Chapter 24
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Something? (1)
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Sudden proposal of a knighthood from Vice-Captain Roderick Kreutz.
Asha blinked up at him from her chair.
'I beat him at a few games of chess, and he offers me a knighthood...?'
Was becoming a knight really that easy?
Wasn't it a profession symbolizing martial prowess and honor?
We just met for the first time, too.
One question led to another in her mind.
Unaware of her doubts, Roderick inwardly marveled.
'She's cautious too!'
A prudent elf, no less!
The more he looked at this girl, the more he couldn't help but admire her.
For starters, her chess skills spoke volumes.
This elf girl was undoubtedly of noble birth!
No one could reach that level without proper education from childhood.
Of course, commoners played chess too, but their style was naturally different from nobles'.
Roderick didn't know how long she had lived alone in the mountains.
That made the evidence right before his eyes all the more crucial.
The skill to defeat Brita at chess, no less.
And she maintained humility and grace to the end!
She was flawless, the ideal girl incarnate.
'She must have had an exceptional mentor by her side!'
He didn't know the exact environment she grew up in, but someone must have guided her before she was left alone.
He was dying to know who it was.
To educate an elf to this degree!
Perhaps it was some fateful encounter. It had to be someone who would go down in history.
Just speculating that she had such a teacher all but confirmed her status.
This girl had blue blood.
Even her hidden parents' identities wouldn't pose a problem for the Knight Order.
'To think such an elf exists in this world...'
Life really was worth living long to see it all.
Roderick silently praised the unknown mentor.
Unable to hold back any longer, he asked.
"Miss, may I ask the name of your mentor?"
"...Pardon?"
"Surely someone taught you chess. I thought you might know their name."
"Uh, um..."
Asha couldn't answer right away.
She couldn't very well say she learned it in her previous life.
Nor could she blurt out Yulia Silvern.
She'd never actually met them, and it was still uncertain if they were the same person as her adoptive father.
'...Is this how Dad felt?'
Asha belatedly empathized.
Telling the truth wouldn't be believed, but not telling it made explanation impossible.
What a cruel paradox...!
But even so.
'I can't accept that!'
Was Yulia Silvern really her adoptive father Min Hyeong?
That would mean she was born a total pro at this!
The whole world treating her like a pro.
All her visible relationships being 'fake'?
Good lord, that couldn't happen.
Fake relationships were necessary to some degree, but they couldn't be the foundation...
In that sense, Yulia Silvern could not be her mentor. They had to not be.
Asha tried not to show it as she replied.
"My mentor wished to remain anonymous..."
She cast a sidelong glance as she spoke. Her long lashes cast deep shadows over her eyes.
Forcing the story, her youthful eyes trembled faintly.
It was enough to stir protective instincts in any observer.
Even for an elf.
No, especially because she was an elf.
For knights who saw elves as symbols of martial might, this was the first time encountering such delicate, endearing pathos.
The elves' hidden beauty as a race now bloomed in full, illuminated by intellect.
'She must have some story behind it.'
'Prying would just reopen wounds.'
'Maybe the mentor has already passed...'
A solemn mood spread among the knights.
Errun even sniffled.
In that atmosphere, Asha spoke calmly.
"Thank you for the offer, but I'll have to decline the knighthood."
"...May I ask why?"
"I'm not ready to step out into the world yet."
"I see..."
'The wound from losing her mentor hasn't healed...'
Roderick let out a long sigh.
Even then, the girl's composure shone through.
He turned to Elysia beside him.
"Lady Valtline, it's just as you said."
"I told you, didn't I?"
"Hm! Your report was utterly honest, without exaggeration."
An elf girl with a reverent spirit, transcending worldly status to touch the essence of glory!
Seeing her in person, it was no flowery rhetoric.
Elysia Valtline had pierced right to the core.
Roderick's estimation of Elysia rose another notch.
She had the eye to spot such talent.
'...Too valuable to let slip away!'
Her report—and her elven nature—already guaranteed her prowess.
A brilliant sapling, virtuous and wise to boot.
Such an elf was rare anywhere.
He needed to build ties before other groups noticed.
Roderick boldly decided to invest.
"Miss, I heard you came to meet the elf knights."
"Yes, that's right!"
Asha nodded eagerly, eyes sparkling.
Finally, to the main point.
'Is he going to introduce me personally?'
Hope it won't be too stiff.
Just talking would be enough.
Her mind painted mystical elves in vibrant hues.
Gliding in gracefully, greeting with soft smiles.
Imaginary Asha smiled back.
'Elves!'
Asha waited excitedly for Roderick to speak.
Watching her quietly, he stroked his chin.
"Unfortunately, they left recently to subjugate bandits. I can't introduce you right away."
"...!"
Her mental image shattered and scattered in an instant.
Deep disappointment clouded Asha's face as her small mouth fell open.
Her long ears drooped, and she slowly bowed her head.
She looked so pitiful that Roderick hurriedly added.
"O-Of course, that's just now! They didn't go far, and timing-wise, they should be wrapping up. They'll be back in a few days for sure."
"...In a few days?"
"No need to worry. I'll make sure word reaches you quickly through Lady Valtline or otherwise."
He nodded as if it were perfect timing.
"Hm! How about this instead. I'll issue you a temporary Knight Order pass."
"A pass?"
"Yes. Use any public facilities freely—the training grounds, chapel, library. By the time you come to, you'll have news of the elf knights."
Pride in the Order's facilities filled Roderick's tone.
It hid shrewd calculation too.
An elf who revered martial arts would surely take to the training grounds.
From there, gradually draw her into the Order naturally.
He lowered his voice a tone.
"Well? No pressure, of course. Feel free to refuse."
Asha pondered briefly.
Then slowly opened her mouth.
"Well, I..."
...After finishing her talk with the vice-captain.
Asha bid farewell to Brita, who looked glum with a 'let's meet again,' and the other familiar knights, leaving the lounge behind.
She walked home with Elysia, exiting the Knight Order headquarters.
"Elysia, I have something I'd like to consult about."
"Hm? What is it?"
"If I use the Knight Order facilities, what should I start with?"
"Hmm..."
Elysia thought for a moment, then clapped lightly.
"Asha, can you ride a horse?"
"No?"
"Then how about learning horsemanship while you have time? I'll help."
"Oh..."
Asha let out a short exclamation and smiled brightly.
"Good thing I asked! Please do."
"You'll pick it up fast, I'm sure."
Elysia tilted her head.
"What facility drew you to accept the vice-captain's offer, anyway?"
"The library!"
"...Hahaha!"
She half-expected it, but it was true!
Elysia burst into uncharacteristic loud laughter.
'Most would say the training grounds.'
Asha really was a peculiar elf.
Under Elysia's guidance, Asha focused on learning to ride over the next few days.
Better to learn properly while taught.
She hadn't mastered it, but had grown accustomed enough to match the horse's rhythm.
Then Elysia brought urgent news.
"Asha! Trouble might be brewing with the elf knights! I have to go support them—want to come along?"