I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 108: Accompaniment

The next day, I was eager to buy fruits and start making natural yeast… but today was the day the envoys from the Holy Kingdom were arriving.

So, to warn the envoys from the Holy Kingdom not to do anything reckless, the second and third knight orders were deployed in front of the royal castle to act as security, but also as a form of pressure.

To avoid any complications, I sent Jest to visit Jeanne and the others at their mansion. Although they didn’t appear in the novels, the folklore told by my tutor mentioned that dragons are referred to as an evil dragon or holy dragon and they are in connection to the temple. So, I can’t be careless even if it seems their attention has been diverted now that the Saintess is here.

The knights were standing at one-meter intervals along the spiral road leading to the castle. They were enduring the grueling task of just standing in the cold, despite wearing armor with temperature control enchantments. As the commander, I was patrolling on horseback.

“Hey, Commander! The envoys from the Holy Kingdom haven’t arrived yet? Just standing here is so boring… Can’t we go back to our quarters?”

“Of course not. We’ve already received reports that they’ve arrived in the capital. They’re probably visiting the Great Temple and meeting with the Saintess before coming to the castle.”

While patrolling, I encountered many grumbling knights like Arnault here. The knights of the second order, used to guarding the gates, were fine standing still, but the third order was reaching their limits.

That’s why my patrol duty is necessary—to keep an eye on these restless subordinates. As I sighed at their fidgety behavior, a knight from the second order galloped up the slope.

“Good news, they’ll be here soon. Alright, everyone, get ready! You know our mission!”

The subordinates responded in unison. I had instructed them before we set out that our main goal was to demonstrate our strength. They were ordered to stand at attention with fierce expressions. But the concern was, they might end up glaring at the envoys too intensely. Soon, I saw Axel, the Holy Knight Captain. He was leading the way on horseback. So I headed towards the castle ahead of them.

“Welcome, envoys from the Holy Kingdom. Our country extends its hospitality to you.”

“Thank you. The Pope, who is currently bedridden, will be pleased. He is very concerned about the Saintess and has instructed us to thoroughly observe her environment, so we plan to stay for about a week.”

“It’s unfortunate that His Holiness couldn’t come, but please ensure you report back that the Saintess is living happily here.”

The envoys engaged in a superficial exchange with His Majesty in the audience chamber. Both sides were carefully probing each other. The Holy Kingdom subtly suggested taking the Saintess with them. On the other hand, His Majesty countered by indirectly stating that respecting the Saintess’ wishes was God’s will.

The high-ranking priest in charge of this delegation and the heralding envoy both seemed chosen for their looks. Apparently, they gave a sermon at the Great Temple on the third day of their visit. This led to an increase in female devotees from that day on.

A week after the envoys arrived, it was decided that the Saintess would go to the Holy Kingdom as expected. The elderly Pope persistently requested to see the Saintess from his sickbed. It’s a given since he was nearing the end of his life. This made the inherently kind-hearted Saintess couldn’t refuse. The third knight order was also assigned their expected duties. Though, not everything went as planned.

“I look forward to relocating by the time I return.”

“Yes, our furniture should be ready in about two weeks. Try not to trouble Justin too much.”

“What do you take me for? There will be no problems, rest assured.”

As you can tell from this exchange, a team was formed to go with the Saintess. It consisted of twenty people for domestic subjugation and ten people for the Saintess’ protection. Both Jeanne and Jest were also assigned to be with them. Originally, I planned to have Jest stay behind, but Jeanne said she would accompany him this time.

“The third knight order and the Holy Knights of the Great Temple know Jeanne’s true identity, but others don’t. If you get into trouble, come to me before taking action.”

“I said there would be no problem. I sometimes go shopping in human towns. This time, I’m coming because Jest is worried about a girl named Eleanor.”

“Jest?”

That’s news to me.

“Yes. You see, when I talked to Eleanor recently, she was worried about not being able to return from the Holy Kingdom. If mom is with her, we can fly back to the capital if necessary, right?”

While I was discussing the escort arrangements to the Holy Kingdom with Axel, Jest and the Saintess had been having tea together. Perhaps they talked about it then.

“…Wait a minute. Is Jeanne really planning to go to the Holy Kingdom? If she goes to the main temple, won’t she get involved in trouble or cause some?”

“Stop being so repetitive. I’ve told you multiple times. Besides, if there were only knights, there would be times when that girl is alone with the Holy Kingdom people. …..If something happens, even the Holy Kingdom won’t be able to object if it’s the will of a dragon.”

It’s true that the female priests from the Holy Kingdom are also coming. In that case, the ones taking care of the Saintess would only be those from the temple. Jeanne’s final remark was somewhat ominous, but arguing further would be pointless.

In the end, a large group consisting of thirty envoys from the Holy Kingdom, ten Holy Knights from the Great Temple as return escorts, thirty members of the third knight order, and two dragons set off.