It was clear from Cherrya’s expression that this wasn’t the first time such a situation had occurred.
Professor Melvine gave a glance toward Enoch Gray, as if asking for help.
But Enoch had already turned his head away, seemingly determined not to make eye contact with the professor.
“Enoch Gray, you’ve had interactions with the Emblem since you were very young, haven’t you? I believe you can answer the student’s question on their behalf.”
Hearing the professor’s suggestion, Enoch looked at Cherrya, his gaze questioning why he had to answer this. Cherrya only shrugged in response.
Eventually, Enoch nodded and spoke.
“Believe it or not, they really are the Emblem Knights.”
“There, you see! This is the official Emblem Knights, vouched for by none other than Cherrya Emblem and Enoch Gray!”
Professor Melvine pointed at the Emblem Knights, exclaiming.
“They really are the Emblem Knights!”
Yes, they are! Truly, they are!
Professor Melvine’s voice, filled with frustration and disbelief, echoed throughout the large training hall like a reverberating cry. His voice carried such exasperation that even a hint of despair seeped through.
Cherrya scratched the back of her head awkwardly before bowing slightly.
“I’m truly sorry about this. As I took the position of knight commander at such a young age, I must have been too casual in my approach, which has led to a lapse in discipline.”
“It’s not just a lapse; it seems there’s no discipline at all.”
“…I’ll make sure to address it properly.”
“Please do. I sincerely hope so. Starting with my class right now!”
“Yes, sir.”
With a face full of irritation, Cherrya gathered the Emblem Knights, who had started fooling around in their own groups.
“Hey, all of you, come here and group up! Quietly!”
“Aren’t we already being quiet?”
“Quiet and well-behaved knights do not talk back to their commander! Now, move over here!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Finally, the Emblem Knights trudged over to Cherrya’s side. Anyone could tell they were previously brimming with excitement, only for their spirits to be crushed.
Cherrya counted them one by one—one, two, three, four—and confirmed that everyone was present. She then flashed a bright smile at Professor Melvine.
“Shall we start with basic training? The Emblem-specific training will follow after that.”
“Ahem, alright. Everyone, begin with the basics! To receive proper guidance from the Emblem Knights, you’ll need to loosen up your bodies completely!”
Professor Melvine hurriedly urged the students, who seemed overwhelmed and awestruck.
Though at first glance the Emblem Knights might have seemed indistinguishable from mercenaries, the mere fact that they could receive training from the Emblem—a figure they admired and respected deeply—was more than enough.
Just this opportunity alone would give them a sense of pride to boast about beyond the academy walls.
“When the basic training is done, we’ll proceed to the main training!”
“Yes, sir!”
The students, their faces filled with excitement, began stretching and warming up.
Kane was no exception. He slowly loosened his muscles and drew his sword, giving it a light swing.
Today, the sword felt especially comfortable in his grip.
Before the main training started, Kane felt an urge to engage in a light sparring match. He glanced around.
However, he couldn’t spot the classmate he was supposed to take the graduation test with.
‘Where could that guy be?’
Although he didn’t recall much from the past four years, he had remembered his face.
As Kane scanned his surroundings, he caught sight of red hair approaching.
“Emblem Knight Commander…”
Cherrya Emblem—the cherished heir of the prestigious and illustrious Emblem Duke household.
Kane suppressed his instinctive frown.
“You, you’re Kane, right?”
“Do you know me?”
Kane furrowed his brow, unable to believe that the renowned Cherrya Emblem knew his name.
“Has word spread even to the Lutinas Empire? That an arrogant commoner is stirring up trouble in the swordsmanship division?”
“It didn’t reach the empire; it reached my ears. The news that you’re about to graduate, I mean.”
Kane’s sarcastic tone drew sharp gazes from two fifth-year students who had earlier tried to pick a fight with him.
‘How dare a guy like you be so insolent in front of Cherrya Emblem?’
Their glares practically screamed those words.
Even so, Kane couldn’t help but smirk at the irony of the situation—despite being insulted, they were also visibly frustrated that Cherrya knew his name.
“You don’t seem to have made plans for after graduation. How about joining Emblem?”
“……….!”
Cherrya’s unexpected offer left not only Kane but also the others listening in, pretending not to be interested, utterly shocked.
‘Cherrya Emblem herself is offering him a position?!’
For the current commander of the knights, Cherrya Emblem, to personally extend an invitation was an extraordinary honor. Considering the vacant position of her adjutant, this was even more significant.
If Kane had a family, this would be a legacy-worthy achievement to brag about for generations.
The atmosphere in the room became electric.
Kane’s expression suggested he hadn’t expected such an offer. All eyes turned toward Kane’s lips, eagerly awaiting his response.
To stand by Cherrya—a position so remarkable that it would undoubtedly be written into the history books of the continent.
‘Of course, he’ll say yes, won’t he?’
‘Should I start trying to get on his good side now?’
‘If it means joining Emblem, I’d do anything…’
Those quick-witted began pondering what Kane liked and how they could use him as a connection to join Emblem.
‘What if that arrogant commoner really becomes Cherrya Emblem’s adjutant? Would I have to work under him?’
‘This is driving me insane.’
Even the two fifth-year students who had mocked Kane earlier couldn’t hide their frustration, biting their lips in annoyance.
“…….…”
Kane slowly observed the reactions of those around him.
Those detestable nobles. A sense of instinctive rejection flared within him as he gazed at their calculating faces.
Looking at Cherrya, who awaited his response with anticipation, Kane gave the answer everyone was waiting for.
“I refuse.”
“Alright then, let’s move forward together… Wait, what?”
Cherrya, who had extended her hand, fully expecting a positive response, widened her eyes in disbelief.
“Did you just say no?”
“Yes. I will not join Emblem.”
Kane’s rejection was as firm as a pumpkin’s rind. As he tried to walk past her, Cherrya grabbed his wrist urgently.
“Why? Why won’t you join Emblem?”
With a deep sigh, Kane coolly pulled his wrist free from her grip.
“It would be an honor to join Emblem. I have always respected it deeply.”
“Then why?!”
“To protect the weak regardless of status, to never tolerate injustice… admirable ideals. They are indeed great.”
Kane nodded as he glanced at the Emblem knights in the distance, aimlessly wandering around the training grounds with carefree faces.
“But those ideals often lead to rashness and recklessness. I don’t move unless I’m certain, and I take every situation and relationship into account.”
The difference in personality between Kane and Cherrya’s Emblem was stark. While Emblem acted first and thought later, Kane’s mind worked faster than his body.
For him, the perfect fit was the Gray Knights. With a resolute tone, Kane informed Cherrya of his decision.
“I don’t want to struggle among those unruly wild horses.”
“Then where do you want to go?”
“The Gray Knights.”
Declaring Gray in front of Emblem—it was the clearest and most definitive rejection one could give. There was no room for further persuasion.
After bowing briefly to Cherrya, Kane turned to leave.
Unbeknownst to him, Cherrya’s eyes shone even brighter as she watched his retreating figure.
“Wow, that guy… I like him even more now.”
Cherrya licked her lips as though sizing up prey, her gaze fixed on Kane’s back.
“I have to make him mine.”
She thought to herself that Kane probably viewed Gray as intelligent and Emblem as foolish. But she would ensure he understood why Gray always lost to Emblem at critical moments.
“Ha ha ha…”
A chilling laugh escaped from between her lips.
It was enough to make Kane, who was walking away with his back turned, flinch and glance back over his shoulder.
