Even though it was temporary, Enoch looked quite dignified dressed in the uniform reserved only for the Commander of the Gray Knights.
He seemed to embody the noble hero figure that depicted in the history of Gray and Emblem, which is considered a must-read for the children of the Lutinas Empire.
Just looking at him inspired admiration and respect—though I couldn’t help but scoff at the sight.
It’s only because they don’t know how immature, petty, and rude Enoch Gray really is.
“Look at that insolent guy. Some people never change.”
Jack, standing beside me, nudged me and commented.
“Does he really think he’s the actual commander just because he’s standing there? Is he trying to provoke Dame Cherrya?”
“No way. Enoch Gray isn’t that type.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He’s not provoking anyone. He’s just naturally rude.”
“Oh, I see!”
I chuckled with Jack.
Insulting Enoch Gray is the most entertaining thing in the world!
There’s something reassuring about knowing that the people who find Enoch Gray the most annoying are those of us from Emblem. It’s a bond that no one from any other noble family could ever understand.
Just then, the Gray Knights, who had been silently listening to our conversation, glared at us.
“”Oh no, I’m so scared. Dame Cherrya, please teach them a lesson!”
Despite his words, Jack didn’t look scared at all. Instead, he glared back, lifting his chin defiantly.
“How vulgar. Do they even know they’re nobles?”
A Gray Knight looked Jack up and down with a scowl, a look that was an exact replica of Enoch Jack.
“A disgrace to the knight’s honor. No different from a mercenary.”
Excuse me? What’s wrong with mercenaries? How delightful those people are.
Are they making fun of Emblem knights for always drinking with mercenaries?
Their criticism was so harsh it even made me a bit mad. But Jack didn’t bat an eye.
“So. What are you going to do about it?”
Jack’s deliberately slow, taunting words were annoyingly provocative.
“Wow, you’re good at this.”
“Oh, really? Am I good? I practiced hard for this moment.”
“Did you actually practice?”
“Yup. I practiced just to mess with these Gray Knight guys.”
“Excellent.”
“Haha!”
As we lost ourselves in laughter, the Gray Knight turned away in disgust.
I nudged Jack with my elbow.
“Hey, my mom’s watching.”
Keeping my gaze forward, I warned Jack with a steady breath.
“Oh, no.”
Jack, understanding my cryptic warning, looked forward. My mother was glaring at us with a fiery expression.
“We’re doomed.”
Jack’s face turned pale as he realized he’d been caught by my mother.
I felt a bit sorry but pretended not to notice.
“That’s so unfair…”
Finally, Jack was summoned by my mother with a tearful expression.
Having sacrificed Jack, I began to prepare myself for the hunt.
Unlike the hunting competition with a limited number of beasts, this hunt was a significant challenge.
Survival, not victory, was the goal this time.
“Remember your assigned positions, everyone. Move in pairs, and if you get separated, prioritize regrouping quickly.”
Enoch Gray was moving through the ranks of the Gray Knights, giving instructions.
Ordinarily, Aunt Diana would be leading the Gray Knights, just as my mom was leading the Emblem Knights.
Seeing Enoch standing in for Aunt Diana filled me with mixed emotions.
“Cherrya Emblem. You’re paired with Jack. Please, do not cause any trouble, don’t get distracted, and act in a way that befits Emblem.”
Jack, looking as if his soul had been drained after being scolded by my mom, was thrust toward me. I held him, giving my mom a reassuring smile, as if to say, ‘Don’t worry.’
“Of course. Do I look like someone who would tarnish Emblem’s name?”
“Sometimes, yes.”
“Commander, you’re joking, right?”
“It’s something I’m saying as your mom.”
“……..”
I couldn’t exactly deny it.
Though I had generally behaved as an Emblem knight, as my mom’s daughter, I had been a bit of a wild child, leaving a trail of chaos wherever I went.
“But this time, it’s about people’s lives. The Emblem’s sword shines brightest when protecting something precious. I’ll make sure it shines its brightest here.”
“Yes, my daughter.”
Mom looked at me with loving eyes, giving my shoulder a firm squeeze before walking past.
In official settings, my mom had to maintain her role as the Commander of Emblem, so she kept her displays of affection subtle.
But little did she know, her desire to hug, kiss, and smother me with love was barely hidden.
It was very obvious.
“I don’t know if I can trust Dame Cherrya to have my back, given how easily she abandoned me.”
Jake, who had been nestled in my arms, straightened up and grumbled.
“You gave me a signal. With such narrow sight, are you sure I can trust you to have my back?”
Each pair headed to their designated starting positions along the frontlines.
I walked slowly with Jack, surveying our surroundings.
The Gray Knights were generally paired with other Gray Knights, and the Emblem knights were paired with each other.
Not a single team was mixed.
However, the frontlines alternated between an Emblem team and a Gray team, forming an interwoven structure.
Gray Knights flanked me on both sides, while Emblem knights flanked the Gray Knights.
“It feels like a deliberate competition setup, doesn’t it?”
Whoever designed this plan did a fine job.
The initial frontline had to wrap around a massive mountain range, so it couldn’t be tightly packed.
However, if we listened carefully, we could hear sounds from the knights on either side.
“Apparently, half of the people in the Empire are already betting on who will slay the most beasts.”
“Really? Then half the people will become rich, and the other half will go broke.”
Of course, those betting on Emblem will get rich.
Jack and I, who got along splendidly, stood together at the starting point of the frontlines.
“I’m nervous.”
“Me too.”
We loosened up, bouncing on the spot.
With a loud bang, the sound of explosives echoed across the entire Lowes Mountains, marking the beginning of the hunt.
Awwwooooooo
Graawwkk
Groooaaaar!
As if in response, the cries of the beasts filled the air, drowning out the sound of the explosives with a deafening roar.
The sheer volume of their cries made it clear just how many beasts had gathered in the mountains.
“Jack, let’s stay alive.”
“Yes. Let’s survive and have a feast.”
“Great.”
Without another word, we lunged forward.
The crisp sound of my sword being drawn rang out.
This was my first real battle with my new sword.
‘Cherrya, you’re about to experience tremendous growth.’
My grandfather’s words echoed in my mind after our last training session.
Just as my grandfather said, this was my stage.
A stage where my new sword would reveal a new world to me.
