I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 124: Events in the Holy Kingdom [SIDE Orel]

“Well then, I’m counting on you. Jeanne, while I’m away, consider Orel as your stand-in and help him out.”

“Understood.”

“You can count on me. I doubt you’re worried about this, but since this is a joint operation with the adventurers from Frales, please keep an eye out so that our subordinates don’t start any fights.”

“Yeah, I got it. …Third Knight Order Subjugation Squad, move out!”

After seeing the captain and the others off, we departed for the Grand Temple in the Holy Capital. We are accompanied by the envoy from the Holy Kingdom . Although the Holy Knights of the Grand Temple had a relatively good relationship with us, the Holy Knights and the envoy from the Holy Kingdom maintained a dismissive attitude toward us, as if we weren’t necessary.

Fortunately, Lady Eleanor was favorable towards us as the Saint. It made the envoy reluctantly accept our presence. This was probably because Lady Eleanor was quite attached to the captain. Maybe it was because she shared the same name as the captain’s favorite horse, but the captain couldn’t completely brush her off and ended up taking care of her.

Unlike before, the captain now seemed to show kindness to those who genuinely admired him, like Jess or the children in the Taleraan Frontier County. I used to think of him as more volatile than outright tyrannical, but I had witnessed several instances where he gave opportunities to those in truly desperate situations. Even if he wasn’t exactly kind to them.

Perhaps Lady Eleanor had also recognized this quality in him. When I carried her in my arms to avoid the muddy ground, she was so light. If I had a child with my ex-wife by now, they would probably be around her age, and the thought stirred a paternal instinct in me.

When we arrived at the Grand Temple in the Holy Capital, I noticed they were trying to separate us from Lady Eleanor. Thankfully, Jeanne intervened, and I felt relieved. However, it seemed the Holy Knights of the Grand Temple didn’t take kindly to this. Unable to confront Jeanne, they decided to pick a fight with me.

“We can’t have a man like you staying in the room next to the Saint!”

The guest room prepared for me as a noble was apparently the best available. So, I suggested that Lady Eleanor use it and I would guard her from the adjoining room. The knight who objected was a newly appointed Holy Knight, still young.

I knew from experience that being gentle with types like him would only encourage them. My subordinates usually handled these situations better, but calling them out from their rooms would have been unbecoming… so I had no choice. Fortunately, I was taller. I mimicked my subordinates’ approach by placing both hands on the wall, blocking his escape while looking down at him.

“We are here under royal orders to protect the Saint. As long as the Saint remains a citizen of the Kingdom of Rafios, it’s only natural that we prioritize the king’s orders over the words of this temple. Or are you saying you want us to defy the king’s orders and die for it? Do you have the authority to make that call?”

I modeled my tone after Cassius, who grew up in the slums. Though the words were rough, I spoke quietly and close to his ear. Cassius always said it was scarier than yelling. As expected, the young Holy Knight quickly backed down and left.

I heard voices and turned to see Lady Eleanor peeking through the door at me. She probably overheard my rough words. My divorce had also been triggered by my ex-wife hearing me use language like that. I had caught the butler at the estate engaged in wrongdoing and had threatened him. But after that, my wife became afraid of me and wouldn’t come near me. It’s something I can laugh about now, but remembering it made me feel oddly embarrassed to have been overheard.

“How embarrassing… You were watching? Guys like that aren’t used to rough language, so copying my subordinates is the most effective way to shut them up.”

Fortunately, Lady Eleanor seemed to have some tolerance for harsh language having grown up as a commoner. Though it appeared that I had startled her a bit. Jeanne even teased her about her heart racing, laughing about it. Perhaps it would be best if I excused myself quickly.

“I’m staying in the next room. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to call. Though with Jeanne around, I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

With a pleased blush, she expressed her gratitude. She looks every bit the pure maiden befitting the title of Saint. During our stay in the Holy Kingdom, they repeatedly hinted that Lady Eleanor should consider living there. Each time, Jeanne and I would either deflect or politely decline.

From the second day, there were public appearances and traditional welcome ceremonies. By the third day, Lady Eleanor was already expressing her desire to return home.

“Have we not fulfilled our minimum obligations? Isn’t it time to leave?”

With just that one remark from Jeanne, Lady Eleanor became fully set on leaving. While I was relieved by this decision, I couldn’t shake off a nagging sense of unease. Unfortunately, that premonition proved to be accurate.

I was being called by Sir Axel, the Holy Knight Commander, to discuss the escort arrangements for our return. Meanwhile, Lady Eleanor was having tea in the salon with Jeanne. However, after excusing herself to the restroom, she didn’t return. Jeanne reported that her presence had suddenly vanished. It was unthinkable for an abduction to occur within the Grand Temple.

No, if someone from the Grand Temple had taken her, they would surely understand the risk of incurring Lady Eleanor’s displeasure. I needed to stay calm and assess the situation logically.

Even Sir Axel had turned pale. Then, Jeanne quietly murmured,

“Hmm… Could it be that she was summoned?”