Chapter 89: The Trial (1)

Chapter 89: The Trial (1)

The knight commander declared,

There are no restrictions on the means. You are free to unite with like-minded comrades or to forge ahead on your own strength. Draw upon every ounce of your wisdom and power and give it your all. That is all.

The knight commander gave a brief nod and then quickly strode away.

His attitude meant that he had no interest in entertaining further questions.

Dale pondered,

So this was the important announcement they had hinted at.

Indeed, it was an event capable of shaking the very foundations of the city.

The creation of a new imperial guard order, with its commander to be chosen through this trial.

Are they sure theyre going to keep their word about not looking at ones birth and status?

The notion that both commoners and mercenaries, not just the nobles, were given a chance was remarkable in an empire where the social hierarchy had been rigid for over a thousand years.

However, it wasnt entirely about equality.

They gave us some advantage by providing information beforehand.

Rumors had quietly circulated about the formation of the imperial guard, but the details of the trial were announced for the first time today, right here.

Given the nature of the trial as a race against time, getting even a slight head start by acquiring information was a big advantage.

It allowed for more time to prepare and make your strategy.

In fact, others were already swiftly taking action.

The knights who were close friends were gathered together to devise plans, and the mercenaries who had completely sobered up were also having a heated discussion.

Some were quick to try and leave the banquet hall but the Marquis called out,

As you all know, the sun has already set outside. Please stay in the mansion until sunrise. If you wish, I can provide rooms for you to spend the night.

They had to stay in the Marquiss mansion until the sun rose.

Did he delay the announcement intentionally to keep us here?

Had they not been detained, the more impulsive ones might have dashed off to the northwest without any preparation.

It seemed they wanted to avoid having anyone fall behind in such a manner.

Or perhaps its a message to encourage more collaboration.

While those with existing connections were already forming groups, there were also those of relatively lesser influence.

Those with lesser influence were using this time to discuss forming alliances among themselves.

People wracked their brains and scurried about. They were fiercely competing for even the slightest edge in the trial.

But amidst the bustling atmosphere, Dale remained calm and composed.

To be honest, Dale had little interest in positions like the commander of the imperial guard.

He simply stood idly by until the sun rose.

The mercenaries approached him from time to time and asked if he would join them but Dale consistently refused.

After several rejections, no one approached Dale anymore.

Everyone else was too blinded by ambition, busily moving about.

Dale watched them from a quiet corner of the banquet hall.

Then, someone spoke to him.

You dont seem to be much interested, do you?

Turning, Dale found himself facing the commander of the knights and his disciple.

Dale nodded his head in acknowledgment.

I have no intention of joining the imperial guard, not even interested in the commander position.

Thats a shame.

The knight commander who said that looked at Dale thoughtfully.

Dale inquired,

Do you have something to say?

Ill make a guess at your thoughts now. Youre wondering why they chose to conduct the trial in such a manner, arent you?

Right.

Dale nodded his head in agreement.

This method seems like it would lead to a fair amount of bloodshed, doesnt it?

The knight commander offered an inscrutable smile and responded,

The upper districts are in need of fresh winds.

..?

Ill take my leave now. Do come find me sometime. We should cross swords.

With those words, the knight commander departed with light steps.

His disciple followed closely behind. She cast a fleeting glance at Dale before continuing on.

***

As the sun rose, the attendees of the banquet quickly dispersed.

Before the day was out, the city would likely be abuzz with talk of the days events.

The children have become the problem.

Garlands eyes widened. He hadnt expected such a quick response to his probing question.

You are really sharp. Correct. Theres no guarantee that children born to capable parents will be capable themselves.

Titles are typically passed down to only one of the offspring.

Other children who could not obtain a title had to make merit and prove their worth in order to remain in the upper districts.

Every knight in the upper districts is obsessed with honor and achievements and it wasnt without reason that they wanted to join the imperial knights.

Dale remembered a knight who had recently received a medal and started crying.

There must have been a reason for that.

Opportunities for nobles offspring to distinguish themselves were limited.

The easiest place to gain merit is certainly the front lines, but

What parent would wish to send their child to the front lines? And which parent would want to cast their child out? Recently, theres been an increase in nobles who find mediocre positions for their incompetent children to somehow keep them in the upper districts. When the incompetent take up space, theres less room for the capable.

Its the beginning of corruption.

Thats right.

Dale thought of the countless nobles laughing and chatting and reveling in the banquet hall.

The number of nobles was increasing again, and the upper districts were becoming corrupt.

The Emperor was displeased with this.

But to decisively expel the nobles offspring would undoubtedly meet significant resistance.

The nobles have been accumulating power for decades since the city was founded.

Its possible that a greater chaos than the turmoil at the founding of Irene could unfold.

So, they deliberately created a breathing space. If one enters the imperial guards, at least they wont be driven out of the upper districts.

Yes. Moreover, this move could also weaken the nobles power. As the competition among the nobles intensifies, so will the losses. Of course, if the bleeding becomes too severe, the imperial family will intervene appropriately.

Dale recalled the Marquiss words.

Did he say that the trial will depend on ones ability, regardless of status or birth?

Despite the polished words, this situation was likely to escalate into a competition among the nobles.

Mercenaries were merely a side note.

Garland spoke up.

Moreover, the turmoil in the northwest is more serious than we thought. It hasnt been long since the unrest started, but the damage is spiraling out of control. Its a problem that needs urgent resolution.

The Emperor seems to be a man of great ambition. Its intriguing how many benefits hes trying to secure at once.

Garland smiled bitterly.

That must be why hes been able to hold the empire against demons, isnt it?

Dale nodded his head in agreement.

It was an undeniable fact that the Emperor had been successfully waging war against demons for decades now.

He was not a figure to be taken lightly.

I do want to see him at least once.

Given that the Emperor was a character hard to encounter even back in the actual game, it was only natural for Dale to be curious.

However, the immediate concern wasnt the Emperor.

Garland asked.

Will you be joining as well, Sir Dale?

Im thinking of joining as a mercenary. It seems a shame to let such an opportunity pass by.

Haha, such keen insight, not missing the main chance. Sir Dale, youve truly become a mercenary. May I offer a piece of advice on how to increase your bounty?

Dale responded.

Id appreciate that.

Its nothing major. Theres a limit to how much money one can earn as an individual. So,

So?

Form a party. Youll likely earn more that way than by accepting the request alone.

A party

He immediately thought of a few people.

Dale stood up.

Ill be back shortly.

You might want to hurry. The nobles are likely getting impatient by now.

That day, dozens of carriages left the gates of Irene and headed northwest.

They were an eager vanguard, deciding to make haste.

The next morning, the mercenary guild was abuzz with servants of nobles who had come to hire mercenaries.

They were all demanding and speaking to the guild staff in frustration.

Where is Sir Dale? Where can we find Sir Dale?

Please, we beg of you, connect us with Sir Dale!

They were all looking for Dale.