The honor of being knighted.
In this Empire, to be knighted, you have to get through a series of tests, given it's not a time of war. It doesn't matter if you're of nobility or of common people. If you pass the test, you're placed on a division in the knighthood, suitable for the grade you possess.
Everyone who desires to be a knight can get through this test at the age of 18.
I was supposed to go through it last month but I missed it due to my injury...
Noel was a special case though. At the age of 16, he was given special access and went through the test because he was already proven worthy by my father.
I purse my lips, holding the knife and fork in my hands tightly.
Missed it last month due to my injury?
No.
It was because I spent that time moping around and wasting my time on something I can't get back. Half-regretting my decision but what was I supposed to do? Treat it lightly as if it was just a simple nightmare? I couldn't. It was my life. My life in another world.
But now, I am here, this is my life. It has been for 18 years.
"Then I'll go on this year's test." I firmly answer. I see my father subtly smile and go back to eating.
Sighing out of nervousness, while staring at the steak in front of me. My hands slightly shake as I cut through the cooked meat.
My father is right. I have been preparing to be a knight for my whole life.
I should go through with it no matter what.
As if noticing the tension on my face, Noel suddenly says, "Ah, father! Nera taught us some new type of exercise."
"Oh, what is it?" Father and the rest of the family's eyes head towards me, waiting for my answer.
"Uh, I read it from the library..." I fumble at first but then continued to briefly explain what I taught Noel and Noah.
"That's interesting," My father nods and puts his hand under his chin.
"Yeah! And we tried it ourselves, it feels refreshing," Noel chirps. "I want to propose it to the First Division to be added to the Fourth Division's routine."
My eyes widen and slowly tilt my head toward Noel, to which he responds with a big smile.
"If it goes well, it might even be given to every knight! We'll tell it's from Nera!"
"No! I just read it from a book...!" I shout.
"Nera, don't raise your voice." My mother sternly scolds, which calmed me down.
I clear my throat and sit down properly again.
"Please, just tell that it was from a book. I don't remember which book it was though."
"Nera, but you're the one who gave us that idea too. If you're given just a little credit, that could boost your chances in being the Second Division after being knighted." Noah explains, obviously getting annoyed.
Getting into the Second Division right after being knighted is a big honor, assigned for protecting the royal castle.
Usually, the newly knighted ones who have average passing grades will be assigned to the Fourth Division, the last and biggest division and the ones with the highest grades would be in Third Division.
But in special cases, some get immediately sent to the Second Division, just like my brother Noah. He got exceptional grades which sent him straight there and that was him 'barely trying'. So annoying.
Noel had good grades too, but was still 16 at that time so he was sent to the Third Division for a while.
"That's impossible though..." I mumble.
"You and impossible are the best partners." Noah scoffs and closes his eyes.
I glance at him and lightly chuckle.
"Yeah, you're right," I smile. "But just please don't tell me that you got it from me."
"...Alright then." Noah continues eating with a visibly disappointed face. The rest of my family have the same expression as well.
Due to my inability to back down from a challenge, my whole family knew how I would react to something like that. Especially Noah.
He knew how to provoke me well since we'd been together for the longest time. So in that aspect, he also knew how I thought. And in return, I could also easily read him.
I'd like to show it off and get attention too but not through that knowledge. I'd rather get that from showing off my strength.
"Don't worry. I won't need that extra credit since I'll get high scores with my own abilities."
I heard Noah scoff and Noel chuckle. I see both my parents smiling warmly at me.
"I'll give you a challenge then. Get higher scores than me on my knight exam."
"That's more like it!" I shout, standing up from my seat, then running to where Noah is for us to shake hands.
"Good luck with that." Noel, who is beside Noah, pats my back.
"Thanks."
Nice, another motivation to get me through my worry!
I still had my doubts since being knighted is something serious that I had to get. I couldn't just head right in without getting ready, like how I usually do.
But I already have a plan and I worked hard for this in my life, past and present. It'll be fine.
Besides, I have the best family to get me right back on track anytime.
The rest of the dinner, we had various topics, calm and serene, except for the fact the underlying stress I had the whole time.
As we finish eating and I stand up, then Noel comes up to me and pats my head, giving me a reassuring smile.
"You'll do great. You just have to get your body in shape again!"
"Thanks." I smile back to his enthusiasm.
Hearing our conversation, Noah comes up to us and leans his back on our brother. "Noel is right. You're too much of a knight addict to give up now."
I slightly chuckle with him.
I can't let this make me weak. I can't just give up on my thoughts now. That's not what a Ponterise would do.
That's not what Nera mi Ponterise would do.