kscans

1

At dusk, Doriatessa paid a visit. She expressed her gratitude towards Bard, Karz, and Jurchaga. Her cheeks carried a faint blush, still filled with the lingering excitement. It was understandable since her opponent had proven to be unbeatable.

Bard had a burning question he wanted to ask. How did Karz manage to master the technique he had witnessed just the day before overnight? (t/n: the raw said karz. but based on the context, it should be dora)

“No, it’s quite mysterious,” Karz replied. “Last night, I practiced that technique against the city wall, but it didn’t work. Even though the image was seared into my mind, I couldn’t replicate it. It was as if my eyes were branded. And at that moment, Sura (Sister Moon), shone brightly in the sky. I offered a prayer to Sura. Suddenly, I found myself in a dreamlike state, absentmindedly holding the sword. Then, a bird took flight from beneath my feet. Startled, my body instinctively spun, and to my surprise, the sword pierced through the rocks of the city wall. The bird flying towards Fyuza resembled a Molucca, although Moluccas are water-dwelling birds that shouldn’t be flying at night.”

Bard couldn’t help but believe that Doriatessa was a beloved daughter of the gods. Her genuine sincerity and unwavering determination reminded him of the ancient masters who were said to have been guided by divine spirits to unlock the deepest secrets of the sword. Many founders of different martial arts schools held legends of receiving teachings from the gods in their dreams. This was a divine grace bestowed upon those who tirelessly struggled, even when faced with insurmountable challenges in their training — a once-in-a-lifetime blessing, if granted at all. And for Doriatessa to receive this blessing last night, especially after assessing her swordsmanship in the Fifth Division and engaging in combat, caught Chantillion off guard. However, if he faced this defeat head-on, it could ultimately become a blessing for Chantillion as well.

2

Bard dreamt of Godon Zarkos. In a village they happened to visit, they heard about a bandit attacking a village girl, and once again, the ever-meddlesome Godon offered his assistance. In the dream, Bard found himself observing Bard and Godon from the perspective of a villager. To the villagers, who were only familiar with thin plow horses, both Bard’s and Godon’s horses appeared as formidable, monstrous creatures. The two figures astride the horses were imposing, clad in armor, and armed, exuding an aura of both dread and reassurance. The way they emerged through the gaps in the mountain’s foliage, bathed in the sunbeams filtering through the trees, was reminiscent of a pair of godlike brothers from a wandering legend. Bard, being a villager, watched the two as they rode into the forest in search of the girl, and with profound gratitude, they knelt to the ground.

And then he woke up. To dream of Godon was unexpected. He wondered if he felt lonely without him, prompting a self-inquiry. It was undeniably true. He did feel lonely without Godon. Godon Zarkos was a bright, straightforward man. His unwavering nature had been a source of solace, and only now did he fully realize it.

It was a curious matter. When they were together, he felt as if he were the one teaching and guiding the naive Godon. Yet, in truth, he were the one being taught, guided, given, and comforted. Now, as Godon spent his days as a lord, dedicated to the well-being of the people, he offered prayers for divine blessings upon him.

3

Today was the final day of the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament, the day when the singing competition took place and the winners in each category were honored.

Bard went out for his usual morning stroll. While standing atop the city walls, feeling the breeze and gazing into the distant morning mist where Fyuza faded, Jurchaga approached him. Of course, he had climbed the wall.

“There are some rumors circulating around Parzam, you know. It seems that the former deputy referee let slip something. They wanted to have a word with each other before making the final decision, you see. And well, wasn’t the chief referee from Goriora? It’s all about the dubious judgment. I hear there are quite a few people buzzing about it.”

It was a conversation about Doriatessa’s victory. Bard couldn’t help but let out a loud growl. If someone who hadn’t witnessed the match were to comment, it would be understandable. Considering they had each scored a point against one another, it could be seen as a draw. However, even after Chantillion won the first point against Doriatessa, he held back. But in the second point, Doriatessa pierced Chantillion’s chest with her sword. Just based on that, one could call Doriatessa a dishonorable swordsman. However, that statement only applied to those who hadn’t actually watched the match. Doriatessa had managed to draw out Chantillion’s hidden technique and triumphed brilliantly. It was an incredible match. What else could one call it but a victory? Moreover, before making the final decision, the chief referee had consulted something with Chantillion. Perhaps it was to confirm if the match could continue, as it was a life-threatening situation that required medical attention. It was a reasonable judgment. And the person who knew best that they had lost was Chantillion himself, so there should be no complaints about the decision.

After witnessing such an extraordinary match, to utter such words. Those dimwits.

Bard’s feeling of contentment was dampened, leaving him greatly displeased.

Upon returning to his room, Bard received a summons from Prince Julelan. Julelan ordered Bard to speak about what they had seen and felt during this martial arts tournament. Bard complied accordingly. When discussing the match between Chantillion and Kirie, Julelan asked, “From the eyes of an experienced swordsman, how skilled is Kirie Halifalth?” Bard responded that Kirie probably had more skill than Chantillion but was defeated due to a ill-advised move. When Bard recounted the match between Chantillion and the Northern Expedition General, Julelan wore a deeply troubled expression. He didn’t show much interest in how the knights of Parzam would react to Chantillion’s defeat. Instead, he seemed more interested in what Chantillion would learn from this loss, stating, “I would like to show him a broader world.”

Julelan also expressed an interest in Doriatessa and asked Bard to explain the events leading up to now.

“A girl loved by the gods, hm? Interesting,” Julelan remarked.

Bard didn’t inquire about what kind of accolade Julelan intended to give Doriatessa. He felt that it wasn’t the right moment to ask.

4

Bard, accompanied by his attendant, made his way to the tournament venue. Karz and Jurchaga followed closely behind. Along the way, they were approached in the courtyard.

“Bard Rowen, I am Kirie Halifalth, a knight from the Goriora Empire. I would like to express my gratitude to you, sir. Karz Rowen, the same goes for you.”

The one who spoke was a warrior who had narrowly lost to Chantillion in the rapier division. He was a master of the royal martial arts and Doriatessa’s mentor.

“Never did I imagine that Count Covrien would aim to win the overall tournament. No, it’s not just that. I heard that had it not been for you, there would have been countless lifeless bodies scattered in the wilderness. I also saw the head of the demonic beast. The Count we met again in the imperial capital seemed like an entirely different person. There are no words enough to express my gratitude to you.”

Despite the considerable pain he must have been feeling, Bard had noticed that Kirie, who had pushed through the injuries from the Chantillion match, had been present at yesterday’s competition. Bard didn’t mention anything about it, knowing well that Doriatessa, who had taken off her helmet, must have been deeply concerned. He thought to himself, “He’s a good man.”

“Did you witness the moment when the Pagina flower bloomed?”

Bard asked. Pagina flowers took root in the mud and, upon growing, thrust their buds above the water’s surface. These buds did not gradually open but instead burst into full bloom suddenly at dawn. It was said that the moment of blooming made a sound akin to water splashing.

“Oh! Oh! Indeed, I saw it. You allowed me to witness it,” Kirie exclaimed, bursting with joy.

“You seem to be having an enjoyable conversation,” came the voice of the chief referee.

“Bard Rowen, I am Knight Holton Gambler from the Goriora Empire. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Ah, now that my role as a referee is over, I can finally exchange words with you. Karz Rowen, you showed me the existence of divine skills in this world.”

Bard inquired if the chief referee wasn’t officiating in today’s match.

“Oh no, no. How could I judge a song? There are specialized judges for that,” he replied.

In the singing competition, participants from both countries took turns singing one song each, totaling eight songs. They had to select songs that responded well to the themes left by the previous singers. The singers were well-versed in ancient and contemporary songs from both countries and had to choose appropriate songs on the spot, sometimes even modifying the lyrics. The technical aspect of singing and the spontaneity of their interpretations were also evaluated. Two judges from each country were selected, and through their deliberations, victory was awarded to one of the countries. However, in reality, it had been a draw between the two nations for several decades.

“Well, you see, after six days of matches, everyone’s emotions are running high. Singing brings a peaceful mood, and a draw is the way to conclude the entire event,” explained Holton.

“What good does singing do to bring about a peaceful mood? Moreover, why is there a need for a peaceful mood in the first place? If it’s a competition of martial prowess, then let it be fierce and wild!” interjected General Gassara Judiel with a booming voice. Bard met him after a long time, as he had to look up at the towering figure.

“Oh! Bard Rowen, is it? I am Gassara Judiel, the Northern Expedition General. I saw an exhibition match from you! Ah, it was impressive! It’s been a while since I saw a warrior. Let’s have a drink together later!”

From his hearty laughter, one couldn’t sense any signs of illness or the severe injuries he had sustained during the match. A knight fighting on the front lines had to be like this. He had a truly remarkable voice—a resounding voice that reassured the soldiers. By listening to his voice, one could ascertain his approximate caliber as a leader. This man was undoubtedly an exceptional general.

Once the scoring of the songs was complete, the closing ceremony would commence. Outstanding performers from each division would receive awards. Afterward, they would gather to drink, and the martial arts tournament would come to a close. Would Doriatessa be able to receive a reward? And if so, what would be Doriatessa’s wish?

5

The singing competition took place not in an outdoor arena but in a hall within the castle. Officials, referees, participants from both countries, and their attendants entered, while the organizer took his seat. Except for the organizer’s escorts and officials, no one was allowed to bring swords into the room. Bard didn’t have a sword, but Karz wore one as his guard.

The knights participating in the singing competition stepped forward, adorned in vibrant haori jackets. The Goriora knights wore navy blue haori jackets with white patterns and a cloth belt adorned with silver embroidery. The haori jackets had long, wide sleeves, and they were not wearing armor underneath. The Parzam knights wore red haori jackets with yellow patterns and a cloth belt adorned with gold embroidery. The basic design was the same as that of the Goriora knights. These seemed to be special costumes for the singing competition. (t/n: haori jacket is the cloth japanese usually wear over the kimono. ask google for illustration)

Goriora knights and their attendants stood on the north side, while Parzam knights and their attendants stood on the south side, near the entrance. Julelan and Shernelia sat on the west side. Bard sat on the east side.

In the center of the hall, four singers in blue haori jackets faced four singers in red haori jackets, standing in stillness but close enough to reach out and touch. Despite the hall’s considerable size, the number of people made it crowded. Behind the singers stood all the participants, except for those who were injured and receiving treatment. Behind them stood their attendants. In addition, there were officials and the organizer’s escorts. Altogether, there were over 180 people.

The judges declared the start of the competition.

The first knight began to sing, the one wearing the blue haori jacket, representing Goriora. His soft baritone voice performed a hymn to the beauty of nature. His restrained singing style, with a touch of modulation, conveyed depth and tranquility. The virtues of the gods raised the land, giving birth to mountains. Water spouted from the earth’s fissures, creating lakes. The wind formed forests, rain fell, and rivers came into being. The creation of the world was movingly depicted. In the climax, high and low notes alternated. The high notes leaped rapidly, resembling the changes of wind, clouds, and rain. The low notes gathered in a leisurely manner, representing the unyielding movements of the earth. Though sung by a single person, there were undoubtedly two melodies, high and low. It was an astonishing display of skill. The song concluded with the emergence of humans on Earth, embraced by the love of the gods.

Next, the first singer representing Parzam stepped forward. With a deep inhale, he emitted a low, bass voice that wove a dark and eerie melody. The theme he chose for his song was beasts. The various sizes of creatures that roamed the land were initially sung in a gloomy tone, gradually transforming into a powerful and majestic chant. This singer inherited the theme from the first singer representing Goriora. Humans, born into this world, fought together in fear of the beasts, ultimately establishing nations by driving them away from the grasslands.

The song concluded, and it was now the turn of the second singer representing Goriora, dressed in a blue haori jacket. With a sweet and tender tenor voice, he sang a song of love. A young knight embarked on a journey, expressing gratitude for the blessings of nature and honing his skills through battles with the beasts. He eventually fell in love with a maiden, portraying the madness of human love, the joy of being loved, and the happiness of being united. The knight recited the verses with fluid passages and shining high notes.

Then came the turn of the second singer representing Parzam. This singer continued the story of the previous singer. Nine sons were born between the two who had been united. However, all nine of them were cowardly, trembling in fear whenever a beast or thief approached. The next child born was a daughter. The nine brothers commanded their sister to become a knight, and since then, women in their country became knights who protected men. This fictional story was sung by the knight.

This song clearly aimed to ridicule Goriora and Doriatessa. It mocked the country that appointed women as knights and representatives of the martial arts tournament, calling them spineless. The knights and attendants lined up on the north side couldn’t help but create a tense atmosphere. Even Bard couldn’t help but feel astonished by it.

Bard himself still didn’t understand the meaning of having women as knights. He understood the need for same-sex guards for noble women. However, they could serve as military officials; there was no need for them to become knights. Becoming a knight meant establishing a household. It meant protecting one’s family, vassals, and subjects in battle. It meant obeying the lord’s orders, marching to the battlefield at any time, and killing or being killed by enemies. Women had no need to do such things. The gods did not create women for such purposes. Men and women had different physical structures. Their robustness and strength were fundamentally different. Above all, women were bestowed with the role of giving birth to children. It could be said that it was the duty of women to care for their bodies. And it was the role of men to protect women.

However, it is permitted for Doriatessa to be present in this gathering, as authorized by the rulers of both countries. And Doriatessa showed an impressive display of combat. It is truly despicable to retaliate in such a malicious manner. Even if it was out of frustration from losing, the method employed is pitiful.

It was now the turn of the third singer representing Goriora. He had a cheerful smile. With a lively tenor voice, he sang a tale of a female fox raised in the northern forest, triumphing over powerful beasts one after another in the southern grasslands. The nimbleness of the fox was expressed through the playful and bouncing tones. The final adversary defeated by the fox was a young, white lion, the son of the king of the grasslands. It was evident whom this referred to.

Chantillion, perhaps due to the severity of his wounds, was absent from this gathering. How would he have reacted if he were present? It is uncertain. The people of Parzam had a change in their expressions upon hearing this song. Ridiculing their own noble aristocrat and captain of the royal guard, it was only natural for them to feel resentful.

The third singer representing Parzam sang about a female fox accompanied by an aged bear and wolf, fighting three against one. This criticized the practice of including active generals and leaders in the martial arts tournament, which had become customary for young knights.

The fourth singer representing Goriora proclaimed that the goddess of love must guide the dull knight who remained oblivious to his defeat by a rival in love. It mocked the foolishness of questioning the qualifications of participants when the outcome was already determined.

Before the song could conclude, a knight towering over the singers from Parzam stepped forward with a remarkable height and an immensely large physique. His face, disproportionately long and large in comparison to his body, resembled that of a horse. His eyes, narrow and slanted, appeared as if attached to the sides of his face, while his teeth were uneven and sharp like fangs. He had a bony figure. He was Gorz Boa, the knight who dominated the first division and left no room for doubt regarding his extraordinary strength. The atmosphere surrounding him was violent, and his narrow eyes were contorted with anger.

Cornered by this monstrous figure, the fourth singer representing Goriora instinctively halted his song. Then, from behind him, another immense figure emerged. He was the Northern Expedition General.

The two towering giants confronted each other in the center of the hall. However, they were not the only ones. The knights from both countries wore stern expressions. As for the judges, whether due to their aversion to violence or fear, they visibly recoiled.

Knights live by their honor. To put it in more common terms, once their reputation is tarnished, it’s over for them. Regardless of the circumstances, there is no knight who would silently endure an insult to their liege lord. The spirited exchange of songs had escalated to a near-critique of the hosting royal families. The provoked knights could not back down.

In the first place, the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament was not held because the relationship between the two countries was amicable. It was quite the opposite. They began it in order to prevent themselves from falling into a state of mutual suspicion and paranoia, by revealing each other’s intentions. Skirmishes were a constant occurrence on the frontlines of the border regions. This martial arts tournament was intended to ease that tension. In other words, the knights of both nations knew that they were potential adversaries who would kill each other if the situation demanded it.

Oh my, at this rate, it might turn into a brawl. If that happens, it won’t be a matter of rewards anymore, will it?

He looked around to see how Seifert was faring, but he was nowhere to be found. In fact, the envoy of King Gaineria had suddenly visited the castle. During the Martial Arts Tournament, no one except members of the Frontier Battalion was allowed in or out. Even if the messenger of the King of Parzam were to come, the gates would remain closed. Naturally, this messenger would have to be received outside the gates, and Seifert was the only suitable person for that task. He learned about these circumstances later, but there was no use relying on someone who wasn’t there.

With that in mind, he searched for the figure of Taido Nowinge, the Frontier Battalion Commander of the Goriora Empire. He found him. However, it was no good. Instead of resolving the situation, he was locked in a confrontation with the knight Maitalp. Then, when he glanced at the VIP seats, Julelan was wearing a smile.

This is bad, Bard thought. Julelan was clearly on the verge of exploding. He would immediately unleash a furious outburst, reprimanding the knights from both countries for ruining the singing competition. If that were to happen, it would be far from a commendation. And it was likely that Julelan’s reputation would suffer as a result, rather than improve.

Taking a deep breath, Bard stood up.

6

Bard stood up and began to sing. It started with a slightly low tone.

“O knights, O knights.”

It was a song called “Knights of the Pilgrimage” that he had learned from a wandering knight in his youth. Bard wasn’t particularly skilled in singing. However, with his imposing stature and experience as a commanding officer on the battlefield, his voice was full and resonant. His unassuming yet penetrating voice touched the hearts of the fervent knights.

“Knights who live by their vows.”

Several people turned their heads, one of them being General Gassara Judiel, the Northern Expedition General. There was something in the verse that began with a leisurely rhythm that captured his heart.

Gassara thought, “Knights… We live by our vows. This world is unjust. That is why a knight’s vow is precious.”

Those were the teachings of the red-haired knight who had guided him. The red-haired knight was not a strong warrior, but he was a knight who faithfully upheld his vow. This song reminded Gassara of the red-haired knight. It was something he later confided to Bard. And Bard’s singing continued.

“Marked by countless footprints,” “In the dried-up valley,” “On the icy mountains frozen solid.”

Marching in knightly attire was a grueling task. It was a mundane and painful existence far from glory or praise. But the red-haired knight endured that hardship with pride. From his back, Gassara learned the meaning of upholding one’s vows.

“Slaying those who oppose the Lord,” “Defeating wicked demons,” “Protecting the people’s peace,” “Wielding their swords.”

Yes! All of the knight’s battles were dedicated to the Lord. The Lord, the supreme and nameless deity. It was said that people first came to know that name in the Garden of Eden. The knight’s sword did not strike down enemies for earthly glory, but to follow the will of the Lord. Only the nameless God truly understood that honor. Wasn’t that what it meant to be a knight?

The song, which had been woven in a leisurely, deep tone, suddenly transitioned to a melodic assault of high notes.

“Padarien (Praise)!”

General Gassara felt as if his heart had been struck. Next, the exact same melody repeated with two higher notes.

“Padarien (Praise)!”

Suppressing tears became impossible. With wide-open eyes streaming with tears, Gassara waited for the continuation of the song. Like water flowing from a higher place to a lower one, the sounds intertwined and descended into Gassara’s heart.

“The aged staff breathes new sprouts,” “The fallen warrior is reborn.”

The red-haired knight who died protecting the villagers in a remote village. His valor went unrecognized, never to be praised. However, the gods did not forget his battles. They foretold that the warrior would be reborn. The red-haired knight was welcomed into the knight’s paradise, the Gardegat Rien(Garden of Eden), awaiting the day of resurrection. His house would revive and flourish for eternity.

“Ou Dee En Low (The divine throne is opened),” “Ou Dee En Low (The divine throne is opened).”

The descending tones in the mid-range ascended powerfully through a moving triplet passage, and the words of the promise were sung aloud. Then the song entered the second verse.

“Knights, oh knights,” “Knights, oh knights,” “Knights who live by the sacred duty.”

The second verse began with the same melody but different lyrics. Surprisingly, some contestants hummed along with Bard’s singing. They were participants in the singing competition. Having received training in music, they could memorize the melody after hearing it once. No, it wasn’t just humming. The singer of the first verse in blue and the singer of the third verse in red were both singing the lyrics of the second verse. Even the judges closed their eyes and sang. They hummed modestly, as if searching for the notes, but it was clear they knew the lyrics.

“The regrets of many are engraved,” “In the field of shattered bones,” “On the hill of rotting flesh.”

Many knights were deeply moved by these words. They spoke to Bard about it during the feast after the song ended. Among them, the heavily built knight with a horse-like face, Gorz Boa, vividly recalled his memories. Although he was born into a noble family, his low social status should have prevented him from becoming a knight. However, his natural brute strength was recognized by his lord, allowing him to become a knight. Because of his ugly face, he was called a monster and had no friends. That’s why he desperately fulfilled his duties. But no matter how strong he became, he couldn’t protect all the people and soldiers. Gorz was always thrown into difficult battlefields, getting wounded himself and turning many enemies into piles of flesh. However, in the end, the corpses of the people he couldn’t protect piled up like mountains, and amidst them, he shed tears.

“His arms wounded, his legs withered,” “His spear and axe shattered.”

Even the boundless monstrous strength has its limits, for when one’s strength is exhausted, they can no longer fight. Gorz, who couldn’t afford high-quality weapons, often found himself breaking his own weapons in battle. He learned firsthand that he held no value when he couldn’t fight. It was painful to see even his subordinates looking at him with scornful eyes when he became immobile.

“In the gaze of despair and resentment,” “The back of his neck covered.”

These lyrics awakened Gorz’s most cruel memories. He drove away enemy soldiers, saved a village, and was appreciated by the people. A girl treated his wounds and gave him a wreath with a smile. For Gorz, who had a monstrous appearance, it became an irreplaceable memory. Six months later, Gorz revisited that village. To burn it down and slaughter everyone. The village had been struck by a deadly epidemic. The villagers’ cries of grief and shouts of blame still echoed in his ears. Was that girl also inside the burning and crumbling houses? Even now, as an adopted son of the noble family with good equipment and excellent subordinates, the pain in his heart hadn’t diminished in the slightest.

“Padarien (Praise)!”

Upon the repetition of this second verse, many knights chanted along. Their powerful voices shook Gorz’s chest. But what was there to praise in someone like him?

The melody, repeated with two higher notes, was sung with even greater force by the multitude of knights. Even the knight resembling a bear in front of him shed tears and sang this verse with all his might while looking straight at Gorz.

“Padarien (Praise)!”

Suddenly, Gorz realized the true meaning of these lyrics. It’s me. Everyone is praising me. Well done. It was tough, wasn’t it? They are all calling out to me, saying I deserve praise. The greatest warriors, in unison, are encouraging me like that. Gorz couldn’t help but cry. He sang while crying. He knew he was tone-deaf, but he sang with all his might. Mighty knight, resembling a bear. If you praise me, then I will praise you as well. That’s what he thought.

“The aged staff breathes new sprouts,” “The fallen warrior is reborn.”

A withered staff will never sprout young shoots. A deceased person will never come back to life. Ah, but in the presence of gods, could a withered tree sprout buds? Could the dead be resurrected and smile? In that case, would it be possible to bring back that girl instead of me? Could they revive that girl?

“Ou Dee En Low (The divine throne is opened),” “Ou Dee En Low (The divine throne is opened).”

Where is it? Where is the divine throne? If it truly exists, Gorz will reach it. He has something to ask when he arrives.

And the song entered its third verse.

“Knights,” “Knights,” “Knights of the pilgrimage.”

Julelan and Shernelia also stood up. Julelan sang along with Bard’s song in a clear and resonant voice. Having heard it countless times since childhood, it was only natural that Julelan knew this song.

“The deeds of courage are engraved,” “In the hearts of the people,” “On the white wings of the battle maiden (Idora).”

Knights fight, risking their lives for their liege lord. The liege lord rewards them with land and honors, and the knight’s household prospers. However, the knight’s battles must be honorable and righteous. The gods are watching those who falsely claim honor. The people know well the lord who fails to properly reward the efforts of their vassals. If false accomplishments are etched, Idora’s white wings will be stained with the color of revenge. And the despicable knight’s household will perish.

“Now, blessings overflow on the land,” “All pain is healed,” “In the morning of God’s miraculous shower,” “The final promise is fulfilled.”

A song, in essence, is a resonance. Just stand near a skilled singer and see. Their song will shake your chest. It will resonate with your flesh and bones. If you hum the same song, you can sing as if you have become a renowned singer, carried away by their sound.

In a room made of resonant stones, the knights spread their arms and sang a unified song in various postures. It resonated, melded, and amplified within each other, stirring the hearts of everyone present.

Every knight has seen the lyrics of this song. In Goriora and Parzam, there is a room called the Knights’ Chamber in the palace. It is used for knighthood ceremonies and for confirming the knighthood of those who have received the honor. In other words, if one serves the country as a knight, they have surely entered this room. In a corner of its ceiling, adorned with numerous historical paintings, the lyrics of “Knights of the Pilgrimage” are inscribed. However, until this day, it was not known that there was a melody to it. Bard Rowen sang it for the first time.

“Padarien (Praise)!” “Padarien (Praise)!”

The grand hall overflowed with stalwart knights who synchronized their breaths as if drawing a bow and struck this verse with resounding force. The tremendous resonance shook the castle. Then, they softened the tone of their voices, singing the next verse as if blessings descended from the heavens to the earth.

“The aged staff sprouts young buds,” “The fallen warriors are reborn.”

There was not a single person who didn’t shed tears. Each one sang with memories held dear, pouring their emotions into the song of resurrection and renewal promised by the gods. Yes, a song is the language of the divine. The manifestation of the Good News that humans occasionally hear from the gods takes the form of a song. The genuine emotions of the knights who walk today, trusting in that steadfast promise, are embodied in this song.

“Ou Dee En Low (The divine throne is opened),” “Ou Dee En Low (The divine throne is opened).”

Ou Dee En Low. Ou Dee En Low. Loudly, with unity, everyone sang this verse until the end. The final note was drawn out, lingering for a long time. Grace, drawn forth by the song, filled the entire room. The air and hearts trembled.

When they finished singing, everyone was in tears. While crying, they embraced one another. General Gassara embraced Gorz Boa, who had a horse-like face. Kirie Halifalth, who had rushed out to stop Gassara, embraced the first red singer. The first blue singer embraced the second red singer, and the second blue singer embraced the third red singer. The third blue singer embraced the fourth red singer. The fourth blue singer, having no one to embrace on either side, clung to a pillar. (haha)

Julelan and Shernelia exchanged glances and shared smiles.

7

One of the judges stepped forward, raising his right hand high. The commotion gradually subsided, and soon silence fell. The voice of the judge resonated throughout the grand hall.

“We say that the frontier are a place of cultural backwardness, and that is undoubtedly true. But on the other hand, there are those who say that it is in the frontier where the remnants of the old and good still exist. Today, we have come to know the truth of that statement. The song Bard Rowen taught us is something that had long been lost. A precious song that should never have been lost. But it shall never be lost again. Thanks to Sir Rowen.

And once again, we have come to understand why singing is included as one of the knightly arts. Why the final event of this martial arts tournament is a song. What the true meaning of singing is.

As for today’s singing competition, there shall be no winner. Neither Goriora nor Parzam is deserving of the glory. However, we cannot declare Sir Rowen, who is not a participant, as the winner either.

By the way, esteemed lords, you must be familiar with the ‘Knights of Song.’ In ancient legends and tales, there is a legend of the ‘Knights of Song’ who appeared on ancient battlefields. By hearing their song, allies were filled with courage, while enemies trembled in fear. The wounded and fallen were healed and revived, fighting even more valiantly. Drawing inspiration from that legend, in the past, this name was bestowed upon the unmatched singers in the great nation’s singing contests. However, that is all in the past. It has been over a hundred years since a ‘Knight of Song’ emerged.

Now, here, I propose! In the names of the representatives of Parzam and Goriora, and all the noble knights of both nations! Let us bestow upon the knight Bard Rowen of Pakula the title of ‘Knight of Song’!”

General Gassara raised his right hand to shoulder level and declared, palm facing forward.

“Saraan (I endorse it).”

Gorz Boa also extended his palm and declared.

“Saraan (I endorse it).”

Everyone expressed their endorsement in the same manner. Soon, the venue was engulfed in a storm of applause.