A Villain's Will to Survive novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Trace (4)

The continent's knight orders are divided into three main categories.

The first category consists of national knight orders operated by the imperial or royal family. These national knight orders are very large.

Not only knights, but many university-educated researchers specializing in demonic beasts and dungeons also work there. In times of emergency, the knights are mobilized as state officers. Only the most talented cadets from knight academies can join these knight orders.

The second category consists of knight orders operated by noble families. As one might expect, only the wealthiest territories can afford to maintain a knights order. Families with extensive lands, frequent appearances of demonic beasts, and a high likelihood of dungeon formation are able to sustain such orders.

Among these, the Yukline family's Hadecaine Knights Order is particularly favored by cadets due to its excellent location and the benefits of being in a major city.

The third category consists of private knights' orders. Over half of the 108 knights orders across the Empire fall into this category. Unlike national and noble family knights orders, which are often tied to specific regions, private knights orders usually have bases in major cities and embark on expeditions two or three times a month.

They undertake missions such as hunting demonic beasts in rural areas, destroying monster camps, and conquering dungeons, funding their operations through the spoils and sponsorships they receive. However, the requirements for establishing a knights order are very strict, so only one or two new knights orders are established each year.

The headquarters of the newly established Freyhem Knights Order, which falls into this third category, was bustling with activity. Yulie, looking over the accounts, let out a sigh of relief. This first half of the year seemed to be ending in surplus. The monster camp eradications and dungeon conquests had gone well, and it seemed luck was on their side this year.

"Alright, we just need to keep working hard like this," Yulie said to herself, leaning back in her chair and enjoying a moment of satisfaction.

Knock, knock—

Someone knocked on the office door and entered.

"Grand Knight Yulie," said Rockfell, her senior knight and the current deputy knight of Freyhem.

"Yes, Sir Rockfell. What is it?"

"The Terh Corporation has requested an escort for their Express Train," Rockfell said, handing over some documents while stroking his rough beard.

"Is it for the Berhert meeting?"

"Yes."

Private knights orders occasionally take on missions similar to adventure teams, but the level of trust required between the parties is much higher. Knights orders only accept missions from verified institutions or state entities, usually those with a strong public interest.

The Terh Express Train was a Magitech Marvel that traveled precariously along the cliffs of the Berhert Mountains, the only means of reaching the highest altitude near Berhert.

"It's been fifteen years since the last Berhert meeting, and now we have been called,” Rockfell said, looking displeased. "I don't know why this request came to us."

The knights of Yulie's order had a deep-seated animosity toward Deculein. It was no surprise that they shuddered at the thought of him attending the Berhert meeting.

"It's fine. You don't have to decline the mission."

"Really?" Rockfell said, his eyes widened. "Are you sure? Veron did mention that he wanted to take this mission."

"Veron did?" Yulie asked sternly. In professional settings, she was always a strict and upright leader.

"Yes. The mission specifically requested Veron. He has been excelling in VIP protection lately."

Veron was a knight who hadn't even graduated from university, but his exceptional knightly spirit and tremendous effort had elevated his skills to the level of imperial knights his age. Though he sometimes had a habit of solitary contemplation, his bravery and dedication to his comrades, demonstrated in the Graknen Dungeon, were well known to Yulie.

"That's great. If it's Veron, he will handle it well. I approve.”

In summary, Veron was the most trusted knight among all the members of the Freyhem Knights Order, including Yulie. Even the discerning Zeit had praised him a while ago, saying, "He has the rare old-school spirit."

"But are you really okay with this?"

"Yes, I am totally fine with it."

"Really? Veron is practically like one of our own children," Rockfell said, concern evident in his voice.

"... Sir Rockfell, if you keep questioning me, I might get angry," Yulie said, narrowing her eyes. The more Rockfell pressed her, the more annoyed she became, even though she was genuinely fine with it. "You know that escorting the Express Train is a significant mission. If Veron handles it well, it will boost both our knights order's reputation and his career."

"Yes, that's true, but..." Rockfell said, pausing to ponder for a moment.

Could it be that Grand Knight Yulie has reconciled with Deculein? I heard about a meeting yesterday. Or perhaps... Did Zeit beat Deculein? That must be it; there's no other explanation.

"Don't even entertain such ridiculous thoughts," Yulie said sharply, noticing his speculative and unfounded ideas.

"Ah, yes. Ahem. By the way, Grand Knight, do you have any plans for tonight?"

"I have somewhere to visit."

"Hmm. I was thinking about arranging a team dinner, but if you have other plans, that's fine. I'll be leaving now," Rockfell said, scratching the back of his neck as he left the room.

"Oh, I forgot to mention, Grand Knight...?" Rockfell said, reentering the room and seeing Yulie holding the long nameplate to her face, smiling oddly.

If the Imperial Knights Order scouted him, I would gladly let him go...

Knock, knock—

This time, after a proper knock on the door, Rockfell entered again. _{ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com}

“Hmm?”