‘If you’re going to attack me and tell me not to bother you, you should consider the possibility of being attacked in return too.’
Though Gustav appeared calm on the outside, I didn’t miss the flash of burning anger in his purple eyes.
“Very well. In that case, as Commander Geloic mentioned initially, this operation will proceed with equal cooperation between the Ruby Knights and the Sapphire Knights.”
“Yes. I’ll make sure the Diamond Knights provide thorough backup to prevent any issues from arising on the outskirts of the festival.”
“Proceed with that plan. Then I will head to the palace to discuss the related matters in detail. In the meantime, everyone should work on the specific operation plan…”
I clenched my fists under the table, feeling a small sense of victory.
When I subtly glanced to the side, Lan was looking at me with sparkling eyes. Somehow… it seemed like I had stirred up Lan’s fangirling (?) over me even more. It was a bit embarrassing.
‘I really hate the idea of another joint operation with that bastard Gustav, but my feelings and work are separate.’
I focused on the main operation meeting.
* * *
After finishing the first tense meeting with Gustav, I decided to return to our knights’ office with Lan.
Thanks to Commander Geloic, who played the role of mediator, we were able to gain quite an advantage.
‘I have to ensure there are absolutely no casualties on that day…’
As I ran through possible simulations in my head, thinking about how to manage our resources more efficiently, an unwelcoming voice interrupted my thoughts.
“Clara.”
Ah, for heaven’s sake, can’t something be done about this bastard constantly calling me informally at work? It’s frustrating but there’s no rule about this in the Knight Templar.
“… What is it, Vice Captain Gustav?”
I asked in the most neutral voice possible, making sure no emotions were felt.
“I was glad to see you today. Just wanted to say hello properly.”
“I see. Well then, goodbye.”
As I gave a quick, dismissive greeting and turned away, Lan, who was with me, nervously glanced between Gustav and me. I guess she was worried if it was okay to leave things as they were.
“Are you doing well these days? You look a bit worn out.”
“I’m eating well and sleeping fine, so there’s no need for your concern.”
“Do you think your family issues will be resolved sooner?”
“……”
Ah, he was trying to poke at my sore spot.
With the lawsuit approaching, he was clearly signaling for me to bow down to him.
However, unlike before, I wasn’t overwhelmed by the impulse to throw a punch right away. Is this what it feels like to achieve inner peace?
“I don’t think we’re in any position to discuss my family matters. We’re both busy, so it would be better if you just draft the necessary papers and send it over.”
“……”
“Lan, let’s go. We need to check the route on-site.”
“Oh, yes!”
I patted Lan on the shoulder and purposely passed by Gustav as if ignoring him.
I was tempted to tell him about my engagement, but I hadn’t signed the contract with Ludger yet. Blabbering now would just complicate things.
‘I have to stay careful.’
Shaking off the unpleasant feeling of a lingering, sticky gaze on the back of my head, I turned my back on the city hall.
* * *
And thus, the first day of the festival arrived, also it was the day of the crime that both the impostor and the real Heilbronner had warned about.
“Lionel, please contact me immediately if anything happens.”
“Will do. Stay safe, everyone.”
“Yes, sir!”
Billy was the first to respond with an excited expression.
Since he couldn’t make an impact during the last operation, his eagerness to achieve results this time was clearly evident.
Today was a large-scale operation, therefore, all members of our knights’ order were mobilized.
The Emerald Knights would take over the smaller backup duties that we usually handled as per agreement.
“May the God of Heaven protect you and grant you good fortune.”
Lionel’s exaggerated farewell felt especially heavy today, pressing on my shoulders.
I nodded firmly, signaling for our knights to move out. They walked ahead, while I trailed behind them in the rear.
The sight of us stepping forward with our cloaks fluttering in the wind was magnificent. The trailing ends of the cloak seemed to create ripples in the air.
Billy, seemingly a bit nervous, clenched and unclenched his fist, yet he walked confidently, keeping his eyes straight ahead.
Lan may look delicate and slender at first glance, but with arms solidly built as if supported by years of training, she checked her sword with steady hands.
Despite Sir Sein’s composed exterior, I could feel an unwavering calmness and the determination emanating from him and the rest of the team.
It felt as if everyone’s resolve was sinking into my skin.
Thinking back, this was the first time all of our Knights had been deployed together for such a large-scale operation.
In other knight orders, this might be a common situation. In fact, I’ve been deployed for such operations a few times in the knight order I was part of before.
But today our knight’s order, which is often seen as a dumping ground for grievances and odd jobs.
Our knight’s order, whose true purpose was non-existent till now, could finally take on a significant mission.
I savored this feeling, but I also reminded myself that our performance today would determine whether our knights order would continue to exist.
* * *
We rode our horses and arrived at the central square, where the security headquarters was being set up.
Since early morning, the sight of the Sapphire Knights and members from other knight orders gathered together was quite a spectacle.
‘The time specified on the warning letter was at night… but for us, we couldn’t afford to just rely on that.’
The festival would begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow, with the mayor’s declaration, and would continue for three days.
It was the start of a grueling schedule for both the Sapphire Knights, who had to maintain an impenetrable defense without any issues, and for our knight order, who had to capture the impostor of Heilbronner at all costs.
“Vice Captain Gustav.”
I called for Gustav. Although I wasn’t inclined to, today was a joint operation. I had to push my personal feelings aside and cooperate with him.
He looked haggard. Did he stay up all night? Well, I made sure to adjust my condition, but even I hadn’t been able to sleep much over the past few days in preparation for today’s work.
“Yes, Captain Clara?”
Fortunately, it seemed like he wouldn’t be casually using informal speech and provoking me during the operation. That was a relief.
“As we agreed before, I’ll take command of the west side. The eastern route, which has more complex external invasions, is yours, so if you need any support, feel free to request it at any time.”
“I don’t think that will be necessary, but it’s good to keep it in mind. As for the west, if it becomes too much to handle, feel free to request reinforcements at any time.”
“Understood.”
I responded curtly and turned away. Gustav, seemingly busy with his own command, didn’t provoke me further and went back to his duties.
It was the start of a long, grueling day.
* * *
The morning passed with no major incidents, though the tension remained high.
During the festival’s opening ceremony, the mayor gave a speech while holding the ceremonial Silver Magnolia Branch. A symbolic gesture that wished for a prosperous year ahead.
To be honest, I had been on edge, considering the possibility that the impostor might ignore the time on the warning letter and strike during the opening ceremony, but nothing significant happened, leaving me somewhat relieved.
The mayor also showed clear signs of tension, but in the end, the event concluded without any major issues.
The Silver Magnolia Branch was then placed back into its glass case for display. Honestly, I wanted nothing more than to lock it away in a high-security vault, but that wasn’t an option.
The Silver Magnolia Branch, enclosed in its glass case, was displayed atop the altar in the central square throughout the entire festival.
It was unavoidable, as it was the symbol of the festival itself. At least the area around the altar was off-limits to the public, so I suppose that was a relief.
A protective barrier was also arranged by the Mage Tower. A certain number of knights would be rotating shifts to maintain constant surveillance.
Of course… for the entire festival… day and night… including early mornings…
‘I’d curse the Royal Family if I could…’
It was ridiculous that no members of the Royal Family had shown up, and the festival’s symbol was displayed despite the citizens’ safety. They already lost face because of that.
But hiding the symbol of the festival from the citizens? Their pride would never allow that.
We also had to consider the possibility that the terror threat was just a hoax.
As a structured nation, canceling a major event because of a vague, unsubstantiated terror threat would set a dangerous precedent, with no end to it.
‘And so, the heavy burden to protect it falls on us, the poor knights…..’
I sighed, glancing up at the Silver Magnolia Branch in the glass case.
Unfortunately, I was the only one who truly understood the significance of the relic. If it were to be destroyed, this world of the original story will veer toward a bad ending. I have to protect it, no matter what.
Ludger’s plan was to steal and safeguard it, but if we couldn’t catch the impostor in time, it would all be for nothing.
“Captain, it’s time for shift change.”
Sir Sein, who had been on patrol on the outer side, came over right on time as I stood on watch. I gave him a nod in response.
“Very well. I’ll do a round myself.”
“Safe travels.”
“How about Judy… is she alone?”
At my question, Sir Sein made a slightly bitter expression.
“Yes. I made sure to warn her repeatedly not to go outside today. With the festival being chaotic, it could be really dangerous.”
“… I understand.”
As a child, the word ‘festival’ always had a greater impact.
But now, while everyone else is out enjoying the festival, she has to stay cooped up at home alone. I couldn’t help but think of Judy’s lonely face, and it filled me with a deep sense of bitterness.
