Chapter 280: Holy Knight

The southern noble coalition gradually assembled, as did the nobles who once belonged to the territory of the Ackerman Principality.

For those nobles of the Ackerman Principality, this was also a time to erase their former allegiances and redraw the lines of power.

Even though they had some ties with the Altlinsmann Empire, a great river lay between them, and the empire itself was unstable. To prevent another incident like Lord Pegira’s expedition, they tacitly chose to side with the Kingdom of Lundex.

Now, in this newborn Kingdom of Greenwood, nearly two-thirds of the original nobles were gone. The remaining third divided up all the land of Greenwood—how could they not be excited?

Thus, the four noble coalitions, with over twenty-four thousand troops, were the first to gather and invade the lands of the former Principality of Corlay.

Nobles, their loyal knights, elite warriors, foot soldiers, and vast numbers of conscripted retainers marched together.

They advanced relentlessly. Even though the Fishman Servants outnumbered them nearly ten to one, these creatures could only match the conscripts at best—how could they stop the nobles’ march?

Almost every day, swathes of Fishmen territory were erased from the map. They sang victory songs, and some ambitious nobles even hired merchants from York Territory, scattering gold to spread their glorious tales.

Since they had already chosen to establish themselves in this kingdom, they naturally sought more than just titles and lands—they also craved fame.

Meanwhile, the nobles of the former Principality of Patlin only now began their campaign.

Their situation was far more complicated than that of the Ackerman nobles. Many family disputes over titles remained unresolved. With the two Earls ignoring them, both commanders and warriors of their coalition struggled to unite. Having been educated repeatedly by both the Church and the Senate, they slowed their pace, quietly observing York’s actions while also watching the advance of the Ackerman nobles.

But when half the shared borderlands between Corlay and Ackerman were swallowed up, they finally could not resist any longer.

Their greed for merit, and the songs praising the Ackerman nobles, felt like slander against them. After all, the Principality of Patlin had once been the birthplace of Lord Pegira.

Thus, by tacit agreement, the remaining four viscount families led the army, forming four coalitions. Yet, their total strength was far less than that of the Ackerman nobles—only around seventeen thousand.

Years of chaos had left them with fewer knights and warriors. The Church’s influence also ran deep, preventing them from exploiting their retainers too harshly.

Still, they obtained siege crossbows and repeating crossbows through merchants. Such weapons, capable of easily slaughtering those below the third rank, were perfect against the weak Fishmen.

Their armies marched through Richard’s territory. They invited Richard and Gregor to join them, but both declined, citing the need to consolidate their own lands.

Some nobles suspected something was amiss, but there was no time to hesitate—otherwise, the Ackerman nobles would push too far. So, they marched east.

Then, they encountered what the Ackerman nobles had yet to face—Fishman Deep Divers.

According to the Monastery, these Deep Divers were of Grand Knight level. The noble coalition had knights of that rank too—one viscount with a Holy Relic wielded such power.

But there was not just one Deep Diver—more than ten, supported by endless hordes of Fishmen. Like a tidal wave, they instantly crushed the Patlin coalition. The Grand Knight viscount fell on the spot, his Holy Relic lost. Of the four viscounts, only one survived.

He was the very viscount who had married his daughter to Senator Puniel’s son.

Puniel would surely grieve when he heard the news.

Aside from him, almost all the barons and lords perished. The knights were utterly annihilated.

Loyal to the end, they sacrificed their strength to buy their lords a little time.

Of course, without Richard’s help, even the survivors might not have escaped.

Richard rode forth on his Dragon-Eagle.

The beast soared, breathing fire, slashing with talons, while Richard, mounted on its back with Dragon Spear in hand, struck down two Deep Divers.

Yet, as Marl had said, before such numbers of Fishmen, his personal strength was far too limited.

After killing two Deep Divers, he had no choice but to retreat. To fight on would risk Crulud being dragged from the skies by the enemy.

The Dragon-Eagle landed at Fog Fortress, where a trembling squire led out a sheep for the beast to devour.

Since the bell had been rung, the sight of the Dragon-Eagle no longer sickened people, but its overwhelming presence still unsettled commoners.

Richard leapt from its back. Marl was waiting.

Marl wore a striking red bishop’s robe, with a silver-white cross upon his chest.

Richard said, “Just as you said, the number of Fishmen is overwhelming. It seems all those from the north have come south.” He spoke as though he had merely scouted, never admitting his attempt to save the Patlin nobles.

Marl did not mention them either. He replied, “The Theocracy has already been destroyed. Of course the Fishmen would continue south, to invade us.”

“The Northern Kingdom is colder, with fewer plants, and the soil is not as fertile as Greenwood’s. The Fishmen would never settle there. As for the lands adjoining the Diocese of Rod, they are tainted by Original Sin—so dangerous that even the Church’s bravest knights dare not tread. How could the Fishmen dare?”

Richard said, “The most important matter is just how many of them there are.”

Marl answered, “No fewer than two million common Fishmen, at least fifty Deep Divers of Grand Knight rank, four Explorers of Heroic rank, and… one Demi-God.”

Richard clicked his tongue. “Over two million? Even if our soldiers blunted their blades, they’d never finish them all. And those Explorers are trouble enough… let alone that Demi-God.”

He had never fought an Explorer, but slaying even Deep Divers took great effort. Explorers were said to be even stronger.

Marl chuckled. “That is why we must use certain tools to hasten the purification of this evil. The Explorers, though troublesome, are only four. As for the Demi-God, the Church will deal with him.”

…

Clock Tower, first floor.

No one else was present. George had returned, kneeling on one knee, holding the Holy Grail with both hands.

He said, “I have come to return the Holy Grail.”

Corleon’s voice, warm and gentle, replied, “This Holy Grail is the relic that nurtured those children of yours—their Cup of Life. As their father, this Cup of Life shall remain with you.”

At the word “father,” George felt a wave of awkwardness.

Though correct in terms of inheritance, the idea of suddenly having more than a thousand “children” left him overwhelmed—especially when some of them had already given birth to new life.

Suppressing his discomfort, George continued, “I am not suited to be a leader. After I leave, Lever Town will need someone else to guide them.”

Corleon answered, “That will be Agamemnon’s responsibility. For now, there are greater matters for you.”

George put away the Grail and said solemnly, “I am always ready to fight for the Lord.”

He had long heard of the Fishmen’s invasion. The very ones who destroyed a principality were certainly steeped in sin.

Corleon said, “Before this, your self-sacrifice to save others was truly noble. The Lord praises your exalted will. Perhaps now… you may be called a Holy Knight.”

George froze. He remembered, years ago, back in Flower Church, when Corleon had spoken of the Trial of the Holy Knight.

After a period of training and study, it had never been mentioned again.

George had not forgotten, but had buried it in his heart—never expecting to hear the term “Holy Knight” again, much less find himself bestowed with it.

Corleon paused, as if allowing George to dwell on his memories. Only when George gathered himself did he continue:

“The Trial of the Holy Knight is not a single trial, but the trial of your entire life. Before you become one, and after you are named one—the question is whether you can remain pure throughout your life.”

“A Holy Knight is a title. He is not like a Guardian Knight, sworn to protect, nor like a Punishing Knight, sworn to strike down sin. He is simply holy. Perhaps sacred in exaltation, or perhaps embodying holiness itself. The Lord has not defined it. After becoming a Holy Knight, you must seek the holiness you pursue—and live it.”

“The Trial of the Holy Knight begins when you accept the title. Or perhaps… it began when you were born.”

George bowed deeply. “I am willing to dedicate my life to walking the path of the Holy Knight.”

Corleon said, “I believe you will.”

…

When George left the Clock Tower, Agamemnon was already waiting.

“Congratulations, Sir George,” Agamemnon said, bowing deeply.

George took a deep breath, returning the bow, before saying, “I am heading east—to slay the Fishmen’s evil god.”

Agamemnon nodded. “Then follow me. Before facing that false god, you may need a companion.”

Together, they mounted their prepared warhorses and galloped to Lake Salvador.

From there, they could see Odo Village and a fortress in the distance.

With the southern wall torn down, the port was no longer as bustling as two years ago.

Agamemnon strode to the lakeside, inhaled deeply, and shouted:

“Salvador! Monk Agamemnon of the Church of the Sanctuary calls upon you!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep