Chapter 676

Chapter 676

“You want... to become a knight?” Siegfried asked, sounding slightly flustered.

He couldn't help but be flustered, as Mark did not have to become a knight at all. He was the son of the Blanc Clan’s chieftain, and he was no different than royalty in terms of social status. On top of that, his mother was a daughter of the Ashenuna Dukedom.

Why would someone like him want to become a knight?

Moreover, his father, Nanuqsa, was a Master. In other words, Mark had one of the strongest people on the continent as his father.

“But why? Is there a reason you want to become a knight?”

“That is...”

“Hmm?”

“D-Dru eem...”

“Dru eem? Ah, you mean dream?”

“Y-Yes...” Mark replied. Then, he lowered his gaze to the ground and said, “M-My... dream since young was... to become a knight.”

He had been so badly abused that he couldn't help but stutter even while talking about his dream, making it difficult to understand him.

“It’s fine if you speak your mind out. Don’t stutter. You’re a man, so why are you trembling so much? I’m not going to eat you, so just relax.”

“I-I am trying to...”

“You inherited the blood of the mighty Blanc Warriors. Your white hair and blue eyes are proof of that,” Siegfried said. Then, he added, “Also, your mother is a direct descendant of Duke Ashenuna. So there’s no reason for you not to stand tall and proud of yourself.”

“But...”

“You’re no longer a slave.”

“...!”

“You could even become the next chieftain of the Blanc Clan. So stop stuttering and tell me why you want to become a knight.”

“A-Alright,” Mark replied. Then, he relaxed a bit and said, “I want to become... a good knight. A good knight that adheres to the knight’s code—”

“Why?”

“Because such a knight is righteous.”

“Righteous...”

“A knight is loyal to their country, protects the weak, rights the wrong, kills evil monsters, and punishes villains.”

“That's...”

Siegfried couldn't easily agree with Mark's words.

What was the Knight Code of Chivalry?

The Ten Commandments that all knights on the continent had to adhere to were as followed.

1. To serve their liege in valor and faith.

2. To put their lives on the line to protect their motherland.

3. Protect the weak and defenseless.

4. Be kind to the populace.

5. Do not speak ill of others without reason.

6. Do not be tempted by greed.

7. Value honor equally to one’s life.

8. Vanquish evil and injustice, do not bow to evil, and do not be in the company of evildoers.

9. Remain faithful at all times.

10. Do not be a coward.

However, there weren't that many knights following these commandments. A knight was still a human being, so it was impossible for them to adhere to every single one of these commandments.

‘I guess he’s still a kid after all,’ Siegfried thought with a bitter smile.

He could not help but wonder what Mark would be like once he grew up and became a knight. How would he face reality once he realized that even a righteous knight had to make conflicting choices once the situation called for it?

Would he be disappointed? Or would he adhere to the Knight Code of Chivalry until the very end, even if a sword was placed on his neck?

“Mark.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Do you really wish to become a knight?”

“Yes.”

“What about becoming the chieftain of your clan?”

“My sister can do that. I am not that familiar with the ways of the clan. And... I feel awkward around them.”

“Gasp!” Mark gasped upon realizing that the knight he'd be serving was none other than Oscar. Oscar was really famous throughout the continent, and she was known as Noble Knight Oscar.

She was a knight of a small and weak kingdom, but she had become popular for her determination to follow the Knight Code of Chivalry to a T.

“Who might this young man be, Your Majesty?”

“He will be your squire from now on.”

“Eh?”

“So what happened is...” Siegfried proceeded to explain Mark’s backstory. Then, he added, “He’s talented and possesses good character. I’m sure he will become a good knight under your tutelage.”

“B-But Your Majesty... I am—”

“Then, I’ll leave him in your care. Bye!”

Siegfried left before Oscar could say anything.

“...Your Majesty?” Oscar muttered helplessly while watching him disappear into the distance. Then, she said under her breath, “I do not have the luxury of time to take in a squire...”

It went without saying that Siegfried had no idea just how busy Oscar was.

***

Siegfried left Mark in Oscar’s care and headed straight to see Brunhilde and Verdandi.

“Is studying fun to you?”

“Yes, grandpa!”

“Keke! You adorable little! Yes, study harder. You might become someone like grandpa who only knows how to fight if you don’t study hard.”

“Huh?”

“Keke! What I want to say is that you should study hard!”

Siegfried saw Deus and Verdandi going somewhere while holding hands.

“Huh?” Siegfried tilted his head in confusion. Then, he rushed over and greeted him, “Hello, Master.”

“Oh, you’re here?”

“Yes, Master.”

“It seems you’re doing quite well for yourself.”

“Eh?”

“Luck was on your side this time. Your body could have ended up getting destroyed.”

“What do you mean by that, Master?”

“How would you absorb that gigantic lizard’s heart when your body isn’t strong enough? You survived thanks to me modifying your body, but even that was only possible because luck was on your side. I dare say you used up all of your luck in that instance.”

“R-Really, Master?”

Siegfried was surprised by Deus' words. What Deus meant by his body could have ended up getting destroyed was that his character, Siegfried van Proa, could have gotten deleted from the game.

“I will be more careful from now on, Master,” Siegfried said with a bow. Then, he looked to his side and flinched, “Oh...”

He was taken aback by how much his daughter had grown. She barely could walk properly just a few days ago, but she looked as if she was already around six or seven years old right now.

Perhaps Verdandi noticed the mixed emotions Siegfried felt, but what she did next was quite surprising.

“Father,” she said, approaching him and giving him a hug. Then, she smiled and added, “Welcome back.”

“Y-yeah...”

“I missed you, Father.”

“I missed you, too.”

Siegfried lifted her up and hugged her.

“You have grown a lot, Verdandi.”

“Yes, I did,” Verdandi replied with a bright smile.

“Have you been listening to your mother and grandfather?”

“Yes!”

“Good girl.”

Siegfried felt awkward with how much she had grown, but he acted just as he always did around her.

“Should we go and see your mother?”

“Yes!”

Siegfried held Verdandi in his arms and headed to where Brunhilde was located.

“It seems time is running out...” Deus muttered under his breath while watching Siegfried and Verdandi walk away.