I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 96: The Dwarves Arrive

Three days after the return of the Saintess to the capital, a group led by Jeanne and the dwarves arrived.

I had already headed towards the gate, as I knew about Jeanne’s arrival thanks to Jest.

Upon arriving at the gate we used when we returned to the capital, the Second Knight who was on guard visibly breathed a sigh of relief. They must have heard about the arrival of the dwarven group and the dragon and knew that she could assume human form because Jest is here.

“Oh, Justin. You’ve come to greet us. I’m delighted. And Jest seems well, which is the best news.”

Upon spotting Jest and me, Jeanne smiled warmly. Her beautiful smile captivated the knights at the gate.

“You’ve come at a good time. The carriage from the castle should arrive soon. We’ll all have to pay respects to His Majesty. It’ll save us trouble later on. Can you bear with us for a while?”

“I won’t refuse anything Lord Master says.”

“Thank you. For now, everyone will stay at the mansion owned by the royal family in the noble district. Later, we’ll build another lodging within the grounds of our Third Knight Order. Will that be acceptable?”

“As for me, as long as I can be close to Lord Master and Jest, it’s fine. As for the dwarves… if they can prioritize using my scales, they won’t complain about the accommodations. Right?”

“Yes, we dwarves can live in any hole, as long as there’s a roof and walls to shield us from rain and wind. And of course, we’ll need a workshop, haha.”

When Jeanne addressed them, the dwarf leader laughed heartily.

“Having a dedicated workshop might take some time, but rest assured, it will be built. It would be helpful if you could guide our inexperienced craftsmen. There’s Bosco in the workshop you’ll be affiliated with, so if there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask Bosco. If you have any requests, tell Bosco, and it will be reported to me as well.”

“Heh, that lad, Bosco. I’m looking forward to seeing how much he’s grown.”

As we chatted, the First Knight Order, accompanied by carriages, arrived. Interestingly, Ernest was among them.

“Commander of the Vandière Knights, I didn’t expect to see you here already. Did you sense it because of your contract with the familiars?”

The First Knight Order dismounted, and Ernest approached me.

“Jest sensed his mother’s presence. Allow me to introduce, this is Jest’s mother, Jeanne, and the leader of the dwarves… come to think of it, I never asked for his name.”

“My name? No one has called me by name since I became the leader. My name is Basil. This lad seems like a knight, but who is he?”

While it was strange that the youthful Ernest was speaking as the representative in the presence of the imposing leader of the group, Basil eyed Ernest with appraisal.

“I am the Crown Prince… Ernest, the First Prince of this country. I’ve come from the castle to welcome Lady Jeanne of the Dragons and the dwarves. As a member of the royal family, welcome.”

Ernest corrected himself from Crown Prince to First Prince. Could this be a sign of his intention to renounce his claim to the throne?

“Hoho, a member of the royal family welcomes us! I feel like quite the important figure. Hahaha.”

Basil laughed, his protruding belly shaking. Ernest still seemed nervous. Perhaps he was unsure of his position in this situation. While cooperation was desired, it wouldn’t be ideal if the dwarves became too presumptuous.

“For knights, a dwarf’s crafted sword is as valuable as treasure. Ernest-sama has skill with a sword, so he’s worthy of the craftsman’s efforts.”

It was true. I had recognized his swordsmanship since our days at the Royal Academy. But well, I was stronger, so maybe he had taken a condescending attitude because of that.

Unexpectedly, he seemed surprised and pleased to be praised by me. Since we arrived in the capital, he had been strangely fond of me. Perhaps he had been truly terrified back then.

“If Justin acknowledges it, then it must be true. Anyway, shouldn’t we head to the castle now?”

“Yes, they should be able to go on that carriage… right? Ernest-sama?”

“Oh, yes, that’s right. Allow me to guide you to the castle, so please, hop on.”

Even though he had been addressed by his name instead of as the Crown Prince, he seemed perplexed. But if he hadn’t introduced himself as the Crown Prince, it was only appropriate to go along with it. Everyone boarded the carriage, and with Ernest’s signal, they set off.

“Was Jest okay not riding in the carriage with Jeanne?”

“Yeah, I prefer being with Justin and Eleanor! Right, Eleanor?”

In response to Jest’s words, Eleanor answered with a snort as if to say, “Of course,” with her breath. Feeling warm seeing the two’s close bond (?), I followed after the First Knight Order.