Chapter 07
Reinhardt was able to hear this and that story from Knight Commander Ethan Taton.
“You said one must climb to the highest place to realize justice. Do you know how I felt when I heard that story from you, Sir?”
“I do not know.”
“I got goosebumps on my body. Not because the content of the words was important, but because of your eyes, Sir.”
“…….”
“You were sincere, Sir. The will to absolutely become so was contained in your two eyes. Even the reason for that dream, solely to practice justice. What a knightly declaration is this?”
Ethan Taton laughed heartily.
Reinhardt kept his mouth shut. Because he felt that if he rashly brought up any words here, his back would be pushed towards Paganoa just like that.
“Actually, when I first heard that story, I had no confidence. It’s not an easy path, is it?”
“It is a difficult path.”
“But the thought occurred that if it’s you, Sir, you could do it. And now it has actually become so.”
“No. I am still lacking. Absurdly so.”
“The virtue of humility. Is it not a truly knightly attitude.”
“Not humility but…….”
Ethan Taton grinned and cut off Reinhardt’s words.
“It might be so right now. You might really be lacking. However, you are clearly growing steadily, Sir, and sooner or later you will fulfill that standard and have plenty left over. I guarantee it.”
This time Reinhardt didn't deny it either.
Because he knew it would definitely turn out as Ethan said.
In the official history, Reinhardt was already a member of Paganoa, and as long as he possessed [Justice], growth wasn't that difficult a task.
“I will send the personnel you rescued back to their hometowns well in cooperation with City Hall. Along with the compensation money received from Rom Caravan.”
“Yes.”
“Also, I will testify to the innocence of the surviving Rom Caravan members. No problems will arise for them.”
“Thank you.”
At that moment, Ethan opened his eyes roundly.
“Thank you?”
“Yes?”
“A knight should naturally do so…… Did you not always think so, Sir? It seems I can count on my hand the times I’ve heard words of thanks from you, Sir.”
Reinhardt wanted to squeeze his eyes shut.
‘I made a mistake.’
The Knight of Light, Reinhardt.
He was a human even more honest and lacking in flexibility than I had thought.
He had to be a human who didn't even have the words compromise and worldly wisdom in his head.
“Anyway, it is an encouraging day. You must be tired, so go back and rest now. Great work.”
“I do not consider it work.”
It was an answer to patch up the mistake.
Seeing Ethan Taton grin, fortunately, it seemed to have worked properly.
“I knew you would answer like that if it’s you, Sir. Go on out now.”
Reinhardt left the Commander’s office.
He looked around the still wealthy-looking Knight Order Headquarters, and raised his gaze to the sky.
‘Driving me crazy.’
He felt like the sky looked yellow.
Reinhardt’s dream was the transfer to the Paganoa Knights.
Everyone around him thought so.
‘Even now, I have no choice but to fix this somehow.’
I cannot leave for Paganoa.
The moment I get on the official history, Reinhardt will die.
That was an unavoidable result. Predetermined results were sometimes called fate.
Click-
Reinhardt left a record. An image capturing the full view of the Taton Knights was saved in the folder.
In the center of the image was Reinhardt standing alone. An appearance standing with an expression that things had become very troublesome.
***
Reinhardt’s accommodation was neat.
A fluffy and wide bed, a large wardrobe, a rack where equipment like swords could be stored, and even a sofa perfect for organizing thoughts.
Only electronic devices including a TV were missing; if examining the overall appearance, it was enough to believe even if told it was a small modern hotel room.
‘So my situation right now is…….’
In the quiet and independent space, Reinhardt pondered.
Reviewing the given situation, he planned for the future step by step.
‘Anyway, one thing is certain. I must not join the Paganoa Knights. To do that, I have no choice but to remain here, or withdraw from the knight order.’
Knights in history were such beings.
Those who swear loyalty to a lord, and practice honor as his sword for a lifetime.
But in this world, no.
A knight order was a kind of workplace. If conditions were met, one could transfer anytime, and resigning wasn't that tricky either.
Because ‘knight’ here literally meant a pro of combat.
Practically, they were combatants certified by the Empire.
‘Practically a professional people-slicer. Equipped with only minimal virtues and accomplishments.’
Although it was just a facade, there were this and that condition.
Content like having to work for the weak, and following justice.
However, excluding a few, most cases couldn't even recite chivalry.
That was why Reinhardt was treated as an oddity here.
“I need to cool my head first.”
Thump. Thud.
Reinhardt roughly threw the cloth clothes worn inside the armor onto the floor and entered the bathroom.
Surprisingly, facilities for showering were even equipped here.
It was a facility where even hot water poured out gushing.
Swaaaaa.
Reinhardt enjoyed the warmth while being hit by the water.
The body that had stiffened from being tense relaxed, and lethargy washed over him.
‘Anyway, it’s not a place I can go just because I want to. They put up tricky entry conditions claiming to be the best knight order in their own way.’
The Empire's best knight order.
When playing as a game, it was merely a setting for development, but now the story was completely different.
Skill, fame, and numerous other conditions had to be met to be a place one could join, which was Paganoa.
‘No matter if it’s Reinhardt, in this situation, qualifications would be lacking.’
It’s just a farce caused by the image built up until now, and the Commander’s greed.
Thinking so, his heart became much more comfortable.
Creak.
Reinhardt turned off the tap and came out dripping water. He wiped his body appropriately with a towel, and changed into soft new clothes.
Lying on the bed in that state, the mood was quite decent.
It felt as if he had gotten off work from the company.
“I need to be a bit calmer.”
Reinhardt crossed his legs while lying down. In that state, he brought up the community in front of his eyes.
Facing countless shitposts, he didn't even envy a cellphone.
[Had a fight with my boss]
[Since morning he kept scratching my nerves so I fought while cursing, but looking at the loan text message, my mind goes blank…….]
[Is it possible to fix this if I send a long apology text even now? Should I just put on a thick face and go to work?]
└Anonymous1: Didn't this bastard write yesterday saying he’s going for an interview?
└Anonymous2: Lolol
The community was the same as always.
The ratio of nonsense whose authenticity couldn't be known was over half.
Rather because of that, everyone was in an atmosphere of laying out this and that mixing sincerity and jokes with a light heart.
Reinhardt, who was reading posts while giggling for a moment, opened the interface. Opening the folder, he checked the saved images.
“Should upload a few screenshots.”
Full view of the city Serigel.
The path heading to the Taton Knights.
Facilities of the Knight Order Headquarters, and even the appearance of Reinhardt himself facing the Knight Commander.
After selecting and uploading images, Reinhardt began to write a post.
[Info) Reinhardt was a member of the Taton Knights.]
From the title, it was content contrary to common sense.
Knight of Light, Reinhardt.
His past was unknown.
‘Because he was the Knight of Light from the moment the game started.’
Natural talent, additionally obtainable talents, basic specs and specs when reaching limits.
Personality, hobbies, tone, habits, matching costumes and favorite food.
Even though all sorts of detailed parts were dug up, no one could figure out the past. The only person who knew that secret was the current Reinhardt himself.
[I was confused at first too, but looking at it, I knew. It is that knight order in Serigel. Now I don't know what to do.]
[Anyway, if it's a similar situation or someone who can help, please leave a comment. You guys too, if you don't want to end up like this, be careful of messages about insufficient quantity or whatever…….]
[Will attach reference images too.]
The content of the post wasn't much different from what was uploaded before.
Possessed into the game, became Reinhardt, and returned to the Knight Order Headquarters after causing an accident.
Naturally, if there was only this content, he would have experienced cold indifference rather than mocking comments.
However, the current Reinhardt had ‘evidence for his claim’.
└Anonymous1: Isn't it photoshop? Is this possible?
└Anonymous2: Why is Reinhardt in another knight order lol
└Anonymous3: Can’t Reinhardt change armor?
└Anonymous4: Yep can’t change. Even if he wears plain clothes, he can't use other knight order equipment.
└Anonymous3: Then what is this?
└Anonymous4: I? Dunno? Expansion pack leak?
Reactions came up in rows.
However, there was no one showing interest in the situation Reinhardt was in.
└Author: That’s not what’s important right now, I’m telling you I entered the game??
└Anonymous2: Don't have to go to work…… Must be nice…….
└Anonymous5: Fr commuting to knight order every morning?? Just be grateful lol
└Anonymous6: No announcement on homepage. It’s photoshop.
The comments that followed were exactly as Reinhardt expected.
That it was photoshop, and an extension of meaningless nonsense.
“I knew it would be like this. Fuckers.”
Reinhardt muttered, giggling self-deprecatingly.
Since there was no expectation in the first place, there was no disappointment either.
If there was someone who accepted this situation seriously, actually that person would be the strange one.
It was the moment he thought that far.
Knock knock-
Along with the knock, a servant's voice was heard.
“Sir Reinhardt. Are you inside?”
“What is it?”
Reinhardt sprang up from his seat like a spring.
He threw the clothes he had thrown aside into the laundry bin, and neatly set the armor he had roughly cast aside.
“The Commander wishes to see you. He said he intends to introduce Sir Reinhardt to a guest of the Knight Order.”
“…… Guest of the Knight Order?”
The hand organizing the armor paused.
Instinctive sense of crisis was felt.
‘At this timing?’
Trials always seek out and come at dramatic moments.
Even in reality it is so, but in a game world, that extent was a natural principle.
“If it’s a guest of the Knight Order?”
“He said it is a knight from Paganoa.”
His head began to throb.
Reinhardt glared as if to break the closed door.
‘He caused something in that short time?’
It seemed the new achievement Reinhardt attained was quite to his liking.
Reinhardt rolled his brain desperately.
Should I refuse.
Or should I make an excuse like I’m not feeling well.
But soon, he realized the fact that he couldn't do that.
‘That is not Reinhardt-like behavior. His reaction was absurdity just hearing words of thanks.’
The moment he avoided this occasion, the sprout of suspicion would grow.
Reinhardt had to always be knightly.
And that too, an honest, righteous knight among knights who keeps principles.
“Understood. Convey that I will go see him now.”
Clatter.
Packing the armor he had cast aside, Reinhardt spoke with a voice mixed with a sigh.