Halloween has just passed, and the weather in the northern part of the empire is already a little cold in September.

Here is an ancient city located below the Palohian plateau called Bataparia, which means great caretaker in the Lamanite language.

The 500-year-old city-state was originally used for military purposes and was founded to defend the people against the attacks of ethnic minorities on the plateau. However, after the accession to the throne of the current Emperor of Padrosi, Sigsumond Woznorion Sékesiyutu I, who built fortresses, reformed the army, and strategically took the initiative, the territory occupied by the highlanders had been greatly reduced.

Today, Bataparia has lost its strategic purpose, and in the intervening 50 years it has developed into a relatively leisurely rear city-state. Gone are the bustling looks of the past, but the pace of life here is indeed slower. The beautiful scenery of the plateau in the distance and the abundance of supplies make it a well-known health resort.

On a clear dayday, standing on the tower of Bataparia you can see the black flag of Seksiyutu fluttering in the wind from the post on Mount Upikin Paso on the Palohia plateau, 10 kilometers away, which is now at the very end of the defensive line, and the front post goes all the way to below the horizon.

According to folklore, this hill, which was only part of the great plateau of Paloshia 50 years ago and did not have its own name, was personally named by His Majesty the Emperor, who had just ascended the throne.

Upikin Paso means "one small step", and the meaning of the name taken by His Majesty the Emperor is self-evident.

With a small step here, he eventually succeeded in expanding the empire much to the east. Ambitious but thoughtful, for the Patrossi, this is another emperor they have been waiting for for a long time to earn the name of "the Great" from the Pope.

The people live and work in peace and contentment, and all aspects of production are flourishing. And the enthusiasm for the mission led not only the soldiers, but also many missionaries to the front-line posts.

This was the time when religious and royal prestige was at its peak. And as the most outstanding sword and shield of the two, the patron saint of the people. The Twelve United Knights of the State are the greatest group of heroes in almost everyone's mind.

The young men who aspired to become knights cherished the badges of each of the Knights, and the most respected of them, the ones who always shiled when they mentioned them, belonged to the Silver Guard Knights who had shone in the past few years.

"Bravely saved His Highness the Crown Prince from the necromancer!"

"The Silver Guard Knights have killed the cult believers!"

"The base camp of cult believers has been ended, long live the Empire! Long live the Church! Long live the Silver Guard Knights!"

Similar news happens almost once every two or three months. At a time when the highlanders were crushed at the front and there was little fighting in the entire territory, this kind of news simply captured the hearts of the people.

The lone horse's hooves echo on the bluestone slabs that are mottled with time. The red cloak on the outside of the armor swayed gently with the movements of the black horse under him, attracting the attention of passers-by.

"The man is" "Ahh

A faint scent of smoke wafted through the air. The smell comes from the small altar near the square, and the white jade wall in the middle of the square is inscribed with a lot of names in a rigid Raman body—all of the sages and martyrs who fought bravely on this land. The small altar is filled with large and small wooden plates and basins, on which are placed somen dough and various fruits, which are the ancestral food to be offered to the ancestors on the last day of Halloween.

Even after more than a thousand years of conversion to the White Church, people throughout the empire still maintain many of the traditions of the past.

The canons of the Church are not static. Many people who don't know much about the inside of the church don't know this, but in fact the missionary sages added many details of the original native beliefs in order to make the church accessible to the locals.

They put a lot of thought into making this religion of peace more acceptable.

The monasteries that were established were full of good deeds, and the wealthy churches did not only take care of the poor people's food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. It has also invested a lot in various infrastructure projects.

Regardless of whether you are a nobleman or a commoner, if you are willing to learn knowledge, then the clergy college will be open to you. The church-funded college had three sections: the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Arts. In addition to learning about the church, students will also be able to develop professional skills and become useful to society.

Of course, there will still be thieves in some of the minutiae of poor regulation. After all, there will be places that cannot be taken care of, but on the whole, this is the era when the prestige of the White Church among the people is at its peak.

The poor would go to the church for help in almost anything, and even though the doctrine was that "any difficulty is a test for us by the gods", the monks and nuns were always helpful.

An organization that can grow to such an extent always has its own superiority.

He passed by the square and began to go further in. The inhabitants along the road were chattering, and the legionnaires on patrol immediately stood up and saluted when they saw it.

He nodded back with a slight nod and continued to drive his horse.

The neatly dressed armor is the latest model, and the joints and torso are mainly leather armor riveted with steel bars, and the chain mail is lightweight, but also excellent defense and flexibility. The thick leather surface is not only hardened, but also carved. On the left chest is painted a shiny shield, which is drawn with a carving knife and painted with silver lacquer.

The cloak that covers the outside is woollen and fastened with a silver chain across the chest.

Being able to march on horseback in full armor in the inner part of the empire was a rare privilege for even the officers of the Legion. Even members of the Order were forbidden to be on duty, and the only people who could move freely in the inner part of the city were those in high positions in the Order.

But why did such people come to this area?

Curiosity prompted the people to look at the figure, and he rode his horse slowly into the lower town.

Bataparia has a standard city-state design, and the closer you get to the lord's upper city, the more prosperous it becomes. The people who live here are naturally of higher status. The lower town, on the other hand, was usually a place frequented by commoners, and it was only natural that people dressed as noble knights would be the object of attention.

The silence caused by the sudden cessation of footsteps was replaced by whispered discussions, and people all stopped their deeds and looked at the back of the man who was now a star in the empire.

They did not know the names of all the knights, and for some security reasons, the names of the knights were always kept secret.

The Twelve Knights themselves were originally established to be the sword and shield of the Empire, and their approach is usually more inclined to be heroes behind the scenes than to go to the front of the stage. The reason why Yinwei has been praised so high in the past few years is mainly related to the incident that saved the crown prince in the first place.

Necromancer, darkness, demons. Similar themes are always the subject matter of endless discussion. In the religiously strong empire, these fellows were notorious, and if children cried and were ignorant, their parents often used the phrase "You are going to be taken by the cultists at night!" to great effect.

Such a mysterious and dangerous name. These people saved His Highness the Crown Prince from their hands, and in a few years they attacked again and again, as if they wanted to wipe out all the cultists in the territory.

Good beats evil, light triumphs over darkness, and there are always countless similar themes. In the absence of private arming in the Church, these knights became the agents of the gods on earth, defending the light world against the darkness.

Respected and admired, the child also boasted to his partner that he would join the Silver Guard and become a knight in the future.

Such a day, to be honest, is a little lacking in reality for him.

The scene of the new joining of the Order is still vivid, as if it were only yesterday. However, looking back, it was already such a long distance.

How fast the passage of time is to the end, and only when you look back suddenly, will you feel it clearly.

The face, which was still immature at the beginning, has also begun to become angular in the years of fighting and exposure to the sun and rain. Although he was a little slender in terms of physique, he was originally more of a craftsman than a knight.

The soldiers are fast, but they are fast and not broken. Fighting with weapons, brains instead of brute force - countless emphasis, he could even remember the tone of the other party's voice clearly.

"Snacks!" a mother in the distance behind her cried, followed by a cheer from the playful children.

Offerings to the sages are of course placed on their own stomachs, and festivals like this are not often held, so people usually put a lot of effort into it. Children don't know much about tradition and respect for the ancients, and what they expect is, in the final analysis, just delicious snacks.

Simple and beautiful. He thought as he looked at the little ones who had run past his horses. One of them sneaked a touch of the shield he hung on his horse. "You!" his mother patted him on the head, and the young man turned his head and smiled at him.

"Knight, would you like to come a little too? The woman smiled and handed him the plate, but he just waved his hand: "Thank you, no." And then on.

"We want all children to be able to live like this. ”

"I want to learn more about this. ”

In a flash, 13 years have passed. He couldn't remember her face clearly, but only the serious tone in which she said these words was still deeply engraved.

To say that you don't like her is to lie. But from that moment on, he understood deeply.

She was not destined to belong to him alone.

It is said that it is a child's fantasy, and it is okay to have immature naïve thoughts. But that person has this kind of magic, able to turn naïve ideas into reality and give others the strength to move forward.

Some people are destined to be born to guide others forward.

Because of her words in the sunset that day, this is where he is now.

Head of the Knights of the Silver Guard.

Heinzswerm.

"Click-" The sound of horses' hooves stopped, and the destination was inconspicuous, just a small courtyard. Two floors, with a small courtyard. The pear blossom tree planted in the yard peeked past the low wall, but it was already September, and now it was not its main field, but through the open gate, you could see the bright daisies on both sides of the road.

"People who don't know it think that this is the home of a flower farmer. He rolled over and fell off the horse, stepping on the ground and making a rather heavy noise. The knights in military gear have a total weight of more than 100 kilograms with their height and physique, and they are quite intimidating when they walk.

"So you kid just took up his post today, and the first thing you want to do is to come to my nursing home. The sound of the wood slapping against the stone slab sounded, and from the corner of the courtyard, a somewhat thin man walked towards the door with a cane and wooden legs.

"After all, I still want you to be the first to see it. Hamilnin smiled: "Captain." ”

"Excuse me, I can't stand being so praised by the current one. As you can see, I can't afford to fall right now. He shrugged, then pointed to the side with his chin.

"Help me make a pot of tea, the head of the bar. The former head of the regiment said, his emerald blue eyes still bright despite his physical damage.

"You're not at all polite when you mention that. Hamirinen shook her head and sighed, then sat down with him on a chair in the courtyard and began to skillfully stir the coals.

"New A?" Although he has retired, the focus of habit is still far away. He spoke, and Hymirinen nodded, "And the sword, shield, and horse, all new." ”

"It's good that I retired so early - oh yes, I'm crippled. The former head shrugged his shoulders again.

"It's cold. But his joke was noticeably laughable, and Hymirning shook his head, then lifted the kettle and poured water into the teapot. He first blanched it, poured out the water in it before pouring it again, and then set it aside to settle slightly, allowing the aroma of the tea leaves to dissolve into the water.

"Looks like you remember. The former head of the regiment looked at his movements, but did not continue after saying this.

"How can you forget it? Hermenin poured him tea, then looked at the old wooden leg again: "Are the joints still grinding, the bedding used is too hard." Let them make it for you. ”

"Forget it. The budget in the regiment is tight now, you know, don't spend the money on me, let's have more good equipment. The former head of the regiment took a sip of tea and frowned, he always likes to drink piping hot tea, because the high temperature can bring out the aroma of tea even more: "Ah-yes, yes, it's still your kid's craftsmanship." He paused: "Besides, if even this discomfort can't be overcome, I'm afraid that my old wolf will really lose his teeth." ”

“....... Revenge has already been taken. Hymirnin suddenly whispered.

"Hmm. The regimental commander nodded, but did not say anything more.

"It's finally over. Hamirinen looked up at the high blue sky, and suddenly felt a little confused.

"The veteran members of the regiment, you are not dissatisfied, are you?"

"No, again thanks to the support of Gedo and Licardo. If not, I'm afraid someone will suddenly jump up and kick me off the ceremony. Hymiring looked a little scared, but he was much more mature than he had been four years ago.

If he was just a young teenager at that time, he is now a decent knight.

"Not a nobleman or a son of a wealthy merchant family, an orphan became the youngest knight in the empire at the age of 23. No one will believe this. Hamirnin shrugged his shoulders in the same way as the head of the regiment: "To be honest, I still think I'm dreaming. ”

"Aha, then do you want me to slap you. The former head of the regiment glanced at him. "Excuse me. The young man raised his hand, and the two of them laughed together.

"You kid know. ”

"Actually, I'm not an aristocrat. ”

"Huh?" said something slightly unexpected, which made Hernen stunned for a moment.

"You know the history of the Imperial Knights. The Silver Guard was one of the latest to be founded, and had a close relationship with the church. ”

"The reason why recruiting people accepts civilians is what the church means. The Captain said, and Hymir nodded in realization: "No wonder the other Knights are so bad with us, I thought it was because we were out of the limelight." ”

"The reason for that cannot be denied. The regimental commander shrugged.

"People who are all from aristocratic backgrounds will eventually limit their thinking. Many people only have glory and turf in their eyes. ”

"Only those who rise from the bottom will really understand what the people at the bottom need. When I first joined the group, I accepted you because I saw the determination to move forward in your kid's eyes. The regimental commander placed the teacup on the wooden table and continued: "This determination is combined with your origins, and do not forget where you come from. We, the Silver Guard, are not only the sword and shield of the emperor, but also the church and the people. ”

"It is our duty to defend the people, and this is what sets this Order apart from other Orders. That's why the church supports us. ”

"Silver and white are close together, aren't they, knights of silver, knights of the white church. Our long-cherished wish is for people to live and work in peace and contentment. The common people are not stupid, they know who is doing practical things, those jealous noble knights are in the limelight by us, and the whole people are cheering for the name of Yinwei. "Knock knock. The head of the regiment knocked on the table to signal, and Hemirin, who could listen attentively, hurriedly added some tea and went in.

"Don't mess up, you kid, or I'll go over and beat you up with a cane. ”

"I respectfully respect the instructions of the Captain. Hamirning chuckled.

The time for chatting flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was almost evening. It was a bit inappropriate to leave for so long just after taking office, so he was ready to leave without the need for the previous head of the regiment to rush.

"But even if you're a good kid. Before leaving, the regiment commander said meaningfully: "This kind of promotion is too smooth." ”

“...... There are noble people to help you, and there is also everyone's support. Hamirin's voice became a little low, which did not escape the ears of the regiment commander, but he did not break it, but sighed softly: "Be careful." ”

"There is no harvest in my own field, but the next door neighbor's house is fruitful. As the saying goes, the husband is not guilty. It's good to have a long snack eye. ”

"Hmm. Hamirinen nodded: "Then I'll go." ”

"Get out, get out. The regimental commander shrugged his shoulders, then spread his hands and drove him away like a fly.

————

————

The Silver Guard's residence is not far from Bataparia. As soon as he got out of the city, he drove his horse and returned to his place very quickly. But he laid down his weapons and shield in the stables and did not return directly to the headquarters, but walked towards his resting place.

The door was open.

On either side of the door stood two men of no inferior figure, dressed lightly, but actually hiding weapons under the burqa.

This is an elite escort, and its combat effectiveness is no worse than that of a full-fledged member of the Order.

They glanced at the person and quickly determined that they were not carrying any weapons. Then get out of the way so that he can go further in.

After passing through two doors, Hymiring entered a slightly larger room. This is the Captain's Reception Quarters, and the entire hut belongs to him, and from this day on, even members of the regiment will not be allowed to enter easily.

But there are already people here.

He was dressed in a simple black robe, and his long hair was draped behind his head.

"......." Hamilnin walked in silently, and then bent down: "See Your Highness." ”

"......." The crown prince, who still hasn't been able to ascend the throne after 4 years, turned his head when he heard the voice, but looked at him and just sighed for some reason.

"Son, do you always hold a grudge? ”

"Don't dare. Hamilning bowed his head: "His Highness has always remembered it. ”

“....... Alas, but you know that Yu is not for. The crown prince sighed, but finally pulled something out of his waist bag.

"The person you want to inquire about, the news is here. Crown Prince Hermes spoke, and it was only then that Hamirin looked up at him.

As soon as the two pairs of similar gray-blue eyes touched, the young man immediately staggered his gaze and lowered his head again, and then changed the topic: "What is it?"

"The news can be good or bad. Your crush is indeed remarkably capable, but because of this, she has been sent to a rather chaotic place. Yu also happened to see a noteworthy name when he was dealing with paperwork. The crown prince handed the paperwork to Hamirin: "Where she is now." ”

"It's Aurora. ”

"The birthplace of the Church. ”

"There has been a recent upheaval, and the people of Suomir are very dissatisfied with the Lamanite church hierarchy and demand that they be replaced by Suomir. After that failed, they launched a rebellion, which was a letter from them calling for help. Although they have been able to survive with the support of local lords and the royal family in the recent past, some churches in remote areas have lost contact. ”

"......." The crown prince noticed Hymirin's silence, he hesitated for a while, and finally decided to tell the news: "His Majesty the Emperor has decided to send a knight order, this candidate has not yet been decided, if you want......" Before his words fell, he saw the determined look in Haymirin's eyes, and sighed: "Yu will help you fight for it." ”

"Thank you, Your Highness. Hamilnin gave a heavy salute.

“....... Alas" The crown prince sighed again: "If you are truly grateful, can you ...... the way of salutation?"

"Forget it, it seems to be the practice of selling conditions in exchange. You didn't want to, did you? ”

"It's Yu's dereliction of duty, kid. He stepped forward, trying to reach out and touch Hermirin's shoulder. It was obvious that Hai Mirning was not qualified to avoid doing such a thing for the crown prince, but he hesitated for a while, but this palm never put it down.

Then, Yu left. Without further hesitation, he turned and began to walk towards the gate.

And Hemirnin raised her head, looked at the somewhat lonely back, and opened her mouth: "Please-"

But I never got it.

He clenched his fists and stood up.