On a summer day when cicadas were screaming, the inauguration ceremony of the Imperial Knights Commander was held in a single ceremony.
The 200 homunculus were divided into groups of 20 and arranged. The sight of 10 knights standing in a block and rows was spectacular, like a legion about to go to battle.
The winner of the martial arts competition come out in reverse order, starting from 10th place, in front of Desmond II. Then, the Knight Commander appeared. He was awarded the golden emblem and stood before the knight he would lead.
Considering that it was an outdoor event in the middle of summer, the ceremony was brief, minimizing the formalities.
I and other members of the royal family watched the ceremony under a canopy tent, protected from the cold wind of the golem.
It was Sylvestian's turn, the third from the last.
When the long-haired, silvery, handsome homunculus knight took the stage, he wore this emblem on his chest. Then came the solemn voice of Desmond II.
"Sylvestian Millard is bestowed the title of Knight Commander of the White Night Knights, the Third Order of the Imperial Family."
"I'm very grateful, Your Majesty."
Even in a simple and repetitive appointment ceremony, there were points to watch. It was the proper name given to the Knights by Desmond II.
"The White Nights Knights..."
A murmur rang in my ear. Now I knew that Rondel's place was Rosenite's. It was her voice.
I glanced, and Rosenite commented.
"I was expecting something like white silver or blue, but it's a bit disappointing. But I like the meaning better."
It was understandable that she liked the night that burned white. I nodded my head without realizing it.
Elijah was next. The name of the Order of Templar he received was Wall Blood, which means Blue Blood.
"Hmph, I like it."
Brigitte was satisfied.
In the Empire, when blue blood is preceded by the modifier "noble", it symbolizes the lineage of your people. However, when used alone, it means inhuman cruelty.
It could be regarded as an insult, but the taste of the imperial family, who had given up their humanity, was extraordinary.
Finally, it was the turn of the winner of the martial arts competition, Michael. He was the center of attention and showed restraint. He walked up to the stage with a stride.
"The Seven Princesses' direct knights, Michaelis Agnito."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I grant you the title of Templar Commander of the Imperial First Knights, the Order of Punishment"
"I am very grateful, Your Majesty."
The royal family was horrified by the name given.
Punishment was a pretty arrogant name. Names such as Annihilation and Radiance have appeared earlier, but they are unique in that they alone boast strength and brilliance.
However, punishment was a very provocative word in that it posited a subject to condemn and judge.
Sure enough, Brigitte had already become a candidate for judgment. Her entourage was busy taking notice of her.
Michael, wearing the emblem on his left breast, stepped down from the platform.
He was passing by the homunculus to find the Templar he was in charge of.
The homunculus, which had stood stiff when others passed by, reacted slightly.
They craned their necks back or shrugged their shoulders every time Michael passed in front of them.
Apparently, the homunculus' ignorance and instinct were beginning to recognize the King.
The day of worship is not far off. Sylvestian felt this most clearly.
'Is this the King's influence?'
Sylvestian was shocked by the pressure, knowing what was going on. Curious about the reaction of the other homunculus, he glanced to the side.
'Oh? What's this?'
Even though Elijah had a new and strange experience, he was shining his eyes with a child-like face.
It didn't seem to be a very good sample.
The upheaval was due to the internal circumstances of Homunculus. The only thing the royal family felt was that Michael was particularly noticeable. And in this case, there was a certain number of people who were affected a lot.
'Rosie.'
I looked sideways and sighed.
Rosenit's ruby eyes were fixed on Michael, forgetting to blink.
Who was Michael? He is strong and beautiful, and even a knight of flower pink.
I clearly read Rosie's eyes as if she were looking at a piece of jewelry.
'What should I do to prevent this child's obsession and possessiveness from blooming?'
It was when I ran into a difficult problem and got serious. Rosenite murmured as if to listen.
"That was originally my knight."
“...What kind of flow of thinking leads to such a conclusion?"
Rosenite also had her own logic.
"The best of the imperial gifts was always mine."
"You have a great eye for recognizing Michael, but I think the important premise is wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"Michael will never be imprinted on you. No matter what the sacrifice is."
A sarcastic remark about her lack of talent in alchemy and magic was a reverse line. Moreover, the effect was excellent because the master who instilled a sense of inferiority from childhood said it.
"Sister."
Rosenite's flower-like face showed signs of turning blemish. At this rate, it was a desperate moment that could lead to a poisoning attempt without Michael in between. I continued.
"But it doesn't matter. You were the only white rose of the country even when there was no direct knight."
For a moment, Rosenite's eyes shook loudly. It was as if an unknown agitation seemed to have hit her.
Rosenite, who was about to become Belladona and returned to the white rose, stared at me for a while.
The gaze that Michael could have caught on was now directed at me.
But it wasn't long. Rosenite quickly regained consciousness and turned her head sharply.
"Do you think I don't know? You're telling me not to be interested in Lord Agnito."
I tried to admit it honestly, but I kept my mouth shut. For some reason, I felt instinctively that I should do it.
At that time, the direct knights returned to their respective royal families after the appointment ceremony. Michael did the same.
"Your Highness Evienrose."
Michael called me differently than usual. Maybe with my name in it, his voice was softer than usual.
I woke up holding Michael's hand.
"Please return to your quarters, Your Royal Highness."
"Well, no. Let's take a walk. I want to walk while I'm out."
Desmond II provoked it to the fullest in the name of punishment. There was a high possibility of friction if I returned to the separate palace while mixing with the elder daughters.
"Yes, I will take you there."
Anyway, Michael's attitude of taking orders was also extreme today. He took my hand to his mouth and made an example with a kiss.
Even the kiss was not the back of the hand, but the fingertips, and it was done five times in turn, from thumb to small.
'No? Michael?'
I opened my eyes wide in amazement. What kind of serious act is this in a public place.
I, looking around in a hurry, met with a surprised Rosenite head-on, and then I had a realization.
'Oh, so that's what you meant by Rosie.'
Only then was Michael's ostentatious behavior convinced me to find peace of mind.
"Then I'll go first, Rosie."
"Oh, yes..."
I left the inauguration hall holding Michael's hand, escorted by Rosenite's cold eyes.
The place we chose as a walking course was the shade of the central garden (a shaded space created by covering vines in an arch-shaped tunnel).
The shaded vines were covered with red roses. It was a season of blooming and setting, so faded red petals were laid like velvet carpets on the archway.
An environment was created where the two could talk comfortably. I immediately started speaking while looking at Michael's emblem.
"Congratulations, Knight Commander Michaelis."
"Thanks to the grace of the Princess. I will take it well and make them into your faithful knights."
"I only need Michael for a knight."
"I guess so. If you have me, you will have my Knights."
I was a little startled. This is because meaningful words and mean expressions flowed out of Michael's mouth at the same time. The latter was particularly more concerned.
Then Michael quickly changed the subject.
"I saw you talking to an Eighth Princess earlier."
"It wasn't a big deal."
I waved my hands and glossed over it. Of course, it wasn't Michael who would miss the meaning here, either.
"It seems like there have been some unpleasant stories being told to you."
"You're quick to notice."
"I will try to change it if the Princess likes a bear-like knight."
"No. I have to accept Michael as you are."
It was me who spoke as much as a training center without being aware of it. Michael widened his eyes a little and soon smiled.
"Sure, as it is."
This time, it was when I opened my eyes slightly wide because the laughter was quite attractive. Suddenly Michael popped his face into me.
"Michael?"
The subject of Rosenit was not yet over. Michael asked again in an extension of the conversation.
"So, did the 8th Princess covet me?"
I almost took a breath for a moment.
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