I Will Be the Greatest Knight
Chapter 144: They’re Here

Chapter 144: They’re Here

With Gunnar’s announcement, all hands were sent to the highest tower where they lined the halls to greet the Royal Family and the knights who had accompanied them on that journey.

The large front entrance of the tower was pushed open and, Irene was shocked to see that a knight had gotten a runner out of the carriage to unroll so that the passengers wouldn’t even have to step foot in the snow and their shoes wouldn’t be dirtied.

Considering how the floors were cleaned for their arrival as well, it made it seem as if the Royals weren’t allowed to touch dirty things.

The thoughts caused Irene’s gaze to momentarily drop and she observed her brown boots that were worn from much work. She only ever got a new pair when her feet were getting bigger. So far, she had to change boots twice in the past couple of years but there was no one to give hers to because no one had smaller feet than her in the knighthood.

Irene’s gaze snapped up when a deep voice filled the space. One of the knights had removed his helmet to announce the arrival.

"His Highness the Crown Prince Albert the Second of Peroda. Her Highness, Princess Marie of Peroda."

What Irene first noticed was how glistening and pristine the knight’s armor was even after weeks of travel as the Royals slowly made their way to the north. The metal was clearly more pure and refined than what the knights up north were using. However, it also begged the question if it was stronger than what the Knights of Tenetium wore.

While she didn’t doubt the skill of the King’s knights, the sword on the man’s hip also looked a bit more gilded than was necessary for battle.

Admiring the knight didn’t last long because soon light blonde and ever lighter blonde filled the doorway as the Royals removed their hoods. It was as if their hair was made of gold and Irene couldn’t help being in awe.

The Crown Prince unclasped his cloak and didn’t even bother to watch where it fell because a maid had dutifully followed them into the building and was there to catch the heavy outer layer once it was removed. Revealed was a purple tunic that went nearly to his knee. It was certainly an expensive garment simply based on the material. However, the excessiveness didn’t stop there. Gold embroidery took over the edges of his garment as well as his black leather belt and even the tops of his black boots.

It seemed over the top and unnecessary until the Princess removed her cloak as well and revealed to the Duke’s Tower a deep red dress boasting even more gold thread and embroideries that would have taken months to put together. On top of her head was a thin crown that wasn’t much more than thin gold vines that boasted a ruby matching her dress just at the top center of her hairline.

If that was considered traveling clothing, Irene wondered what the two of them would look like when they were at the Winter Solstice Banquet.

Based on the colors they wore, purple from the Crown Prince, and red from the Princess, it was obvious who was the representative and who was the diplomat. Prince Alfred was there to boast his title while Princess Marie was there to bridge a gap and play nice.

"Thank you very much for hosting us this evening," Princess Marie greeted as she gave a deep curtsy of her gratitude.

It was timely that Duke and Duchess Arlin were coming down the circular stairs which would put them in nearly the perfect position to greet the Royals. Not a moment too late to be considered rude either.

"Your Highnesses," the Duke greeted warmly. "Thank you for blessing this castle with your warm presence. The winter is cold."

However, to everyone’s surprise, the Duke wasn’t held back from bowing until his old hands were on the floor and his arms were trembling to keep himself up. Even the Duchess curtsied dramatically, but it wasn’t nearly as much as her husband.

Since she wasn’t strong enough to help the man up, it was Sir Gunnar who had to take on the duties of righting the man so he could rely on his cane once more.

Whenever Irene saw the old man and his wife, the strange feelings she shared with all others in the knighthood persisted. She couldn’t help being somewhat embarrassed that the man they were forced to call Commander was practically geriatric and declining worse each time he was in anyone’s presence.

When the Duke was on his feet, he smiled as if there wasn’t something wrong with the situation and the Princess merely offered a polite smile while the Crown Prince raised his light eyebrows. No one was allowed to tell him to tame his expression, after all.

"We have prepared a feast for the two of you in the dining hall," Duke Arlin explained.

"I would like to get into a different dress," Princess Marie said, but she looked up at her brother, asking him permission rather than anyone else.

The maid who once followed them offered her hand to the girl and she was then escorted to the higher levels by the Duke’s head maid Ingrid.

"Well then," the Crown Prince remarked regarding his sister’s departure. "I will go to the dining hall. I am famished."

As the Prince moved down the hall, each person he passed was required to bow or curtsy and Irene was sure to guard her expression and take her greeting seriously as Prince Alfred passed her.

They were all then allowed to go to the dining hall where things felt stiffer than they ever had been before.

At least the space looked alive with a table placed at the front of the room and closest to the kitchen and fireplace so that the Royals could be served first and the warmest in the room. Luckily Duke Arlin and his wife were allowed to sit on that table as well. Irene thought it might be cruel to make such a frail man sit where it may possibly be colder.

When everyone was settled, more Royal Knights entered the hall. It was clear they were behind since they had to handle things outdoors. Even Sir Gunnar and Sir Sven stepped foot outside to help the knights with whatever they needed.

Since it seemed the Royal Knights were organized in the same way as the Knights of Tenetium, the apprentices were the last to enter the dining hall, having put away the horses and carriage. They were only followed by Sir Gunnar and Sir Sven.

However, one of the apprentices who approached the table caught Irene by surprise. She looked up and saw the same long, blonde hair she recognized belonging to the apprentice of the Knights of Hydrogia. When the apprentice turned, she realized it truly wasn’t Alix.

She couldn’t help her curiosity especially since he decided to sit down at the same table as her.

"I have been told to sit with the apprentices," he announced. "Names Arin."

"You look a lot like the apprentice from the Knights of Hydrogia," she admitted after he greeted everyone.

"I’m certain you mean my useless cousin Alix," the apprentice responded with a scoff. "Quite the worthless second-born. Even less useless for joining a knighthood in the country."