The Splendor of the Capital
Even before this, many students had come to Solemnute. But they hadn't seen the capital's landscape from the skies. The sky path to Solemnute wasn't easily permitted. Thus, only those directly authorized by the imperial family had been allowed to board the direct route. As an exception granted solely to those affiliated with Solemnute Adem, the students now gazed at the capital's striking vista and let out exclamations of awe.
That wonder didn't last long. Riding the descending winds, they swiftly landed at the Celioum Church's Solemnute branch.
"It's been a while, Professor Hainkel."
"Ah, indeed. I hope you've been well. Bishop Tania."
"Yes. Just enjoying life as leisurely as the wind always does. I've heard the news—you're here for the upcoming Terra prayer festival?"
A graceful priestess greeted Professor Hainkel and welcomed everyone from Solemnute Adem.
Tania Grand. Bishop of the Celioum Church's Solemnute branch. She smiled warmly at the students.
"Yes. As it always has been. I hope this year passes without incident as well."
"I hope so too. Now, please follow me. I'll escort you to the Imperial Knights."
Tania led them out of the Celioum Church. It was rare for a bishop to personally guide visitors like this, but Solemnute Adem's schedule was officially under imperial oversight. The churches had no choice but to provide due courtesy.
Emerging from the church, they took in Solemnute's sights. A grandeur different from the aerial view unfolded before the students' eyes.
"Whoa..."
As the students' gazes shifted, Tania smiled faintly and began explaining the building that had caught their attention, her voice soft and measured.
The sky-piercing symbol of Solemnute, the Sun Tower. It housed the remains of those who had heroically sacrificed themselves for the capital. Its exterior was inscribed densely with tributes to their deeds. Tania explained that the capital's title as the city that never lost its light stemmed from this marvelous structure.
"The Sun Tower's true form reveals itself at night. You'll be amazed, especially if it's your first time in Solemnute."
She added that it stored sunlight to serve as a beacon for night wanderers, truly the city's emblem.
Once the explanation ended, the students immersed themselves even deeper in sightseeing. Their eyes soon fixed on one spot.
Even from afar, it was unmistakable: the imperial palace of the Solemnute Empire.
Golden ornaments complemented the stark white architecture, its majesty unmatched by any other building in the empire.
Thus, they strolled toward the Imperial Knights, drinking in Solemnute's wonders at their own pace.
As a vast city, the journey from the Celioum Church to the Imperial Knights was considerable. But boredom had no chance to creep in. The city, buzzing with preparations for Terra's prayer festival, brimmed with vibrant spring energy.
Streets teemed with smiling faces, carts laden with flowers rolling everywhere—the city was a blooming garden.
April, the liveliest month. When frozen earth fully thawed and true spring arrived. Terra's blessings of the land abounded, floral scents assaulting the students' noses from all sides.
Not all scents were pleasant. Some students sneezed from ticklish pollen, others clutched their heads from the overwhelming fragrance.
Moreover, curious onlookers were gathering, so Tania quickened her pace.
Hurrying along, they soon beheld the Imperial Knights' headquarters.
As the main gate came into view, Tania said to Professor Hainkel, "This should do it."
"Leaving already?"
"I'm just the escort. My role ends here, so I must return. May the freedom of the skies be with you."
"Thank you. May the freedom of the skies be with you."
With that, she exchanged farewells with the students and rode the wind back to the church.
"Let's hurry."
"Yes!"
At the Imperial Knights' main gate, two knights in dress uniforms stood vigil.
Spotting Professor Hainkel leading the students, they straightened and awaited their arrival.
Finally, Hainkel brought the group before them. The knights, in rigid posture, declared, "State your business."
"Two hundred Knight Faculty students from Solemnute Adem, led by Hainkel Hereis. As of today, we report for dispatch to the Imperial Knights."
It was a formality—they knew the purpose. But procedure demanded it.
The green-haired knight on the right asked Hainkel, "May I see your identification token?"
Hainkel showed the token around his neck. It read:
Solemnute Adem Knight Faculty Affiliate. Full Professor, High-rank Knight. Hainkel Hereis.
Confirming it, the knight inserted the token into a sun-shaped structure beside her. It glowed, and she nodded, saluting Hainkel.
"Verified, Professor Hainkel Hereis. Good to see you again."
"Likewise. Settling in well with the Imperial Knights, Lady Carmen Ansis?"
"Yes. Much to improve on, but... I'm striving onward. These are the first-years?"
"Yes. Here to assist the Imperial Knights during Terra's prayer festival."
Carmen scanned the students and nodded approvingly.
"Fine spirit. Well-trained poise."
"You think so? Ah, do you know who's assigned to guide us?"
"That would be me. That's why I've been on gate duty. Shift ends soon, then I'll escort you properly."
"Haha. Understood."
"Ah, perfect timing."
After her relief arrived, Carmen guided Hainkel and the students through the Imperial Knights' grounds.
Unlike its imposing exterior, the interior was stark and austere. No ornate decorations—just empty corridors embodying a knight's true duty. Spaces faithful only to their function.
"Dorms first, then to the training grounds for the students. Professor, you have a separate quarters—head there, then join us at the grounds later."
"Right."
Hainkel departed for his room. Carmen turned to the students.
"Room assignments first."
Consulting the roster, she allocated rooms individually.
"Drop your gear, then regroup here."
"Yes!"
The students swiftly checked their rooms, unpacked, and reassembled before Carmen.
"All present. To the training grounds."
Arriving, the students gaped at the Imperial Knights sparring inside.
Ludenberg Lavante was no exception.
He'd trained under his father, the empire's greatest knight, and glimpsed distant realms in dreams after meeting Raha. Yet even his elevated eyes found much to learn in these spars.
Sharp sword auras, flawless footwork. Even without divine power, their presence prickled the skin chillingly.
Ignoring the newcomers, they focused solely on each other. Eyes locked warily, they methodically displayed honed techniques.
Imperial swordsmanship as foundation, then unfamiliar styles relentlessly pressing the attack.
The bout ended soon after. Carmen asked the students, "Impressive, right?"
They nodded, dazed. The knights seemed from another realm—unreachable heights.
"Yes."
"So why bring you here? Any guesses?"
"To brief us on the schedule...?"
"No. You'll get a booklet for that. Your duties are light—this is more like dispatch practice. Simple reason I called you: sparring."
"...?"
As confusion spread, Carmen grinned.
"Spar with the Imperial Knights. Tempted?"
"Sure."
Sparring stronger foes offered lessons, win or lose.
"That's why. Quick poll: Who wants to cross blades? Raise hands—no penalty for passing."
Every hand shot up.
"Oh."
Carmen's eyes sparkled. 'I like them.'
She wasn't testing skill—students were fledglings by her standards. What she sought was their will to seize growth without hesitation.
These first-years delivered. Countless Knight Faculty students had come for the annual festival, but none matched this unanimous zeal. Carmen smiled, satisfied.
"Good, good. That's the spirit. Knights must seek gains, even in defeat."
Clapping, she summoned nearby idle knights. They approached with faint smiles, sensing her intent.
Four in total, including Carmen.
"Step up in order. It'll hurt, but take something from it. Give it your all."
The first student hesitated. "What about weapons?"
"Imperial Knights short on training gear? We've got you—don't worry."
"Understood."
The front four students faced the knights, faces tense.