Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/09
A group sent from Tuiknok was equipped far more advanced than expected.
I had thought they might be adventurers or low-ranking reserve soldiers, but instead, they were a band of knights.
Yo.
I’m honestly surprised by the unexpectedly large-scale force that’s arrived.
Knights aren’t a title of nobility. Well, apparently, there was a time in the past when knights were a rank of nobility.
In the modern day, a knight is essentially defined by whether or not they hold a license.
A knight’s license—well, technically, it’s probably more accurate to call it a certificate—but as long as they have it, they’re permitted to call themselves knights, and it serves as proof of their status in various nations and factions to some extent.
The difference between knights and adventurers? Hmm... maybe whether they’re recognized by important figures.
Their certificates aren’t paper, nor are they identification tags like adventurers use.
For them, their certificate is their weapon.
Their favored weapon is what proves their legitimacy as knights. It’s said that their weapons reveal some sort of proof when exposed to ink.
Well, that’s about all I know, given that I’ve never befriended a knight.
Although, I did have a friend who became a knight.
I’ve also heard that when fighting under the faction they’re assigned to, knights can use pledges to greatly enhance their strength.
If these knights are wandering knights, they wouldn’t receive such enhancements. But if they’re knights of Tuiknok, they would be empowered when fighting for North Tuiknok... or would they?
There’s also the possibility that North Tuiknok counts separately and doesn’t fall under their faction because they’re fighting for this place.
Either way, the fact that they’ve become knights proves they are among the chosen.
Knights are incredibly strong. That’s all you really need to remember.
Even guard knights are knights, and there are also cathedral knights who serve the holy temples that manage the use of pledges.
Knights are strong. Intimidating.
Still, having them stationed as a defense force is reassuring, at least.
“I am Aldoharth, a knight errant of Tuiknok.”
Encased entirely in armor with an iron mask, Aldoharth’s most distinctive feature is a reptilian tail extending from their rear.
A species that combines the traits of lizards and humans—a Lizardman.
This is my first time seeing a Lizardy in living memory.
As for a knight errant... I’m not familiar with that title.
It might indicate some special role.
They don’t seem like the kind of people who would casually deal with bandits.
“Ah, I’m Zerogram, hired as part of the defensive forces. This here is Suou.”
Suou gave a slight nod, more like a faint gesture than a proper bow.
She seemed to be harboring some wariness toward the knights.
They give off a bit of a rogue vibe, don’t they?
“There are three knights including myself, along with ten regular soldiers from the count’s household.”
“Three knights? That many?”
“It seems Count Tuiknok is particularly concerned.”
“Concerned? Huh.”
This doesn’t align with what I’ve heard.
Well, if it’s a matter of pride, then sure, that makes sense.
“Pardon the wait. Please follow me.”
A townsman informed us that “the mayor is ready to receive you,” and we’re escorted to a reception hall instead of being greeted on the spot. Apparently, they intend to hold a formal ceremony to establish clear boundaries of status and position.
Aldoharth followed the townsman without any sign of confusion.
“I’d like you to attend as well.”
“Us?”
“There are procedures necessary for transferring defense responsibilities.”
“Got it.”
There’s no reason to refuse.
The other two knights and the regular soldiers seemed to be discussing their placements and won’t be attending the ceremony.
“Welcome. Thank you for coming. I am the mayor of—”
“No need for greetings. Let me state our purpose first.”
“I... I see.”
They went to the trouble of preparing a ceremony, but if that’s the case, they might as well have delivered this message outside.
“I bring a message from Count Tuiknok:
‘You have cultivated this town well, nurtured its people well. We will reap the harvest.’
... That is all.”
“What on earth do you—”
What I saw was Aldoharth reaching for a sword similar to the one Suou carries.
The next moment, the sound of clashing metal rang out as Suou blocked the blade aimed at the mayor.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”
“Impressive, to possess the skill to parry my blade. And that katana... to think I’d meet a fellow countryman here.”
“What are you talking abou—”
Suou’s words were cut off as Aldoharth’s tail swung sideways, slamming her into the wall.
At almost the same time, I hurled a stone without shouting in anger.
“Hmph.”
The stone was easily deflected by his sword, but it gave me an opening to rush to Suou.
“You okay? Hey!”
“Ugh. Yeah... no big deal.”
She staggered to her feet.
“Impressive. Your appearance may be delicate, but you’re a warrior through and through.”
As Aldoharth turned toward us, I yelled, “Take this!” and hurled another stone with full force.
“Throwing stones is useless—”
A loud sound echoed.
The stone changed trajectory mid-flight and struck his iron mask, denting it slightly and likely obstructing his vision.
“Mayor! Run!”
“R-right!”
The mayor scrambled out the door.
“... Even if he flees outside, there’s no escape.”
Aldoharth removed her helmet, revealing a woman’s face framed by neatly tied black hair.
“What do you mean there’s no escape?”
“As I mentioned earlier, our job is to hand over this town’s people to a ‘human resource merchant.’
Originally, we hired bandits to do the work, but someone got in the way.”
Human resource merchants, in simple terms, are traders of humans—whether ordinary human species like myself, dwarves, elves, or even Lizardies like her.
These merchants range from scoundrels who freely use enslavement techniques to those engaged in legitimate labor recruitment, and even sinister entities who turn people into literal resources. They’re all lumped together under the term “human resource merchants.”
And Aldoharth is clearly referring to the first type.
After all, the count directly declared his intent to “harvest” the town.
And now they’re here because Suou and I thwarted the bandits’ attempt.
Then again, perhaps they planned to come all along.
It’s possible the large force was justified as dealing with the bandits attacking the town... though there’s no point in speculating further.
“Our numbers may only be ten regulars, but with knights and trained soldiers, this town’s people stand no chance.”
“People selling people?! Are you kidding me?!”
Suou snapped, her voice filled with rage.
“Ah, the warrior girl. Or should I say, Suou-dono? This Tuiknok and its surroundings have become a den of villains who prey on human warmth. No one left here feels remorse over selling a hundred or two hundred lives.”
“Like hell! I’ll never accept that!”
“Then settle it with your blade.”
“Fine, I’ll—Ah!?”
I grabbed Suou and fled through a different exit than the mayor.
“What are you doing, Zerog?! Let me go!”
Aldoharth didn’t pursue but sheathed her sword instead. She seemed to faintly smirk, though it might’ve been my imagination.
What do you think about this chapter?
