I speedwalk quickly and directly towards my dorm room with my world spinning. I have no good reaction to what just happened. I said I would help out as it somewhat benefited me if Seraphina stayed alive and well, I didn't think she would take it that far? Maybe like announce in a smaller setting that I would be a hired help or something, but knighting me? That's absurd, and most of all, I have no idea what that entails. No job description, no pamphlet, no Bootcamp. Just thrust in there with reckless abandon, just like my father when making me.

I spit on the ground as I walk at the thought of even being in a related position to some of those nobility fucks. Their haughty attitude was always annoying even if I ignored it most of the time. There is only so much you can do to drown out people making fun of you. It's odd though because the only reason I was on their radar to make fun of was because I was whipping their seniority. How does that make sense? Shouldn't you be afraid or at least respectful of someone who has proven their superiority? I guess not.

I make it to my room without running to anyone and close the door behind me and sit on my bed with a long sigh. I fall backward and undo the top button of my suit jacket and close my eyes for a moment. Although the situation isn't that draining, I'm just already fed up with this. I have no plans of grandeur, I don't care about honor and glory. A title to me that isn't a doctorate or military rank means a whole pile of jack and shit to me. Those titles mentioned above are earned and gained through hard work and sweat and blood. The feudal titles are usually passed down or given to some noble's friend with no qualification.

I am taken from my internal discussion by a firm knocking on the door. Hopefully, it's the US marshals here to execute me for treason. I open the door and to my horror it's Dusty and she drops to a knee in front of me and says in a fake cockney accent,

"Sir Mike, would you perchance grant me entryway into your domain? I a lowly peasant wish to discuss matters afoot with you."

I open the door wider and step aside and say starting in a posh accent and changing back to my normal after the first pause,

"Of course m'lady. Yeah, fuck you too, I had no clue this was gonna happen."

She just laughs as she enters and takes my bed as her chair leaving me with my desk chair. I take my seat and say,

" Yeah wasn't told about that beforehand. I was told to show up and then suddenly I am being knighted. I was so shellshocked I just followed along without thinking. When I get her in a less public space imma give her a piece of my damn mind."

Dusty laughs and replies,

"Yeah, I could tell you had no clue what was going on. You looked like you were about to puke. It was hilarious, wish I had a camera."

I let out a long breath and say in return,

"So you came here to just fuck with me or what? I'm kinda busy making myself angrier" at the situation by thinking about it."

She shakes her head her face more somber saying,

"Nah, that's just a perk, but I'm here to wish you luck. That stunt she just did really put the solar nobles in a tizzy. Violence will happen soon. I will say I respect the move it was ballsy, but even though the Solar Empire isn't some centuries of tradition empire, noble fucks through all history don't like it when someone who isn't born noble becomes one suddenly, or at least noble adjacent. All I can say is good luck and it's a shame we can't teach hand-to-hand classes together anymore, you'll have your hands full. If you ever get the time, stop by, I'm always looking for someone to beat up."

I laugh and reply,

"Yeah, I don't remember any time you've actually managed to beat me. But thanks Dusty. I may need all the luck I can get"

She stands up and so do I. She gets me in a big bear hug and says,

"Don't get yourself killed in some imperial conspiracy. I'd prefer you come back and help me whip on pansy pilots."

I nod and return the affectionate gesture replying,

"I won't get killed by any solar fuck. The only thing that can kill me is my own stupidity."

She laughs letting me go before heading out the door with another insult at my title. I watch her leave until the door closes and I lose sight of her. Inside I am very thankful she came and spoke to me. The shit-talking really calmed me down. It's just now hitting me how drastically my life is gonna be changed now and how her words of warning are most likely true. I sit down on my bed with a half-smile on my face. At the end of the day at least I have some support from elsewhere.

There is a soft but precise knock on my door and I answer it to find the expected Genevieve. She is a little flustered and scolds me saying,

"You shouldn't run off like that! You just got a great honor and then you ran off? That's so ignoble. And you also messed up your hair bend down here. I am taking you to the banquet Seraphina is attending. As her knight, you are required to attend."

I am unable to get a word in as I am pulled down and she forcibly brushes my hair. She then yanks me out of my room and buttons my top button back up. She then half shoves me all the way to the formal room. I don't fight her, but I do resist just enough to give her trouble. When we get close enough to where others can see I play nice to keep her image at the very least. I approach the doorman and he hurriedly lets me through with a small bow. I walk through the threshold to the scene of elegance. Everything has so much gold on it that I feel sick. So much expensive shit with a few long tables made with expert craftsmanship. I sorta wander around trying to not look lost and just find my seat. Everyone already there keeps their distance from me but I don't hear any snickers or unkind jabs come from their conversations as they stare at me. Most seem to be giving me respect from what I pick up, but I don't want to eavesdrop so I don't listen too much.

There's a table at one side of the large room where there are two servers giving drinks out to anyone who approaches, I notice I am a little thirsty so I go to see if they have water or something. I approach the table and ask the worker who approaches,

"Pardon me, but are you handing out any water or sodas or anything? I tend to not drink. Thank you"

The bartender nods and brings me a pretty big glass of cold water. I thank him once more and take moderate-sized drinks. I may not be the savviest at etiquette, but I do know guzzling water isn't deemed polite in many circles. It takes me a moment to realize they didn't let Genevieve in. I guess it is another one of those formals she isn't allowed to join in. I wonder what her actual title is. Her relationship with Seraphina seems odd, and everyone else's treatment of her is poor, to say the least.

I hold my drink in my left hand the stem of the glass taking the space where my ring finger should be. Suddenly I am yanked back to reality from my thoughts as someone grabs my right arm and holds onto the crook of my elbow. I feel their body press against me as I look over and down to see Eloise holding onto my right arm. She is smiling pleasantly at me and is pressing her chest against my arm. I hold strong and say with a smile,

"Oh Eloise, you're here. Thank goodness, I was a little worried about your wellbeing."

Her smile widens as her cheeks turn a little red contrasting easily on her pale skin. She replies happily,

" I am doing much better in recent days, I was a little shaken after the experience."

I nod and say,

"Of course, I was a little shaken and I didn't go through half of what you did. So... what has you holding my arm so tight? I'm not complaining but it seems unusual to me from my limited knowledge of social graces."

She smiles with an odd look in her eyes as she says,

"I'm holding the arm of my hero, who is now an imperial knight. I thought since he is walking around all lonely I will be his escort for tonight."

I nod with a smile and reply,

"Alright, sounds good to me. I dunno who I'd rather have."

I give a smile and she returns it with that odd look. It's almost pleading? Something is up with her but I don't push it. My best guess is that she is absolutely not okay from that experience and needs support and since I am not one to judge someone if they are slipping for whatever reason hanging around me is a good choice. I don't mind, her reasons don't matter to me. In the end, I'm happy, I have a very pretty lady on my arm, what guy wouldn't be happy?

I look down to her and say lowly,

"I'm not gonna lie, I have no idea what to do here, and I have no idea where I am allowed to hang out. "

She laughs lightly and says,

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Seraphina really talked you up after you left. Calling you all kinds of great things and referencing your noble actions. If anyone has a problem with anything you do here that's not openly antagonistic, they might face the scorn of the general guest. I know where you are sitting when dinner comes in a couple of hours and can lead you there."

I smile and nod saying,

"Thank you very much."

I hang around drinking my water to quench my thirst as Eloise looks around the room constantly as if someone is gonna jump out and get her if she isn't vigilant. I feel for her greatly, but also have lots of respect for her because she already is out in public. I tighten my arm around hers and say in a low voice only she can hear,

"You can ease your nerves. So long as you are in this hall, and especially when holding me nothing can get to you. Those guys are dead and will remain so. That will never happen again."

I don't go very specific as not to push the matter too hard. At my words, she pulls herself closer somehow and whispers,

"Thank you, Mike..."

I continue doing my thing when I am approached by a group of around ten girls and three guys. The girls have smiles on their faces but their eyes look the same, or even more pleading than Eloise. I give a nod to the guys and they return it. One who looks like the leader of the group approaches me and when close gives a deep bow with his hand across his gut. He says,

"The others in this room may be too prideful to say this so I will for them all. Thank you so very much, Sir Mike. What you have done is beyond noble, to believe anyone at any point thought ill of you is unthinkable now. First, during the attack at the arena, I watched you dance across the horrible scene and strike down those horrible men with righteous fury, and then in Alaska, which I cannot thank you more for. You saved my sister from those horrid men and many other daughters of the Solar Empire. In my personal opinion knighthood is too low of honor for your actions, but I understand the Empress has conventions to follow. So all I can say is thank you a million times, for all of us."

I shake my head with a smile and say,

"Raise your head, I don't require all that. You're welcome, but all I can say is, I did what was right disregarding nation and rank. There are things that are right and wrong regardless of any personal opinion and I tend to try and do the right thing. You see a murderer you do what you can to stop them. All I can say is I am glad any of you are here today alive, and well. That's thanks enough, to see the fruits of my sacrifice, the beautiful smiles of those I helped."

The boy looks up with a watery-eyed smile on his face. I guess I didn't realize how impactful my actions could be. I just reacted to the situations at hand and did the steps necessary to get the job done. It makes me happy though that I could move someone to tears. Makes me feel important. The boy then asks,

"Sir Mike, I would like to ask a great honor from you. Would you be willing to let me be the creator of your knights' blade? My family is the main blacksmiths and craftsmen of weapons for the nobility."

I ask,

"Sorry if it makes me sound ignorant, but I've had the title for only like three hours, what's a knight's blade? I have an idea, but I don't wanna look stupid if I use the term wrong."

He laughs and nods saying,

"Of course, it's basically the sword all knights are supposed to wear on their hip as part of their dress uniform. It's not really for use, except in duels and bad situations. "

I nod and reply,

"Alright, sounds like a done deal, don't make it too flashy now, knowing myself I'll end up using it and if it's too flashy it might get stuck on something."

He laughs again and replies,

"Of course, I was gonna make one befitting of your overall aesthetic, by that I mean how your AMS looks, I'm not calling you basic!"

I laugh and say,

"I get ya, I appreciate it very much, buddy."

He smiles and we continue our conversation for a while talking about random school stuff and telling cool stories. The girls he and his friends are with, smile and act in awe at my tales of combat, I keep out most gory details glorifying what are usually horrible grinds and difficult fights.

Eventually, Eloise lets me know supper is starting soon and it is time to start heading to our seats. I say my goodbyes and shake the hand of the boy who I never got the name of. I will wait to hear someone else say his name at a later time. There is a herald of some sort speaking but I miss what he says. In through the front doors walks Seraphina looking really stunning, I much prefer her looks when she doesn't have that heavenly aura she has put on during speeches.

Everyone but me lines up and kneels, I give a simple bow not knowing my true place. She strides towards her spot at the head table and everyone goes to their spots. Eloise grabs my arm and gently leads me to my spot, to my great surprise it is the seat to the direct right of Seraphina. She is standing behind her chair and just doing my thing I pull it out for her. She gives me a small smile and a nod and takes her seat and I slide her in. Everyone then gets into their seats. Eloise lingers for a bit before heading to her spot near some of the girls from the group from earlier.

I take my seat with empty space to my right. The tables are set up weird in my opinion but I am at the Empresses table which is separate from everyone else. On Seraphinas left is an empty chair, but it has a set place. Making sure Seraphina isn't giving a speech or something I ask her quietly,

"Who is gonna be on your left?"

She shakes her head and says,

"It's supposed to be for the honored guest or the prime minister, whichever. It is strange though, to feel my right side occupied by someone other than the high priest... I prefer the way it feels now."

I nod and just look around the room at the people talking to one another and enjoying themselves. It's a good scene, just not one I feel like I belong in. Not saying I don't deserve to be happy, but my scene is more lowbrow and less formal. I like the happy looks and cheerful voices, but I'd rather be at a place where rowdiness is tolerated and having a good time isn't at the cost of your reputation, but regardless this is a happy time, celebration for school starting up once again. I feel Seraphina nudge me and say,

"Look at it, Mike. This is what I want, not some silent business-only place like the old men on Titan make these banquets out to be. Here, where everyone I hope is enjoying themselves and making merry. I am most happy that the people here no longer see you as an interloper, an outsider who came in and shattered tradition. You are an individual they look up to now. I get it that it's a bit unfortunate they only accepted you once I granted your rank, but that's what the old men on Titan forced into their heads. The ease at which they accepted you after your knighting proves that in their hearts, they wanted to praise you, to respect you, but now they can without worry for their family's honor."

I nod and reply,

"I didn't mind all that much Seraphina. I don't get why you knighted me. Isn't it only gonna cause you more trouble?"

She shakes her head and says,

"Perhaps, but that's not the point. Trouble was coming regardless, I wanted someone close who stood nothing to gain from going against me, and I also wanted someone who looked me in the eye. It's strange, my whole life people have either looked up to me as a divine figure or looked down on me as a young empress unfit to rule, yet you, despite all things look me dead in the eye as a person... for the first time I've ever experienced anyone give me respect, yet not worship. It's odd... I can't describe how it makes me feel."

She is looking dead forward a faraway look in her eyes but a smile on her lips. I reply,

"It's nothing special, just how I work. At first, I looked you in the eyes as an adversary, someone who wanted to cause me trouble, and I looked down on you in pity at your strict adherence to traditions and stupid etiquette, but now, I really can look you in the eye with respect because you have truly changed for the better. Mainly, you think for yourself. That I think is worth all the respect in the world."

I give a genuine smile and she glances over at me before turning away quickly. I give a light laugh and say,

"The girls I rescued... I'm glad they're out and about, but I still think it's too early. You saw Eloise... she couldn't let go of me, poor thing, I wish I had been quicker than what I was..."

Seraphina looks back at me with a bright smile and gives a big laugh before covering her mouth with her hand and stifling it as not to make a scene. I sit there confused and raise my eyebrows inqusitively. She collects herself she says,

"Yes, it is unfortunate that they may have not fully recovered, but I don't think that's why she was clinging to you, Mike... Eloise and I have been acquaintances for some time. Yes, she is still a bit shaken by the experience, who wouldn't, but aside from some minor paranoid behaviors as expected they have been fully cleared by mental health experts to be out and about. Mike, please tell me you aren't that dense?"

I stare at her blankly and ask,

"Well, the ones that were held captive gave me this odd look, They looked like they were pleading, it looked pitiful."

She shakes her head and replies,

"Is that what you thought that look was? Yeah, they're pleading, pleading for you to court them."

I stare through her gears turning. What is this about?"

She laughs again catching herself and says,

"Mike, you are their knight in shining armor, sorta... Well, you are the one who saved them from a very cruel fate without concern for your own wellbeing, and now to top it all off you are a knight which is a respectable title, and most importantly you aren't just any knight, you're the current head of the imperial praetorians. That means you are a noble adjacent in terms of political power."

I keep staring at her wide-eyed and feel my heart begin to race and my stomach drop and say slowly,

"What do you mean by that last part? I wasn't told... that information..."

I'm not sure what part has me reeling the most. The fact I have multiple incredibly beautiful women wanting me to marry them, or the fact I am an imperial noble without even being a citizen of the empire, and not just that I assume the Imperial Praetorians are the highest degree of knighthood if I remember correctly."

Seraphina shakes her head clicking her tongue and says,

"The Imperial Praetorian knightly order was destroyed and disbanded during the last war, you will be its new head. You are my personal guard and have what I believe is the highest honor I can give behind appointing you, prime minister. Yeah, that's how much trouble I'm causing. Also with your title comes perks, just please don't get married too soon and stop your duties."

I shake my head and reply,

"Well, I didn't know a female in all humanity liked me up until a few seconds ago so I doubt I will get married in any short time... I mean, I hardly know the girls... plus as the head of a knightly order I should start recruiting right?"

She nods and replies,

"Mike, take your time you goof. At the moment the nobility on Titan is so stirred up nothing big will happen. Take your time on all the decisions, remember, they're yours to make, and don't make them blind."

I nod and stare forward processing the information at hand. I don't think a quiet life is anything I can achieve now. I don't ponder too long on my future plans of action as those can easily wait, right now what bothers me is that I seem to be stupid or blind. I shake my head with a sigh and say,

"Well, thanks for letting me know all this information, sadly I didn't get the memo earlier. You sure about this decision?"

She nods and replies,

"Of course, but yes I am certain on this decision, you have only proven yourself to be a steadfast person in all that you do and seem so far to be trustworthy, or at least you don't seem to hide any secrets that are matter to me. Aside from that, I hope we can work alongside one another until the situation at hand is over and your services are no longer needed unless of course, you wish to stay."

I nod and reply,

"Well, I'll have to think about it. Until then I'm gonna do what I do."

She smiles and stands to give a speech as supper is coming out of the kitchen. Her speech is unimportant enough for me to tune it out while I imagine the workload I will have very soon. She then sits and supper begins.