Preparing for the next mission will take a good while. Convincing the bandit leaders in the city as well as some mercenaries will not be easy. Before we continue with that phase we need to investigate the Jade Knights and figure out their abilities before we try to assassinate each of the seven other members besides my father. I left my room and headed for Saikeya's classroom running into Gerard on my way there. He stopped me and said, "Morning Rokuza. Meet at the cafeteria in thirty minutes for an announcement.".
I responded, "Will do sir.".
Continuing on my way I made it to Saikeya's room. Upon entering I noticed Yukiko and Emelia were talking to him. I asked, "Do you know anything about this announcement?".
Yukiko and Emelia answered at the same time, "Not a clue.".
He answered, "Not much. A few high ranking knights are gonna stop in for a visit.".
If they didn't tell Saikeya the details then it probably means it's a classified matter. Honestly, I'm getting a bad feeling about this surprise visit. Leaving the room I started toward the cafeteria I noticed Arrion and Fumiko already heading inside. Chasing after them I noticed they sat in the usual corner waiting for the rest of the squad. I sat opposite them saying, "Morning. I didn't expect to have an announcement this early.".
Arrion said, "I know how you feel. It's too early for important stuff.".
Fumiko chimed in, "I agree. What could be so important?.".
I answered, "I asked Saikeya but all he knows is that we are getting a surprise visit from some high ranking knights.".
Arrion said, "That's weird. Most of the higher ranked knights are on missions away from the kingdom. The only knights that need an extremely dangerous situation to happen to even be able to step out of the city are the Jade Knights.".
As he finished talking I noticed the rest of the squad enter and make their way toward us. After everyone was seated we exchanged greetings before Gerard walked in and announced, "Now that everyone is here! I would like to gather your attention at the front of the room!".
Looking toward Gerard I noticed three tall men who looked exactly alike walk in. Gerard stepped out of the way and let them stand at the front of the room. They stepped forward one by one and introduced themselves. From right to left, "Name's Yelvis and I am a diamond rank knight serving as a part of the Jade Knights!".
The next one stepped up, "Name's Yarvis and same as him!".
The final one stepped up, "Name's Yervis and same!".
They all sounded the exact same. They said in unison, "From today onward for the next two months us three will be helping at the academy with training! Furthermore, Rokuza Korizaguya! The captain wanted you to meet him at the castle! That is all!".
Finishing their speech I made my way to the castle. Arriving at the gate I noticed Izune waiting outside. I stopped in front of him and he said, "The king wanted to see you. Taking out a Grievehood and a pack of Soulfangs is no easy feat.".
He motioned for me to follow. Walking a few feet behind him we passed through huge corridors lined with armor. We arrived at a huge decorative door and he said, "Wait here while I notify the king.".
He entered the throne room and left me waiting for two minutes before the doors started to open. Izune motioned me forward. I walked forward until I was at least eight feet from the bottom of the three stairs near the throne. I kneeled down while bowing my head. The king Kasage Autozuma said, "Raise your head young knight.".
Hearing his gruff voice I raised my head to look at him. His hair is jet black with white streaks mixed in as well as a white beard and his eyes were the same burgundy color as Mina's. He said, "You look a lot like your mother. I was sad to hear that she passed suddenly. Izune said she contracted an incurable illness. My condolences.".
Did I hear him right? My father said it was an illness that had taken her. I felt rage boiling inside of me but I can't let it show in front of the king or my father. I said, "I thank you for your kind words, your highness.".
He continued, "Hearing of your exploits I hereby present you the title of baron and forty gold. You will be a part of the nobles of Foract and you will receive a small parcel of land located near the entrance of the Horstos woods. Do you accept?".
I can't refuse a reward from the king; it would make it harder to stay on his good side for the time he has left. I answered, "I accept your graciousness, your highness.".
After being dismissed with my bag of gold and new title I made my way back to the barracks. Upon returning, Mina was the first person I ran into. I told her, "I'm a baron now and I own some land near the entrance of the Horstos woods.".
She looked at me dumbfounded and gathered the squad in the lounge. Joining them I explained the situation and added, "Maybe we could make a hidden base under the ground somehow. We could build a small trading post on top of it.".
Throwing out my idea I waited for everyone to process my words. The girls were speechless. Arrion agreed with my idea and Josento said, "Not a bad idea. Saikeya might know someone who would be willing to make the underground base and the trading post on top.".
We can talk to him about it tomorrow. I want to start building as soon as possible. It would help to have a place outside the academy to talk about missions and have less risk about exposing our intentions. Heading to bed for the night I told all of them goodnight and left the room. I thought about what the king said about my mother and my rage started to overflow. The only thing I wished for at that moment was to kill my father.