bookpower Chapter 218 : As Expected of Holy Knights
Chapter 218 : As Expected of Holy Knights
As Expected of Holy KnightsSeeing Serea staring at that piece of light armor, lodran paused in his heart—could it be...
"Respected Queen of the Elves, is there something about this equipment that you are dissatisfied with?"
"I am quite satisfied actually—it's just a pity about these materials."
Serea's meaningful words left the Dwarves a bit displeased, for they could hear the disparagement in her tone regarding the equipment.
For a Dwarf, it was acceptable to mock their beards or their height, but never to ridicule their fine wine or forging!
"My Queen, why do you say that? That piece is our..."
A Dwarf asked with a slightly prickly tone, but Lodran hastily cut him off.
"Captain?"
The Dwarf looked at Lodran in confusion, while Lodran stared at Serea excitedly.
"Once this equipment was forged, our tribespeople couldn't stop praising it. But you, you gave it the same appraisal as my father. May I ask, Your Majesty, can you tell me the reason?"
Lodran's tone was eager, his face full of intense longing, yet Serea did not directly give him the answer because...
She did not know either.
"It's too cold outside, let's talk inside."
"Alright."
Moving past that topic, the Dwarves followed Serea into the camp, where they entered a wooden house.
The other Dwarves retreated, leaving only Lodran and his two followers. Lodran's eyes remained filled with urgency as they entered.
"Respected Queen, may I ask if you can tell me what the flaw in that equipment is?"
"I can't answer that for you."
"Then the words you said just now..."
"But there is someone who can."
As she finished speaking, lodran's eyes suddenly widened, for he heard a voice in his mind.
"Boy, you dare to show such equipment and embarrass yourself in my presence?"
Upon hearing the voice, lodran quickly looked around, but of course there was no one there.
"This... What is this?"
A puzzled Lodran asked Serea, and Serea responded with a mysterious smile.
"Do not doubt it. Only those who are chosen can hear that voice."
At Serea's words, the other Dwarves were left at a loss, not having heard the voice themselves and unable to grasp the situation—whereas Lodran was overjoyed.
Only the chosen could hear it. Coupled with Serea's invitation, lodran excitedly responded to the voice.
"May I ask who you are, my lord?"
"Merely an ordinary armorsmith."
"You are a master!"
With that, lodran confirmed the other's identity—while Dogsius, through his mind-reading, had also discerned Lodran's purpose for being here.
He had come to seek guidance from the master, wishing to improve his own forging skills—just as Dogsius could use this to complete the task Serea had entrusted to him.
And the task that Serea had given Dogsius was...
To win Lodran over. As long as they lured in the Clan Chief's son of the Eriwin Dwarf Clan, their future supplies of equipment and weapons would be secure, and she could seize the opportunity to gradually undermine Maregof's trade alliance.
So Dogsius replied...
"It's merely a name."
Dogsius feigned indifference, while looking at the incredibly excited Lodran, he continued his mental manipulation.
"I've heard you wished to see me?"
"Yes, I'm an armorsmith from the Eriwin Dwarf Clan. I heard a master had appeared in the jungle, so I especially came to pay my respects."
"So you brought that flawed equipment?"
"Back then, queen Serea gave me a set of leather armor crafted by you—it was a work of art, truly exquisite. So I wanted to present you a gesture of thanks in return."
Lodran spoke, though an embarrassed look crept onto his face.
"But, my lord, it seems you do not like it. May I be so bold as to ask, what exactly is wrong with the equipment I crafted?"
"Flaws? Heh, there are plenty. Even if I spent all day here with you, I wouldn't be able to finish listing them."
As Dogsius spoke, lodran latched onto the crucial hint: the other party agreed to teach him!
"If the Master is willing to instruct me, I would be grateful. I will do my best to meet any request you have."
"And your sincerity?"
"It's here."
Lodran waved his hand, but his followers were still confused.
Seeing their lack of response, lodran spoke anxiously.
"What are you standing around for? Take it out!"
"Ah? Oh, oh, oh!"
His followers snapped out of it and opened a large chest—inside were gifts for visiting a master.
Neatly arranged refined 'cold iron ingots,' along with pieces of high-quality 'ice crystal,' and a single...
A 4th-tier ice-attribute mana crystal!
"Master, these are some small gifts. There are more on the carriage outside, I believe they can be useful in your forging."
"Boy, you certainly know the way!"
Dogsius recognized the high-level materials at a glance, especially the 'cold iron ingot,' which was a forging secret of the Dwarf Clan.
Seeing Lodran's eager expression, Dogsius knew he had taken the bait, and the next steps would be easy.
"So, master..."
"You and the equipment stay."
Lodran immediately turned to his followers.
"You wait outside for now."
"Yes, Captain."
The Dwarves left, and Serea gave Lodran a smile, then led the others out as well. The room was left to Lodran alone, with Dogsius speaking to him via spiritual connection.
Outside, the Dwarves were puzzled and turned to Lola.
"Miss Lola, our Captain..."
"Please, do not disturb him for now. He will explain everything to you himself later. We've prepared a place for you to rest, please follow me."
Lola spoke politely, and the Dwarves had no choice but to accept.
"Thank you, miss Lola."
Lola led them to their quarters.
Dogsius's 'persuasion' would take a while, and Serea could not be bothered to listen to the 'professional discussion' between armorsmiths. So she led Lilith and the others away.
However, along the way, lilith seemed preoccupied. Before Serea could ask, lilith spoke up first.
"Um..."
"Hmm?"
"My subordinates... are they alright?"
Seeing Lilith worried for the Holy Knights, Serea thought for a moment and replied.
"They should have woken up by now. Since you're concerned, let's go and check together."
"Okay."
Lilith nodded, and Serea led her toward the wooden house where the Holy Knights were held.
As Serea approached, maro and four blood slaves came out to greet her.
"Queen Serea!"
"Hmm."
Serea nodded in response, then asked when she saw Little Black wasn't there.
"Why are you on guard? Where is Little Black?"
"A large number of zombies appeared to the east, so Captain Little Black led some men to eliminate the threat, leaving us to guard here."
"They haven't caused any trouble?"
"No, it's very quiet."
"Good."
With that, Serea stepped into the wooden house. Maro followed, while the other blood slaves stood guard at the door.
They had only just reached the wooden door when they heard voices from within. It seemed the knights were already awake.
"Do you think that Miss Serea is really Lady Lilith's younger sister?"
"She must be, otherwise how could she look so alike to Lady Lilith?"
Hearing the conversation, Serea and the others paused, her interest piqued, so she listened in.
With the topic raised, the inside of the house turned lively.
"The same appearance—if you compare, lady Lilith really does suit black over-the-knee socks and a skirt. If possible, I wish she'd switch all her light armor to black cloth armor too."
Hearing this, Serea glanced at her own clothes. Were they talking about her?
"These guys!"
Maro was a bit angry as he heard this.
Although Serea in black stockings and a short dress was no doubt attractive, as a loyal fan of white stockings, how could he tolerate such opinions!
Ahem... Off track.
But these guys dared to think such things about the Queen—it was unforgivable!
Maro wanted to burst in but was stopped by Serea's raised hand. Then another exaggerated voice echoed from within.
"Are you trying to commit heresy!"
"Huh?"
"Only the pure white that symbolizes sanctity belongs to the Holy Maiden! Black over-the-knee socks and such are heresy. The most beautiful Holy Maiden must match with white over-the-knee socks!"
"But normally, the Holy Maiden wears white boots and greaves. Over-the-knee socks are just in your imagination..."
"Shut up! White is the true way!"
"Hah? Saying that in front of us—are you looking down on us?"
Somehow, the knights started arguing, and just then, the captain of the Holy Knights spoke.
"Enough! Do you not realize you are desecrating the dignity of the Holy Maiden with such disrespectful talk?"
But as soon as he finished, someone beside him said,
"But, if we remember right, Captain, doesn't your face turn silly and smitten every day when you polish the sword Lady Holy Maiden gifted you? In this aspect, you're in no position to scold us..."
"Huh? Did I ever look like that?"
"Yes, very perverted." xN
The Holy Knights answered in unison. Embarrassed, the captain coughed.
"Cough... Maybe I just admire the Holy Maiden too much, that's all."
One wave hadn't subsided before another arose—Manshir's voice also rang out.
"But, compared to the Holy Maiden, I actually prefer the slightly more mature Miss Serea. It would be a dream to have dinner with such a beautiful lady... hehe..."
"Did you just say you had intentions toward Miss Serea?"
"So? She isn't the Holy Maiden anyway, she just looks the same."
As soon as he said this, the Holy Knights all stared deadly at Manshir, their gazes full of killing intent.
"Hey, hey, hey, I like Miss Serea, not your Holy Maiden. No need to look at me like that..."
"Miss Serea is Lady Lilith's younger sister."
"Two with the same appearance—disrespecting Miss Serea is disrespecting Lady Lilith."
"Prepare to face judgment!"
Watching the knights, still bound, shuffle threateningly toward him, manshir swallowed hard.
"You guys are being too overbearing. Besides, I was just thinking about it, I haven't even..."
"Before becoming Lady Lilith's guardian knights, we made a vow."
"To guard Lady Lilith for life—and never to entertain any profane thoughts toward Lady Lilith."
"United front!"
"No tolerance!"
"Even if it's Lady Lilith's sister, as long as she has the same appearance—"
"We will protect her to the end!"
The Holy Knights recited their creed with solemnity. Surrounded, manshir grew tongue-tied with fear.
"W-wait, let me confess. I promise, I won't have such intentions again, please forgive me this once!"
"It's already too late. You have committed an unforgivable crime—face judgment!"
At that, the bound Holy Knights surged forward, and soon, manshir's miserable screams rang out from the house.
"Ahhh! Help! Murder! Wuwuwu!"
"Gag him!"
"Hold him down, you're not getting away!"
Chaos erupted inside. Hearing this, maro looked to Serea for instructions. Getting the nod, he kicked the door open.
Bang!
"What are you all doing!"
At his shout, the Holy Knights froze. Serea and her group saw the scene inside.
"Wuwuwu!"
Manshir tried to call out, but his mouth had been stuffed with a boot. The others were holding him down, his reddened face pleading for help.
"Lady Lilith!"
The Holy Knight captain called out in surprise, only to realize he'd gotten the wrong person—the real Lilith now stepped forward from behind Serea.
"And I was worried about you lot..."
Lilith pulled off her mask, her face a mix of shame and anger. Recognizing the true master, the knights scrambled away to their places, leaving only the captain awkwardly kneeling.
"Aiwasha."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
"I think I must take back the knight's sword I awarded you—as punishment for your failure in guard duty."
"Lady Lilith!"
"Hmm?"
"Uh... yes, I accept the punishment."
The man called Aiwasha's face turned ashen, like someone deprived of his beloved treasure, while the others pretended as if it was none of their business, glancing around at the walls and pillars.
"Judging by your condition, Lola's healing spell must have improved again."
At this moment, Serea stepped up. Seeing two identical girls before their eyes, even those who already knew could not help but stare.
"You feel relieved now?"
"Yes."
Lilith nodded, still blushing with embarrassment and anger at seeing this side of her subordinates for the first time.
"If they're alright, maro, please assign them work. Whether it's leveling ground or building, these fellows seem brimming with energy and should be useful."
"Yes, queen."
Maro acknowledged, and Serea gave the group a devilish smile. Instantly, the Holy Knights were lost in the spell of that 'smile Lady Lilith never showed them.' By the time they snapped out of it, Serea and Lilith had already left.
"Lady Lilith!"
Aiwasha called in vain, for Maro now stood grinning before them.
"Forget about Lady Lilith—after such a long rest, it's time for you to experience the hardships of us 'veterans.'"
Maro said. Aiwasha and the others sensed the strange meaning behind his smile, expecting that the work ahead would not be simple.
Meanwhile, outside, lilith glanced down at Serea's black over-the-knee socks.
It seemed there had been more fans of that style just now—should she perhaps try a new look too?
"Hmm? What are you looking at?"
Serea noticed Lilith's gaze and, catching her by surprise, made Lilith look away quickly.
"N-nothing."
Lilith was embarrassed. After glancing once more at the wooden house, she spoke again.
"Thank you, Serea."
"Thank me?"
"Yes, thank you for saving them."
"There's no need to thank me for something like that. Besides, I still have a use for them."
Serea's smile turned a little sly as she spoke.
After this little episode, the two headed back to the wooden house, and by then Dogsius had already completed his 'lesson.'
(To be continued...)