Sedon's dignity had vanished in that moment, leaving him utterly humiliated. But he was, after all, an Earth Knight famed for many years, a socialite of the Imperial City.
Having served in multiple Knight Orders and weathered countless storms, he wouldn't lose his composure in public, even when seething with humiliation.
This was the basic professionalism of a qualified bureaucrat.
Calm, wisdom, and good breeding—the outward conduct befitting his image as one of the Upper Ranks—were far more important than indulging in a public display of temper.
Many eyes in the camp were now focused on this matter.
If he continued to suppress Reinhardt, it wouldn't project authority. Instead, it would make him seem petty and cost him the respect of his men.
Sedon's face was a mask of indifference. He arrogantly quirked an eyebrow, his slightly raised chin seeming to broadcast the pride and superiority of a great noble of the Empire. Adopting an all-business posture, he clasped his hands behind his back, his body growing even more ramrod straight.
He scrutinized the young man before him, and then his tone shifted. He became lavish with his praise, and one could even detect a hint of appreciation in his eyes.
Of course, only he himself knew if that appreciation was genuine.
"As Vice Commander of the Steel Knight Order, I am obligated to congratulate you on your advancement to the rank of a glorious Knight. Moreover, I am withdrawing all accusations against you as a celebratory gift.
Welcome to the Steel Knights, Knight Reinhardt."
Sedon's tone was even, yet it was filled with the contempt and arrogance of the Upper Ranks.
He glanced back at his Direct Lineage Knights gathered around the campfire, his expression darkening. "It's time for the changing of the guard," he said. "The Abyss Legion could attack at any moment. Stay vigilant, Knights."
Though he used a formal tone, it was clearly a verbal reprimand for his Direct Lineage Knights. No one had reported Reinhardt's awakening of his Knight Power to him—a serious dereliction of duty!
And so, the mirth vanished from the faces of the Knights who had just been laughing, joking maliciously about the four fallen Knights, and enjoying savory soup by the fire.
They didn't dare linger, lest they provoke their lord's anger. In silence, they rose, grabbed their weapons and armor, and headed to the walls for the guard change.
Seeing their rivals take a fall, the Knights sitting with Erich felt the rage that had filled their chests instantly dissipate. The feeling of the gloom clearing away was even more exhilarating than a great victory!
And this was all thanks to Knight Reinhardt!
The young man who had trained arduously on the practice fields for three years without a day's rest had not only achieved his dream but had also gotten a bit of revenge for them!
For years, Sedon had relentlessly targeted Vice Commander Erich, suffocating the veterans of the Steel Knight Order. The mission that sent Knight Elias deep into the Northern Icefield was also the work of that bastard Sedon, pulling strings behind the scenes. Elias's squad had yet to return, and their chances looked grim.
Now, the perpetually aloof Vice Commander Sedon had been utterly humiliated by Reinhardt. If not for appearances, they would have jumped up and laughed in his face!
A smile doesn't disappear; it just moves from one face to another.
Adrian leaped to his feet, sprinted behind Reinhardt, and with a cheer, hoisted him onto his shoulders. "Look! Look who's here!" he yelled toward Vice Commander Erich. "It's Knight Reinhardt! Hahaha!"
He carried Reinhardt over to the bonfire, and the Knights all rose and crowded around.
Some gave Reinhardt a friendly punch on the arm.
Others tossed him a flask of strong liquor with a booming laugh.
"Someone's probably exploding with rage right now, but there's nothing he can do about our Reinhardt! Haha!"
"Welcome to the ranks, kid."
"Is it really time for the guard change? I could've sworn it wasn't time yet! Hahaha!"
Adrian, a two-meter-tall, blond behemoth of a man, was like an overgrown child, completely ignoring Reinhardt's "cries of agony" as he bounced around, celebrating with abandon.
Perhaps it was because the fate of his friend, Elias, was unknown.
Perhaps it was because Reinhardt had been the follower Elias admired most.
Out of concern for his dear friend, Adrian's affection for Reinhardt was far greater than that of the other Knights, even exceeding that of Vice Commander Erich.
Meanwhile, outside Vice Commander Sedon's tent, Robie sat alone by a bonfire, staring blankly into the flames. The distant, boisterous celebration of the Knights felt separated from him by a pathetic, invisible wall.
This was not only because he was the direct cause of Reinhardt's confinement, but also because he was the son of Sky Knight Duval. It seemed he was naturally expected to stand with Vice Commander Sedon, who was also of high noble birth.
Robie envied the celebration surrounding Reinhardt. He was jealous that Reinhardt could swim against the tide, break free from his predicament, and attain Knight Power...
The Abyss Legion had paused its assault, and the blizzard was finally subsiding. The young followers who had taken refuge in the underground fortifications could at last come to the surface for a breath of fresh air.
Pachy and Carl had been constantly worrying about Reinhardt, wondering if he was even still alive.
After returning to the fortifications, they had vividly boasted about their heroic feat of killing an Abyssal Hound together, drawing gasps of amazement from the other young followers.
But many suspected the two were just blowing smoke.
An Abyssal Hound was about the size of a lion, but faster, with a tough, thick hide. Even the most experienced veterans couldn't necessarily handle one.
So, the moment they left the underground fortifications, Pachy and Carl began searching the camp for Reinhardt. They not only hoped to see him alive and well, but also needed him to corroborate their story that they had truly killed an Abyssal Hound.
However, when they finally saw Reinhardt again, their hearts filled with excitement... the young follower, who had once been just like them, was being addressed by Lord Adrian with the title of Knight!
Pachy's and Carl's jaws nearly hit the floor!
Even the other boys who had run over, hoping to hear Reinhardt confirm the Abyssal Hound kill with their own ears, were frozen in shock!
A brief silence was broken by a chorus of astonished shouts.
"A Knight?!!"
Carl ran up to Reinhardt and grabbed his shoulders, checking to see if he was injured, or if he was just bluffing about having awakened his Knight Power.
When a flash of dark purple light pulsed across Reinhardt's body, Carl froze. He stood there gawking for a moment before crying out, "You really became a Knight?! Heavens, I thought you were kidding!"
Reinhardt showed none of the arrogance or pride of a newly advanced Knight. Instead, just like old times, he playfully put Carl in a headlock and joked, "If you were surrounded by a dozen Abyssal Hounds, you'd probably awaken your Knight Power, too."
"A dozen?!"
Carl's eyes widened in terror.
Hearing Reinhardt's confirmation with their own ears, the other boys who had gathered gasped in amazement.
Pachy walked up to Reinhardt, his expression a complex mixture of envy and gratitude. "Carl and I owe you our lives."