Knight Commander Miraine Laster (3)

The number of those astounded by the wedding announcement was far greater than anticipated. It was truly bewildering.

Those who fainted screamed and rushed to the Count Laster estate. Their fury was so menacing that Count Laster was forced to seclude himself indoors for a while.

The entire capital seemed to wail.

It was as if the city had fallen into shock and chaos.

Those aghast immediately suggested various escape routes to Miraine. Countless people offered to cover for him, urging him to flee. Miraine had to politely return a stack of letters from noble ladies proposing a love elopement. Even some nobles, friends of Count Laster and fellow pro-Emperor faction members, hinted they could arrange an exile abroad.

“I’ll arrange an escape route. Leave your father to me. Your life is more important. That bastard has gone mad. If he likes the Emperor so much, why doesn’t he marry the Grand Duke himself instead of selling you?”

“If I flee, it will cause trouble for those left behind.”

It was the remark of an upright man, a model noble, yet the onlookers’ eyes were filled with complexity. Miraine pretended not to notice and brushed it aside.

“Even Wicker is a place where people live, so don’t be too harsh. I’m truly fine.”

Looking at him, unshaken even in despair, the nobles sighed.

“You are so admirable. Maintaining your composure even at a time like this. Ha. If only you were my child. I envy Count Laster. A pearl necklace around a pig’s neck.”

If even his political opponents reacted this way, how did his fellow knights respond?

“Crazy old men!”

Wilhelm Stagel, Miraine’s peer, his adjutant, vice-commander of the 3rd Knights, and his dear friend, exploded in anger, reducing furniture to dust.

“Why did Count Laster even bother to bed a woman and sire you? If he was going to treat you like this, he should have kept his loins in check!”

After his rampage, Wilhelm panted heavily and irritably swept back his short, ashen blond hair.

“Damn it!”

Blond strands like blades of grass poked through the man’s clenched fist. He stood there for a long while, panting hot breaths.

Looking at his trembling figure, Miraine murmured.

“Wilhelm.”

Wilhelm plopped down. After a brief moment of choosing his words, Miraine let out a sigh and spoke.

“I worry more about you than myself. If other knights insult you, refrain from losing your temper on the spot.”

Wilhelm was the only commoner to join the Imperial Knights. With natural talent, he rose quickly despite being younger than Miraine and having poor background, but his low status caused many conflicts.

At least with me around, he could get by… But now, how will he manage?

Miraine was worrying about his affairs after he left.

“Wilhelm, if it truly becomes too hard—”

“Don’t worry about me.”

Wilhelm’s reply was laced with a sigh. He wiped his face with a large hand and continued.

“Who’s worrying about me now? You, of all people.”

Miraine could only respond with an awkward smile.

Feeling a pang of guilt at Wilhelm’s gloomy face, he briefly checked his mood. He wanted to comfort him more, but unfortunately, reality was harsh, and time simply flowed on.

‘There isn’t even enough time to share good memories.’

He was worried. His heart wished to soothe him more, but there was no time. A month was neither short nor long. He wanted even a brief moment to organize his thoughts. Giving him advice was all he could do. No, in fact, this was a necessary task to complete before his departure.

‘At least Wilhelm needs to be more perfect than others.’

As the first commoner knight, his low birth would be a stumbling block. His hot temper was a flaw, and now that I’m leaving, there’s no one to control him—that was the worry. Swallowing his inner concerns, Miraine placed a hand on Wilhelm’s shoulder.

“You must not have a single thing that can be looked down upon. You must be more perfect than anyone, become a remarkable knight. But Wilhelm, I don’t think you need to strive for anything more here.”

Looking at the playful smile on Miraine’s face, Wilhelm let out a hollow laugh. The gloom on his face brightened again.

“You sure know how to talk.”

Pleasantly surprised by the rare compliment, Miraine chuckled. Wilhelm continued in a husky voice.

“It’s not a joke. I’m always on your side.”

The moment Miraine’s smile wavered, Wilhelm gave a bitter smile.

He had become an adult far too early and rooted himself so firmly that everyone could lean on him.

“I hope you don’t take my words lightly. Because you don’t rely on others. But let me tell you in advance: someday, if I hear rumors that the Grand Duke is abusing you, I’ll take your father’s head and run to Wicker.”

The look in Wilhelm’s eyes as he said this was truly steadfast.

“If he treats you carelessly or damages your honor, I won’t tolerate it. So Miraine. Please, for my sake, take care of yourself and be well. Please.”

After a moment of silence, Miraine replied.

“Yes. Whenever it becomes hard to endure, I’ll tell you first. So quickly discard your worries about the Grand Duke of Wicker, whom you’ve never even seen. Sir Stagel. There’s much to do.”

Knowing his personality well, Wilhelm looked at Miraine with displeasure, but eventually sighed and nodded.

****

Over the month, Miraine bid farewell to many people and prepared to accompany them to the northernmost part of the continent. He wrapped up his affairs and shared his heart.

And then the end arrived.

The night by the splendid Gellang River that crossed the imperial capital of Wicker.

‘It feels as if someone has died.’

Even in winter, the mood had never been this poor. The capital had become a constant funeral parlor. Miraine silently stared at the Gellang River, thinking to himself. It felt like his own funeral.

A heavy voice came from over his shoulder.

“It must mean you were respected that much.”

Startled, Miraine replied.

“What do you mean, sir? I was just doing my job.”

Turning his head, Miraine looked at him.

Cigarette smoke rose. Edwik, holding a cigar between his fingers, stared at the shimmering Gellang River with an expressionless face. Red and yellow lights scattered chaotically on the calm ripples.

Edwik and Miraine were enjoying a drink after leaving the palace.

“Do you think many people do their job as you do?”

The face of the knight, once famous in the capital for his exploits, was different from the young knight in the minnesinger’s songs. The man known for his cool demeanor now had a face full of wrinkles, and his knife-sharp disposition had softened somewhat. The middle-aged man lacked passion but possessed reason and experience.

“I’ve had many people by my side and seen them off.”

There was regret in Edwik’s voice.

“But never have I been as miserable as now.”

Miraine was silent.

The Edwik he knew was a cold-blooded man. He dealt with everything like a blade and rarely shared intimacy with others, so a private drinking session like today was uncommon. But today, for the first time, he showed vulnerability in front of Miraine. Like a man in misery, soaked in grief.

And at that moment, he realized.

‘He opposed my marriage.’

That Edwik must have fought for me, whom even my father had abandoned. Miraine’s face momentarily calmed.

‘I see.’

His superior had struggled to prevent him from being sent to the rumored Grand Duke, but was ultimately defeated.

And such people were not alone.

The time he had spent proved it.

Miraine’s life had never been a failure.

His efforts to live had shone.

A calm voice flowed.

“If you mean someone who does their job, are you referring to the person before me?”

Startled, Edwik opened his eyes wide and looked at Miraine. Suppressing a laugh, he continued.

“Father is also doing his job.”

It was not sincere.

After a silence, Miraine whispered.

“Even after going to Wicker, I will do my job.”

Miraine gazed at the imperial city reflected in the river flowing with brilliant lights, accepting the end of the first half of his life.

The work of Miraine Laster in the capital was over.

The flames were going out one by one. Now it was full night.

But Miraine no longer felt bleakness.

In a soft voice, he whispered.

“Will you look after Wilhelm? Not granting him great favor, just his well-being…”

Edwik replied briefly.

“Understood.”

I don’t misunderstand you. I trust you. That was evident in his resolute face. Miraine nodded and turned his gaze to where Edwik was looking. Edwik was looking at the imperial palace, a night view brilliant with lights.

****

After the particularly beautiful night by the Gellang River, a procession left the capital the next morning. The carriage departed amid sighs like mourning. On the flag escorting the carriage, which left the capital with great sorrow, was the roaring lion of Count Laster’s family.