Chapter 18 “A Knight’s Story”

The sound of sword clashed with each other resounded in the air. They let out a crisp metallic ring each time the blade meet another blade. When they didn’t meet each other, the moving air that was made because of them still resounded quite loudly. But the shouts and groans of them who held the swords were much louder than the sound their weapon made. That was the common variety of ‘music’ one could find regularly in the militia’s training field. And it was no different when I stayed there to ‘watch’ the usual training the militia’s troop is doing.

As I stood at the entrance to the field, away from anyone’s sight, I quickened the tapping on my cane. With each tapping, a ‘view’ is ‘shown’ to me. I could sense that the place is a bit more crowded than usual. The reason? The cause of it is none other than the royal family’s private knight, Ingolf Lange. Even from my place, the sound of their cheering for his practice match could be heard very clearly.

I tapped my cane further and the scene of their fighting could be ‘seen’ by me. Just from their heartbeats alone, the fact that he has overpowered the other opponent is very clear. On the middle field, two sign of heartbeats were in close proximity. One has a very rugged pattern and also heightened pace, while the other sounded very calm and compose. The first one is probably the militia soldier’s while the later one is Ingolf’s. With each passing second, the first heartbeats beats faster and faster while the later one kept its regular pattern. Well, I guess it is understandable. A militia soldier went against a royal family’s private knight. It really doesn’t take a genius to predict the result. Although the result itself is not absolute, the odds are really clear for anyone to see.

“Enjoying the show?” Hearing a familiar voice near me made me let out a thin smile.

“In fact, I am.” Out came a small chuckle from my own mouth after that short reply of mine. “They feel of being near an excited crowd around a fight is not exactly bad. It is good from time to time.”

“Hmm…Although I don’t quite agree with that, I could somehow understand that.”

“The fact that you are here meaning that you have some information, if not a lot, regarding that particular knight, I suppose?”

“I have.” Reiyes then stepped behind me and I could ‘see’ him leaning onto the wall. “But not his background information. Or at least not all of it, or even a detailed one for that matter. The reason is because he is not entirely famous in here. If we are in the capital, it will be possible to have that quickly.”

“Ah, I see, I see.” It is a bit disappointing, but what can he do? To have any kind of information is already a great thing to have at this point. “Well, I’m waiting.”

“Ingolf Lange, the royal family’s private knight. A commoner that has been alleviated into the status of lower nobles due to his achievements. He received a personal recommendation by Count Grese. It seems that he left his family to join the knight corps in the capital.” That explanation is not what he considered to be a not detailed piece of information? Reiyes sure have a strange way of thinking. I couldn’t help but shake my head at that fact. “What is it, Nerva?”

“Nothing. Tell me of his achievement.”

“Bandits subjugation. Robbers’ den raid. Monster subjugation. Wanted criminal subjugation. Black market merchant subjugation. The list goes on.”

“What is he? The Count’s blood hound?” I let out a chuckle at the list of achievement that Reiyes mentioned. It was as if he is a bounty hunter. Yes, he is more like a bounty hunter than a knight. “No achievement like assassination prevention or any escort mission?”

“Only a few. But most of them are unknown. He is more like the attack squad personnel then a guard personnel.”

“Ho, he is an interesting fellow.” I tapped my cane several times and it seemed that he has changed opponent. The last one was left unconscious on the other side of the field. Must be a tough fight for the poor fellow. “But is that what caught the Count’s interest? That was from after he had joined the knight corps, I presumed?”

“Correct. Indeed those are his achievement after he has been assigned to a knight corps. But as to what made him being personally recommended by the Count, I am unfortunately unable to collect a reliable reason.”

“Is it because the information is not available or is it because the information is just absurdly circulated into crazy rumors?”

“The later one.” Ugh, I expected that. I guess that might be one of the reasons that made him uncomfortable with being treated as a noble.

“I guess that is the price of being promoted into a nobleman status, eh?”

“Probably. I don’t know. Combining all of those achievement of his with the personal recommendation from the Count, he is then assigned to be the royal family’s private knight soon after. In fact, he has just been assigned to that position right before this visitation.”

“I see. So that is what he meant by he has just been newly promoted. I thought that he meant as to the status of a knight, but it seems to be for his current status.”

“It is.”

“Any other information?”

“He is known to have the skill and talent close to a master swordsman. Excel in variety of swordsmanship styles but not exclusive to any particular swordsmanship style. Expert rider and also archer, but mediocre in using magic.”

“Mediocre as in?”

“Basic healing spells, basic elemental manipulation of the basic elements, and also body strengthening spell.”

“That is more than enough for one assuming the job as a knight.”

“But might not be enough for one have the respective role as a royal family’s private knight.” He then let out a sigh. “Although, that is just the common public opinion.”

“Common public opinion, is it?” I tapped my chin as he said that. It is true that the public opinion of a royal family’s private knight is someone that is almost close to a perfect knight, able to protect the royal family even at the most dangerous and impossible situation. But that is the ideal, not the real fact. “Do you think that is enough?”

“I have no opinion since the position itself is rarely talked about.”

“True, that is true. But again, do you think that guarding someone’s life, whatever the situation is, will be enough to just have master swordsmanship skill and mediocre magic?”

“Why are you asking the obvious, Nerva?” Hmm? Is it that obvious? “Even the mighty ones who can mark soul still ask us, the Watchers, to guard someone’s life from an absolute demise.”

“So the answer is that no matter how strong and powerful you are you can never guard someone’s life perfectly, right?”

“If it is, we will not be in this much trouble.” He then let out a small groan. I guess he is right. “But if you think that he is capable enough, I think he is. For now, at least. In the future, no one could ever know.”

“I see, I see. Then? Any more information?”

“If you want to hear rumors about him, I have plenty.”

“Are they useful?”

“Probably not.” Then a sigh escaped from him. “This is why it is much more difficult to collect information about that knight. Only rumors circulated. I spend most of my time sorting out rumors from reliable information.”

“Well, it is as expected. But this is already quite fast, you know?” I then let out another chuckle. “So I guess keep your eyes and ears for any useful information and also rumors too. Rumors can sometime be useful for us too.”

“Agreed.” A quiet fluttering sound came from behind me. “Then I will take my leave.” A few silent footsteps resounded until not a single thump could be hear, a sign that he has left the vicinity.

I tapped my cane quickly several times and confirmed that he has indeed left. Together with that, I also ‘see’ that the training battle that involved Ingolf has just ended. The victim, I say about six? Yeah, I could ‘see’ six unconscious soldiers on the edge of the field. And once again, the one in the center of the field, Ingolf Lange, stood among the cheering soldiers while oozing disappointed and uncomfortable emotion.

As I stood there, I heard a familiar step came toward my direction. As the sound of footsteps came near my back, I decided to greet the approaching figure.

“Finished your daily patrol, Eryell?”

“…To be noticed even after I’ve tried my best to cover my presence.” A small chuckle came from behind me. “It seemed that my sister is indeed correct. You have the ever seeing ‘eyes’.”

“Lady Constie over exaggerated too much about my ability.” As I said that, she stepped next to me. “All I’ve done is remembering people’s pattern of footsteps.”

“Isn’t that a difficult thing to do?”

“Not that difficult if you focus all your sense in your hearing,” I said as I tapped my ear with one of my hand. “Just like you who can see remember people’s face to recognize them, I remember people’s footsteps to recognize them.”

“And you also seem to be able to know someone’s feeling. What’s your explanation on that?”

“Hmm…I guess, it is the overall sense they emitted? It is difficult to explain. But for one like me that rely on everything around but sight has made me rather sensitive to people’s emotion and the feel they gave out, no matter how little that is. You know, like how you can smile near a happy person just by standing near them. Something like that.” And also the fact that I can recognize their heartbeats helps a lot, but I’ll leave that for later explanation.

“I see, I see.” I could hear her nodding as she listened to my explanation. “So you can feel the disappointment of Sir Lange just from standing here?”

“I suppose…yes. But I guess the correct statement would be that I felt a slightly out of place emotion amidst the excitement that all of the soldiers giving out.”

“Those guys really are too excited sometimes.” A small chuckle came from her. “But I can agree with what you said, Nerva. His expression even seems too tired or something. I guess…yeah, out of place. Just like you said.”

“Indeed he is. Strange.” I tapped my cane several times and the figure of him standing with disappointment and other negative emotion emitted from out of his figure came into my ‘view’. “Very strange indeed. Tell me, my dear Eryell. Have you ever heard of his name before?”

“Not much, actually. The most I heard is that he could beat a legion of assassin in one clean sweep.” She shook her head at that. “I don’t quite believe that. Maybe he could beat them, but not that fast.”

“Yeah, it would be quite a feat for anyone to do that.” I also laughed a little at that. I guess that is one of the crazy rumor Reiyes mentioned not long ago. It is quite understandable for me though. A new face that occupied a very prestigious position all of a sudden will make the public speculate about the deeds that makes it possible.

“…You, on the other hand, will probably able to do it, right?” Ho? I didn’t expect Eryell to ask that all of a sudden.

“…Perhaps.” Can I? If not using my magic, then maybe it will take much more time than expected. But with my magic, I guess…yeah, that is possible. Maybe not only beat them, I could even manipulate them to work for me. “It is possible, I suppose.” I grinned while simulating that situation in my mind.

“Sheesh, you are just too powerful.” I could sense her shook her head at my answer. Her tone showed that she believed me but at the same time felt that it was an unbelievable story. “The more we talked about it, the more I think that I have to train myself more.” Hearing that, I couldn’t help but let out a laugh. “What’s so funny?”

“No, no. It’s just that I’m happy you want to train yourself before hearing the story about myself.” I turned my head toward Eryell’s direction. “For that, I am very grateful, my dear Eryell.” I wore a smile as I said that. “And please take your time to prepare yourself. I might tell you about myself little by little in the near future. After all, it will be better for you to hear it bit by bit than hearing all of it in just one sitting.”

“Uhm…I…thank you, I guess.” The rising of her heartbeats showed that she is happy but also a bit embarrassed at what I said. “I will try my best to be able to hear it properly.”

“Thank you, my dear Eryell.” I gave her a slight bow. “For trying to accept me.”

“Don’t say it like that.” She hit me on my back gently. “As I said before, don’t belittle yourself. I hate hearing that.”

“Understood, my dear Eryell.”

As I opened the wooden door of the establishment, it creaked slightly. And what came after that creak is the chorus of happiness and merriness that is certainly the trademark of this kind of establishment. Together with that, the scent of alcohol and also freshly made food that lingered on the air greeted my nose at the same time. I couldn’t help but let out a smile. I guess the merriness is quite contagious.

I stepped inside the tavern. I tapped my cane several times and then located a nice secluded place on the back of the tavern. It was near the door that probably led to the kitchen. It is situated quite near the bar counter. I walked toward it and then quickly took the spot.

After getting a seat, I tapped the table and then ‘surveyed’ my surrounding. The tables around me were occupied while the counter near me was also half-filled with customer. Male, female, old, young. They all filled the tavern while giving out the same happy and merry feeling. The sound of them drinking, eating, and laughing their tiredness out from their daily day job filled the air accompanied by some music played by some bard in the back of the tavern.

But unlike them, my purpose here is not to have fun. If I was trying to have some fun, I rather be alone than in this hectic situation. Not that I don’t like it, but I just prefer the quietness of the night alone. Maybe a drink or two with just a few companies.

“Ah, Sir Lange, drink some more!”

“Yeah, you deserve some. Drink yourself out or you might get stressed out by you job, Sir Lange!”

“Hahaha, how about more of this snack, Sir Lange! It will go well with the ale!”

Yes, my purpose is to assess the knight once again. My instinct told me that he has something that will help us get into the marked soul path of fate. I don’t know why, but the more things I heard about him, the more I am certain that he will really lead us to something. But for now, I will only hope that my instinct is right.

“What can I get–Geh!”

“Huh?” I was too busy concentrating on my target that I apparently didn’t notice someone getting near me. Well, I noticed, but I didn’t pay too much attention. I guess I was too careless, right? That won’t do. As I thought about that, I then shifted my attention to the one near me. From the heartbeats, the person is female. But…there’s something awfully familiar with her….Oh, right…”So…you are a waitress here, Mena?”

“What are you doing here!?” Even though she raised her voice, she was still able to keep it down as to not attract too much attention. I have to give her credit for that.

“I was just in the mood for a drink or two.” I saw no need to her the truth, so I went with the most common response.

“I doubt that.” Ho? She didn’t believe me? “But I am not foolish enough to be in your way.” Ah, a tinge of fear in her tone. It seems that our small ‘discussion’ not long ago still retained in her memory. Well, I’m not the only one to blame. Both my comrades have hand in that, especially that fellow Cyrielle. In fact, I think that the most of the damage this particular woman received is due to her work, right? I just hope that her relationship with that boy is not too damaged. Oh, I can ask her right away, right? I mean, the spell is still in effect, after all.

“I have a mug of ale, if you please.” I placed my order without ordering any food. A mug is enough for me while I assessed the man I’m tailing at the moment.

“…Coming right up.”

“And tell me, how is your relationship with that boy?” She froze on the spot. I could also sense her heartbeats raised for a single second. Was it that surprising for her? “What’s his name? Adart, right?”

“…Uhm…we’re…uhm…” Oh? Was it so difficult to explain? “W-We’re…g-g-going good with each other.”

“Hmm? Good as in, the two of you is going out with each other?”

“W-W-We are!” Ah, she was embarrassed to say that? Her heartbeats raised up even higher and she emitted the feeling of a girl in love. How adorable. I bet her face was flushed red by now. I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “W-What’s so funny!?”

“Nothing. I’m just happy to hear that your relationship with him is good. That’s all.” I smiled at her.

“…Ugh…I’m…going to get your drink.” She immediately left with hurried steps. I guess I teased her too much. It is actually a load off my mind that her relationship with the boy is in good term. But…somehow I sensed that that fellow Cyrielle had a hand in this. I’ll confirm it with her later on. Just to make sure.

As I wait for my drink, I noticed that the knight in question is still drinking with a party of four. From the ‘view’, I think they are the one that he had defeated previously on the training field. Or maybe they are the friends of the one he defeated? I didn’t really recognize any of them actually. It is just a guess from the direction of their conversation. The content of it was something along the line of how strong he is while fighting them, his achievement from he was just a knight, and also their good impression of his work. I also picked up several flattering praise from them. For how honest those were, I could not know. Some of them sounded like a really honest adoration while most sounded very much like a bogus and empty praises.

I also picked up sign of Ingolf felt quite bothered by the torrent of praises he received. I guess he also detected that most of them are just plain lip service. From our conversation the other day, I think that was one of the sources of his fatigue. I actually pitied him a bit.

“Here you go.” A voice accompanied the thumping sound of the mug. A slushing sound could be heard the moment the mug hit the table and a slight scent of alcohol immediately came into my nose. “Anything else?” Mena’s voice sounded a bit more annoyed than before. I guess I really did teased her a bit too much. Knowing full well that she couldn’t do a thing to me, she could only endure that. But as she was already asking, might as well ask her for assistance.

“Yeah, there is one thing. See that guy over there?” I pointed at Ingolf.

“The knight? What about him?”

“Tell me what you know about him.”

“Am I your informant here?” I nodded. Did she forget about the spell I placed on her and Adart? “…Ugh, you’re right. The name is Ingolf Lange. A private knight of the royal family. That is all.” Useless information. Well, not that I expect much from her.

“And? Who are those with him?”

“I saw them a lot. They are the militia soldier.” Oh, I was right then. “They are frequent customer here. The knight, not so much.” She let out a sigh. “If it is, the tavern will be more packed. It’s good for business to have someone famous. Or at least someone that the public is interested in.” I agree with that. I know that I haven’t known him for long, but he didn’t seem to me to be the type that likes to get drunk for fun. I don’t know. He just somewhat…too serious and uptight? Maybe.

“When you said that he is not so much as a customer, do you mean that as in you never seen him here before or he comes but not too often?”

“A sharp one, as usual.” She then let out a snort. Is that really a surprise for her? I guess not since her tone showed nothing of that sort. “He has come a few times here. Alone.” Ho? Alone? This is interesting. “He just picked a secluded spot and then drinks by himself. Just one mug for the whole night. Like you, I guess.” Ah, that last sentence was delivered with a rather irritated tone. It is understandable that if all the customers in this establishment is just like me, ordering only one mug for the whole night, it will not bring much profit for them. Sorry, but this strictly for a job. I have no intention of getting myself drunk. On second thought, it will take me quite a lot to drink before I could get into that state. I’m not a heavy drinker myself but I can hold my liquor pretty good, if I may say so myself.

“All night long and alone? Hmm…And I presume that he looked anything but happy, right?”

“Yeah, you got it.” She then let out a sigh. “Kind of a strange man he is. Well, that’s all you get from me. I have more customers to serve or my pay will get cut.” After that, she left my table. I only waved at her slightly.

As I gulped my drink slowly, I noticed that the group that surrounded Ingolf left one by one. After a while, he was finally alone. As I tapped the table to get a better ‘view’, I could sense that he stood up, carrying his mug with him, and then walked to the other side of the tavern. It was a much quieter place, just like mine. I could hear a sigh escaped his mouth as he sat on that seat.

I stayed on my seat, waiting for him to do anything. But just as Mena said, he just stayed there, drinking his mug slowly while letting out a sigh ever so often. I picked up the sign of his heartbeats and it closed to someone that is depressed. I guess the contagious merry atmosphere will only do so much.

I guess it is time for me to make a move. Watching him for too long will not give me anything, right. Let’s just try to make a conversation first. I then walked toward his seat.

“Ah, are you Sir Lange?”

“Huh?” I could sense him shifting his attention to me. “Nerva?” Ah, surprised, just as expected. Good. That is a very good start for me.

Author Note:

Next is the conversation int he tavern.

Please give me comment and opinion for this story, or even critique so that I can improve my writing. Do tell me if you find something strange or wrong with the chapter. Thank you for reading!