I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 104: The Harbinger’s Messenger

About ten days had passed since the installation of the new dormitory windows and doors when a harbinger’s messenger from the Holy Kingdom arrived in the capital.

The morning council summoned all the knights, and the next day, information was shared.

“I believe you’re aware, but a harbinger’s messenger arrived from the Holy Kingdom yesterday. The main delegation is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. As they’re from the Holy Kingdom, their stay will be at the Grand Temple. They probably intend to contact the Saint before heading to the Grand Temple. They’ll likely come here to greet us before taking the Saint to the Holy Kingdom.”

“The presence of the Saint in our country signifies her necessity to us! We must minimize contact to prevent her from being taken by the Holy Kingdom!”

The ministers seemed anxious about the prospect of the Saint leaving the country. The King likely shared the same concern, as it was also noted in documents.

“However, we cannot prohibit the Saint from leaving the country with only the jurisdiction of the temple and the authority of the royal family. Therefore, the will of the Saint herself is paramount. According to records, the Saint seems to possess instincts akin to intuition regarding the evil god. Hence, regardless of what the Holy Kingdom says, the Saint’s will takes precedence.”

“What if the Saint decides to stay in the Holy Kingdom of her own accord!?”

“Heh heh heh, in that regard, we also have an advantage. Right, Knight Commander Vandière?”

“Huh?”

Suddenly being addressed, I let out a silly voice.

“After all, Knight Commander Vandière is someone whom the Saint considers a friend… and addresses by name. With Knight Commander Vandière here and his family in the Kingdom of Rafios, it won’t be so easy for her to move to the Holy Kingdom.”

While the ministers buzzed with comments like “Then it’s okay” or “Why not propose an engagement,” spare me. It was indeed wise not to bring Jest with me; otherwise, he might have delighted the ministers unnecessarily by saying, “I’m her friend too.”

Even though she seemed lonely in the capital, I doubt she’d stay in a foreign land like the Holy Kingdom where she knows no one. It would be different if she could live with her family in the Holy Kingdom…

At that moment, I had a bad feeling. I don’t know who the messenger from the Holy Kingdom is, but I’m sure they would like the Saint to come too, so they’ll likely come up with various schemes.

“Your Majesty, I have a proposal. Can you guarantee a livelihood in the capital for the Saint’s family if they wish to stay here? If the Holy Kingdom tries to sweet-talk or coerce the Saint’s family into moving there by offering a livelihood, they might become hostages.”

“Hmm… Then immediately order the Saint’s family to the capital before the representatives of the Holy Kingdom make contact!”

“Please wait. That’s hasty.”

The King looked puzzled at my suggestion to halt.

“What do you mean? Knight Commander Vandière.”

“The Saint lived in a village deep in the mountains. Those who live in the countryside tend to dislike change, so wouldn’t it be better not to summon them to the capital? Instead, it’s better to inform them, including the reasons, and offer protection in case of any trouble. If the Saint needs an escort when she returns to her hometown, we can promise that.”

“Hmm, disliking change… Indeed, there may be many among the Saint’s parents’ generation who think that way. Then let’s send a message to the Saint and dispatch a messenger to the village where she lived.”

“Is that acceptable?”

“Then I’ll entrust you with informing the Saint.”

“Huh?”

Wait a minute, didn’t that sound like I’m the one being given the orders?

“Wouldn’t it be easier for her to accept the message from a friend? And isn’t it a friend’s privilege to visit her suddenly? If we send an official messenger to the Saint now, the harbinger’s messenger from the Holy Kingdom might become suspicious. I’m counting on you, Knight Commander Vandière.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I understand your command.”

With a smile, the King said so. He’s still hard to swallow. When he speaks like that, there’s only one response. And please stop calling her my friend. After the story of the saint concluded, His Majesty tightened his expression.

“Furthermore… It was formally decided at the recent meeting, but due to his own wishes, Ernest’s position as the Crown Prince and his right to the throne have been revoked. Later, the official appointment of Lancelot, the second prince, as the Crown Prince will take place. At the same time, Ernest will join the First Knight Order, and when the current leader of the First Knight Order, Knight Commander Gansbourg, retires, Ernest is expected to succeed him as the leader.”

It was quite a significant announcement, but perhaps because it was originally decided at the meeting, the ministers remained quiet.

It might have been just my imagination, but they seemed rather relieved.

As Ernest, who had been standing next to His Majesty, took a step forward, the audience chamber fell silent.

“I have caused inconvenience to everyone, but I have reflected on myself and keenly felt that I lack the qualities to be a king. Therefore, from now on, I wish to support my younger brother Lancelot, who will become the Crown Prince, as a knight and as a member of the royal family, and protect this country.”

The ministers, bewildered but touched by Ernest’s demeanor, sent warm applause.

Lancelot’s absence from this occasion was probably out of consideration for Ernest or to make a grand debut alone when he ascends to the throne.

After all, the subsequent announcement of Constant formally becoming the leader of the Second Knight Order was overshadowed by Ernest’s news.