Chapter 12

Leaving behind her confusion, the ceremony proceeded. The 2nd Prince opened a thick book and read it to the knights, and when Knight Commander Starz shouted something out loud, the knights also sang together. Rosaline opened her mouth and pretended to imitate.

Some people who looked like priests brought a wide engraved plate and placed it in front of the altar. They filled the thin, white plate with clear water. The water, which was also called holy water, came from the lake right in front of the laurel tree on which the Idelavhim’s eagle sat. Although the water itself had no effects, it was used whenever important ceremonies were performed.

The inauguration ceremony began with those who were being promoted from apprentice knights to lesser knights. The prince stepped back, and the Knight Commander presided over their oath instead. Many people went up and down the altar. When the ceremony began for those who were being promoted from lesser knights to senior knights, the prince, who had stood back, came forward. Ricardis conducted their inauguration ceremony himself. Everyone looked at the Master of the Knights of White Night with their eyes shining. After waiting for a long time, they called Rosaline’s name.

“Rosaline Esther Radwiell. Come forward.”

She walked as Calyx had taught her. Step by step, her legs should not be too far apart, and her stride should not be too large or too small. ‘Chin up, eyes to the front, with the back straightened...’ She inwardly repeated Calyx’s words. Standing in front of the altar, Rosaline drew her sword, thrust it into the ground, and knelt on one knee to finish her preparations.

In the center of the altar was the 2nd Prince, to his right was Knight Commander Starz, and to his left was the priest. Her eyebrows twitched at the 2nd Prince, who was looking down at her. But she kept her head down, so she didn’t go crazy.

“Lesser knight of the White Night, Rosaline Esther. Swear your oath.”

His low, soft voice hummed overhead. Rosaline raised her head and opened her mouth.

“Rosaline Esther Radwiell swears a sincere oath before the Laurel of the Snowfield.”

“Ricardis Darius Illavenia, the Laurel of the Snowfield, hears the oath of Rosaline Esther Radwiell.”

Their eyes met. The prince’s blue eyes stared into hers unwaveringly. They seemed to be saying, ‘Yeah, that tawdry oath, now say it.’

“Rosaline Radwiell will be the sword of Idelavhim that cuts through the black moon.”

“You shall become the light of Idelavhim that parts the black moon.”

“Rosaline Radwiell will protect the weak and be loyal to the Empire.”

“You shall be a strong fence for the weak, an indestructible shield of Illavenia, and a defender of your honor.”

“Under the splendor of the glorified Idelavhim, I swear to dedicate this life to becoming a knight of the 2nd Laurel.”

An impurity, which had been moving for a while, entered Rosaline’s senses. It was the gritty gaze she had been feeling all along since coming to the Knights of White Night. Rosaline continued her swordsmanship practice and found the source of that gaze. In the distance, several tall men were watching her. From the shape of the epaulets they were wearing, one could tell that they were lesser knights. They looked at Rosaline and then put their mouths together to say something about her. They then snickered and laughed.

Rosaline knew. The formula [Laugh when you feel good] doesn’t hold here. Those men were pouring out their nasty feelings towards Rosaline without even trying to hide it. Her bare instincts and her experiences, some of which she had built up as a human, were telling her they don’t like Rosaline. They wanted to make a dent in her, and they were looking forward to the moment when that dent finally snapped.

[Sister has many enemies. To be precise, Sister entered a place with many enemies. You should be prepared for that when going to the castle.]

Everything Calyx said was absolutely right. Rosaline had many enemies. Humans of the same race, wearing the same clothes, and living together under the same building, were hovering around Rosaline, hoping to bring her down somehow. Her nerves started to go wild. Rosaline’s movements were still slow but became terribly sharp.

The lesser knights who had been watching from afar as she practiced basic swordsmanship approached with heavy steps. Honestly, it looked dignified. Since they were not far away, they quickly arrived in front of Rosaline in the center of the arena. Rosaline felt they were coming, and she had to stop without finishing her practice.

All of them put their fists on top of their hearts and saluted. A young blond man who was smiling while his mouth twisted to one side opened his mouth.

“The glory of Idelavhim who cuts the black moon. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, Sir Rosaline.”

“The glory of Idelavhim to you.”

[Fortunately, the Knights Orders is a group with a clear hierarchy.]

The voice of the smiling young man drowned out Calyx’s voice.

“Congratulations on being promoted to a senior knight.”

“Thank you.”

“Would you mind giving me some pointers? You see, when I think of the time we were in the same group before... Well... It was unimaginable for you to get promoted, so I didn’t even think of sending a congratulatory gift.”

[... a group with a clear hierarchy...]

“...”

‘I don’t think it’s... I don’t think it’s a group with a clear hierarchy...’ Rosaline’s current situation was at odds with Calyx’s past teachings. The blonde man was arguing with her now. It was blatant enough even for the dull Rosaline to notice.