Chapter 2
The vast lands of the Empire were filled with countless territories.
Even when the imperial map was fully spread across a large table, it couldn’t show all of them.
That’s how expansive the Empire was after a thousand years of dominating the continent, and there were just as many noble estates.
Powerful nobles commanded their own knights and private soldiers within their lands.
Sometimes, to flaunt their strength, knight orders would challenge each other to duels.
There were famous knight orders that won numerous duels, and some nobles even hired mercenaries to take revenge in the name of their territory.
But such disputes only happened in the provinces.
In the great capital of the Empire—Siéad—that was unthinkable.
“Head butler, sir! Are all those people really from the Teneuarha?”
“Yes. Marquis Nokvel himself is among them, so make sure everything is perfect.”
The Teneuarha, the Imperial Order of Knights.
They were the strongest military force in the Empire, composed of the best swordsmen.
Even children in the slums knew their name, and even the most feeble elder couldn’t forget their glory and prestige.
They were the sword and shield that had protected the Imperial Family for a thousand years.
Even the most prominent knight orders from the provinces couldn’t hold a candle to the Teneuarha.
“We greet the guardians of Siéad, the Teneuarha.”
Countess Herais gave them a formal bow.
She had never seen so many members of the Teneuarha gathered in one place before, and it wasn’t even a national event. She wondered if this was really okay. But thankfully, she managed not to look too flustered.
After all, her husband—Count Herais—was also a member of the Teneuarha.
Personally speaking, all the guests standing before her now were familiar faces.
“It’s been a while, madam. You’ve become even more beautiful.”
“You flatter me, Marquis Nokvel.”
She stood gracefully in front of the grand Count’s estate to welcome her guests.
Her voluminous gown, hastily put on, was surprisingly elegant.
“I know this is abrupt, but we’ve come nonetheless. Did Count Herais not tell you?”
“Ah… well…”
“I knew it! If we hadn’t shown up like this, the bastard wouldn’t have appeared today either! It’s my birthday and he’s ghosting me!”
“Fechenik. Please mind your language. Don’t put the Countess in a difficult position.”
“My apologies, Countess. It’s just that Count Herais always breaks his promises to me. May we wait inside for a bit?”
“Oh, of course. I didn’t expect such a sudden visit, but I’ve always been waiting for the day I could welcome you. The Count should be home soon.”
“Such grace and kindness. I truly don’t understand why Herais stays away from home.”
“Hoho, as you know, he’s such a workaholic… But having someone like you, Sir Fechenik, as a friend gives me peace of mind. Please, come in.”
Eight members of the Teneuarha noisily entered the Count’s estate.
Had they worn their knightly uniforms, it would’ve caused a huge commotion. Thankfully, they had the sense to come dressed in casual attire.
Among them, Fechenik stood out with his overly relaxed outfit. He was a high-ranking noble—and today was his birthday.
“Count Herais surely remembers. He promised to hold Fechenik’s birthday party at the estate tonight.”
“Oh my, Sir Fechenik’s birthday party…? How did that end up happening here…?”
“Wahaha! Well, what happened was—we were making bets among the 1st Order, and then…”
Fechenik laughed heartily as he walked forward.
Then, by chance, his gaze slid upward.
To a tall, attic-like window high above.
There, pressed against the glass, was a small girl.
‘…?’
He thought their eyes met.
She was far away, like a tiny dot, but Fechenik’s sharp vision let him see even the tears brimming in her eyes.
A drinking party broke out.
Whatever nobility or elegance the Teneuarha once had, they seemed to have thrown it out the window. It was hard to believe what he was seeing.
Count Herais, having just finished his work and returned home, was left speechless.
His prestigious estate had been overrun by drunkards, and he could only stare in disbelief.
“What the…!”
He tried to shout, but choked on his words. He lowered his voice.
“Knights of the Imperial Guard are lying around drunk in a group like this?! Is this even real?!”
“Beh-beh-beh! I switched all the shifts so everyone could come! This is how you abuse your power! Wahaha!”
“Fechenik!”
“Yes! I am Fechenik! The birthday boy! According to imperial law, all wishes of the birthday boy must be fulfilled! You know that, right?”
“Hmm… Is that a real law?”
“Marquis Nokvel, are you an idiot!? I just made that up! Hahaha! Idiot, idiot!”
“…What in the world are you…”
And of all days, the idiot had to be born on this one.
Count Herais massaged his forehead and sighed.
Even Marquis Nokvel, usually composed, was playing along with this clown.
Thankfully, no one outside this room knew just how unhinged the Teneuarha could be behind closed doors.
“My lady, I know it’s a hassle, but could you prepare rooms for our guests? It’s close to midnight, and I doubt they’ll be leaving soon.”
“Yes, of course…”
“Eh? What are you talking about? It’s just getting started! Who’s going to bed?”
“Who said anything about sleeping? A coward like that shouldn’t even be in the Teneuarha!”
“Submit your resignation at once and return every coin you’ve been paid!”
“Your Excellency, perhaps we can forgive the person who drinks this entire bottle in one go?”
“I’ll do it!”
“You weren’t going to bed anyway!”
“Sipping and whining isn’t fun! A real man drinks with gusto!”
“Seriously… you’re all insane. I’m embarrassed someone might see this. I’m out of here.”
At last, Count Herais stood up, rubbing his face in disbelief.
His retreat was instantly spotted by the guest of honor.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
Fechenik sprang up.
With two bottles tucked under his arms, he gave chase.
Tonight, even the famously workaholic Count Herais would learn what it meant to get absolutely wasted.
“Hey! Where are you hiding?!”
He moved with agility, like the knight he was. He didn’t even look drunk.
Tap tap tap!
Fechenik dashed around the grand estate freely.
It was his birthday, after all.
It had been over ten years since he lost his wife and daughter at a young age.
The only ones left to celebrate with him were his fellow knights, so they had to drink with him until dawn.
Even stiff, boring Count Herais was no exception.
Erika was drawn by the ruckus and secretly snuck downstairs to take a peek.
Sneak, peek.
There were a lot of people.
All were large adult men, most about the same age as her father.
She hid behind the stairs and started counting.
‘One, two, three, four…’
Roughly ten men, all shouting loudly and downing drinks.
Their voices were so loud that Erika kept flinching. She even hiccupped and nearly got caught.
‘Better leave before I get in trouble.’
Slowly, Erika crawled away, hugging her teddy bear close.
Her dirty little pouch held an egg tart and a tiny candle.
Her small body headed toward the garden.
‘I have to blow out the candle before midnight.’
The night air was cool.
Erika sat at the garden fountain. Her pale, thin legs swung back and forth happily.
She placed the egg tart on her lap. Thankfully, only the edge had crumbled—it still looked plump and perfect.
She stuck in the little candle, lit it, pressed her palms together, and closed her eyes.
Time to make a birthday wish.
Her lips began to move softly—
Fwoosh!
“……?!”
The candle was blown out.
Fechenik, passing by, had dashed over and blown it out in a flash.
awwwwwwwww