Episode 67
Whoosh!
Felix, who had been swinging his sword with relentless intensity, suddenly halted.
“Phew.”
Zeke addressed Felix with curiosity.
“You completed the swordsmanship guild’s course, yet you wield Paladin’s ancient techniques. How is that possible?”
Felix’s eyes widened in surprise at Zeke’s observation, but he soon nodded in acknowledgment.
“I had a feeling that if anyone could recognize this style, it would be you, Sir Zeke.”
In the Holy Kingdom, Paladins are knights of the sacred order, isolated from the outside world. Their swordsmanship is a closely guarded secret, known only to them. Few can perform it, and even fewer can recognize it.
Yet Zeke had identified it at a glance.
Felix sensed that Zeke was unlike any other knight he had encountered.
“I wanted to show you everything I have, without holding back.”
Zeke’s gaze was sharp as he looked at Felix.
“Go on.”
Felix held up a necklace, showing it to Zeke, who immediately recognized its significance.
‘A genuine Paladin insignia. It’s quite worn.’
The sun emblem, symbolizing the Holy Kingdom, is awarded only to those who pass the rigorous Paladin trials.
Felix tucked the insignia back into his clothing and spoke.
“My grandfather was a Paladin.”
“I thought Paladins were forbidden to marry.”
Felix nodded.
“You’re right, Sir Zeke. My grandfather… he was excommunicated.”
“Hmm.”
An excommunicated Paladin is supposed to live a life of penance in a monastery, praying for forgiveness under strict rules. Living as a commoner outside the Holy Kingdom is unthinkable.
‘Did he break the rules and flee the Holy Kingdom to live in hiding?’
Felix clenched his fist and spoke with determination.
“Sir Zeke, my grandfather was caught in the political machinations of the Holy Kingdom and was falsely accused, leading to his excommunication.”
Zeke was taken aback by Felix’s sudden revelation.
‘This is getting complicated.’
Felix continued.
“My grandfather risked his life to expose corruption within the Holy Kingdom. He was framed and excommunicated. Facing execution, he escaped with the help of his comrades and lived in hiding in the Duchy of Troy.”
Felix’s emotions were palpable as he clenched his fist tighter.
“Before he died, he told me about the injustices he couldn’t rectify in the Holy Kingdom and passed this swordsmanship on to me.”
Zeke pondered Felix’s story, a question forming in his mind.
“Felix.”
“Yes, Sir Zeke.”
“Did your grandfather attempt an aura transfer before he passed?”
Felix looked puzzled.
“Aura transfer? What is that?”
Zeke approached Felix.
“Hold out your hand.”
Just as Decker had once checked Zeke’s aura, Zeke intended to examine Felix’s aura. Allowing someone to channel their aura into you requires complete trust.
Without hesitation, Felix extended his wrist to Zeke.
‘He doesn’t seem like a spy.’
Zeke grasped Felix’s wrist, channeling a small amount of mana into him. His mana coursed through Felix, assessing his condition.
‘As expected. His aura conductivity is high for his skill level. His aura circuits are open.’
After examining Felix, Zeke released his wrist.
Felix looked at Zeke, concerned.
“Sir Zeke, is something wrong?”
Zeke shook his head.
“Quite the opposite. Felix, you should be grateful to your late grandfather.”
“What do you mean?”
“Your grandfather was likely an Arch Paladin.”
“An Arch Paladin? Is that a thing?”
“Yes. In terms of knights, it’s akin to a Black Knight.”
“Really?”
Zeke explained further.
“Paladins of the Holy Kingdom possess a unique technique passed down since the Empire’s days—it’s called aura transfer. It allows a master to pass their aura to a disciple, accelerating their growth.”
“So that’s why you asked about aura transfer earlier.”
“Exactly. But your grandfather didn’t just transfer aura; he opened your aura circuits, enhancing your body’s aura conductivity. Only an Arch Paladin can do that.”
“I had no idea.”
Zeke studied Felix’s reaction. He seemed genuinely unaware.
‘Is he a specially trained spy, or truly an heir to an Arch Paladin? Maybe both.’
Zeke asked Felix another question.
“Felix.”
“Yes, Sir Zeke.”
“Is your desire to become my squire driven by a wish to clear your grandfather’s name?”
Felix’s expression grew complex.
“That’s part of it, but more than that, I wish to serve you, Sir Zeke.”
“How can you decide that after seeing me just a few times?”
“Well, I secretly watched you fight. I’ve seen many knights, but none like you, Sir Zeke! If you allow it, I’d like to serve you, even as a servant.”
Zeke considered Felix’s words.
‘If he’s a spy, keeping him close might reveal my enemies. If not, I’ve gained a promising squire.’
Zeke had grown fond of Felix’s quick wit over the past few days. It would be a waste to dismiss him.
After some thought, Zeke spoke to Felix.
“Following me won’t be easy.”
“I don’t mind! I’d jump into hellfire if you asked!”
“Don’t exaggerate. We’re heading back to Atlas tomorrow, so prepare yourself.”
Felix bowed deeply to Zeke.
“Thank you, Sir Zeke! I will serve you with all my loyalty.”
Zeke decided to take Felix as his squire and returned to his quarters.
‘Felix Valencia. I’ll have to dig deeper into his story.’
The next day, Zeke returned to Atlas. Before heading back to Valhalla, he spoke to Felix.
“Felix, I’ll inform the Atlas guards. Prepare to move your residence.”
“Yes, understood.”
After sending Felix off, Zeke headed to the chancellor’s office to see Flaubert.
In the hallway, he ran into Diego and Aster, who looked worse for wear.
“What mission left you two in such a state?”
Diego groaned in response.
“Don’t even ask! We spent the whole time clearing snow with the northern border guards!”
Aster shivered as he spoke.
“I’ve learned that snow is scarier than monsters, Master.”
In war, the environment can be more challenging than enemies or monsters. The jungle’s humidity and insects, the northern cold, the desert’s heat and sun—these are often overlooked by knights.
Zeke realized Flaubert’s test had been a valuable experience for them.
‘I see why the head of the family appointed Flaubert as Valhalla’s chancellor.’
The two grumbled about their next mission to the desert.
“See you alive, bro!”
“Take care, Master.”
After parting with Diego and Aster, Zeke went straight to the chancellor’s office.
Flaubert greeted him with a broad smile.
“Welcome back!”
With Zeke consistently delivering outstanding results, Flaubert couldn’t help but be pleased. He personally prepared tea for Zeke.
‘The tea’s quality has improved since last time.’
Success certainly had its perks.
Zeke placed a pouch containing the finger of a beast on Flaubert’s desk. Flaubert’s smile widened as he examined it.
“Your report was impressive. Healing a barbarian and teaming up to capture a beast—remarkable.”
“I was fortunate.”
Flaubert laughed heartily.
“Having a talent like you at Valhalla is a boon for the continent.”
He handed Zeke something from his pocket.
“An interim graduation certificate. The semester isn’t over, so you can’t officially graduate yet, but this will ease any endeavors you pursue. It certifies you’ve met the graduation requirements.”
Zeke accepted the certificate with gratitude.
“Thank you for your consideration, Chancellor.”
“I’m proud to have a student like you from Valhalla.”
Flaubert asked Zeke about his future plans.
“Have you decided on your path after graduation? Will you join the Draker family?”
Zeke nodded.
“I want to gain experience as a knight of my family and become a true knight.”
Flaubert looked pleased with Zeke’s exemplary answer.
“Excellent. I look forward to your growth, Zeke.”
“Thank you, Chancellor.”
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
It was Andrei.
Flaubert addressed him.
“What brings you here, Professor Andrei?”
Andrei bowed respectfully before speaking.
“We’ve received a message from the Four Seasons Castle to bring Zeke for an audience.”
Flaubert nodded knowingly.
“It seems the head of the family has already heard about your graduation. He’s always quick with these things.”
Zeke nodded and rose from his seat.
“I’ll be heading out now, Chancellor.”
“Alright. Make sure to visit often.”
Zeke followed Andrei out of Valhalla and climbed into the carriage bound for the Four Seasons Castle.
He turned to Andrei and asked, “Do you happen to know why I’ve been summoned?”
Andrei shook his head. “I don’t know the exact reason. Maybe it’s to congratulate you on your graduation.”
“I can’t quite picture the head of the family congratulating me on that.”
“Well, you did manage to graduate from Valhalla in just two years. That’s quite an achievement.”
“Whatever it is, I hope it’s nothing serious.”
The carriage carrying Zeke and Andrei swiftly traversed the city of Atlas and entered the Four Seasons Castle.
Andrei waited outside while Zeke proceeded alone into the Summer Castle, where the head’s office was located.
The Summer Castle was the central hub for managing all affairs related to the Drakers across the continent. As such, knights, administrative staff, and family-affiliated mages bustled about, each focused on their tasks.
“What’s the status on the northern issue?”
“Hold on a moment. There’s been an incident in the southern seas!”
“Argh! Who’s responsible for this budget report?”
The entire office felt like a battlefield.
‘I’d rather be out in the field,’ Zeke thought as he quickly made his way past the chaotic administrative area toward the head’s office.
At the office entrance, a secretary verified Zeke’s identity before allowing him inside.
Arthur Draker’s office was surprisingly modest. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with books, and a large window let in ample light. A desk for work and a sofa with a table for guests were the only furnishings.
Just then, a door to an adjoining room opened, and Arthur Draker appeared, holding a teapot.
“Oh, you’re here. Have a seat.”
Arthur sat across from Zeke and poured him a cup of freshly brewed tea.
“I got this tea from the Eastern Continent just for you. Give it a try.”
Zeke took a sip. The aroma and taste were distinctly different from ordinary tea.
“I’ve heard Eastern tea is of high quality, and this is excellent.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’ll pack some for you to take home.”
Tea from the Eastern Empire was more expensive than gold of the same weight. Zeke expressed his gratitude to the head of the family.
Arthur looked at Zeke and said, “I suppose you’re curious why I called you here.”
Zeke nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“I wanted to see you and congratulate you on your graduation.”
“Thank you, sir. It’s all thanks to the family’s guidance.”
Arthur grinned. “No need to act like a model student in front of me, like you do with old Flaubert. The Drakers aren’t looking for knights who just please the elders.”
Arthur Draker was as sharp as ever.
He continued, “Zeke, I plan to enter you in the upcoming Draker Martial Tournament.”
“And I hope you’ll win it.”