I Will Be the Greatest Knight
Chapter 142: The Southern Knight

Chapter 142: The Southern Knight

Irene and Leif entered the meeting room to find Felix already there as well as Sir Sven and Sir Phillip. The person she didn’t expect to see was Sir Eitan during the winter.

He was one of the knights she was less familiar with because he patrolled further off townships which was where he returned every winter. Originally he was from the south and his faint accent gave way to that fact whenever she saw him.

Before she sat at the table, she bowed her head at the knights.

"Sirs," she greeted.

Leif did the same and sat in the chair next to her. It was as usual that they relied on one another in situations they were uncertain about.

Whenever Sir Gunnar saw the apprentices, they almost reminded him of puppies from the same litter that refused to go their separate ways. With what he knew of Irene, however, he couldn’t help wondering if things would ever be strange between them. How would things change if any of the people in the room found out her secret in an unsavory way?

Wiping the thoughts away as he ran fingers through his hair, Sir Gunnar stood towards the head of the table but he didn’t dare sit in the Duke’s chair. He still refused to act as if he was anything special despite now being the highest ranked.

"Thank you for joining me on short notice," he addressed the room calmly. "I have permission from the Commander to go on as I see fit. His focus is trying to regain his strength so he can greet the Royals at all."

When he saw that everyone was focused, he continued.

"The usual trip between the Duke’s Tower and Auden Estate is normally about a week’s worth of travel but due to the delicate nature of our guests, we are looking at nearly two weeks of travel," he explained. "This will ensure the Princess and Crown Prince don’t have to camp outside in such a cold climate since they have experienced that a few times now while going over the shorter southern mountains with a few of the Royal Knights. On our trip, however, we will be at an inn each night. Once we arrive at Auden Estate, we are then required to work with his knights and their commander in how to secure the estate. We have direct orders from His Majesty that promise generous rewards for giving his children a nice time while they’re here. Knowing how generous the Commander is in funding the knighthood, it will be good for all of us."

There were confirmations of understanding as the knight’s eyes drifted around the room.

"Since Sir Eitan is second cousins to the King, he has also been requested by name to guard the Royal Family," Sir Gunnar answered everyone’s silent question. "We are lucky to have extra hands to ease the burden of this traveling. Is there anything you would like to warn us about?"

Irene’s eyes drifted to Sir Eitan once more and she took note of his light blonde hair and bright blue eyes. It was somewhat confirming what she remembered about the southern Commander’s apprentice and him being a high born. Except, unlike Alix, Sir Eitan’s hair was light blonde ringlets rather than long and straight.

The knight cleared his throat and sat up a bit straighter.

"I understand the apprentices have been practicing escorting nobles, but keep in mind that your distance or closeness will be chosen directly by His and Her Highness. If they want you further away, you will listen. If they want you closer by, you will listen," he explained, his tone serious. However, he soon cracked a smirk at all the looks of slight dread that were staring back at him. "In my distant relation to that family, I am the most understanding in how particular they can be. I assure you, they don’t normally go out of their way to ask for ridiculous things. They are trained to not seem fussy. Only those employed by the palace have to face the true nature of these children."

Irene couldn’t help staring in awe. Weight was lifted off of her shoulders at his explanation, but there were also more questions compounding with a few mere sentences.

"Very well, Sir Eitan, thank you," Sir Gunnar responded. "Even though the Commander has asked that I take the reins on most things, I will be relying on you heavily for this trip."

"Understood," Sir Eitan said accompanied with a nod. "I will do my best, Gunnar."

Gunnar turned back to the other apprentices.

"Now, I would like to partner apprentices with knights so that we have a bit more accountability during this travel," Sir Gunnar went on. "Leif and Felix are both in need of knights."

Sir Gunnar’s eyes drifted to the three unapprenticed knights and he raised his eyebrows.

"I will work with Felix," Sir Eitan volunteered almost immediately.

"I’ll take Leif," Sir Sven said soon afterwards.

"I am alright being sent on scouting duties on my own," Phillip resolved.

They all seemed satisfied with this arrangement.

"Now I believe the knights may be dismissed," Sir Gunnar explained. "I believe a few words with the apprentices is in order before we even attempt this journey."

Since Sir Gunnar’s voice became a bit more stern, Irene sat up a little straighter. She wondered if they were perhaps in trouble for something else. Well, most likely her because she was the one in trouble the latest.

"Since most of these escorting missions are about what happens at the present time, I believe it’s most important we talk about your conduct in front of the Royal Family," Sir Gunnar explained.

The apprentices all took heed to his words and he could tell as his eyes drifted over each of their expressions. While what he would say was mostly directed at the boys after confirming what he knew about Irene, to allow her to keep her cover, he would have to lecture her as well.