CFT 85

Chapter 85

“There will be two rounds of tests. The first test is to block a single attack from the ones standing at my sides. Mages must block Ail’s attack here, and knights must block Kyle’s attack there. Since you only need to block one attack, you also only get one chance.”

One opportunity to block one strike.

Just by hearing the explanation, it didn’t sound very difficult.

“…That seems easier than I thought.”

“Just once? That’s nothing…”

As expected, some of the nervous knights relaxed visibly.

To enter the Imperial Knight Order or even advance to a higher-ranked order, the first trials they had faced were ten times more difficult than this. There were grueling stamina tests, assessments of skill, reflex, and even written exams.

But here, the first test was only to block a single attack. Could it really be this easy?

“They might end up crying once they fail.”

Looking down at those knights, Ail snickered with disbelief.

Hearing his mutter, Liana sighed softly and continued.

“The second and final test will be explained after the first one ends. Any questions?”

At that, a knight hesitated for a moment, glanced around nervously, and then cautiously raised her hand.

A female knight with dim crimson hair received Liana’s gaze and spoke.

“By any chance, is the test’s difficulty different for women?”

Some of the male knights nearby flinched slightly at her words. The crimson-haired knight’s eyes swept briefly across them.

‘…I see.’

With just the question and that fleeting glance, Liana could roughly guess the situation. She shook her head firmly.

“There will be no difference based on gender. Not in the test, and not afterward if you become my knight. There will be no discrimination or preferential treatment based on gender, status, or age. That, I promise once again.”

Looking directly into the crimson-haired knight’s eyes, Liana spoke with strength. The woman bit her lip, then soon offered a faint smile and bowed her head.

“Thank you for your answer.”

Liana gave a light nod, then turned her head away after watching her for a moment.

“Anyone else? If there are no more questions, I’ll have you draw lots for the order.”

Since the rules were simple, no further questions came.

The order was decided by a simple lottery. No matter how it began, complaints would arise, so leaving it entirely to chance was fairest.

“Ah, second… I’m doomed.”

“Number 15… Not bad.”

Each knight received a slip of paper the size of a palm, and their moods shifted depending on the number they drew.

And when the first trial began, the number of those who passed was…

“No way!”

“T-this must be a mistake!”

A mere twenty-one.

A short while earlier, during the trial—

“Master.”

“Hm?”

Liana turned at the voice calling her. A guard stood there, looking oddly excited.

“…Why are you so worked up?”

“Hehe, aren’t we finally going to have juniors?”

At the teasing tone, Liana glanced around. Unfortunately, even the normally reserved Roin and Dana wore faces that looked thrilled.

Liana let out a deep sigh.

Honestly, they were always such an embarrassing bunch.

Then Ren asked,

“Master, how many do you think will pass the first trial?”

The others turned their sparkling eyes to her as well.

How should I know that?

Liana almost said it but ended up sighing again, turning her head toward Ail and Kyle.

The trial, conducted under the supervision of Bellrum knights and her guards by the Emperor’s order, was ongoing before her eyes.

Hmm… judging roughly from that group…

“…About twenty?”

Liana predicted around twenty would pass the first round.

Her guards widened their eyes at her reply.

“As many as twenty?”

“Wow, as expected of the Empire. You said last time the Royal Knight Order only had about ten who passed, right?”

“Well, Roan isn’t exactly a powerful nation.”

Time passed, and the first trial ended.

“Only twenty-one passed?!”

“How is it possible that they passed, but I failed?!”

Those who couldn’t accept the results vented their frustrations with bitter faces. Still, they didn’t dare shout loudly and only muttered under their breath.

Watching them quietly, Liana stepped back onto the platform.

“Those who passed the first trial, step forward.”

At her command, twenty-one knights marched briskly out.

“The rest of you may leave. The second test will take place two hours later. You may come to watch if you wish.”

“…”

“I thank you for applying. I hope you continue to do your best wherever you stand. As I said before we began, there will be no second chances. That is all.”

Cutting off any objections in advance, Liana stepped down and stood before the twenty-one knights, who were glowing with excitement.

“Shall we move straight to the explanation of the second test?”

“Yes!”

Their loud response made Liana smile brightly as she gripped the hilt of her greatsword, propped casually against the platform.

“The second test is simple: you must duel with me for five minutes.”

“…”

“If you are still standing after those five minutes, you pass. The test will be held here after lunch. You may ask questions now.”

At her words, one young knight with pale blond hair cautiously raised his hand.

“Yes.”

“Um, when you say ‘standing,’ do you mean even if we’re leaning on our sword or barely managing to stay upright?”

Meeting his straightforward gaze, Liana chuckled and nodded.

“Yes. The condition is simply that when five minutes are over, you must be on your two feet, however you manage it.”

“Y-yes! Thank you!”

At the faint warmth in her tone and her softened expression, the young knight blinked rapidly before bowing with reddened ears.

‘…Adorable.’

Liana always had a soft spot for those younger than her. Of course, she never let personal feelings cloud official matters.

“Any other questions?”

“…”

“If not, then go have your lunch. Don’t forget to be back here in two hours. Any objections?”

“None!”

“Good.”

At their booming reply, Liana smiled in satisfaction.

Two hours later—

All twenty-one knights who had passed the first round gathered even earlier than instructed.

But Liana did not move the schedule ahead.

When the promised time arrived—

“Did everyone enjoy their lunch?”

Liana asked lightly as she stepped before them.

No one answered, but she hadn’t asked expecting a reply anyway.

“The rules are the same as explained earlier. Duel with me for five minutes. If you’re still on your feet, you pass.”

The knights swallowed nervously, tension etched into their faces.

“Whoever volunteers may go first. If no one steps up, I’ll choose at random.”

Thirty seconds passed. Then, the first volunteer emerged.

“I’ll go first.”

It was the crimson-haired female knight who had earlier asked about gender bias.

Seeing a familiar face step forward, Liana’s lips curved faintly.

Her posture was upright, her body well-balanced, and the aura she gave off wasn’t bad at all. Liana had already expected her to pass the first round with ease.

“Good. I’ll take the next volunteer after this match. Arm yourself and follow me.”

“Everyone else, wait here.”

The crimson-haired knight followed Liana, while Kyle stepped in front of the remaining twenty to keep them back.

At the center of the training ground, where the first test had been held, Liana swung her heavy greatsword a few times.

The knight opposite her loosened her wrist as she drew her longsword.

“…Didn’t they say they wouldn’t come?”

“Ahem! Well, I thought since we had no training today anyway, it might be better to come watch.”

“Hah, never honest. I can see a few more who also said they wouldn’t come, yet here they are.”

“…Well, aren’t you curious to see the First Princess’s skills?”

Though they whispered, Liana’s sharpened senses while holding her sword picked up their voices clearly.

She glanced around. Quite a few knights had come to spectate the second trial.

‘More than I expected.’

She had thought almost none would show, but many who had failed the first trial had come anyway to watch. Even some who hadn’t applied at all were present.

As she idly swung her blade and mused, a man holding an hourglass stepped between the two duelists.