A few days after receiving his title as Holy Knight, Elias and Frenn departed the royal capital, heading north.
The journey spanned roughly seven days, and traveling by carriage proved an excruciating bore. Long hours of jolting travel left their backs sore, but in the end, they finally arrived at their destination.
“Hoh… Quite the size.”
“Indeed.”
Before them stood a fortress, its walls thick and imposing, its structures far grander than the one Elias had previously commanded.
The main gate bustled with activity, knights and soldiers coming and going. As Elias and Frenn approached, they quickly became the center of attention.
“We’re attracting quite the gaze.”
“It’s because of the pendant around your neck, Elias.”
The silver cross hanging from his neck—the symbol of a Holy Knight—was an unmistakable sight.
“I suppose they’re wondering what will happen now that a Holy Knight has arrived… The lord of this fortress is a Holy Knight as well, isn’t he?”
“Yes. His name is Noque de Tuluse. Among Holy Knights, there are two types—those who lead the frontier expansions and those who hold influence within the capital. He is of the latter.”
“And his skill with the sword?”
“According to reports, he has no recorded achievements in battle. He is a strategist, the kind who unfurls maps and commands from behind the desk.”
“Hmm. If I were to assume goodwill, I could say that Lord Tuluse desired a capable knight to lead his vanguard…”
“However, this fortress has seen no major victories in recent years.”
“I see. So in reality, the noble faction in the capital forced me upon him—to keep me out of their way.”
Frenn nodded.
“That is the most plausible explanation. What will you do?”
“Well, first things first. Let’s meet him.”
Despite the many stares upon him, Elias strode into the fortress with an air of indifference.
A man who seemed to be an attendant greeted them at the entrance and led them to Noque’s chamber.
The room was more of an office than a reception hall, and seated at the desk was a portly man, his expression one of vague disinterest.
“Welcome, Sir Elias de Dilia.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Lord Tuluse. You may call me Elias. And this is Frenn Metasia, my attendant.”
“I see. Then call me Noque. This garrison welcomes you.”
The two men exchanged a firm handshake.
Elias immediately noticed Noque’s gaze—not hostile, yet unmistakably burdened.
(As expected, I’ve been forced upon him… This is going to be a pain.)
“First and foremost, congratulations on your ascension to Holy Knight, Sir Elias.”
“My thanks… though truth be told, it feels undeserved. I may have been recognized for my achievements, but I have not fought on the front lines of the northern war.”
“Hah! Surely, monsters roamed the eastern front as well? There is no need to compare the two regions.”
At that, Noque’s gaze sharpened.
“However, while this fortress is far from the front lines, the monsters here are more formidable than those of the east. I would advise caution should you engage in battle.”
“Understood. And my role here?”
“The strategic planning and monster extermination directives shall remain under my command. You, Sir Elias, will serve as a mobile knight, offering support wherever needed in the field.”
“I see. Understood.”
It was clear—the real work would remain in Noque’s hands, and Elias was merely being kept on standby.
Even so, Elias accepted the terms without complaint.
“Your quarters have been prepared. You may rest for now.”
“What of the training schedule?”
“Drills are conducted daily, but your participation is optional.”
With that, their meeting concluded.
A knight guided Elias to his quarters—a modest chamber, furnished with only the bare necessities.
“Hmm… This will suffice.”
Elias harbored no complaints. He had spent decades on the battlefield—this was more than comfortable enough.
Just as he set down his belongings, a knock came at the door.
Upon answering, he found Frenn standing there.
“Your room is about the same size as mine.”
“Perhaps they expect us to complain, so that word might reach the capital and stain my reputation.”
“That seems likely… So, Elias, what do you make of this place?”
“The bed isn’t broken, and the room serves its purpose. More than adequate.”
Frenn sighed.
“You are utterly insufferable to deal with, I imagine.”
Clearing her throat, she continued.
“Having met Lord Tuluse, what do you think?”
“It’s as we expected. He was saddled with me and doesn’t intend to give me much to do. At most, I’ll be sent on minor operations to keep me occupied.”
“If a truly dangerous monster appears, you may be called upon…”
“That seems unlikely.”
“Why do you say that?”
“The atmosphere of the knights and soldiers here. This fortress once stood at the front lines, but expansion efforts have pushed the battlefield farther north. Now, it serves more as a supply base than an actual warfront.”
Frenn nodded in agreement.
“In that case, we are effectively confined to this fortress, without real duties.”
“That is exactly what the nobles who resent my title wanted.”
“…Do you have a plan?”
“For now, let’s observe for a few days. Frenn, gather information—on the fortress and the northern region as a whole.”
“A preliminary assessment, then. Understood—”
Just as Frenn acknowledged his orders—
A bell suddenly rang through the fortress.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Elias, though new to this fortress, immediately recognized the sound—it was an alarm to signal a monster attack.
“A monster?”
“Without a doubt. What shall we do?”
“We go outside and see for ourselves. Let’s see how they handle it.”
With that, Elias and Frenn stepped outside.
Knights and soldiers scrambled about in preparation, their movements frantic but organized.
Elias closed his eyes, sensing for the creature’s presence.
All monsters emitted magic, and their strength could be roughly gauged based on the intensity of their magical aura.
There were six levels of threat, ranging from zero to five—each denoting a greater degree of danger.
Before long, Elias found it.
A solitary monster, directly in front of the fortress.
No others accompanied it—it was a stray.
Elias furrowed his brow and strode toward the fortress entrance, where Noque was already issuing orders.
Noticing his approach, Noque turned.
“Sir Elias, you came as well.”
“Is this a common occurrence?”
“Not frequent. Moreover, its danger level should not be high…”
At that moment—
A thunderous howl split the air.
Emerging into view was a red-furred wolf, larger than any natural beast.
Its razor-sharp fangs gleamed, and its glowing red eyes fixated upon the knights and soldiers.
“It’s a danger level… two.”
At Elias’s assessment, Noque’s eyes widened in shock.
“Impossible! We have not seen such creatures since the war front moved further north!”
“And yet, here it is. If left unchecked, it will tear through your men—and the surrounding villages.”
At his words, the knights and soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons.
Noque, however, hesitated.
“W-Wait! Do not engage yet! We must first analyze its abilities with magic—”
But there was no time.
The monster roared, its muscles tensing.
It was about to charge.
Elias stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
“Well now. Let’s see what the famed strategist does in the face of a real battle.”