chapter 19
019 – Return
“victor! Tigris di Norverd!”
Gordon bowed his head to Tigris.
“Thank you so much for teaching me.”
“I thought I was lucky to have met you in the final.”
Tigris handed his sword to Gordon.
“Receive. It is a sign of my favor.”
Gordon did not refuse.
Gordon put the broken sword down on the ground and politely took the sword.
“I will keep it for the rest of my life.”
Once again, cheers erupted, and even the nobles gave a small applause to the beautiful appearance.
At that moment, the stadium door opened and a red carpet was spread.
A crowned emperor walked over the carpet.
Tigris and Gordon knelt on one knee toward the Emperor.
“Tigris di Norverd and Gordon Daker, both rise. I want to give my own prizes to young people who have shown great performances.”
Tigris and Gordon both rose.
Tigris didn’t look into the Emperor’s eyes, but with a soft gaze between his lips and nose.
Gordon didn’t know the etiquette, so he watched and followed Tigris.
The emperor looked at Tigris and said.
“I heard that you are well versed in swordsmanship, but I didn’t really know that you could make 4 rings when you were 19. I think it is the best treasure that heaven has bestowed upon the Empire.”
“It’s depressing. your majesty.”
An eunuch came to the side of the emperor and politely handed the gold plate in a luxurious black box to the emperor.
The emperor took out a gold plate and put it on Tigris’ chest.
The gold plate did not have a separate pin to fix it, but it stuck to the clothes like a magnet.
“There will be no worries about the north in the future.”
“It’s depressing. your majesty.”
“Then can you tell me your wish now? Or will you tell me later?”
“I will tell you now.”
Originally, the direction of the wish had been determined.
Asking to become a knight of the emperor.
However, Tigris had no intention of asking to become a knight of the emperor.
“Give me the investigative powers and the powers of summary judgment of the Golden Knights.”
All the vassals who followed were astonished at the request for the right to investigative and summary disposition.
The authority of knights varies from family to family, but they belong to a very high axis.
In some cases, independent investigative powers are granted, and in other cases, the powers that can be exercised by lords or nobles such as immunity, requisition, and summary disposition are granted on behalf of the lord.
However, the limitations were clear, and he could exercise various powers only within the territory concerned, and he could not abuse his powers in other territories or public lands managed by the imperial family.
But the Golden Knights are different.
The Golden Knights’ right to requisition, investigation, and summary disposition can be used throughout the Empire’s territory.
Even in the case of treason and rebellion, even the lord had a strong authority to punish directly.
The eunuch politely reported to His Majesty the Emperor.
“Among the Golden Knights, only those who have passed the examination after conducting legal education are granted the right to investigate and take immediate action. It’s unprecedented to provide only the privileges separately. and···”
The emperor raised his hand to stop the eunuch’s words.
“Can you understand the reason for the request for the power of investigation and summary judgment?”
The answer was simple.
It was to find and kill Rota and Arphem’s clan who were hiding all over the Empire.
However, since the Empire did not even know that Rota and Arfem existed, they could not answer as it is.
Tigris gave an appropriate answer.
“Because I want to directly dispose of the enemies within who are disturbing the Empire.”
“The enemy within?”
“The Empire is flourishing with a splendid civilization, but there are still problems plaguing the people and princes. There are so many unresolved issues, such as the Red Blood Ghost incident that occurred two years ago, the disappearances that continue to take place inside the capital city of Victoria, and the abduction of beasts.”
The faces of the eunuchs and servants began to die every time Tigris spoke of the matter.
Today’s meeting was prolonged because of reports of disappearances and the abduction of beasts in Victoria.
The Emperor summoned the Southern Commander in charge of the jungle area and the Chief of Police, and urged them to solve the case quickly.
“If you give me the right to investigate and take immediate action, I would like to help even if it is lacking.”
“It is possible if you join the Golden Knights. But why do you want to have such powers?”
“I am very happy to hear from you, but it is because you have already made a promise to become a knight of the Norbert Marquess.”
“Hmm···.”
It is true that if you make a wish, it will be granted on the spot, but it was a very sensitive matter.
In addition, it was necessary to legally review whether the article of Byung-baek could have the investigative power of the imperial government and the power of summary disposition.
“Thinking of the empire is gracious, but your wishes can confuse the laws of the empire. Do you have any plans to make another wish?”
“There is nothing else. your majesty.”
The Emperor thought for a moment and then nodded.
“good night. Then, after Jim thinks about it, I will give you an answer.”
“The castle is coming to an end.”
There was no need to rush because I had no intention of going into the investigation right away anyway.
“However, it is very reassuring to know that the successor of the Byeong-baek is concerned about the future of the kingdom. I am so happy that I should open the door to the 3rd class treasury, but I was moved by your youthful heart, so I will specifically allow the 2nd class treasury door.”
Tigris knelt down and paid respectfully.
“Sex is doomed.”
Tigris clenched his fists when he said that he could open the second place instead of the third.
It was because the second report was not a general artifact, but also the relics that contained the power of the stars.
The emperor then took the silver plate and placed it on Gordon’s chest.
“Your inaction was also very impressive.”
“It’s depressing. your majesty.”
“I’m going to give you 20 gold coins, especially since you have improved Jim’s knowledge and made his eyes happy.”
“The castle is coming to an end. your majesty!”
The emperor smiled softly and opened his mouth.
“Bergan.”
Bergang, who was standing behind him, came forward and knelt down on one knee.
“Yes. your majesty.”
“I heard you have something to say.”
“Yes. That’s right. your majesty.”
Berggan made a decision as soon as their duel was over.
I can’t lose Gordon like this.
Gordon would face a duel of greedy and jealous nobles at the end of this tournament.
Gordon would wear out and disappear like a rock being swept away by a sandstorm.
That was unbearable for Bergang.
“Bergan von Einwolf, as a Black Meister, wants to apprentice Gordon Daker. your majesty.”
Berggan decided to protect Gordon with his power.
The words surprised not only the nobles, but also Gordon, the party involved.
“Gordon is a talented person who does not lack enough to make him my disciple. If you allow it, I will raise it as a sword that protects the empire.”
“I don’t need Jim’s permission. Do as you please.”
Berggan said as he looked at Gordon, who was looking at him with red bloodshot eyes.
“Gordon. Will you accept my teachings?”
Gordon had no reason to refuse.
“Yes. I will.”
Tears of joy fell from Gordon’s eyes.
* * *
Everything ended perfectly.
Tigris was thinking that Gordon would have embraced him if he had not become a student of Bergan.
If it were him, he would be able to protect him from the ugly jealousy and lust for honor of the non-noble nobles.
But there was no need for that, and Berggan made Gordon his apprentice.
Bergang said, patting Tigris on the shoulder.
– If you have a chance later, come to the Golden Knights. It would be nice to share a sword with you.
Gordon shook his head, swallowing tears, before leaving the arena with Berggan.
– I will surely repay this favor even in death.
Tigris looked forward to the day he would meet Gordon.
It was because he could not imagine how strong he would become after learning the proper swordsmanship from Bergan.
And the more Gordon developed, the more means he had to fight against Rota and Arfem, so he had to be happy.
Tigris opened his eyes.
At the same time, the crew’s voice resounded.
– This station is the last stop Stern. Stern station.
The magic train stopped at Stern Station, the capital of the Norbert Frontier.
Lenny looked out the window with a brighter smile.
“Jane. This is Tigris-sama and my hometown, Norberd. How are you?”
Jane came out of the cast iron pan, yawning.
“Hmm, are you here? Oh, I think this is closer than the capital city.”
Stern was full of soft and warm pastel tones, not cold gray like Victorie.
There were no dull gray rectangles at all, and it was a friendly city with multi-colored roofs and low walls.
Behind the city stood a gigantic wall reminiscent of a mighty wave, and the sight looked as valiant as soldiers rushing towards the great giant of the Gaul Mountains.
Jane looked out the window for a moment, then slipped back into the cast iron pan.
– Then I’ll be here~
Spirits were very common in Fogwood, so they didn’t get much attention, but in Victoria and Stern, they were rarer than summoned creatures.
If a translucent spirit like Jane roamed the platform, the city would be a mess.
When Tigris came out of the magic train, dozens of black wolf knights and Sebastian and other users were waiting from the platform.
Sebastian and Deputy Knight Commander Denver bowed their heads at the same time.
“I am glad to see you again in good health. Confucius.”
“Thank you. But I think it’s a bit overkill.”
Enough to fill one side of the platform, the knights and users were waiting in line with each other.
Although Tigris is said to be the successor of the Marquess, such hospitality was excessive.
“By the way, was there anything lacking in Lenny serving Confucius?”
At Sebastian’s words, Lenny was a little stingy.
Because there were a few things that took a while.
“There are no shortcomings and we are making further progress.”
Sebastian raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“···Is that so?”
“Sebastian, you’re doing better than you think, so don’t worry. And I’m going to report Lenny’s Nongongong directly to Byeon-baek, so be aware of that.”
“Yes. All right.”
Tigris turned his gaze to Denver and the Black Wolf Knights.
Denver and the black wolf knights were looking at Tigris with dazzling eyes that were burdensome.
“I heard rumors that you completed four rings and even won the tournament. My heartfelt congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“The black wolf knights have also been taught by Confucius and developed. All thanks to Confucius.”
Tigris looked at the eyes and postures of the black wolf knights.
Judging by the well-kept momentum, it seemed that he had grown as a whole while not seeing it.
“I’ll go check it out when the time comes.”
“I will be ready at any time.”
Denver stepped aside from Tigris.
“Then I will see you.”
chuck! chuck! chuck! chuck!
The knights lined up started making a way from the platform to the entrance where the wagon was.
Night Road.
It was the best way for knights to welcome high-ranking nobles or royalty.
Lenny was restless at the burdensome sight.
When I walked along the road made by the knights, I even worried that my feet would twist and fall.
Tigris walked along the Knight Lord made by the Knights.
Tigris did not wear clothes adorned with gold and jewels like other nobles, nor did he wear a sparkling sword.
However, the people knelt down on one knee with reverence for the dignity they felt in their gait.
In less than an hour, it spread throughout Stern so that no one knew that Tigris had returned to Norverd.
* * *
When Tigris arrived at the mansion, Beowulf ordered him to go straight up to the office.
“Lenny, follow me with Jane.”
White smoke billowed out of Lenny’s bag and Jane appeared.
The users and the knights were astonished at the sight.
“Um, me too?”
“okay. I have to say goodbye to my father. Do you know the etiquette?”
Jane dug out her ears as if it was annoying.
“Well, I was also a court lady of the Imperial Palace… But do I have to follow the etiquette?”
“If you decide to entrust your body to the family, it is natural to be polite to the family. That is different from being a spirit.”
“Uh huh . . . 170 years later, this stiff aristocratic society remains the same.”
Jane properly formed her body and went down to the floor.
The shabby clothes and shoes disappeared, and the robes worn when living as court ladies in the past were put on.
“···after.”
Jane closed her eyes and exhaled once.
and opened my eyes
The appearance of a nerdy nerd had disappeared out of nowhere.
His posture changed to classical and his eyes calmed down.
Tigris headed to the office as soon as Jane seemed ready.
smart-
When Tigris arrived in front of the office, the user who was always waiting in the office knocked on the door.
“Mr. Beowulf. Confucius Tigris has arrived.”
“Let’s hear it.”
The user opened the door.
Beowulf’s eyes went through Tigris and Lenny to Jane.
Beowulf had seen ghosts, but he had never seen them in Norverd land.
However, Beowulf was a little surprised when the young spirit was standing in an elegant state.
“It looks like you’ve been through a lot in just one month.”
“yes. That’s right.”
Beowulf said looking at the spirit.
“What is your name?”
Jane greeted her with the court etiquette.
“Nice to meet you. Sir Beowulf di Norberd. My name is Jane Grandria.”
“Grandria? I know that Grandria was a baron family that served the royal family from generation to generation, is that correct?”
“yes. That’s right.”
Beowulf looked at Jane with sad eyes.
“By the way, I know that the Grandria family went extinct about 170 years ago, is it related to that?”
The people of the Baron Grandria family had a long history of producing eunuchs and court ladies from generation to generation.
However, 170 years ago, when rumors spread that the Grandria family was plotting a civil war, every single one of them was sentenced to the Mist.
The mist punishment was the most popular punishment at the time, and it was to make them walk through the foggy forest barefoot.
In the forest of mist, where evil spirits reign supreme, the people of the Grandria family were tormented by evil spirits and died.
Jane was not tormented by evil spirits, but eventually died of starvation.
However, as a result of a later investigation, it was revealed that another family was scheming to take the place of the Grandria family, and the imperial family was completely overturned.
“Yes. That’s right. But don’t mind. It has already been forgotten.”
“Right. I guess I said something.”
Beowulf pointed to the sofa on the other side of the office.
“Then I want to hear everything that happened. We have enough time, so let’s hear it.”
* * *
Beowulf knew what Ulchu Tigris had been through, but listened as if he were hearing it for the first time.
After an interview with the principal, Beowulf nodded and smiled when he said that he had become a swordsmanship instructor. When Morita said that he had insulted the Tigris and the Norberds, Beowulf was quietly angry.
In the end, when Tigris regained his honor through a duel, he slapped his knees and was satisfied.
When he said that he went to the Forest of Fog to find an elixir, he listened with sweat in his palms, and when Lenny said that he signed a guardian spirit contract with Jane and obtained an ice essence, he praised Lenny greatly.
Other than that, the story of eating the elixir and making 4 rings, the story of meeting the talented Tom and Gordon whom we met at the tournament, and the story of winning the tournament and receiving a gold medal and receiving a weapon from the 2nd place in the Empire. poured in
“I am so proud of you.”
Beowulf was very proud of his son, who had already grown up.
‘When did you grow up like this?’
Beowulf’s grown-up son kept reminding him of his childhood.
When I first started to walk, when I called my father for the first time, when I first grabbed the sword, I loved swords so much that I hugged them even when I fell asleep…
When rumors spread that Tigris was an arrogant genius, and in fact, Tigris’ personality was twisted, I was a little worried, but that was just a fallacy.
When he became an adult, his arrogance disappeared and he grew into a true nobleman and knight.
Beowulf unwittingly held back tears.
“After the new year, we should head straight to Victoria.”
“yes. That’s right.”
“I have to prepare for the lecture, so it is true that I have to go as soon as possible… It’s a little sad.”
“I will visit you often.”
Beowulf shook his head.
“The principal of Bastian is said to have been very considerate, but time will not be enough. Think of you before me or your mother.”
Beowulf sighed.
“You just need to keep in touch.”
“I will send you a telegram every month.”
Beowulf turned to Lenny and Jane.
“Thank you both so much. Thanks to the two of them, Tigris was able to make another Auror Ring.”
Beowulf decided to reward Lenny.
“Lenny. Is there anything you want?”
Lenny said with a lot of tension.
“Uh… no. Change Baek. As a servant of Confucius Tigris, I just did what I was supposed to do.”
“There are 49 servants in this mansion. Among them, you must have been the only person who could make food to soothe Jane’s hunger. Isn’t that right, Jane?”
Jane nodded her head.
“you’re right. Lenny had the warmest heart and hands I’ve ever met. If it wasn’t for Lenny, I wouldn’t have been able to get out of the Ice Essence so easily.”
Lennie was distracted by the feast of praise she had experienced for the first time.
I was so embarrassed that my face was about to explode.
Beowulf thought for a moment before opening his mouth.
“Hmm···. Since you’re good at cooking, I think it’s a waste to remain as a simple attendant. I will write you a letter of recommendation, so you can attend the culinary academy in Grazier in the capital.”
Grazier Cooking Academy was an academy that produced chefs who were considered the best in the Empire.
It was only natural that Lenny’s cooking skills would develop further if he learned to cook there.
“I… I go to the academy…”
“Why don’t you like it?”
“no! no! Too···! So good!”
Lenny stood up and bowed her head, looking like she was about to cry.
“Thank you very much. Change baek! Mr Tigris! I will never forget this grace!”