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~Chapter 48~
“Alright, this should do.”
I placed the last self-defense knuckle into a tin case and smiled with satisfaction.
Today was the day Sir Logan was scheduled to visit.
Since he was the strongest candidate for the hidden mastermind, I prepared thoroughly, even arriving at work an hour early.
I hid self-defense tools all around the room, and the guards were stationed much closer than usual.
“Why do I have to stay here, yorp?”
Omok was also waiting inside a birdcage on the table.
If something happened, I thought holding up the cage as a shield might force this cowardly little thing to do something.
“Chorong said you should help me. Staying there is helping.”
“Those eyes you just gave me… You’re not planning to use poor weak me for something bad, are you?”
“Come on, how could I ever do that to my precious possession guide?”
“See? That makes me even more nervous.”
…Was he actually good at reading fake compliments? Omok’s tiny bean-like black eyes narrowed.
“Are you really serious, client…?”
“Sir Logan should be here any minute now…”
I dodged his gaze and checked the time.
1:56 PM. Just about three minutes left until Sir Logan’s scheduled arrival.
Ssshh, hoo…
Calm down. Don’t get too nervous. Maybe he isn’t the hidden villain after all. Richard even said he was trustworthy.
I reminded myself again and again, taking deep breaths.
According to Richard, Sir Logan was skilled and loyal. Richard’s trust in him had been strong, so I was less wary now, even though I’d prepared for the worst.
Clang.
As I followed the ticking hand of the clock with my eyes, the bell chimed—the door opened.
“Welcome, Sir Logan.”
Ding, ding, ding—
The grandfather clock announced that Sir Logan had arrived exactly at 2:00 PM.
He gave a polite bow and sat across from me.
“It’s been a few days.”
“Yes. I’m sorry about last time. I was startled to hear both Lyssa and Richard’s names come up.”
“No need to apologize. I understand how you felt.”
“Thank you for being so understanding.”
After a brief exchange, silence fell.
I should have asked about his worries, but I couldn’t open my mouth.
“Are you ready to hear it?”
Since I stayed quiet, Sir Logan spoke first.
Ready or not, I had to hear it today. There was no avoiding it forever.
“Yes, please go ahead.”
I focused all my attention on his words.
“By order of His Highness, I am currently inspecting the entire Imperial Knight Order.”
Inspecting the knight order? The task Richard gave him was heavier and more secretive than I expected.
“The Imperial Knight Order has always recruited based on ability. Not all knights joined by merit alone, but at least the evaluation tried to minimize social status.”
“That’s true. I’ve seen many commoners among the knights. Status didn’t seem that important there.”
“But the ‘ability’ required of a commander or vice commander is broader. It includes leadership that earns the respect of their knights, not just sword skills.”
Respect. Leadership.
The words made me think of one person: Lyssa Medinael.
As vice commander of the 2nd Knight Order, she had already faced jealousy, prejudice, and harsh judgment. And now another trial awaited her.
“You’ve probably heard that Sir Medinael has been nominated as the next commander of the 2nd Knight Order.”
“Yes, I’ve heard.”
As expected, Sir Logan mentioned Lyssa.
Which meant I already knew what his conclusion would be.
“As you know, many knights have doubted her qualifications.”
“But Lyssa is strong enough to duel Richard! She even proved it in front of everyone.”
“She proved her swordsmanship. But questions about her leadership remain, and recently, some knights’ refusal to recognize her led to outright disobedience.”
“Disobedience?”
That was news to me. Probably kept from me so I wouldn’t worry.
‘Why do they dislike Lyssa so much?’
I always thought it was natural for the heroine to face hardships. But now, knowing the reasons, I only felt angry at their baseless resentment.
“Why exactly do they oppose her?”
“Because she’s the eldest daughter of Count Medinael, a noble house in name only.”
“And why is that a problem?”
“Genius talent is usually admired—but paired with a hollow title and the fact that she’s a woman, it becomes a source of inferiority for others.”
Ha!
Hearing their petty, pathetic reasoning made me laugh bitterly.
They couldn’t stand her because she had what they lacked—so they wanted to trample her down, stop her from using her gifts.
“For the same reason, her close friendship with His Highness is also seen as a flaw. If this continues, it could bring negative influence upon His Highness as well.”
“…So what exactly are you trying to say, Sir Logan?”
Though I already knew, I forced myself to ask—partly to make him hear his own reasoning out loud.
“Sir Medinael is unfit to be commander. And I believe it’s also wrong for her to be close to His Highness. I’m asking if I should report this to him.”
He spoke mechanically, his face unreadable.
“If I do, His Highness will reconsider whether she’s fit as the next commander. And she may not be able to stay close to him anymore.”
“That means her promotion would likely be overturned, and Lyssa would avoid Richard too.”
“Correct. But it would ultimately benefit both the Knight Order and His Highness.”
‘Benefit? That’s complete nonsense.’
He was justifying his arrogant judgment by pretending it was for others’ good.
And asking my advice was only a way to excuse himself.
“I’m sorry, Sir Logan, but I believe you are wrong about Lyssa. No— I’m certain of it.”
I answered while holding back the anger boiling inside me.
If I showed my emotions too openly, it would seem like I was defending her just because she was my friend.
“The Lyssa I know always stepped forward when things got hard, and she cared for all her subordinates as vice commander. Her direct knights respected her deeply.”
“I admit many followed her. But as long as many opposed her too, resistance will continue. Do you still believe she is fit to be commander?”
“Of course, the path won’t be easy.”
Standing against those who point fingers is never simple.
Silencing such people is even harder.
“But Lyssa will make them acknowledge her before she ever becomes commander.”
Despite all the obstacles, I believed she would lead the 2nd Knight Order.
“The Lyssa I know—that’s the kind of person she is.”
Because Lyssa Medinael, my precious friend, is righteous and strong.
