Chapter 47
In the Argent Empire, there was a distinction between regular knights and holy knights. Both had to pass difficult knight exams, but holy knights faced even greater challenges: they needed exceptional knowledge of theology and had to pass exams divided into four rigorous stages.
The most significant difference, however, was that unlike regular knights, holy knights were often deployed immediately to areas overrun with monsters as soon as they received their knighthood.
In return came honor and admiration, salaries on a completely different level, generous pensions upon retirement, and steady support from the temple even after stepping down—there was never a risk of starving. Any children under their care also received multiple benefits and privileges.
Yet, despite surviving such grueling exams, holy knights could die the very next day.
Still, many who passed all the exams unharmed were willing to risk their lives to protect the Empire from dark magic. Even if they were dispatched for several years, they grumbled only a little and always handled their responsibilities conscientiously. Theodore was no exception.
He had just returned when he received the task of investigating the atrocities committed by the Kennys while on the advance team. He accepted the mission without protest. Even if he would have little rest before being sent out again, it was understandable that a loyal knight might feel some discontent.
This time, the Rebellion Line advance team visited slightly more orphanages and poorhouses than usual. The locations varied, and the distances were considerable, ensuring a tiring search.
Yet Theodore did not show a single complaint.
However, one thing troubled him.
“Marquis Blanche.”
The marquis, glaring at the dragged-along Jamil with a fierce expression, quieted his anger when Theodore approached. Theodore’s face revealed a mix of emotions, with worry clearly dominating—easily deduced to be concern for Charlotte.
“I know what you’re thinking.”
“Then send me to Nostrée.”
“……”
“Please let me go. Mark and Sieberon can handle the search. Braving a snowstorm is hardly more difficult than crossing a swamp soaked in monster blood. If you allow it, I’ll inform Duke Valian of the North about this matter…”
Theodore recalled part of the oath he had taken when passing the exam as the top candidate: to protect people and the Empire from dark magic. Yes, he understood that well. Now was not the time for hesitation—he should gather his subordinates and prepare for the search immediately.
“I will safely bring Lady Blanche here.”
Yet the reason he became a holy knight was to repay Ronan’s kindness and for Charlotte. Facing the possibility that Charlotte might be in danger, he could not bring himself to leave for another mission.
Even if it meant neglecting his duties as a holy knight, he wanted to go to Charlotte. Performing another mission while knowing she could be in danger was unthinkable, even if it were technically the right thing to do.
‘If Charlotte were even slightly harmed by those bastards…’
But contrary to Theodore’s wishes, Marquis Blanche shook his head.
“You know why two years ago we sent knights in large numbers to root out the slave traders, don’t you? We had intelligence that one of their associates was a dark mage. We did capture a dark mage, but not all of them. The slave trader appearing this time could be one we missed back then.”
Blanche would have liked to let Theodore go. Even if it meant braving the blizzard, he wanted Charlotte brought back safely—but the situation did not allow it. If the dark mage in the slave trader group were confronted, and they resisted with magic or summoned monsters, it could have been disastrous.
“…Still, there must be a way.”
“Theodore.”
“If we search quickly, it should take about a week—less if we’re lucky. That would coincide with the end of the snowstorm.”
Yes, but that was only ‘if we’re lucky.’ If they encountered the dark mage, it could take three weeks or more. Even for hero Theodore, facing a dark mage was no ordinary task.
Yet Theodore continued as if it were no concern.
“When we finish the search and return, we’ll pass through Nostrée. If possible, we’ll capture the Kennys on the spot and return them to the temple.”
“I understand your determination, but…”
No, Marquis, you don’t understand, Theodore murmured silently.
“Please allow me. I will resolve this incident and ensure Charlotte’s safety.”
Theodore was a man who normally listened to Marquis Blanche. Usually, he would have accepted the marquis’s orders, but since he was requesting again while proposing a different approach, it was hard to refuse.
This time, the marquis relented. Entrusting Theodore would also ease some of his worry for Charlotte.
“Very well. I will inform the High Priest, so do as you see fit.”
Blanche patted Theodore on the shoulder, adding not a command about his duty as a holy knight, but another phrase:
“Take care of Charlotte.”
With Marquis Blanche’s permission, Theodore immediately began planning. If the royal court approved, he would select only the most capable subordinates for the search.
He divided them into two groups, assigning temporary command to Mark and Sieberon to cover areas efficiently.
Like Blanche, Theodore knew the dark mage and the monsters would not be easy opponents. Carelessness would lead to defeat, but the slave trader group was at their most vulnerable now. Jamil had been captured, and the Kennys were heading toward Nostrée.
No one outside had been informed, so it was unlikely anyone would expect the Empire and the temple to dispatch holy knights for this search. Furthermore, his team specialized in tracking hidden threats.
Compared to capturing a dark mage or monsters, dealing with slave traders was as easy as finding fish in the sea.
Though the search hadn’t started yet, the advantage lay with them.
As he concentrated on ensuring Charlotte’s safe return, someone grabbed Theodore.
“Sir Arbelche!”
Turning around, he saw a woman running toward him, her face flushed. Light blonde hair, golden eyes. A saintess. What was her name? Rieta? Mark had mentioned she was the daughter of Count Klagen Rosanak.
“What is it?”
“I heard about this incident—the theft, embezzlement, and the involvement of slave traders…”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“And what did the High Priest say?”
“Initially, the holy knights were dispatched to search and track the Kennys…”
Theodore summarized the situation briefly, yet wondered why she was asking him, given she could not meet the High Priest now.
“So, Sir Arbelche, where are you heading?”
“I plan to visit the orphanages, poorhouses, and lodgings where the advance team stayed. They asked for the number of missing children; while the orphanages may not yield much, I’ll search around the poorhouses separately.”
He thought he had explained the situation well enough. He wanted to end the conversation quickly, as there were too many things to plan, and this was not a crucial matter. Still, he treated the saintess respectfully. Once Rieta returned, it would be over.
But Rieta spoke unexpectedly.
“Um… may I accompany you?”
Was she volunteering for the search? Theodore narrowed his eyes.
It was not unprecedented. He remembered the former saintess, Sonnet.
A commoner who, due to her deep faith, became beloved by both God and the people.
Though she had to relinquish her position when found in contact with dark magic—originally to be executed—she was spared, as it was revealed she had been manipulated by a dark mage. Despite this, she had faced much public scorn and left the temple without any attendants, disappearing thereafter.
Saintess Sonnet remained frequently mentioned, unlike other saintesses, traveling actively with holy knights across the Empire. She even participated in monster hunts when Leopold terrorized the Empire.
‘It’s said that the unit Sonnet belonged to had unusually low casualties due to her tremendous holy power, rivaling even holy knights.’
If Rieta accompanied them, she could similarly be a significant help.
However, the next comment made Theodore frown.
“Searching places swarming with filth is dangerous, so if I go with you, I can assist with treatment and sanitation.”
Theodore frowned. He had said they would focus on orphanages and poorhouses, yet she referred to them as “places swarming with filth.”
Why use such words when the people there hadn’t committed crimes? He considered correcting her misuse of words but, seeing her innocent, unknowing face, he decided against it.
He also decided against bringing Rieta on the search. He felt instinctively that she would not be helpful.
Theodore declined politely, though his tone held a trace of cynicism.
“I’m sorry, but having grown up among the poor, I can handle this better than you. Thank you for the offer, but I must decline.”
