Chapter 117
First, Ruska led Evi and Irene into the mansion.
“Master Ruska, welcome! So you’re the guests we’ve heard about!”
“Master Eric came along too!”
As they entered, the well-built servants swarmed in and surrounded them. Then they bowed deeply and greeted in loud, commanding voices.
“Welcome to the residence of Marquis Lagselv!”
“Welcome!”
Evi froze at the vigorous, bold greeting.
Judging by their uniforms, these were definitely the mansion’s servants—but somehow, it felt like a gathering of intimidating men.
“That’s enough. You’re scaring the guests,” Eric said, motioning for them to stop and then speaking to the surprised Evi and Irene.
“Sorry. Our family tends to have many strong young men, so the atmosphere here might be a bit different from other mansions.”
The two nodded in understanding. Indeed, the mansion’s atmosphere was unlike anywhere else.
It wasn’t just the servants.
The mansion itself is different.
Evi recalled the view of the Lagselv estate she had seen on the way in. It resembled more a fortress than a typical mansion, similar to the castles seen on the roads leading to the capital.
No wonder they’re known as the empire’s most famous knightly family.
Even their living quarters reflected their reputation.
“Oh, everyone, step aside. If a bunch of young men rush out at once, it’ll startle the ladies,” a woman appeared, pushing the servants aside.
Evi and Irene’s eyes widened even more at the sight of her.
Compared to the young men moments ago, she was a middle-aged woman with a towering build and firm muscles, yet her gentle smile radiated warmth.
“Hello, ladies. I am Vanessa, the head maid of this mansion.”
“Y-Yes!”
Unconsciously, the two straightened up and saluted Vanessa.
Taller than those around her, she smiled and picked up the luggage that the coachmen had unloaded in multiple trips. Vanessa lifted it all at once and carried it effortlessly.
Then, as if remembering something, she turned and said:
“Ah, masters, please settle the horses. You know how picky Elisha is, right?”
“Yes!”
Ruska quickly nodded at Vanessa’s words. In truth, Vanessa was someone even the Marquis would step aside for.
Though she now desires a peaceful life and serves as head maid of the Marquis’s mansion…
Vanessa was also the teacher of Sir Hilde of the Royal Knights. That meant even the Marquis’s son could not dare say “No!” to her.
As Ruska and Eric rushed out, Vanessa smiled and spoke to Evi and Irene:
“The room should be spacious enough for you two. Please follow me.”
As Vanessa said, the room they were led to was more than spacious.
“Thank you for taking care of us even on such short notice,” Evi said.
“No need to mention it. If anything happens while you’re here, call us immediately. The servants of the Marquis can handle three knights at once,” Vanessa said with a chuckle.
Though it sounded like a joke, seeing the tightly trained muscles beneath their uniforms made it clear she was serious. Moreover, the servants’ glares could silence even the bear-like men downstairs.
Evi’s heart raced at the unique atmosphere—distinct from both the Terins’ mansion and the Duke Kailen’s estate.
This place is going to be really interesting too.
While the maids organized their luggage, Eric returned first.
“And Ruska?”
“He’s taking care of Elisha, so it’ll take a bit. You wouldn’t believe the fuss he made to my father, demanding that I bring Evi and that we need the best horse for her,” Eric explained.
“Me?” Evi’s eyes went wide at the sudden mention of her name.
“Yes. At first, there was no big deal, but apparently something went wrong with the horse. He insisted we bring the smartest and best horse for Evi,” Eric said.
Irene coughed quietly to the side.
Looks like that fool panicked after receiving my letter, she thought.
What does he plan to do if he brings the empire’s most famous horse?
Of course, it was nice, but…
Ruska always wants the best for Evi.
“Let’s leave the hard work to Ruska. Now, let me introduce you to the Marquis,” Eric said.
“Yes!”
Irene, pretending she had brought Elisha herself, shrugged her shoulders and followed Evi as they were guided through the mansion by Eric.
After receiving a general layout explanation, Ruska arrived, panting as he entered.
“Why are you so late?”
“You know how it is! Elisha only accepts the finest apples! If it’s even slightly less sweet, she spits it out!” Ruska grumbled, then shoved Eric’s back.
“I’ll handle the introductions, so you can leave now!”
“All right, I’ll go. Evi, Irene, see you later.”
Eric waved and left, leaving Evi and Irene looking a little disappointed.
Ruska, noticing how much they seemed to like Eric, pouted.
Everyone likes Eric. Well, he’s the only one of us who looks like our mother…
Evi shook her head.
“No. Ruska is better looking.”
“…Evi.”
Ruska was overjoyed and hugged her tightly.
“You’re the only one, Evi! Even if it’s a lie, I’m happy!”
“Hey! Let go of Evi! You’re all sweaty!”
Irene panicked and slapped Ruska’s back hard enough to make a sound.
In high spirits from Evi’s words, Ruska led them to the back of the mansion.
Most mansions would have a garden here, but the Lagselv estate was different.
“What on earth is all this?”
Irene looked on in disbelief. Evi, too, was stunned as she peered over the terrace railing.
“Instead of a garden… it’s a training ground?” Irene muttered.
Ruska shrugged.
“Of course. Do you know what kind of family we are? This is nothing.”
The Lagselv family was famous for producing outstanding knights over generations. They started as common knights but gained a countship through service over several generations. In this generation, their recognition for defending Clorice elevated them to a marquisate.
The family could have aimed for positions in the royal court, but they remained loyal to their role as knights of the empire.
We shall become the sharpest, strongest, and most unwavering sword of the empire.
This was the family motto of the Lagselvs. Not only for those with the Lagselv name but for everyone training here in mind and body.
“Not just my brothers, but all the family knights, cadets, and those aspiring to join other knight orders train here,” Ruska explained.
“Other knight orders?” Evi asked, intrigued.
“Yes. Every noble family has its knight order, right? We have ours too. Normally, they can only have fifty members, but ours can have up to a thousand.”
A thousand knights could easily pose a threat of rebellion. That the Emperor permitted it shows how deeply the Lagselvs were trusted.
“But a thousand knights are too many, so the rest are filled with cadets—those aiming for the Royal Knights or Imperial Knights,” Ruska continued.
“What’s the difference?” Irene tilted her head, confused.
Evi shared her confusion. Isn’t it all the same? Royal or imperial?
“Not really. Remember the knights who escorted you because of Izriella? They were the Royal Knights—like Sir Rommel and Sir Hilde. They serve only the royal family and never leave the Emperor’s side. They stay in the palace at all times.”
“Oh, Sir Hilde,” Evi exclaimed, pleased to hear the name.
“They told me to call her sister! I want to see her again,” Evi whispered.
Ruska shook his head.
“That was just luck. Normally, non-royals never meet the Royal Knights, and they won’t protect them.”
“But they escorted me that day.”
“That’s why it was extraordinary. The Emperor commanded they treat you as such. That’s why the Arad family had no choice but to yield.”
I knew I was treated well, but I didn’t realize it was that extraordinary.
“So what about the Imperial Knights?”
“They serve the empire itself. Their duties range from border management to the capital. During the late Emperor’s reign, their loyalty declined somewhat, so my mother was appointed commander. That’s why they’re under our family’s guidance now.”
Evi and Irene instinctively stepped back.
“What’s wrong?” Ruska asked.
“Nothing, it’s just that you suddenly look like a noble heir,” Irene said.
“Well, that’s true! Irene, fine, but Evi, why you…!” Ruska grumbled, leaning on the railing, exhausted.
“But anyway, both orders’ highest commander is the Emperor. And our current Emperor is the first to have ever defeated both order commanders,” Ruska added.
“Wow!” Evi’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Clorice.
“So… is the Emperor stronger?”
“Well, he personally led battles. Even though he now stays in the palace, back then, enemies would flee just at the sight of him.”
Evi recalled Clorice, who had taught her foreign languages. She couldn’t imagine the ever-smiling Emperor defeating such terrifying knights…
“Anyway, I also want to join the Royal Knights. I want to serve the Emperor personally.”
“Ruska, you don’t want to be Emperor?”
“No. I’ve said before, I don’t care for that—Arsel or Haraji, fine.”
Evi recalled Arsel, who always looked subtly cold whenever succession was mentioned.
“So if Arsel becomes Emperor, will you have to kneel before him?”
“Uh… I haven’t thought about it. I don’t want to do that in front of him.”
Ruska made a sour face, then suddenly knelt on one knee in front of Evi. He extended his arm respectfully and bowed his head.
It was the same greeting Evi had seen from knights at the palace.
Then Ruska raised his head with a smile.
“I guess it’s okay to do this for Evi, so Evi should be Emperor.”
