf.”
“Wolf?”
“We were introduced to you as the White Wolves. Naturally, I’m a Wolf, aren’t I? Well, it’s obvious to us, but you folks might not know.”
“I knew about that. But I never thought you’d be one. I didn’t think the Wolf Knights had any female members.”
“Why so surprised that there’s a female knight in a Country ruled by a queen?”
Azwin rested one hand on her hip as she spoke.
“Besides that, Ike, your gaze towards our captain wasn’t very friendly just now. Why is that?”
Anfler turned his gaze outside the window as he responded.
“Maintain respect amongst knights, Azwin.”
“What’s the big deal? I talk this way to the Queen and my Master too. You want special treatment or something? You’re dreaming.”
“Fine. I won’t let it bother me then.”
“Good posture, knight. How long have you been sword-fighting?”
“15 years.”
“You don’t look that old.”
“I’ve been wielding a sword since I was fifteen. What about you?”
“How do I look?”
“No real battle experience.”
“I do look young, unintentionally. But by age, there’s not much difference between you and me.”
“So? What’s this all about?”
Anfler asked, leaning on the window frame.
“You think of challenging me? I’m sorry, but I don’t cross swords with women.”
“Challenging?”
Azwin asked, laughing uproariously.
“Who do you think is the continent’s greatest swordsman, Ike?”
“Anybody you ask would say the same. Master Quain. Yes, your Master. So, you, as his disciple, want to claim you’re the greatest?”
“No, you’re wrong. The greatest swordsman on the continent is a woman. Even my Master Quain acknowledges that the real master of the sword isn’t a man, but a woman. Got it?”
“What are you getting at, Azwin Wolf?”
“You’ve been glaring at our captain since a while ago, haven’t you? I know that look very well. Your pride is deeply wounded because one of us got the better of you. But revenge would only make you seem petty. What’s the other way? How can you get your revenge and prove your strength?”
Azwin covered her mouth and laughed silently. Then she approached stealthily, as if playing an innocent girl, and continued.
“15 years, you say? So, to what extent will the swordsmanship you honed over 15 years work? Where do you stand in this world? You must be dying of curiosity, right? But, it seems like a golden opportunity has come, doesn’t it? But you’re holding back because of the damn knightly honor or some crap, right? There’s the consideration for your lord and the fact that we’re guests from another Country, so you can’t start a fight like a thug, right?”
“Quit the nonsense.”
Anfler snapped. Azwin almost touched his face as she moved closer and said.
“Why would you do this? Just ask me politely, Ike. I won’t refuse. Because I know that kind of frustration all too well. Unfortunately, Sheyden or Gerald wouldn’t fight you. But I’m not them. How about it? Huh? Huh? Huh?”
Anfler did not flinch from Azwin’s gaze and stared back. Somewhere in the hallway, the sound of maids carrying food could be heard. The neighing of a horse in the distance and the flapping of flags in the wind could also be heard.
“I do not engage in impulsive duels. Don’t treat me like a rabble.”
Anfler said firmly.
Azwin turned around with a grumpy face.
“Hmm, is that so? Well, have it your way then. Boring.”
“I wanted to challenge your captain, not you. Of course, formally. I with my sword, and him with his.”
“Huh?”
Azwin paused in her stride and turned around. At some point, Anfler had his hand on the sword strapped to his waist, his eyes aflame with a fierce determination.
“But this could be interesting. I, too, am one who learned swordplay the hard way. What about you? Do you need a sword?”
“No need.”
Azwin picked up a decorative sword hanging on the wall.
“You’re going to try with a blade that’s not even sharp? Besides, isn’t it too heavy for a woman?”
Anfler had loosened the cape on his back and tossed it onto the floor.
“I’ve heard that more than a hundred times. A woman wanting to fight? Using a blunt blade? A child like you wanting to spar with me? Listen carefully, Ike. There’s a saying in the Wolf Knights.”
Azwin warned with a sly smile.
“Only another Wolf can survive the sight of a White Wolf’s fangs. Are you capable of seeing my fangs?”
Anfler carefully grasped his sword with one hand, the other softly clenched next to his chest. His slender, sharp blade reflected a sharp, white light. At a distance reachable by a single step, Azwin stood holding her heavy sword.
For a moment, Anfler was unable to move from his position.
“What’s wrong? I thought you were the type to attack first?”
Azwin asked. Still, Anfler did not move.
‘Can’t he hear me?’
Azwin tried to engage him again.
“I’ve met many people like you. Cunning, yet cautious. Yes. It may take a while to draw a sword, but once drawn, there’s no hesitation. So why now?”
“I’ve only once drawn my sword and then gave up.”
Anfler said.
“When?”
“When the Lontamon’s army entered Koholrun ten years ago, Count Godimer surrendered without a fight and accepted it meekly. That’s when I met Captain Welch of the Excelon Knights. Unable to suppress my youthful spirit, I challenged him.”
“Did he accept? Welch?”
“Yes. But I couldn’t move, just like now. I surrendered.”
“Why are you telling me this? You don’t seem like the type to make long speeches before a fight?”
“I’m reminding myself that this time, I can’t surrender!”
“Alright. Shall I go first then?”
Azwin’s sword slightly rose. Instantly, Anfler reflexively thrust his own. His slender blade aimed directly at her chest.
Azwin dodged his blade and swatted Anfler’s side with her decorative sword. Anfler’s body lifted slightly in the air before crashing against the wall.
The plate armor Anfler wore shattered, the fragments scattering on the floor. Anfler landed head-first on the ground, his sword rolling away among the broken pieces of his armor.
For a moment, Anfler couldn’t breathe. He was so off balance he couldn’t stand. His instinct was to reach for his sword, but instead, he found a woman’s hand.
“Are you okay?”
It was Azwin.
Anfler fell back down.
“I’m not okay.”
“That’s why I hit you.”
Azwin sat next to Anfler. With a great deal of effort, he exhaled and looked up at her.
“How did you dodge that?”
“Ike, can you describe the type of attack you launch? I can’t do that.”
Azwin squinted her eyes and laughed.
“Feels like I’ve been played for a fool.”
“It was a warning. Just to let you know, you shouldn’t try to test the captain arbitrarily.”
“I’ve been wanting to ask, how did you know I was going to do that?”
“Just did. I’ve seen a lot of people like you.”
The sound of running footsteps echoed up the stairs. The servants and stewards discovered the pair and started screaming. Azwin waved her hand at them.
“You explain it. I don’t want any misunderstandings.”
Instead of responding, Anfler rose and extended a hand to Azwin. She readily accepted it and pulled him up.
“Was that attack the White Wolf’s fang?”
“It’s said that one wouldn’t survive if they saw the attack. And yet, you’re still alive.”
Azwin chuckled and turned around.
Anfler shook his head, incredulous.
“Are you okay?”
The servants approached.
“It’s nothing. Everyone, return to your positions.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Lunch was sumptuous, too extravagant to be prepared hastily. Anfler excused himself due to a bad stomach, leaving only five of the White Wolves, including the Count and Kassel, at the table. Wine was also prepared, and the Count raised his glass.
“I toast to the fortune of our guests, who have come for Camort.”
“For the glory of Camort.”
Kassel responded, and everyone clinked glasses before starting their meal. Sheyden and Gerald ate quite modestly for those who claimed to be famished, while Azwin and Dunmel surprisingly focused only on their wine.
“This is a very fine wine. I haven’t had such in Aranthia.”
Azwin praised.
“Thank you, Lady Azwin. Of course, the sophistication of this wine can’t match your beauty. We do have other excellent wines. Would you prefer something smoother?”
Count Godimer led the conversation, and Azwin didn’t particularly object.
“No, this one’s fine. I’d like another glass, please.”
As she extended her glass, a steward refilled her wine with a swift, neat motion. Dunmel, who had silently finished his wine, tapped his glass. The steward filled Dunmel’s glass as well and stepped back.
“Lady Azwin? I thought you didn’t like such formal titles?”
Gerald sneered.
Azwin ignored the conversation and spoke only with the Count.
“But the wine from Aranthia is a cut above the rest. It’s all about the soil, you see. Camort’s soil is a bit harsh for grape cultivation.”
“That’s not always the case, Lady Azwin. Especially, the wine produced on the right bank of the Shiran River is arguably the best in the continent.”
“But what about the rumors of water being mixed in with the regional wine?”
“Ah, that’s indeed a disgrace to the reputation of the winemakers, carried out by unscrupulous distributors. If I were the lord of that region, I would penalize such traders harshly.”
Azwin and the Count continued their wine discourse.
During their exchange, Kassel keenly observed everyone’s use of knife and fork. Thankfully, he felt he didn’t need to be overly cautious about table manners. Only Sheyden seemed accustomed to such etiquette; others were not at all bothered, eating and drinking haphazardly. Gerald, in particular, didn’t hesitate to use his hands, even sucking his fingers unabashedly.
‘It wouldn’t hurt to learn.’
He studied Count Godimer’s hand movements. Despite performing the same actions, there was a peculiarly sophisticated grace about him. Kassel absorbed his demeanor one step at a time. His soft speech and movements were refined, difficult to emulate just by observation.
While trying to mimic him, Kassel discovered something unexpected.
‘Why does this feel so familiar?’
Kassel had never seen nobles dining before. It should all feel strange, but Kassel felt like he had done these things before. His father.
‘My father was a farmer for generations, as acknowledged by all the old men in the village. Stop thinking needlessly.’
Once the meal ended, fruit was served for dessert. Overcome with satiety, Kassel leaned back in his chair without realizing. Count Godimer watched Kassel’s relaxed posture attentively.
‘Hmm, did I let my guard down too much?’
Kassel studied the postures of the other White Wolves. Azwin was seated with her legs up on the chair, hugging her knees, swinging her upper body back and forth. Gerald was sprawled out like a laborer who just had his meal. Dunmel was still drinking, and only Sheyden remained composed.
‘What posture should I adopt?’
Given the discussion to follow, Kassel had no choice but to consider his posture carefully. His father had emphasized that persuasiveness came from gestures, not speech.
‘Don’t wave your hands around when trying to persuade others. It makes you look unsure.’
Kassel suddenly remembered Falcon’s posture when he sat at the table to talk.
‘That was a threat, but it was very effective on me. I should do the same.’
Kassel finally settled on a posture.
“Count Godimer, there is something I wish to confirm.”
Kassel brought his hand, gentle as a peeled onion, to his chest as he spoke.
“What is it, Captain Wolf?”
Kassel leaned back, his folded arms resting on the table, and faced the Count a little closer. His handsome face hid strength beneath a veil of gentleness.
“Is your intention to aid us for the king, or for your own safety, Count?”
For a moment, the Count’s eyes flickered.
“That’s an unpleasant question. I have shown and proven my sincerity to you multiple times.”
“We’re asking about your scope of action.”
“Scope of action? What does that mean?”
“I will ask the same question to the king of Camort. If we have to choose between the kingdom and the king, which direction should we go?”
The Count thought seriously, then shook his head.
“That’s something His Majesty should decide for himself, not me.”
“A time will come when you’ll have to think about it.”
With that heavy statement, Kassel closed his mouth.
Dessert ended in silence.
☆ ☆ ☆
The five gathered in the residence prepared by the Count. Everyone’s gaze was on Kassel. Kassel, staring blankly at their eyes, shrugged his shoulders.
“Was something lacking?”
“No, it was fine.”
Azwin replied, savoring her words.
Sheyden praised him.
“Honestly, it was very good. To anyone’s eyes, you looked like our captain.”
Dunmel was pouring wine into a glass. He seemed to have brought it from the dinner table. The fragrance of high-quality wine permeated the room.
“But why did you bring up that subject?”
Gerald asked.
“What are you talking about?”
“About the choice. Wasn’t it unnecessary to mention it? What did you want the Count to answer?”
“Gerald Wolf, I wanted the Count to…”
“You can leave out ‘Wolf’.”
Azwin pointed out.
“The way you treat us, you look too formal.”
“I don’t think that’s an easy issue to fix. Moreover, wouldn’t it be okay to have a courteous captain?”
Kassel shrugged his shoulders.
“Do as you please.”
Azwin agreed quickly.
“Continuing the conversation, I wanted the Count to give no answer at all. So, the Count answered as I wanted.”
Azwin asked, stretching her waist and legs as she sat on the bed. She looked as if she was flaunting her slim figure.
“So, that was the answer you wanted?”
“The Count still doesn’t trust us.”
Kassel looked at Gerald as he spoke, trying not to look at Azwin rolling up her trousers because of the heat.
“Especially after the disappointment that the reinforcements from Aranthia were only you five, or rather us six. Even though he seems comfortable and trusting now, later, he might use us or even abandon us.”
“Did he seem like such a person?”
“For instance, it’s like drawing a line.”
“How is that drawing a line?”
This time, Gerald asked.
“Well, it’s going to be a long story. Firstly, we cannot allow the fact that we are only six people to become a weakness. Don’t misunderstand. What I am trying to say is, rather than explaining how great our power is compared to other forces and trying to convince others, it is important to remind them that we represent Aranthia. Remember when I asked ‘what will you do when the time comes to choose?'”
“Yes, you did.”
“With that, we had already indirectly nailed down that we would be there when the time comes to decide Camort’s fate. Secondly, I pre-empted that the Count can’t interfere at that moment of choice. Only the King and we will overcome the crisis of the Country, and the Count was merely requested to help from the side.”
“What if the Count had chosen one of the two? For example, ‘I choose the King! Our King is the best!’ Then what?”
“Regardless of his answer, I would have yelled ‘Do you even have the right to do so?’ Then our position would have been stronger. We might not have been able to get Count Godimer’s support, but he isn’t the only noble.”
“You said just yesterday that Count Godimer was the only way, didn’t you?”
Azwin asked.
“Well, Count Godimer gave me a hint. If we have the reputation of the White Wolves, we can also get help from other nobles.”
Kassel finished talking.
Everyone was just looking at each other.
“So, you’re saying that you would drop the Count who just served us dinner if he’s not useful?”
Azwin frowned and asked.
“It seems so.”
Kassel timidly asked in return.
“Do I seem cold?”
“I can’t believe it.”
Kassel thought Azwin meant ‘I can’t believe your lack of humanity.’
“How can you calculate all that and say it? Did you really think all that through?”
Kassel felt relieved in many ways.
“It just came to me. There’s a book called ‘The King and the Knights of His Land.’ It wasn’t an interesting novel, but one scene was very impressive. It’s when the captured king commits suicide in front of his army, who were about to surrender because of him. I quoted the line from that scene. The original line is this.”
Kassel cleared his throat and recited in a deep voice.
“If anyone asks me whether to choose the Country or the King, I would gladly choose the Country!”
Kassel switched back to his original voice.
“In fact, I was more worried that the Count might notice I quoted that line from the book since it’s often used.”
“That’s unbelievable!”
Azwin dusted off her hands as she rose from the bed.
“What’s up?”
“Who recites novel passages when talking to people?”
Kassel found Azwin’s words peculiar.
“Is that really such a strange thing? My father does it all the time in his everyday life.”
Sheyden laughed heartily.
“There’s nothing odd about reciting novel passages. What’s impressive is using them at the right time. It’s like swordsmanship. The difficult part is using the moves you know effectively.”
Gerald agreed, nodding his head thoughtfully.
“Come to think of it, this fellow, even when terrified and surrounded by the White Wolves, still had his say. Usually, even those with such wittiness freeze and can’t utter a word.”
Kassel gazed down at the Aranthia sword resting on his knee, uncertain whether they were praising him or mocking him. The silence began to make the atmosphere seem oddly somber, prompting Kassel to speak.
“So, should we continue… like this?”
“Of course. Well, the important things should be discussed, but feel free to do the rest as you please.”
Azwin responded.
“What if my actions go against your opinions?”
“As long as you do as you’ve been doing, there shouldn’t be a major problem. But remember, if a huge issue arises, the proclamation we made yesterday can change with our collective agreement. I’m starting to like you. But if you betray that, you’ll have to test your sword skills against me.”
Azwin stated bluntly. Even if Azwin wasn’t a master of the sword, Kassel had no desire to draw his against her.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Gerald, stretching out a yawn, questioned Dunmel, who had been standing by the window.
“Is it quiet outside? No eavesdroppers, right?”
Dunmel shook his head. Gerald, patting his silent companion’s shoulder, flopped onto the bed.
“I need to catch some sleep. My nap at dawn was too brief.”
The jolt caused Azwin, seated on the same bed, to sway heavily.
“Me too.”
Azwin collapsed head-first onto Gerald’s stomach. Gerald gave a short grunt. Azwin, treating him like a pillow, twisted and turned his body to find her comfortable spot.
Gerald, too stunned to speak, let himself be moved around. He did not, however, surrender his share of the bed. A battle for space ensued between the two on the narrow bed, ending with them falling asleep in a pose befitting a sweet newlywed couple.
Kassel was envious of Gerald.
“Dunmel and Kassel, you should get some sleep too. Neither of you slept properly yesterday.”
When Sheyden spoke, Dunmel nodded and reclined on the large bed that nobody had taken while Azwin and Gerald were caught up in their spirited tug-of-war.
“And Kassel?”
“I’m okay. But does Azwin always sleep in the same room?”
“Why?”
Sheyden blinked as if questioning why Kassel asked, but he soon chuckled upon realizing.
“Ah, because she’s a woman?”
It was an innocent laughter, yet it caused Kassel to blush slightly and respond,
“Well, there’s no particular rule against it…”
He stumbled over his words.
Azwin, when viewed up close, had rough skin and lacked shine in her hair, but to Kassel, she was endlessly beautiful. And she seemed fragile. The sight of such a woman sleeping unprotected amidst these rough men was difficult to accept.
“She doesn’t like to think of herself as separate from us. Sometimes, we even bathe together.”
Sheyden grinned like a mischievous boy, a far cry from his usual brutal self who could decimate foes with a single swing of his window.
“You all bathe together?”
Upon Kassel’s surprised reaction, Sheyden waved his hand dismissively.
“Living with Azwin, I’ve long forgotten the stereotypical mindset that women should behave a certain way, but once, I did say, ‘Aren’t you a woman? You shouldn’t expose yourself so openly,’ and you know what she replied? She said, ‘I just enjoy seeing well-muscled men naked.’ Who am I to judge if she enjoys it? It suits us fine.”
Sheyden leaned back in his chair as if to sink into it.
“We have a woman named Syldra in the Wolf Knight Order who believes Azwin’s behaviour is a disgrace to women, and is quite upset about it. But as you can see, Azwin doesn’t care about others’ opinions.”
Kassel sighed while watching Azwin, who was sleeping against Gerald’s broad chest with her arm spread wide.
“I thought if a woman was as beautiful as her, she would be unapproachable, but it seems that’s not the case.”
“She’s a great character for breaking incorrect prejudices, indeed. But there is consistency in all her actions.”
“Consistency?”
“Teamwork. Azwin never does anything that would harm the teamwork, and if it’s something that could enhance our teamwork, she won’t hesitate. Moreover, her candid nature serves well in keeping our unique characters in harmony. She’s like our mood maker. We all like Azwin, and she likes us. She often calls me ‘Shedi’ affectionately because she finds me interesting. Gerald also sometimes gets called ‘Geri’ or ‘Geraldie’. It’s funny and endearing, so we let it be. But when she holds a sword and goes into battle, she is very…”
Sheyden narrowed his eyes, hesitated for a moment, then resumed speaking dramatically.
“…Azwin’s fierce. Sometimes she clings to us, acting like a child, and other times she’s as warm as a mother to us all. Her influence played a major part in Loyal’s growth within the organization. It’s possible that the same could be said for me. So, did you fall for Azwin?”
Sheyden’s gaze twinkled as if set up to offer advice. Kassel quickly waved his hand.
“I did fall for her. She’s beautiful after all. But I don’t dare to dream of being with someone so free-spirited.”
“Who dares to dream of such a thing?”
Sheyden laughed out loud.
Azwin abruptly stood up, fuming.
“Quiet!”
Then she buried her head back on Gerald’s chest and fell asleep.
Sheyden switched to a whisper.
“There’s only one guy who can handle her. Gerald.”
“They do seem very close. Or is it the opposite?”
Kassel also whispered back.
“Whether they fight to the death or suddenly decide to get married one day, I wouldn’t be surprised. It’s their decision, but those two have an uncanny harmony with a touch of discord.”
Sheyden spoke as though facing the world’s most difficult mathematical problem.
☆ ☆ ☆
Evening came, and the last White Wolf, Loyal, had not returned. Everyone spent their leisurely evening after a short nap. Declining the Count’s suggestion of a grand dinner, they settled for a simple meal provided by the butler.
“When are we getting our weapons back?”
Gerald asked, grimacing as though ready to throw a fit if the weapons weren’t handed over.
“Only Knight Anfler is allowed to possess weapons in this mansion.”
The butler nonchalantly replied, gracefully picking up the empty plates and leaving.
Gerald expressed concern with a worried look.
“This is bad. My intimidation isn’t working anymore. Has my face gotten too kind?”
“You needn’t worry. You’re still plenty intimidating.”
Azwin reassured him.
“Thanks.”
Gerald responded in a gloomy voice.
As he wiped his mouth with a napkin, Sheyden suggested,
“Let’s go find Loyal.”
Azwin banged the table for emphasis.
“Let’s do that. If left alone, there’s no telling when he might come back. What if he’s gotten amnesia and is out there cleaning stables while on a quest to find his identity?”
“That’d be a killer storyline! You could write a novel!”
Gerald exclaimed unnecessarily.
“Not everyone needs to go. Dunmel, myself, and Azwin can handle it. Gerald, stay here.”
Sheyden divided the team.
“What’s there to guard, leaving me in such a boring place?”
At Gerald’s complaint, Sheyden pointed at Kassel.
“Ah, I see. You needed a bodyguard, Captain.”
Gerald laid a hand on Kassel’s shoulder.
Struggling under the weight of Gerald’s hand, Kassel said, “Wouldn’t they be suspicious if I had a guard?”
Sheyden shook his head.
“It’s natural for a high-ranking individual to have guards. Even our master, when going to official events, is escorted by around three of the Wolves. Not that our master needs our protection.”
Sheyden turned his head towards Dunmel and asked,
“Those guys outside, they’re still holding out. What do you think, Dunmel?”
Dunmel extended four fingers. Sheyden nodded, looking at everyone.
“They’ve been there since morning. Considering their pattern, they’ll show up again tonight.”
Kassel was chilled by the way such a terrifying ambush was simply referred to as ‘show up.’
“Good opportunity. While we’re looking for Loyal, let’s nab one of them.”
As Azwin confidently proposed, Sheyden lightly warned her.
“Don’t underestimate them. Assassins always attack when you least expect it.”
“So you think you know everything?”
Azwin grumbled. Sheyden then turned to Gerald.
“Be careful here too.”
“Just bring Loyal safely.”
Gerald responded firmly.
While everyone was finishing preparations, Kassel was wondering how to bring up a topic.
“Do you have something to say, Captain?”
Thankfully, Sheyden caught on and asked.
“It’s a bit harsh, so I don’t know if I should say it…”
“A harsh story is good.”
Azwin granted permission.
“Is it just me? I mean… Do you all really trust the Count?”
Kassel brought up his concern cautiously.
Azwin’s eyebrows shot up.
“Stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point.”
“He’s in the easiest position to kill us, right? I wasn’t sure if the drinks and food earlier were really safe.”
At Kassel’s words, the four of them looked at each other’s faces simultaneously. Kassel hunched his shoulders, revealing an expression that suggested he might have spoken out of turn.
“I’m sorry. It’s just that with the situation being as it is.”
“And so?”
Azwin asked, as if interrogating.
“If the Count wanted to kill us, we would have already died vomiting in the bathroom. But we’re alive, so we can trust the Count, is that what you want to say?”
“Not exactly.”
Kassel’s voice trailed off.
Sheyden interjected.
“Wait. It seems Kassel has something in mind. Go ahead.”
“What I want to say concerns Count Godimer’s current situation and position. For example, like this.”
Kassel collected his thoughts once more before continuing.
“The assassins tried at least twice to kill the White Wolves, but failed. From their perspective, it would get increasingly harder to succeed as the White Wolves have become extremely cautious. However, there is someone who is currently in the best position to kill the White Wolves.”
Sheyden was the first to discern Kassel’s intent.
“Are they going to use the Count?”
“That’s a possibility. So far, nothing of that sort seems to have happened. But you never know.”
Gerald added to Kassel’s statement.
“Could something happen tonight?”
“I’m mentioning it so you keep it in mind. It’s just a guess on my part.”
Kassel continued, glancing at Azwin. Dunmel communicated something through signs, and Sheyden interpreted.
“Dunmel says, it’s not a mere guess. They may not kill the Count but will certainly pose some threat, and it might happen tonight.”
The discussion ended with Sheyden’s added comment.
“For now, let’s stick to our plan. Gerald, you take care of things inside the mansion. If anything seems off, come back immediately.”
☆ ☆ ☆
Upon hearing the White Wolves were leaving, the Count, who was enjoying his solitary dinner, came out in surprise.
“Where are you going at this hour?”
“Ah, one of our comrades hasn’t returned yet. They’re going to look for him,” Kassel explained on behalf of everyone.
“I’ll stay here.”
“Oh? I was worried that you were leaving before I could properly treat you.”
“We’ve been treated well enough already. And anyway, as soon as our comrade returns, we plan to head straight to the Royal Palace.”
“Then I’ll also prepare so I can join you whenever you’re ready.”
The Count immediately called his butler and ordered him to pack his things.
‘Having a Count who owns such a large territory joining us would certainly be a great help in the royal court.’
Still, Kassel felt uneasy for some reason, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.
“Please continue your meal. And please return the weapons to my friends.”
“Ah, right. Butler, return the knights’ precious weapons.”
The butler, along with other servants, carefully brought out the long spears and swords, exactly as they were when they received them. Gerald was dissatisfied that they still refused to give back his axe, as he was staying in the mansion.
“We will return before midnight.”
After Sheyden spoke, the group walked out following the flower path in the garden towards the front gate. Kassel and Gerald watched their retreating figures until they disappeared from sight.
“Well, shall we wait leisurely for those guys to come back?”
Scratching his head, Gerald went inside.
As Kassel followed him into the room, he immediately asked,
“Gerald, there’s something I want to ask you.”
“Go ahead.”
Gerald leaned back against his bed, hand resting on the back of his head.
“Why did Azwin get angry when I mentioned that Count Godimer might be being exploited?”
“Because you thought of something she didn’t. That’s what pissed her off.”
Gerald concluded it simply.
“Any other questions? We have time, and there might be some fundamental things you should know while being a captain. I’m not good at explaining thoroughly, so it’d be great if you could ask more precisely!”
Kassel decided to quickly forget Azwin’s angry face and asked,
“Master Quain… So who exactly is he?”
“Ah, a tough question from the start. How can I explain it? What do you know about Master?”
“I only know that he’s the royal guard of the Queen of Aranthia. I’ve heard many rumors that he’s the continent’s strongest, a master of swordsmanship.”
Gerald chuckled.
“He doesn’t really enjoy those rumors. Those who like to rank people are the ones who say such things. Master simply wants people to know him as a knight of Aranthia.”
“That’s quite some self-confidence. Usually, when someone gains a certain status, they put a lot of effort into attributing special significance to it. For example, the greatest knight of a region, the greatest magician of a Country…”
“I was one of those types myself.”
Gerald admitted candidly.
Kassel corrected himself.
“I didn’t mean it in a bad way.”
“But you’re right. I went to Aranthia out of such pride. The greatest swordsman, as people claimed, was personally selecting his own knights… It was an interesting proposition. How would it be to defeat this person named Quain there? Most likely, everyone who took the test had a similar idea.”
“And then?”
Kassel’s eyes widened, and he quickly sat on a chair.
“What? Are you trying to pose as if you’re listening to grandpa’s old tales?”
At Gerald’s precise comment, Kassel blushed.
“Ju… just continue your story.”
“Alright. No problem. But really, you should hear these stories from Azwin or Sheyden. They’re much more eloquent than me. I’m less talkative than Dunmel.”
“But Dunmel doesn’t even talk.”
“He appreciates the virtue of silence. My eloquence can’t beat his silence.”
Kassel lightly applauded.
“That statement truly highlights the charm of your eloquence.”
“That’s a compliment that hits just right. Alright, you want to hear about Master, so I’ll just talk about that. Please ask Azwin about the rest. She loves telling these stories. She needs someone to listen, and she’s always itching to talk when there’s no one around.”
Gerald felt awkward under the piercing gaze of Kassel, but began his tale.
“Part of the rumor about Master is true. He is indeed exceptional when it comes to swordsmanship. I’ve only been able to block his attacks once in all my life, and that was quite recently. Before then, I would be unconscious and wake up in the infirmary. Still, I did it. I managed to block it.”
Gerald spoke as if he was recalling a story from a far-off past.
‘Just one hit to practice blocking?’
If one hadn’t seen Sheyden’s incredible spear technique or Gerald subduing Anfler with one hand, they might have misunderstood his words.
“I remember the first time I was hit with Master’s technique.”
Gerald patted his chest.
“Hit right here. I didn’t even think I had been hit. But when I came to, I was so bruised I could hardly breathe, and later found out that two of my ribs were broken. Azwin’s arm broke along with her shield trying to block that one blow, Sheyden dropped his spear and surrendered. Dunmel couldn’t even launch an attack and backed off. None among the four of us, the very best, could withstand that single strike.”
“What about the other one? I mean, Loyal.”
“Ah, Loyal was very brave. He met Master’s unavoidable attack with an attack of his own. But in doing so, he hurt his wrist and couldn’t hold a sword for a while. If it had been a life-or-death battle, maybe Loyal would have won. But if Master had wielded a real sword, would Loyal really have been able to block it? I doubt it.”
A breeze blew in through the open window. Gerald drew the curtains and closed the window again. Watching him, Kassel noticed that Gerald’s body was surprisingly nimble.
There were mercenaries among them who were not inferior to Gerald in size, but somehow they looked slow due to their bulk of muscles. Gerald, however, was different. He had thick arms and broad shoulders, but his limbs were long and his waist was slender.
As Gerald turned back from the curtains, Kassel asked,
“What kind of person is this Loyal?”
“What do you mean? I told you to ask in detail, in detail!”
“Whenever I hear about him, I get a polarized assessment. At times, he’s described as if he’s a fool, yet from your current story, it seems like he’s a master swordsman.”
“Both are true.”
“A fool who is a master swordsman?”
Gerald laughed heartily.
“When you observe Loyal, even the most confident genius would question their own brilliance. Can I replace my explanation with the fact that even Azwin, the proudest among us, admitted this? Compared to Loyal, she felt that she wasn’t a genius, but simply hard-working. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the second test of the Wolf Knight Order was tailored to Loyal.”
“What kind of test are you talking about?”
“Would you be able to face Loyal? That’s the crux of the test.”
Gerald started to laugh, then abruptly became serious.
“But that doesn’t mean I would lose to Loyal. The five of us cannot determine who is superior. That’s why we’re equals. The gap that existed at first has diminished as we received lessons from Master. It’s impressive to teach a group of swordsmen as distinctive as us. It’s like making a perfect dish from entirely different ingredients, you know what I mean?”
Kassel shook his head with a puzzled expression.
“Don’t you get it? Ah, I give up. It’s beyond my eloquence to explain such a thing.”
Gerald raised his hands in surrender.
“You’ve conveyed that Master Quain is a remarkable man. I would like to meet him. It would be difficult, right? To meet the Queen’s guardian knight.”
“When this is all over, we could visit him, couldn’t we? You’re still the captain of the White Wolves. And Master often has a lot of spare time. You should be able to meet him.”
“Really?”
Kassel was sincerely delighted.
“Ah, it’s no secret, and it’s not necessary to know, but there are people who even such a Master has trouble dealing with.”
“There are such people?”
Kassel’s eyes brightened even more.
“Who else could that be? Master was once a White Wolf himself. Just like us now, it was hard for the members to determine who was superior because their skills were similar. Of course, even the current Master would not be able to confidently beat a swordsman from the time of the White Wolves.”
“Are they still alive?”
Kassel asked in surprise.
“Huh? Is there a rumor in Camort that the former White Wolves are dead? Of course not! They may have retired from active duty, but they probably haven’t completely let go of their swords.”
“That’s possible. It felt like hearing about a character from a hundred years ago when you talked about living legends.”
“Ask the other guys for more details. I avoided digging deeper for fear of being disheartened if I learned about such great figures other than Master, but the others might know. Oh, I do know one.”
Gerald pounded his fist.
“Azwin worships a certain swordsman, so I’ve heard the story about that person several times. If Master knew, he would be very upset, but if that person appeared, Azwin would stick to them without a second thought and call him Master.”
“A female knight?”
“Right. How did you know? Even back then, one of the members of the White Wolves was a woman, like now. And that woman was strong enough to deserve to become a real guardian knight of the Queen. Azwin has admired her as a fellow woman since long ago. She didn’t admire the ‘White Wolves’ or ‘Wolf Knights’ like me and Gerald. I also really want to meet her.”
Even for Kassel, who loves old stories and goes crazy over knight tales, it seemed to take a while to digest this story.
‘There’s a person who is revered as the best in this world, and among the dozens, hundreds gathered, the most outstanding White Wolves have a master they respect, and there are people who stand shoulder to shoulder with that master.’
Kassel didn’t ask any more about the Wolf Knights. By this point, he rather wanted to take his time and slowly take in the information. Just as Gerald suggested, meticulously!
–TL Notes–
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