"Go back to the Grand Capital?"
Aurelian had considered that question.
But he was an illegitimate son, after all, and not exactly welcome. Though no nobleman was without an illegitimate child, it was still something that could never be openly acknowledged.
Besides, he wasn't really Aurelian. He was someone else with the same memories.
If anyone capable noticed something amiss around the king, he'd be finished. They might even take him for a devil and burn him at the stake.
Winter Territory suited him best. He was free here, with no one to control him. Here, he was the highest authority.
Though to other nobles, this place was a cage, with a ravenous tiger beside it, ready to devour anyone at any moment.
Thinking of this, Aurelian shook his head. "We have nowhere else to go in the kingdom. Otto's attitude is already clear. There's no place for us."
"Uh..."
Hume froze. Only then did he remember his lord's identity, and he couldn't help feeling sorry for him.
His lord had been born to the king and a mysterious noblewoman. When Otto brought him to the Grand Capital, all the great nobles' jaws had dropped.
Otto Archimonde, known for his cruelty and bloodshed, the supreme emperor of the Star Empire, had actually acknowledged his illegitimate son.
Unfortunately, the king hadn't treated him well. He had merely acknowledged him, nothing more.
"So, Hume, give up your illusions and prepare to fight. This place may be cruel, but it's best for us. Together, we'll build a powerful Winter Territory and make those cowardly nobles next door shiver with cold!"
"Yes, my lord!"
Aurelian's passionate words stirred Hume. The usually timid man was even fired up.
Perhaps his lord's words would come true, just like his promise that seeds would sprout in this strange land.
As Aurelian was rallying everyone's spirits, the space before his eyes began to twist again.
It was that dusk-like expanse, only now he could make out something faintly in the distance.
His eyes widened as his gaze drifted toward the horizon.
Was the sky collapsing?
In the distance, the horizon was yellowed with a tinge of blood. Pieces of the sky were crumbling downward like ice floes breaking loose.
It was as if this world had reached its end, and doomsday had arrived.
White light appeared. Aurelian turned his head to look at the Stone Book floating before him.
The mysterious Stone Book had opened to its third page.
The threads of fate are connected. The Long Night approaches. Your pitiful strength isn't even a match for a mantis trying to stop a chariot. With the help of your allies, train the first elite knight. Reward: 100 strong laborers.
"Th-this Stone Book even comes with a human trafficking service?"
Aurelian gaped, unable to resist making a sarcastic comment.
His vision twisted again. When Aurelian came to, only an instant had passed.
"My lord!"
Hume cried out excitedly. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought he'd just won a million-dollar lottery.
"All right, all right. I know you're enthusiastic. Now go back and put up a few recruitment notices around town. Tell the residents that I, Aurelian Sol, am about to build a knight order. Anyone willing to join will get ten Moon Silver Coins, provided they pass the knight's test, of course."
"Yes, my lord! I'll get right on it!" Hume suddenly felt full of energy. It had to be his lord's fiery passion rubbing off on him.
Aurelian rubbed his forehead. He felt just like some kind of pyramid-scheme ringleader.
After sending his steward away, Aurelian didn't plan to rest either. He threw on a coat and left the room.
Charles had left the blacksmith's shop early. He'd gotten an iron sword from old Rune to use as his weapon.
He looked at the black longsword, its surface notched in several places.
"From today on, you're my sword. I'll call you Black Blood. It seems fitting."
Every knight's sword had its own name. It was an unspoken tradition among knights.
In ancient times, it was said that powerful weapons had spirits. They witnessed every glory won in battle alongside their masters, recorded an undying spirit, and passed it on to the next wielder.
That was why knights with powerful convictions did not fear death. In their hearts, they had already gained eternal life alongside their swords!
"Come on!"
Charles encouraged himself and headed for the training ground where the knight squad was stationed.
The deserted streets and curious stares couldn't stop Charles. He kept going, finally leaving Frost Town and looking up at the enormous castle on the mountaintop.
Charles was dumbstruck. Was that Winter City, Lord Aurelian's castle?
How magnificent.
"Hey, kid! Where are you going?"
An angry voice rang out from behind him.
Charles hurriedly looked back. A knight without armor was riding a black warhorse toward him.
The black warhorse looked ferocious, with blood-red eyes and two black things growing from its head. It looked terrifying, as if it had come straight from hell.
How terrifying.
Charles muttered to himself and quickly stepped back, not wanting to block the fearsome knight's way.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm one of Lord Aurelian's knights. My name's Russell."
Russell sat astride his Barbarian Warhorse, looking down at the frightened little boy. He didn't mind the boy's fear. In fact, he was in a good mood. The town's wine and women were both quite nice. He was just a little sore about spending all ten Moon Silver Coins. Why had he spent them all? He should've saved one as a keepsake.
"I-I... my name's Charles. I'm going to report to the knight commander."
Charles stammered nervously. He couldn't help it; that black warhorse was far too imposing.
"I see. So you're a new recruit. Climb up. I'll take you up there. With those skinny legs, you'll be flat on the ground by the time you make it up."
Russell rarely showed kindness, but the kid seemed pleasant enough.
He'd seen the same determination in Charles's face.
Master got out of bed before dawn. He wasn't married and was still alone.
He casually threw on a coat, took Moonlight off the wall, and left his bedroom.
He breathed out a puff of white air and walked down to the training ground.
He rubbed his foot against the earth beneath him. Hmm, a layer had worn away.
A glimmer of longing flashed in his eyes. Then he drew Moonlight, its blade gleaming coldly, and the sword rang out crisply.
Even though the sky was still dim and there wasn't much light, it was still dazzling.
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