kscans

Chapter 39 - Commoner Knight, Sent to the Tree Sea in a Discriminatory Personnel Change

It was a personnel change of blatant discrimination against commoners.

The newly appointed supreme commander was, as expected, the captain of the Imperial Guard, Julius von Ernst.

He was the eldest son of a marquis. An elite who, like me, had solidified his position at a young age. ...But what was fundamentally different was our social status.

I was of commoner birth. I had earned the title of Knight Baron through meritorious service, but that was for one generation only. As captain of the First Knight Order, I had been treated as an equal to a viscount, but compared to the prestigious noble Julius, the difference was like night and day.

I wouldn't lose in a sword fight. But in the arena of politics and power struggles, I couldn't compete at all.

To Julius, I was a symbol of the 'rise of the commoner knights'. That was why I was an eyesore to him, and he had interfered with me at every opportunity. The one who had protected me each time was Darius.

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"No matter which unit you go to, the mission to protect the country remains the same. I know this sudden transfer has surprised everyone... but I want you to believe that we are all aiming for the same goal."

I said these words to the members of the First Knight Order.

The remaining noble-born members also looked uneasy. Until now, the First Knight Order had been a place where people were chosen based on ability, regardless of their social status. But the new transferees were second-rate in ability, but first-rate in status.

However, it would be the new captain's job to support them. I knew who I needed to support. It was the subordinates who were about to be dispatched to the Tree Sea.

The new barracks was located past the Royal Capital. A place completely devoid of convenience. --Were they trying to avoid public attention, or was it just harassment? Many were being separated from their lovers and families. The message was probably, if you don't like it, then quit.

"Damn it! I was so close to getting a girl from the brothel to date me personally!" Kyle lamented, holding his head.

"Oh, what's she like?" I asked casually. Kyle looked at me, puzzled.

"...Huh, you're asking about that, Captain!? Wow, welcome to this side of the world!"

"Don't misunderstand. I have no intention of going to a brothel. I was just curious about what kind of girl she is."

"No, no, until now you hated even talking about such things! Hah... I guess having a girlfriend really changes a person. You had a fun week, didn't you?"

Mireille's face flashed through my mind. I was angry about this personnel change, but compared to the injustice she had to bear, my own troubles were small.

A smile naturally escaped my lips.

"Yeah... it certainly was fun."

At my answer, Kyle's eyes lit up.

"Hey! Once we're settled in the new unit, you have to tell me all about it!"

Watching the excited Kyle, I suddenly felt a pang of self-reflection. Perhaps I had been too puritanical until now. I had no intention of going to a brothel... but I should have paid more attention to my subordinates' love lives and families.

"...First, I need to confirm my new duties."

Tomorrow was my audience with the king. And then, I would head to the Tree Sea Defense Force for the first time.

I had to receive the handover from my predecessor... and above all, I had to be careful that the Defense Force and Mireille didn't cross paths.