Chapter 263: Liberation of the Soul

In the office of the Fourth Knight Order, Keith came to report the completion of his patrol to Victor. Victor was always casual and laid-back, never bothering his subordinates with detailed reports or paperwork.

“Nothing unusual to report.”

“Yeah, good job.”

And it went on like this throughout.

As Keith tried to leave since there was nothing else to discuss, Victor, as if seeing through everything, spoke.

“Did the negotiation for the sword go well?”

Keith felt like his heart had been grabbed by an eagle. He hadn’t told Victor about negotiating with the village priest, yet this man spoke as if he knew everything.

“Why would you…?”

His mouth felt dry and sore. Still, Keith managed to force out some words.

“N-no, I just said it casually. I didn’t think it would actually happen…”

Victor pretended to be clueless, but he wouldn’t have said something random. It was a reminder that anyone serving as a knight order commander in the capital was a shrewd and wary individual.

“I know you guys haven’t given up on Leonard’s sword, and since you volunteered for the troublesome patrol, I figured you’d go to talk about the sword. It’s not rocket science. If I surprise you by saying that, I’ll be embarrassed, so cut it out.”

“I-I’m sorry…”

Keith apologized, but he wondered what he was apologizing for. Was it for being flustered, or was it for still chasing after the shadow of the former commander?

Victor stood up and patted Keith’s shoulder. The engraving of ’13’ still remained there.

“I understand your feelings. Leonard was a good guy. We weren’t friends, but I respected him. It wasn’t just about hunting orcs; he never shied away from his duties. It’s a bad habit to shoulder everything alone, which he did.”

Keith couldn’t tell if Victor’s assessment of Leonard was praise or criticism, so he just nodded vaguely. Leonard wasn’t the most sociable guy, and Victor was probably just speaking his mind.

“I’ll forgive it to some extent. I understand there were circumstances. But…”

Victor’s eyes flashed sharp for a moment as he sat back in his chair. The pressure he exerted was enough to intimidate even Keith, who had fought alongside Leonard.

“A guard dog that never forgets its old owner, huh? It’s tough for me too if you guys keep lingering over the past.”

It was harsh, yet straightforward. It was so Victor-like in its simplicity.

If the former members of the Thirteenth Knight Order didn’t show any willingness to integrate into the Fourth Knight Order, then Victor couldn’t do much to help.

Keith understood that well. He felt like he was causing trouble. That’s why he was so anxious. He wanted a catalyst to change his mindset as soon as possible.

If he were alone, he might have been able to suppress his feelings with a “Can’t be helped, let’s forget about it.” But could all twenty members of the former Thirteenth Knight Order think the same way? It was impossible. Leonard’s presence was too significant, and the void left by his death was profound.

…There was no need to over think it like this.

Seeing Keith’s troubled expression, Victor chuckled.

“Right, there’s something I want you to do. It’s a bit tricky to answer if it’s a knight’s job…”

“Please tell me.”

It might sound like brown-nosing, but for Keith, it was a chance to improve the impression of his superior who was inconvenienced by him. Personal requests were more than welcome. He was ready to do anything, even to provide an alibi for infidelity.

“I want you to be the liaison.”

“Understood.”

“If I mention the name Lutz the blacksmith, does that pique your interest?”

“Is it about the man who forged Leonard’s sword?”

“Yeah, that Lutz. Actually, we’re buddies.”

“What, really!?”

“Nah, just kidding.”

Victor’s stupid, meaningless joke made Keith’s expression go blank.

“Victor-sama…”

“Don’t make such a scared face. It’s just a witty joke to lighten the mood. It’s true that I know him. The problem is, he’s a commoner, and unless you give him money as an intermediary, he won’t guide you through the castle.”

“…That’s a bad habit.”

Keith spat out. If you didn’t have status or money, you couldn’t even lodge a complaint. Thinking about how such customs indirectly led to Leonard’s death filled him with boiling anger. On the other hand, he didn’t know how to correct the bribery politics that ruled the capital. He was disgusted with his own powerlessness.

“I covered for him last time he came, but if I do it every time, I’ll end up penniless. So, I want you to be the middleman for us. If necessary, I can even go to the lower city myself.”

“I understand. May I ask what the blacksmith’s purpose was in contacting Victor-sama?”

“Sure, prepare to be surprised. He wants to melt down the sword and forge it anew.”

“Melt down the sword?”

There were voices expressing not so much surprise as confusion.

“As expected of a blacksmith who presents a sword to His Majesty. They come up with interesting ideas.”

“But to melt down Lord Leonard’s sword…”

“I think it’s a good idea. Do you disagree?” 

“I’m not sure why such a thing…”

Victor replaced his smirk with a gentle smile. It was the expression of a father gently advising his troubled son, a side of him that Keith didn’t expect.

“Listen, Keith, it’s not very noble for a knight to cherish a broken sword. What do you think about having that sword he wielded at the end remade nicely, to give closure? Let him be reborn.”

Silence. It was hesitation, not denial.

“Set them both free. His soul and your hearts.” 

“I…” 

Keith muttered, as if reminding himself.

“If the resulting sword is truly beautiful, something that can be seen as proof of Leonard-sama’s life, then I might be able to accept it.” 

“Go meet Lutz. See for yourself if he’s trustworthy or not.” 

“But I don’t know anything about judging artisans.” 

“There’s no need to think deeply about this. Just go with your gut instinct.” 

Victor advised, still as reckless as ever. But right now, it seemed like the most sensible advice. Instead of overthinking, it’s better to act; that’s what Victor was saying.

After the troubled young man left, Victor sighed and leaned back in his chair, making an unpleasant creaking sound. It wouldn’t be long before the luxurious chair crafted by the capital’s master artisan reached the end of its life.

“Damn, making me wear such an unsuitable face.” 

Victor grumbled, rubbing his cheeks with both hands.

Even after letting go, he continued to smile.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter