TMKWPL CH 11

Chapter 11

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Berl, The Delinquent Vice-Commander

A classical building with large arched windows on the north side of the Imperial Palace.

This four-story building houses the administrative offices of the knights order, the busiest of all the palace offices.

As the hour approached when nobles would begin arriving with their various petitions, someone was anxiously pacing around the building's entrance.

When someone approached, he would quickly disappear behind the building, only to reappear and repeat his restless movements.

Dark circles under his eyes, indicating worry, and his brown hair half-tucked back.

Though he seemed slightly off from usual, anyone could still recognize the suspicious figure at a glance. Vice-Commander of the Black Knights, Berl Altoirut.

He was the third son of the Altoirut Barony, renowned for its diligence and integrity, and the only man in his family to become a knight which had traditionally favoured administrative work over physical labour.

Although treated as an odd one by his family, genetics, perhaps, could not be ignored. He was recognized in the Order for his exceptional diligence and skill, and rose to the position of Vice-Commander.

But today, that proud and diligent Berl Altoirut was nowhere to be found.

The administrators of the Black Knights bowed their heads in greeting as he arrive.

Berl, however, barely lifted his hand, not even glancing at them as he sat down at his desk.

Concerned, one knight cautiously approached him.

“Um… Vice-Commander. Is something the matter?”

It had been seven long years since Berl started his life as a knight. He had never been late, but now, unusually, he was arriving at work exactly five minutes late for several days in a row.

T/N: Lol

“Do I need to explain the reason for my tardiness to you?”

“N-no, sir.”

The knight, who was worried about him, was taken aback by Berl’s unusually cold tone but proceeded to get his approval.

Berl watched him leave with a sharp, bitter look.

“Do you know why the Vice-Commander is acting unusual these days?”

“No idea. Is there something bad happening within his family?”

“Oh dear, He should really take some time off.”

“He would never. Where could you find someone as diligent as the Vice-Commander?”

Berl's face further darkened as he silently observed those who were whispering about him.

Good. It seems they've finally realized what an incredibly irresponsible man I am. Hehe…

That's right. Berl was currently rebelling.

He boasted of having the highest loyalty, honouring his Commander more than anyone, and believed he was the Commander's closest confidant.

For five years, Berl had steadfastly awaited his Commander, regardless of any disputes.

But the only thing that returned to this loyal man was the news that his Commander, who had him as her only contact for five years, had gone on maternity leave without so much as a word, let alone news of a pregnancy.

He was profoundly enraged by this shocking news and, finally, turned dark, engaging in what he considered the maximum level of rebellion.

Yes. She must be suffering. Absolutely miserable. I didn't even tidy my hair today. It's only a matter of time before word of this reaches the Commander. Of course, she'll regret it immensely. And only then will she regret my absence. Heh heh…

The knights watched their Vice Commander, who was grimly chuckling to himself.

“How can he be so tidy even when he’s having such a tough time? He’s amazing.”

“I know. Plus, letting his bangs down recently makes him look much younger.”

“Now, with the Commander absent. Let’s be a source of strength for him!”

“Yes! Let’s do our best!”

Berl was even more thrilled, observing them whispering to each other again.

Yes! Behold! Late by a whole five minutes today, this lazy me, this fallen me!! This devilish Vice-Commander! Go on,  report it to the Commander already!!!

The Vice-Commander was clearly intoxicated in his own righteous act of rebellion. But then, an unfamiliar document on his desk caught his eye.

It was a list of returned replies sent by the Black Knights.

“…Ed. We sent two letters this month, so why are there three replies?”

A knight quickly rose and answered.

“Ah! A few days ago, the Commander-in-Chief’s aide delivered it first thing in the morning. It was urgent, so we sent it straight to the commander. We only just received the reply today. Honestly, getting a reply from the Commander is always difficult. Haha… Vice-Commander?”

The brighter the knight spoke, the paler Berl’s face became.

…A-An invitation to the general assembly was sent to the Commander…!

A meeting he always attended as a proxy, accepting the invitation on behalf of the Commander who hated them.

And because he was merely five minutes late, it had already been sent to the Commander.

And this, right when she was already under scrutiny for her parental leave!

N-No! Commander…!!

His face hollowed instantly. He shot to his feet and bolted for the council hall, sprinting like a cheetah across the plains.

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It was something she had to do anyway.

She arrived at the Great Conference Room on time.

As she entered through the open door, four splendid chairs sat around a semicircular table opposite a chalkboard that covering an entire wall.

These were the chairs for the Commanders of the Black, White, Red, and Gold Knights.

Two men occupied the centre of the table, emanating a heavy aura.

They were Vengart, the Commander of the Red Knights, a large man like a crimson bear his shoulders adorned with extravagant epaulets; and Ashan, the Commander of the Gold Knights, with an exotic bronze skin.

Both were about ten years older than Lucia and, like her, had made significant contributions to the founding of the Empire.

“Oh, look who it is. Quite the distinguished guest?”

“Long time no see, Commander Lucia.”

Though they greeted her, their expressions held no real warmth.

“It has been a while.”

With a nod, Lucia walked past them and took the furthest seat next to Ashan.

Then, she focused on the empty seat farthest from her own. The occupant of that seat, Leon, had yet to arrive.

Threats, uncomfortable gifts.

Having been subjected to his inexplicable schemes right after her regression, she was already exhausted by the thought of what might happen in this uncomfortable conference room.

“I heard you’re on parental leave. Is that true? I can barely believe it.”

In the quiet conference room, Vengart said sarcastically. Lucia didn't respond to that seemingly innocuous question.

“Ahem! Having a child and becoming a Sword master after five years! How can a woman who had a child even manage that? …Amazing. Surely, you haven’t deceived His Majesty, have you? Haha.”

Anyone could tell he was deliberately provoking her. But, with the mental age of a ninety-year-old, being provoked to this degree would be a long shot for her.

Lucia had intended to let it pass quietly, and merely curved her lips slightly as a minimal reaction.

“…Hey, Commander! What’s with that smile? Are you ignoring me right now?!”

Lucia’s intention was to move on quietly, but as always, that dry smile have only fuelled his anger.

If the Black Knights' temperament was like a sombre and cold wolf, the Red Knights were a faction whose temper was like boiling lava.

Their members were always fighting like puppies and kittens, that it was now considered natural.

“Enough. This is disgraceful between commanders. Oh, Commander Lucia. We were just discussing that matter. There may be a disciplinary hearing before your return.”

Although it was meant to change the subject, Ashan’s words carried unmistakable hostility

The Gold Knights were a secretive group that served the emperor closely. Thus, they were naturally closer to the emperor than any other knights. But the emperor always and only sought Lucia in most dangerous moments, so she was not viewed favourably by him either.

…A disciplinary action. How annoying.

Since the leave had been approved by the emperor, there would be no serious disciplinary action.

It was just a petty spectacle for the conservative nobles who wanted to complain. Their attitude abruptly changed when she announced early retirement and headed into the mountains.

The nobles, sensitive to hierarchy, had always been displeased with her, who had the emperor’s trust like the current commanders, yet in the end, it was they who clung to her coattails, fearing the weakening of their military power.

It was tiresome to get entangled with such foolish people again, but for Nia's sake, being in a position to quickly gather information would be advantageous.

“A disciplinary action? As if. His Majesty himself granted parental leave to someone who was sent to train but came back with a child. Anyway, that training must have been quite long that even the famous Black Commander indulged in a bit of flirtation.”

Vengart sneered, it was outright a sexual harassment.

Lucia’s eyebrow twitched, he had crossed the line.

“Such a thing is not even worthy of being called speech.”

A smooth, crisp, and resolute tone in a low-mid voice.

Leon Lawrence, the Commander of the White Mage Order, entered the conference room with calm steps.

Leon, with his usual clean-cut smile, immediately picked up his chair and placed it next to Lucia.

It was common knowledge that Leon had long harboured feelings for her. Yet never before had he taken her side so openly in a public setting. He had always maintained strict courtesy.

Taken aback, Ashan stood up and moved his chair. Vengart also awkwardly stood up.

“W-what is it? Why do you have to sit there of all places? No, more importantly. Commander Leon! Are you trying to lecture me, your fellow commander? What kind of audacity—!”

“Yes, that's right. I'm telling you something you failed to learn when it mattered.”

Vengart was shocked by his gentle yet biting sarcasm, which he had never heard before.

Unbothered, Leon comfortably sat in the chair he had placed next to Lucia.

Then, wearing the serene smile of a holy angel, he beamed, thoroughly satisfied.

Chapter 10

Chapter List

Chapter 12