Dungeon of Pride, Laplace

Chapter 913- Simon's Call and the Unknown Enemy (3)

Blake spoke with a firm and resolute voice.

"Un, I have much expectation for you" Cynthia nodded, her expression softening slightly at his words.

"I have no doubt, Sir Blake, that you will serve this kingdom well. You have earned your place, and I look forward to seeing how you will shape the future of the Royal Guard."

As the ceremony concluded and the banquet started, Blake found himself standing alone in the grand chamber. As he looked at his glass of wine and how the people around him sent him glances, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

The crowd's attention to the noble's fantasism was much too foreign and new for him to bear.

"What am I doing?" He couldn't help but think back to the events that had led him to this moment.

Just a few months ago, he had been a man without direction, a warrior adrift in a sea of uncertainty. His guild, once renowned and envied, had been annihilated inside the dungeon—a brutal massacre that had left him and a few others as the sole survivors.

The guilt of that loss, the haunting memories of his fallen comrades, had driven him to wander aimlessly through the kingdom, seeking solace that never came.

He had been like a log drifting in a river, carried wherever the currents of fate took him. But in that time when he was in his lowest of the low, his remaining teammates—those few who had survived outside the dungeon—never abandoned him.

They stood by his side, supporting him in ways he had never imagined, urging him to find a new purpose.

The war with the kingdom of Blackthorn reminded him of the debts he owed to those who had fallen, particularly to his mentor, the previous Knight-Commander Cylus.

Cylus had been more than just a mentor; he had been like a brother to Blake, teaching him the ways of the sword, the principles of knighthood, and the importance of protecting those who could not protect themselves.

Cylus had been a stalwart defender of the kingdom, a man of unwavering honor. His death in battle had left a void not just in Blake's life, but in the entire kingdom.

And now, as Blake stood in the very position Cylus once held, he couldn't help but ponder. Was it alright for him to assume the position of the Knight Commander? He was no noble nor did he know the etiquette or how to act like one.

Would he be able to perform as per his position?

"I owe you so much, Cylus," Blake murmured to himself, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"This kingdom you wanted to protect, I will protect it in your stead. That is the only way I can think of repaying you…"

 "I knew you would be here" While Blake was lost in his thoughts, his teammates approached him.

"What are you doing here all alone? You are the star of this ceremony, everybody wants to know and make connections with you. Can't you feel their gazes?"Frida questioned locking hands with him.

"I don't know. Although I agreed to assume the position of the knight commander at the insistence of everyone, I am having doubts that I would be able to perform my duties like Cylus did. I wanted to have one last battle with him before he died"

This was one of his regrets. Cylus was very dedicated and serious about his duties. He looked after everyone, whether they be the royal family or everyone around him.

He would help the ones who needed his aid and put his duties foremost of everything. He was the sword and shield of the kingdom, a man who commanded respect from everyone. The hole that his absence left, wasn't something that could be filled up easily.

 "I'm sure you will do an excellent job. It's Her Majesty who chose you for this position, so have more confidence about it"

The one to speak was Alvara the guard commander and the biological sister of Cylus. If anyone who had the right to criticize him it was her after all, this was the position her brother used to hold not very long ago.

The wounds from the war were still fresh as such, it wouldn't be strange if Alvara didn't see him in good light now that he had snatched his position.

However, contrary to his expectations, Alvara held no such grudge. What came out of her mouth were words of encouragement and the responsibilities that his duties held.

"My brother Cylus Skyler was a man of chivalry and honor. To him, his duties and the kingdom came first. If it was for his duties, he would be even willing to lay down his life"

"No one can become like my brother. However, if anyone can fill that position he left, it's you Blake. You are not Cylus Skyler but you are you. Act like the way you feel, no one is telling you to imitate my brother"…

"Alvara, I…"

 "Of course, it's impossible for anyone in the first place to imitate my brother. He is still 1000-0 against everyone"

Alvara's last comment made everyone laugh. That's right, most of the people here were all trained by Cylus, he was like a mentor/ big brother to them. And even until the end, they never managed to score one against him. It was their complete loss.

"So, if you want to fill the position of the Knight Commander, do it the way you, Blake Gunvald want to do it. I'm sure Her Majesty also wanted that which is why she appointed you". n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Hearing her words, Blake sighed feeling relieved. That's right, there was no point in thinking if he would be able to fill in his position, he simply needed to do it.

There was no point in thinking too much, he just had to do it in the way he does. As everyone said, there was no one more qualified than him for this position. If he couldn't do it, then no one could.