Knight Subaru
The Snow Festival eventually came to a close with Ferris winning first place, Felt taking second, and an unnamed male villager placing third.
The artistic ice and snow sculptures slowly melted in the light of the grand party's flames.
A joyful and hopeful atmosphere replaced the earlier sorrow.
Otto, who was made drunk by others, was pointing at the statue of the war god and arguing with members of the royal guard.
The southern citizens expressed their gratitude toward Roswaal, who had just returned.
Their faces lit up with joy at the thought of returning home tomorrow.
"What's wrong?"
"Just... it feels like everyone is moving on faster than I expected. It's kind of contradictory, right? I don't want everyone stuck in sadness, but I also don't want them to move on so quickly."
"Subaru, you really are kind. But it's not like they're forgetting. We'll always remember what happened on that day, and to ensure their sacrifices weren't in vain, I'll work hard to help everyone live better lives."
.
.
.
"Subaru, have you packed everything? Do you have enough money for the trip...?"
"You don't have to worry—it's just an internship."
Subaru barely stopped himself from retorting, while Reinhild also realized she was being a bit overly concerned.
"Internship? Subaru, you're one of Astrea's own. You're always welcome to come back here."
.
.
.
The next day, Subaru departed for the royal capital along with Roswaal and the others.
Along the way, Subaru tried several times to speak privately with Roswaal, but the guards at Roswaal's side always prevented him.
"Let's go, Subaru. Nya'll take you to see the captain."
"It's fine... There'll be another chance."
Subaru comforted himself as he watched the rest of the group leave, then turned to face the grand building before him.
Taking a deep breath, he followed Ferris into the knight order's headquarters.
.
.
.
"In addition to orders from the Council of Sages, there are recommendations from Sword Saint Reinhild, Margrave Roswaal of the border, and Duke Karsten.
You also hold the merit of helping defeat a Sin Archbishop.
Considering all this, we're assigning you to the Royal Guard... but not unconditionally."
Speaking seriously about Subaru's induction into the order was the captain of the Royal Guard—Marcos Gildark.
The Royal Guard is an elite unit admired by every knight in the kingdom.
Selected from the roughly two thousand members of the Kingdom Knight Order, they serve as personal guards to the king or royal family—swords and shields protecting the kingdom's heart.
In the past, noble background or strong connections were enough to get in.
But the current Royal Guard, reformed by Captain Marcos, is no longer the same.
Now it boasts the kingdom's top strength, and to enter, one must first pass through him.
"One year. If I decide you're not up to the task, your membership is revoked.
But I'll ensure your record isn't stained.
I'm not responsible for what your recommenders think—but it's better than living out your days branded a loser by the state.
That's it. Got it?"
"Understood."
Knights who serve the kingdom are identified by their cloak colors, depending on their corps: red, blue, green, and black, from the first to the fourth corps.
Most people within sight wore one of these colors.
Meanwhile, white cloaks—belonging to the Royal Guard—were rare, and Subaru received many respectful glances because of it.
"Don't lose sight of your place again."
Closing the door to his new room, Subaru muttered to himself while recalling how, back in Japan, the respect others showed him had led him astray—and ultimately to becoming a shut-in.
He also recalled his regret in loop 7, where he couldn't fight at all.
The light-heartedness he had felt vanished instantly.
Subaru began calmly assessing his situation.
He considered assuming a lesser identity but quickly dismissed the idea.
While joining the Royal Guard with his current ability would surely be troublesome, his goal in becoming a knight was to gain strength and achievements.
He recalled Ferris's introduction: compared to other corps responsible for public order in the capital, the Royal Guard—which protects the royal family—was relatively idle.
After all, the capital was already in ruins, the royal candidates had been found, and as a newcomer, he wouldn't be assigned to guard any VIPs.
"For now, my main tasks as a new Royal Guard member will be fulfilling commissions and doing the occasional patrol.
Seems like it'll be easier to train and build up merits.
Could it be that joining the Royal Guard was unexpectedly a great start?!"
With this conclusion, Subaru began tidying up his room.
That afternoon, Subaru walked alone through the streets, rubbing his slightly swollen arm.
"Ow... This kind of full-body soreness really sucks."
His injuries weren't from a duel or anything.
Subaru was surprised that the other knights had chosen to observe him train instead of testing his strength in combat—perhaps out of respect for the Sword Saint's recommendation.
But their scrutiny stirred his manly pride, and he figured his physical fitness wasn't bad, since he swung his sword daily for half an hour.
However, that training was nothing compared to proper knight training.
He was exhausted, dropped his sword, and, unable to withstand the surprised stares from the still-practicing knights, fled the knight order building.
.
.
.
"Looks like the physical route won't work for me.
I also need to manage my relationship with the royal candidates... But seriously, did Wilhelm really beat the Sword Saint when he was younger?
I know there's a gap, but isn't the power difference between the previous and current Sword Saint a bit much...?"
"Subaru-kun?"
Lost in thought, Subaru heard a familiar voice and quickly looked up.
"Rem."
The maid appeared in front of him, a mixture of confusion and delight on her face.
A moment later, she realized something.
"I see now. You came to see Lord Roswaal, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but the guards turned me away at the gate."
Subaru said helplessly, then suddenly seemed to think of something and looked at Rem with hopeful eyes.
"Even I can't get you in to see Lord Roswaal, Subaru."
"I see. It's fine—I'll just come again later."
"Wait a minute. Your arm, Subaru?"
"Oh, this?"
Subaru proudly raised his arm.
"Proof of my effort!"
Rem seemed to understand and walked over.
A soft blue glow enveloped Subaru's arm, and the soreness quickly vanished without a trace.
"Ah, thanks."
Subaru thanked Rem instinctively.
"Being able to help Subaru-kun makes me very happy.
But healing magic isn't omnipotent, so I still hope you'll take better care of yourself."
As always read ahead (60 chapters) on my pa tre on!
There you can also read my other 9 Fanfiction