I Will Be the Greatest Knight

After the Duke met with the advisors, everything seemed to return to normal. The maids and knights seemed more relaxed, but what remained were the beautiful tapestries and organization of the gardens, which had been done quickly for the nobles who presided over the lands that made up Chemois.

It turned out that Irene's father didn't attend, and it was just as she had already suspected. He was simply disinterested in getting involved in politics and having to pick a side when all he wanted to do with the rest of his days was protect his lands and teach his son how to one day take over for him.

Many times in the girl's life, people wondered if she was hurt that her parents had chosen Arne over her to be the heir to everything. However, what most didn't know was that it was she who pushed her family to this decision. She was the one who stopped all lessons regarding the lordship of an estate and lands. Instead, the noble path was carved for her as a knight. She could be a lady of an estate one day if she really wanted and if the Duke and King allowed her as such, but, for now, she was satisfied being a knight. Just as Sven, Gunnar, and Phillip before her, they seemed happy with the lives they led.

Most mornings during the early summer, the Knights of Hydrogia were the ones who were going up into the foothills to look out for monsters. Everyone was always very appreciative of all they had done for them. Rather than eating and lodging for free and simply because they were friends with Chemois' Duke, they pulled their weight and put in hard work.

Irene was starting to get used to this routine. She would return from the night patrol and help with practices. By then, they would eat breakfast with the Knights of Hydrogia, who would soon go off and into the foothills. They would take a meal with them so they wouldn't be seen until the afternoon.

Only in the evening would they all reconvene once more, and everyone would share their days with one another. Of course, Irene and the others on night patrol were only waking up at this time, but it was a nice way to begin her day of wandering through the darkness while occasionally checking on the apprentices who kept the highest vantage point.

A few days after the advisors left, there was a different feeling in the Duke's Tower, and while Irene was on her way into the tower to eat her morning meal, she came across Sir Alix, who looked a bit somber.

"Is everything alright, sir?" she asked him.

Alix's expression softened as he regarded the woman for a few moments. He had already spoken to Sir Felix, but he knew he could entrust the news to the third in command as well. Henry had said as much that he trusted her, even if they weren't close to one another.

"Commander Lothian has spoken of more monsters than usual on the other side of the Eastern Mountains towards Idona," Alix explained. "Considering the floodplains are most likely clear by now, I believe it's time for those in my order to return to our duties south. Unlike in Chemois, we don't have monster activity like this, so it's worth looking into for us."

At that, he offered the young woman a wry smile, and she returned it easily enough.

However, despite what appearances said, she was a bit sad to see the Knights of Hydrogia leave. Not only was the extra help wonderful, but the Commander seemed to be happy whenever he was in their presence. She wasn't sure how to voice as much or if it was crossing an invisible line to make such an observation.

"I think all of my knights will agree that we'll be sad to see you all go," she admitted. "All I can say is thank you for all the help you've offered us. I believe having you here has helped our Commander adjust. Here I can only speak for myself when I say that we will try to do our best to make sure he isn't feeling lonely without you."

Alix knew he ought to bite his lip regarding the recent turmoil Henry was experiencing regarding his heart. What the young knight needed was to surround himself with people who showed him how much he was worth.

There was another point of contention that the second in command for Hydrogia didn't dare mention, despite how much it bothered him. It was almost as if the Knights of Chemois were slow to realize what a blessing it was to have such an honest and dedicated man as Henry appointed as their Commander.

However, Alix knew for certain that he was at least leaving Henry with people who had finally warmed up to him enough to seem like they cared. As long as they would be there and watch his back, it was all Alix could ask for.

Relationships took time to form, and he knew that. He wasn't trying to force them to all love one another, but enthusiastic care would do the Knights of Tenetium a bit better. Felix had redeemed himself, and the woman in front of him was coming around.

Alix internally sighed. It was Henry who was acting like Irene was some sort of enigma—if their first meeting was any indication of that much. As much as Alix agreed that she was a rare sight to behold, he hoped he would soften around the young woman, though. She was an amazing swordfighter and, according to Felix, a valuable friend.

"We have had a wonderful time here," Alix admitted. "It has been nice to get to know your knighthood when we aren't at the front lines of battle, but I do admit that I miss my homeland. Commander Lothian has likely run himself to the ground since he sent his best knights north."

Alix smirked at that. He hoped to leave Irene on a light note rather than the heaviness he felt before. He had just come from a conversation with Henry that made his heart ache. It was time for some happier goodbyes and promises to see one another later.

"Commander Lothian seems to be indestructible," Irene admitted. "I'm sure it isn't anything he can't come back from."

They soon went their separate ways as the Knights of Hydrogia got themselves together to leave early the following morning.

It was one of the last days Irene, Gunnar, and the handful of apprentices were on night patrol. So fitting that the day the knights were leaving, they were also going through a schedule change. At least that meant that Irene was already going to be awake to see them off while many others were going to have to force themselves awake, considering the knights decided they wanted to leave at dawn.

Irene joined a handful of knights at the front door when Trenton, Maximus, and Alix had their horses loaded with saddlebags full of supplies Henry had given them to help them south.

They arrived just in time to see their Commander embracing the men he undoubtedly considered to be brothers.

Many outside of a knighthood might think of such emotion as a weakness, but knights who faced battle together knew that those sorts of bonds had to be formed or a knighthood wouldn't be strong.

Commander Henry hesitated particularly hard when he let go of Sir Trenton, and they embraced their forearms in a sign of trust. Only after that could the knights standing towards the front door hear the words exchanged.

"I don't know when I will see all of you again," the Commander admitted. "So I just wanted to say thank you for believing in me from the beginning. I wouldn't be here without you."

"You were the greatest apprentice there ever was," Trenton admitted.

"Believe in yourself, Henry," Maximus added, giving the Commander a pat on his shoulder.

"And don't throw yourself into unnecessary danger anymore," Alix ordered. "You have many relying on you now. No more recklessness."

Irene smiled sadly. They really did sound like brothers to one another.

The three knights finally took to the horses, and there was a long pause before their Commander called after them, "Be safe!"

When the Commander turned around again, Irene wasn't expecting the sight to behold.

The young Duke was certainly misty-eyed as he looked in their direction. He seemed shocked to have an audience at that moment, but he didn't hide how he was feeling. When he spoke, Irene felt he was speaking directly to her. Perhaps it was only because of her rank, but she felt for a moment that he finally trusted her.

"If you don't mind, please inform Sir Felix that I will be going out for a ride," he explained. "I will be back soon enough."

Irene only uttered a quiet "Yes, Commander" before the man turned to his left and walked the long side around the Duke's Tower to get to the stables.

However, his tears also led her to the realization that this was what Commander Henry would be lacking when the knights left. She would try to make a more concentrated effort to ensure the Duke didn't feel lonely when he was surrounded only by the Knights of Chemois, after all, he was one of them now.

He was already beloved, even if he still felt like somewhat of an outsider.

Her thoughts snowballed, and she rushed inside and down the halls until she found Felix in the library with a few apprentices. It was where he said goodbye to the Knights of Hydrogia with the apprentices before they began a bit of studying for the day.