Chapter 77
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org
Violet's First Words - Episode 77
The Shatra Holy Knight Order had countless legendary tales to their name. They had dismantled criminal organizations in the Capital, and explored underground ruins in the Capital Outskirts, discovering vast treasures in the process. The Holy Knight Order was composed of a small, elite force. They operated independently from the Security Knight Order, wielding their own investigative authority. 'My mother's family name was definitely Reinhardt. And I was told my talents came from my maternal side.' There were individuals in the Shatra Holy Knight Order who possessed talents identical to mine. If so, would they also know about the Reinhardt Family?
"I've heard the Shatra Holy Knight Order works closely with the Imperial Court. If they're connected to the Imperial Palace, then perhaps..."
"You said the Shatra Holy Knight Order? Then ultimately, aren't they a knight order affiliated with the Grand Temple?"
"Yes, they introduce themselves that way in their letter as well."
"Then they're not a direct Imperial institution. All holy knights ultimately belong to Kaizeria. However, here they would receive their salaries from the Grand Temple Capital Branch, not from Kaizeria itself."
Cyril had worked alongside holy knights during his time as a Barrier Master, so he understood how their organization functioned. Violet nodded in acknowledgment.
"Would you like to visit them?"
"I think it would be good to go. There's the matter of the prodigy's talents, and... it's been bothering me."
The letter even mentioned they hadn't recruited any new members in the past three years. The Shatra Holy Knight Order appeared frequently enough in popular novels that it was highly prestigious. It was an offer that would tempt anyone aspiring to become a knight.
"Not a bad idea. Go and listen to what they have to say."
This was the first time Cyril had made such a recommendation. 'But it's truly reassuring.' A dependable guardian. To be able to seek career advice from someone already successful in society.
"What's with that eerie look in your eyes? I absolutely despise being fawned over. From now on, don't you dare utter another word about 'serving and attending to you faithfully.'" "Did that displease you?"
"At your age, you're only legally an adult—mentally, you're still a child. Especially in terms of emotional maturity. Children should just read books they enjoy, play, and eat."
These words came from Uncle, who had never experienced a peaceful, carefree childhood. That made them all the more admirable.
"Anyway, I need to head out now. You should be able to visit the Shatra Holy Knight Order alone. If you need it, ask Olive to take you there."
"That's fine—" It was the moment I answered. Ding, dong. A clear sound rang in my ears. Another premonition of the future.
Future Violet stood before a worn door. She hesitated countless times. Finally, she opened it slowly. A simple hospital room came into view. Inside the room was Cyril. He looked older than now, yet still handsome. His hair was disheveled and he wore a patient's gown. Violet stared at him expressionlessly for a moment.
"Violet, am I dreaming?"
Cyril spoke.
"Think what you wish. Since you've tried to throw your life away countless times, I came to see your face before I die."
Cyril wasn't looking at Violet's eyes. He approached her. His hair disheveled, he laughed softly. Then, with hollow eyes, he reached out his hand to Violet.
"Your newborn heartbeat was so faint. I held you in my arms and prayed every day that you wouldn't die. Living itself was a miracle, yet I never forgot you for a single moment."
Cyril frantically searched for cigarettes. Finally finding one on the bed, he put the end in his mouth.
"Foolishly, I couldn't come find you because of my pride. So I'm seeing illusions before I die."
Cyril's entire body trembled slightly as if seized by chills. He no longer looked at Violet.
"I'll take revenge on those Shatra Holy Knight Order bastards who did this to you. Since I hate holy knights anyway, it won't be so bad."
Violet spoke softly. But Cyril was already staring into empty space as if Violet didn't exist.
This future vision was something I hadn't imagined. A light dizziness swept over me. When I lifted my head, Cyril Uncle had already left the room. 'So my future self did go to see Cyril Uncle before he passed.' I'd certainly heard that Cyril had ended his life by jumping. The sight of Cyril lost in despair pained my heart, of course. But the most shocking part wasn't that. 'Cyril Uncle went mad and died because of the Shatra Holy Knight Order?' But the reputation of the Shatra Holy Knight Order was flawless. They were the very symbol of justice. What on earth had they done? I didn't know what to do. 'I must join the Shatra Holy Knight Order. I need to learn about them.' In that moment, I made saving Cyril my most important goal.
* * *
The Shatra Holy Knight Order tour was scheduled for two days later. I dressed in the new clothes Marin had given me and applied makeup very simply.
"Welcome."
The man who greeted me looked surprisingly unlike a knight at all. His narrow eyes and round face reminded me of an Eastern Continent statue I'd once seen at Geoffrey's Company. The god who brings wealth, they called it. With his plump appearance and abundant brown hair, he looked exactly like that.
"I'm Violet Everdin."
"Oh my, please don't bow to someone like me. My name is Rota Heizen. Though I'm merely the administrator of this great Shatra Holy Knight Order, you might say I'm a humble worker who helps with all manner of duties so that our esteemed knights can focus solely on their missions."
Rota guided me inside with a humble demeanor. The headquarters of the Shatra Holy Knight Order was an aristocratic mansion on the Capital Outskirts. The Garden was exceptionally beautiful, and there were three large buildings. This alone was enough to tell that the Shatra Holy Knight Order was very wealthy.
"Let me show you around the Order first. Everyone is away on official business trips right now, so the Commander and most of our members are out."
Rota spoke while wiping sweat from his brow.
"Then why did you ask me to come today?"
"I was so eager to meet you, Violet Everdin, that I had you come for a tour first. Please feel free to ask me anything you're curious about."
I studied his face subtly as I asked various questions.
"It seems there are many business trips if you join the Shatra Holy Knight Order."
"Members of the Shatra Holy Knight Order are truly in high demand. Simply making appearances at Temple events in the provinces brings in substantial donations to the Order."
"That's somewhat different from what I imagined the Order's work to be."
My brow furrowed slightly. It was true that I was suspicious of the Shatra Holy Knight Order. But even setting that aside, the story seemed odd.
"Ah, please don't worry about that. The moment anyone joins, they gain the right to choose their missions. It's true that touring provincial events is lucrative, but I'll be completely honest about such matters. If you prefer, you can take on combat-focused missions instead."
His words were flawless. The Training Ground was excellent, and the other facilities were impeccably fine. Soon I was guided to a tea table set up in a gazebo.
"I'm well aware that you're receiving recruitment offers from many places."
"It's an excessive opportunity for someone without practical combat experience."
I spoke quietly.
"Having no practical experience means you're at a crucial stage. If you receive poor training, even a brilliant gem will be ruined. If you trust and follow our Order sincerely, we can make anyone into the greatest knight."
Rota said this. But perhaps because I'd experienced so many things recently. I'd developed a habit of suspecting the sweeter the words sounded.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org