A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

‘It’s not a duel.’

It was a proposal, an offer.

‘This seems to be happening often these days.’

Didn’t Marcus also mention it?

‘He asked me to become a Battalion Commander.’

He had declined.

And now, it’s about becoming a Knight.

Encrid looked at the man in front of him.

At first glance, he didn’t seem to be a noble of Naurillia.

So, is that a problem?

Not at all, it wouldn’t be a problem in the slightest.

Even if someone was born in Naurillia, those from rural villages wouldn’t know or care who the ruler or nobles are.

They only care about those who keep their bellies full and don’t cause them trouble.

Especially since they grow up never having seen the ruler, they consider the lord governing their area as the King. This is typical for people who grow up in such villages.

Thus, Encrid’s loyalty to the country wasn’t particularly strong.

So, the reason he wasn’t responding immediately wasn’t out of loyalty.

It wasn’t because he was reluctant to receive help either.

If he hadn’t received advice and help, he wouldn’t have come this far.

In that regard, Encrid was grateful to Rem, Audin, Ragna, Jaxon, and even Krais.

But aside from all that, Encrid felt honestly deflated after hearing the proposal.

How should he put it, his heart, which had been racing, suddenly cooled.

He set out thinking he’d see the real skill of the man standing before him.

That’s why he didn’t care about the pouring rain.

“Should I follow even though you haven’t disclosed where?”

“You won’t regret it.”

His eyes gleamed, believing in his words sincerely.

Encrid knew that even if the other party had no ill intentions, it wouldn’t necessarily benefit him.

Even an unintentional stone can kill a frog.

Whether the stone was thrown with good intentions, bad intentions, or to chase away a nearby snake, a stone is a stone.

Above all.

‘Do I want to join the Knighthood?’

Encrid looked up at the sky and asked himself.

The pouring rain didn’t seem like it would stop anytime soon.

For autumn rain, it was quite heavy.

The thought was brief. It wasn’t a matter to ponder for long.

Becoming a Knight and joining a Knighthood were different matters. It had always been so.

Admiring the Red Cape Knights didn’t mean he’d give up everything to wear that cape.

It was the same now.

“I refuse.”

“Refuse? If it’s because I didn’t disclose the affiliation, reconsider. No one can offer a better path than I can. Especially if you aim higher, you’ll need to go where such people gather.”

Do you have to join a Knighthood to become a Knight?

Not necessarily. But the chances are higher.

Knights can also be found among mercenaries and bandits.

But the fact remains that most Knights come from Knight orders.

At least, there are more opportunities.

To a soldier from a remote fiefdom with nothing, it would seem like a golden opportunity.

“It’s a better place than the Red Cape Knights. I guarantee it.”

The Rapier Swordsman reiterated, but Encrid didn’t nod.

“A Knight order, huh.”

Sure, it could be an opportunity.

But can you achieve such skills simply by training and practicing within a Knight order? Can you reach where you want to be? Can you become a Knight?

Encrid looked back at the path he had taken. Reflection was part of him. Looking back, what was there?

What had brought him this far?

It was clear that a worry-free, given optimal environment wasn’t what he needed.

Additionally,

“I haven’t seen the end of my subordinates yet.”

Because he achieved the present by accepting from them, he couldn’t ignore it.

Just as he was about to refuse again,

“Do you know what is the most forbidden thing to touch among the Fairy’s belongings?”

Where did that come from?

Even with Encrid’s heightened senses, the presence was vague until they spoke.

Before he could refuse, the voice of the Fairy Company Commander rang out.

Has she washed? Her face was brighter than before. She was dressed in casual clothes. Although the sleeves were long, she wore a thin shirt that fluttered in the wind.

Then,

“Fiancée.”

It was Jaxon. Was he answering the Fairy’s question?

What are those two doing over there?

Both Encrid and the Rapier Swordsman turned their heads.

“That’s right. Fiancée. Do you know what happens if you treat a Fairy’s fiancée carelessly?”

“Execution, right?”

Rem also appeared.

He acted like he wouldn’t come out of the quarters.

“My lord, my father. I repeat, please do not take my precious Company Commander.”

Audin also came out, praying.

When did these guys start watching?

They were gathered on one side of the training ground.

Around Audin, there were others.

Audin praying, Ragna watching quietly, Rem grinning while exuding a killing intent, and Jaxon beside him.

At Jaxon’s feet was Esther, and the golden-eyed beastfolk also stepped forward.

“If you go, I’ll go with you.”

It was Dunbachel’s words. She was always sincere, never speaking indirectly. So wherever Encrid went, she would follow.

The Fairy Company Commander stood a step away from them, staring directly at Encrid.

Lastly, Finn, who seemed to have come out late, grumbled as she spoke.

“You said you were just watching. So, are you going?”

The last question was directed at him. Encrid scratched his head.

When he thought about it, despite having done nothing for them, they stood up for him. They fought, taught, and stayed by his side until now.

‘Who am I?’

What is a Knight?

He believes it’s someone who upholds honor.

What is a Knight?

He believes it’s someone with conviction.

What is a Knight?

He believes it’s someone who establishes justice.

That’s the Knightly path Encrid believes in, follows, and aspires to become.

To him, this is honor, conviction, and justice.

The loyalty to his companions is equal to those three.

“If you’re not going to fight, go back. I’m not joining your Knight order.”

Encrid had already decided on the path to becoming a Knight.

Here, in this place, moving from the present to the next.

“Well, I didn’t plan on stopping you from leaving anyway.”

At those words, Rem spoke up with something nonsensical. Why was someone who wouldn’t stop him here?

“Um, I’m better.”

Ragna said something out of the blue.

“I mean, I’m better than any Knight order.”

Then he added, it was an arrogant and boastful statement, but Encrid had nothing to say since he knew Ragna’s genius.

Audin just smiled gently.

“It’s your choice, brother.”

Didn’t he just pray to the Gods, asking not to take his Commander?

Despite saying that, they would have accepted it if Encrid had said he was leaving.

They were truly fascinating people.

In any case, he had made his decision, chosen his path, and had no intention of looking back.

That was Encrid.

Boom.

Thunder struck again, and blue lightning passed overhead, illuminating the surroundings.

The Rapier Swordsman, who had been staring at Encrid, nodded.

“It doesn’t seem like you’ll change your mind.”

He gave up. The swordsman dusted off his hands. He traveled across the continent, finding promising individuals and guiding them to his foundation.

Under normal circumstances, he would have revealed his affiliation.

But

“I thought you’d refuse.”

So, he didn’t reveal it. Even if he had, nothing would have changed.

Still, should he mention it just in case?

It was pointless. Of all the people he had seen, Encrid’s talent was the least, but from the beginning, he had always valued that look in his eyes.

That’s why he wanted to bring him along.

At that time, it wasn’t the sword he noticed but something else.

“Be careful of the Swift Blade. He’s not a tame one.”

“Got it.”

Encrid nodded.

“Don’t overuse Will. If a child who has just started walking keeps running without rest, their knees and ankles will be ruined. First, strengthen your ankles, and then run.”

“I will.”

Good advice, an added comment.

“Well then, I’ll be leaving now. Don’t know if we’ll meet again.”

It was an unnecessarily honest farewell.

“See you again.”

Encrid responded accordingly.

The Rapier Swordsman turned away. In the end, there was no duel.

That was the only regret.

“Are you disappointed you didn’t get to fight now?”

Rem pointed it out accurately. Encrid, feeling that regret, turned his fighting spirit towards Rem.

“Since we’re already wet?”

“Well, damn, fine. Just so you know, I won’t be going easy on you like before.”

“I’ve never gone easy on you.”

“Of course. Damn that tongue of yours.”

On a rainy night, Encrid stood with his sword. Rem drew his axe in front of him.

Ignoring the downpour and the darkness, the two charged at each other through the rain.

In the end, Encrid lost again.

“Now I really can’t go easy on you.”

Rem said, standing in the pouring rain.

At least, thanks to both of them fighting with some restraint, there was no bloodshed.

‘Rem.’

He can go further. There seemed to be signs that he was somehow limiting himself.

Encrid didn’t ask about it, even though he sensed it.

It was something Rem had to handle himself.

Encrid was only determined to stay true to his beliefs, justice, and honor, and if loyalty to his comrades meant staying here, he would honor that loyalty.

“What about the broken axe?”

Encrid’s sword was sturdy. A deliberate swing of his sword had broken one of the axe blades.

Rem used that as a decoy to secure his victory.

“Aren’t you going to buy me another one?”

“I have no krona.”

“Neither do I.”

Recently, he had generously given some to Krais for doing something commendable.

He didn’t even have enough krona to get a new set of armor.

From the start, neither Encrid nor Rem were the type to save and use their krona wisely.

Naturally, their eyes turned toward the barracks.

“Big Eyes.”

If they had no krona, they would just bother Krais, known as Big Eyes.

Rem decided this, and Encrid didn’t stop him.

“Will starts now.”

It was Ragna, who had been watching the duel, speaking.

For someone who loved to laze around, it was surprising to see him out in the rain.

From his feet, thoroughly soaked Esther jumped into his arms.

“I know.”

He knew because he felt and realized it.

He was pondering whether to go back to the bathhouse or just clean up quickly and sleep.

“Commander!”

It was coming from the entrance of the barracks. It was already midnight. A soldier was calling for him.

Everyone’s eyes turned that way.

Even Rem, who had gone inside to pester Krais, came back out.

“You’re all wet. Why don’t you dry off a bit before coming in?”

Amidst Krais’s grumbling,

“There’s trouble!”

The soldier had come looking for Encrid.

What could it be this time?

---

As the Rapier Swordsman was leaving, his original companions joined him.

“It was a wasted trip, wasn’t it?”

Mockingly.

“Well, as long as it was fun.”

“Are you sure? But are you just going to leave that guy alone? He seemed to be up to something.”

Everyone had their own specialties. The one they were referring to was the crazy bastard known as Swift Blade.

The swordsman stroked his chin, a habit that persisted even after his beard was gone.

“He’ll manage on his own.”

It wasn’t really his concern. And it wasn’t as if Encrid could be easily dealt with by someone like Swift Blade.

‘Though he does have a bit of cunning in him.’

“Was it real, though?”

A subordinate asked. The Rapier Swordsman nodded without hesitation.

“It’s a talent I can’t see.”

High praise.

In truth, he had died and come back countless times to reach this point, but they wouldn’t know that.

“Oh.”

The subordinate was surprised. Such words were rare from the superior they served.

“So, where are we heading now?”

“Let’s go back. To the Empire.”

Hearing the swordsman’s words, the subordinates’ faces brightened. Finally, they were returning.

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