Chapter 11
“What are you doing…?!”
Carlos hastily pulled his sleeve from my hand as if something dirty had touched him.
Seriously? There’s no need to react that dramatically.
I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed by his harsh response.
Seeing my face, Carlos wore a look of realization.
Not because he was worried he’d hurt my feelings—he just seemed to realize how excessive his reaction had been.
“…My apologies.”
“It’s fine.”
I waved my hand to ease his discomfort.
“I touched you so suddenly. Of course, it startled you.”
“……”
Carlos looked at me with confused eyes.
“Anyway, let’s hurry to Count Gonnir.”
I reminded him of our immediate task so he wouldn’t feel any more awkward.
“…Understood.”
Carlos finally regained his composure and nodded slowly.
We rode our horses toward the administrative building.
Although each knight division’s headquarters was close to the main palace where the administration was housed, the distance was still considerable enough that we needed horses.
As we left the 3rd Division’s building, the elegant 1st Division and the ornate 2nd Division came into view.
The 1st Division, filled with children of noble families, had a conservative design. The 2nd Division was freer and designed more to personal taste.
I couldn’t help but wish they’d put a little more effort into the 3rd Division’s building too.
‘Maybe I’ll make a suggestion about our headquarters later.’
As I thought that, I sensed Carlos looking at me.
“What’s wrong?”
I asked, wondering why he was staring so intently.
“Why were you looking at the other headquarters so intently, Captain?”
Carlos quickly turned away and responded curtly.
Oh—didn’t expect that question.
He didn’t sound confrontational. Maybe he’s finally open to chatting?
If so, I should reply lightly.
“I was just thinking the 3rd Division building was built with no real care. I might bring it up later.”
I answered honestly, saying what I’d just been thinking.
Carlos stared at me, surprised. Then a cold smile crept across his face.
“You said you’d changed, but this is a strange direction to take.”
“Do you really think the Imperial House would fund us?”
I frowned.
Why not?
The 3rd Division is filled with the strongest warriors. We always lead in heretic subjugation missions.
Carlos noticed my confusion and dropped his smile, replacing it with a serious expression.
“Do you truly not know? Or are you just pretending?”
‘I honestly don’t know.’
But saying that aloud would ruin the mood, so I kept quiet.
“Of course the Imperial House doesn’t support us. This is the lair of mangy, starving wolves, isn’t it?”
‘Ah.’
His words struck a chord.
The 3rd Division recruited members purely by merit, regardless of social status.
That sounds noble, but remembering the original story, I realized it wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
In the novel, the 3rd Division was made up of those who desperately wanted to be Imperial Knights but, for various reasons, could never be accepted into the honorable ranks.
Carlos, for example, was rejected due to his low-born status. Elia, due to a past injury.
‘Still, neither of them would give up their swords even if it killed them.’
In other words, the Imperial House didn’t need to treat them well. These people clung to their swords regardless.
How petty…
“That’s just dirty.”
“Sorry?”
Carlos looked at me in surprise, having caught my accidental muttering.
Oops—maybe that slipped.
“To treat people poorly just because they’re desperate and obedient… That’s petty.”
I figured I might as well say it outright.
It might be risky if others heard, but it was just me and Carlos here.
And I knew from the novel that Carlos wasn’t the type to go gossiping.
Clip-clop. Clip-clop.
Only the sound of hooves hitting the road filled the silence.
Carlos didn’t respond, leaving a quiet gap between us.
“Was it just me who thought that? Anyway… ahem.”
Feeling awkward, I cleared my throat.
Still, Carlos remained silent.
‘Stop staring.’
He didn’t even answer, just kept gazing at my profile.
“Ah, we’re here.”
Just when his gaze was starting to make me uncomfortable, the administrative building came into sight.
I sighed in relief and dismounted.
Carlos followed and handed over his reins to a nervous-looking administrative staff member who had just barely approached us.
“C-Captain of the 3rd Division? What brings you here…”
His voice trembled. Not out of joy, but clear concern that I might cause another ruckus.
‘Relax, I’m not here to start a fight.’
Though I might cause a different kind of trouble.
“I’m here to see Count Gonnir.”
“T-The Department Head?”
Technically, he was the head of administration, but somehow “Department Head” sounded odd in this fantasy setting.
While I was internally debating the awkwardness of titles in this world, the staff member paled and shook his head.
“Today’s not a good day, Captain. Our youngest messed up his observation device and… the Count is in a very bad mood.”
“Department Head”… still awkward. But maybe better than “administrative head.”
‘Wait, now’s not the time for this kind of pondering!’
I pulled my wandering thoughts together.
“I still need to meet with him today.”
If the budget wasn’t approved now, the 3rd Division would have to start taking out loans.
“Captain…”
The staff member looked like he was about to cry.
Torn between the infamous 3rd Division captain and his stormy boss, he looked utterly conflicted.
Thankfully—or not—he didn’t have to stay conflicted for long.
“Who dares show up?! Who?!”
A furious voice boomed from inside as the door slammed open.
Count Gonnir stormed out, practically seething.
“Count Gonnir.”
I nodded politely. As a fellow division ‘captain’, I didn’t need to bow deeply.
Still, Gonnir looked at me like I’d lost my mind.
“Well, well. What brings Sir Elia here today?”
His voice dripped with hostility.
Technically, I should be addressed as “Sir Elvington.”
But since my brother Michael was also a royal knight, people called me “Sir Elia” to avoid confusion.
‘Well, being addressed by the family name is reserved for the more honored one. Nothing I can do.’
As I calmly stood there, Gonnir’s expression twisted strangely.
“Surprised you’re not blowing up about the name. Don’t you usually hate that?”
Ah, I forgot. The old Elia used to be sensitive about being called by her given name.
It implied she wasn’t the more honored Elvington, and that would’ve infuriated her.
But I’m no longer the unruly brute I used to be. I won’t get angry over something so trivial.
“Why be upset when it’s just the name that suits me best?”
I answered smoothly, ignoring his obvious provocation.
Gonnir looked at me like he’d seen a ghost.
“More importantly, I have an urgent matter to discuss. Do you have a moment?”
I added with a calm, respectful tone.
He went pale, like he might faint at any moment.
Understandable. If a wild beast suddenly started walking upright and talking, anyone would be shocked.
“Count Gonnir?”
I prompted him gently, offering a bright smile.
“W-What brings you here…?”
He finally asked.
He hadn’t forgiven me or changed his opinion—he was just so stunned by the change in my demeanor that he answered reflexively.
