Arknights : Final Rebirth - Gladius Belii

[E] Chapter 42 - 1086, Reminiscence, Homecoming.

It was quite... awkward... to call her stepmother at first, but her graceful and welcoming nature made me feel accepted. She was a Kazimierz Knightess who was amongst the heroes who returned from 1072's encirclement. The event is now recorded as "Daybreak Over the Golden Prairie", a miracle of its right where Kiril Nearl, Step-Mother, and dozens of Silverlances fend off insurmountable odds. There were also rumors that Lady Nyx had a hand in it, but no official record was found.

My stepmother was also there to greet me. Her countenance was fair and pleasant, she regaled of tales where she knew my dearest father. Honestly, I can't be happier with how much he tried to keep me safe from all the nobles who have been moving behind his back. I wonder if my dearest Father is all right...

When I finally became more comfortable with my dear stepmother, I told her that I wanted to be a knight. She was overjoyed but also saddened by my decision. I once had asked her why she sported such a forlorn, if I may disgusted scowl that tarnished her gracious and determined gaze. She once asked me about what I think about the Knighthood in Kazimierz. At first, I thought that stepmother was merely jesting, thus I truthfully told her how I adore The Land of Knights and their determination to uphold chivalry.

Stepmother then showed me all there is to know about knighthood. I noticed the oddity of why there is a Knight Club beneath Knight Order, but I persevered and was trained personally by her. My skill with the sword rose sharply and the rapier had been my choice of weapon, not just because it was elegant looking like a piece of weaponry but also because it fit my style.

My stepmother then taught me the essences and codes of chivalry, which will still be ongoing for 4 years my estimation. I was beyond ecstatic when she hammered into me regarding the basics and goals. Knighthood exists to lead and ensure that the nation will survive. The Knights must be gracious and humble but never timid in the sense of backing down from what is right.

All the words and facets she teaches truly resonated with me. Thus I often begged her to allow me to see how Knighthood functioned in this era. She winced at my question and only gave me an apologetic and ashamed smile; she just gave me some sort of ticket titled Azurblade Tourney.

The tournament also reminds me of the rumored Black Knight. She was a Leithanien but is incapable of using Arts, and despite winning her 2nd Kazimierz Major, of which I had yet to be privy, is more or less shunned in Leithanien. My country has a severe case of distaste for those unable to use any smidgen of Arts, to the point of calling them the derogatory label of 'defects', naturally I wish nothing more than to disassociate myself from the likes of them.

Returning to the previous topic, I was beyond thrilled to be given such a chance to see Knights in the tournament. My fantasy was whirling with imagination to understand how modern Knighthood would present itself. Naturally, I did not attend by my lonesome, Miss Nelka as my caretaker and several Adeptus Agents accompanied me. I can still remember how I pretty much skipped with pep and energy toward the stadium, which was also why I failed to see Miss Nelka's pitying smile...

I used to think that I would enjoy every facet of Knighthood in this era... used to.

My hope and dream were tarnished however; not shattered but I was baffled by how different my idea of Knighthood is compared to... to... whatever this thing was supposed to be.

The tourney that I had watched was... an over-glorified and misleading gladiatorial tournament filled with savagery under the veil of modernity. That time I uttered incredulously "What is this?" I turned towards Miss Nelka but she did not answer and only bowed her head apologetically. I failed to see where the chivalry and honor are in this.

The cheering of the people was unlike what I thought it would be. It was more in line with drunkards and vagabonds betting upon which animals will win, their fascination is only on how badly mangled a 'knight' ends up or how much flair their duel shall entertain them. Their cheering was also commercialized, I remembered where names were being thrown and used for advertisement... forget chivalry; even the glory itself was lacking.