CH 55

August’s faith and holy power were so massive, he was considered for becoming the youngest cardinal in the goddess’s order. Because of his good physical strength, many desired him by their side. All this made me wonder why he had joined the Dark Knights since August didn’t value absolute power or wealth, while every man and their brother longed to rally under the duke’s flag. But it turned out that Mayer’s piety scored higher in the priest’s heart.

As I finally solved one mystery, another popped up in exchange. I didn’t expect Mayer Knox to be a faithful believer to the extent of gaining respect from August. The future demon lord… a faithful servant of the goddess? Those two elements did not mix well at all.

“I assume the captain frequently prays in the monastery as well?” I asked.

“I know he always visits before setting off on an expedition. I advise you to do the same, vice-captain.”

I had never been one to believe in religion, to begin with, and so my thoughts about a game world goddess needn’t be said. Regardless if the deity of this world granted the supernatural abilities known as magic and holy power, no faith welled up in me. The story changed if Mayer, the highest authority within the Dark Knights, and August—a core member of the corps—were devout believers. I had to summon faith even if I had none so I put on a mask of piety and nodded at his suggestion. “Alright. I’ll be sure to go with you sometime.”

* * *

“I’m sorry, Robur,” I said after explaining how August had ended up mistaking her as the mastermind behind the drinking party. It would have been inconvenient if she had misunderstood the situation later. Fortunately, she was largely unconcerned about it.

“Well, I would’ve made the suggestion if you hadn’t so it doesn’t matter much,” she said, patting my shoulder with a hearty laugh.

“But—”

With a giggle, she continued, “A person’s usual behavior matters. What’s to be done if that hard-headed priest didn’t believe you when you said the truth? He’d probably think I blackmailed you had you kept on insisting.”

In a voice filled with remorse at how magnanimous Robur was, I said, “I still feel sorry about it so let’s have another drink later. My treat.”

“Sounds good.”

Growing closer with Robur was a fair gain. The genius talents of August and Axion made them the objects of admiration of the other corps members, but they were difficult to get close to. Robur, on the other hand, was prone to normally hanging out with the regular members, which was why she had a good reputation. Thanks to sticking around a woman like her, the number of people who openly insulted me had decreased. Not to mention, word had begun to spread that I was the one who had solved the incident with the Blue Flames. Although taking credit for it wasn’t my intention, I had no real reason to clear the facts… Not that it was a lie or anything.

Everyone had revised their opinion of me from a useless girl that joined the corps by luck to a somewhat useful, lucky girl. Of course, the label of ‘Mayer’s lover’ hadn’t disappeared, but nobody went on about it in my face anymore. It was a welcome moniker compared to being treated like a dog; at least I was considered a human being so I let the rumors go through one ear and out the other.

Time passed, and the day of my initiation ceremony arrived. The vice-captain uniform Mayer had tailored for me was unlike the common uniforms; made of high-quality material, it had more spiff to its epaulets and sleeves. The calf-high boots were soft and light and the gloves fit just right. One could tell at first glance that it belonged to an officer. It was only after putting on this perfectly fitting uniform that I truly felt I had become the vice-captain of the Dark Knights.

The initiation and inauguration began, and every corps member cried out the rallying call of the Dark Knights. “Darkness-cleaving swords, earth-rumbling axes, sky-piercing bows, and radiant spears! Eternal glory be to the heirs of heroes and shields of the Champion—to the Dark Knights!” They showed discipline worthy of the prestige and history of the Dark Knights. Was it because Mayer Knox was with us? A thrilling tension was running through the air.

After a brief proceeding, Mayer called my name. “Jun Karentia. Come forward.”

I stepped onto the podium under the gazes of the knights, feeling that I wasn’t cut out for all this… But it was something I had to go through only once so I held back a sigh and took a deep breath. “Hello, everyone,” I began, raising my voice from the belly due to a lack of microphones. “I’m the newly appointed vice-captain of the Dark Knights.”