Gifts and Choices

The morning of the eighth day arrived.

Under the king's orders, the forces in Saint Suniel City that still retained some combat capability were swiftly organized to carry out the first counteroffensive since the siege began.

The troops ordered to depart were divided into two groups. One was the Royal Knights loyal to the king; the other was a mixed Knight Order composed of the children and private soldiers of the capital's nobles. The two forces passed through the city gate one after another beneath the crimson dawn, yet their styles could not have been more different—

The Royal Knights were few in number. Of those who had survived, only forty percent still had the strength to fight. Their armor was battered and scarred, and the bloodstains on their weapons had not even been wiped away. Like rust-colored statues of war, they crossed the city gate in silence, their killing intent restrained but their formation immaculate.

Compared to them, the other force was loud and flamboyant. A motley array of colorful banners fluttered overhead. Young noble knights in gleaming armor and rosy complexions rode tall warhorses. They looked like a theater troupe dressed for a grand procession, beating drums and blowing horns all the way, making a tremendous spectacle of themselves. Between the units flying different banners, crest flags edged in bright colors could also be seen waving high overhead—the nobles' preferred way of flaunting their personal participation in the campaign—

Of course they had to show off, because the coming "battle" would be a nearly risk-free performance. It was like the annual autumn and winter hunts, when the highborn took enchanted bows and, under the close protection of knights, went to kill beasts already driven into a corner. No matter how the hunt unfolded, as long as an arrow