Kays Translations

Chapter 353: The Knight Attendant’s Social Gathering

“Well then… enough of the serious talk. Everyone, let’s move on to something lighter—some physical exercise!”

After the war council ended, the soldiers gathered at the training grounds inside the fortress.
Valeya Catreya—formerly the leader of the vanguard, now appointed as supreme commander against the foreign tribes—stood before them and made this announcement.

Except for the guards on duty, the resting troops, and the wounded, nearly every major officer was present.

“For those of us who live by the sword…” 

Valeya began.

“The thing we must fear most is the unknown. Not knowing the strength of our allies or enemies, their equipment, the terrain, or the commander’s skill—ignorance in these matters can become a fatal weakness. That’s why we must never neglect reconnaissance and always stay aware of the latest developments on the battlefield.”

He swept his sharp gaze over the assembled soldiers.
The intensity of his eyes was like a blade—some of the men visibly flinched, swallowing hard.

“Gaining information about the enemy is difficult… but learning about our allies is much easier. You just need to see and confirm it with your own eyes.”

“In other words…” 

His younger brother Carlius Catreya continued beside him.

“It’s a test of skill. There’s no need to be nervous. Think of it as a kind of initiation for when new recruits join—some light exercise to deepen our bonds.”

He smiled and added reassuringly.

“Exactly! There’s no point in getting seriously injured during training that isn’t real combat.
Keep it at a level where a simple healing spell will do.”

Valeya agreed.

(So… a mock battle, huh? I can’t say I’m thrilled about this…)

Hearing the Catreyas’ explanation, Rest let out a deep sigh.
There was nothing strange about the event itself—
it was no different from a sports club holding a friendly match to welcome new members.

But the problem was… he could already predict what was about to happen.
And that was what made him weary.

“All right then, how about you and I have a match, Rest Clover?”

A young man threw his arm around Rest’s shoulders with a hearty grin.
This was Toya Catreya, the third son of the Catreya marquis family.

His expression was friendly, his tone casual—but Rest could feel the burning hostility simmering beneath that easy smile.

“What’s wrong? Don’t tell me you’re scared, Clover boy? It’s just a bit of training.” 

Toya teased.

“I’m not scared. Though… your grip is a little strong.”

Rest replied evenly, shaking off Toya’s arm.

“And one more thing— I have no desire to throw my title around, but I am a Count. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me ‘Clover boy.’”

He continued calmly

“Oh, my apologies! How rude of a mere Marquis’s third son. My deepest respect to Count Clover.”

Toya said mockingly.

He gave a stiff, exaggerated bow—mock respect at best. If anything, it felt more like a provocation.

(So… he really does hold a grudge. Yuri, you’re certainly loved, aren’t you?)

Rest knew he probably should be angry at the insult, but instead he just felt a weary kind of resignation.
After all, he could feel how much these brothers cared for Yuri.

And Yuri was precious to him too—a dear friend, and, somehow, a fiancée he wasn’t entirely sure when he’d officially become engaged to.

He bore no ill will toward her overprotective brothers… though he did think their sister complex was rather extreme.

(Thinking about it… I did take their beloved sister into my care without even sending a proper greeting. Even if we’re protecting her at my estate, I should’ve at least informed her family.
It’s true that I’ve been lacking in courtesy.)

So it made sense that her father and brothers would resent him.
It was, in a way, his own fault.

That said, their behavior was still rude—and he had no intention of bowing his head over it.
Since they were the ones picking a fight, he’d just have to respond in kind.

“Well then, I’ve no intention of losing, of course.”

Rest said with a faint smile.

He met Toya’s glare with cool defiance.

“I’ll be in your care, Sir Knight of the Catreya house.”

“Ha! Stand over there, Count. I’ll make you pay for laying hands on my sweet little sister—my precious Mai-Puppy!”

“Gladly.”

The two men faced each other, about three meters apart—
Rest against one of the royal kingdom’s proudest knights, a scion of the Catreya family known as the Kingdom’s Shield.

Thus began their mock battle.

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