The steward of the outer keep was an unremarkable middle-aged man with brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard. However, the sharp glint in his eyes betrayed a keen intelligence that far exceeded his plain exterior.
Upon learning that Clobber had officially joined the Dragon's Breath Order, the steward promptly congratulated him and volunteered to arrange accommodations for Clobber's retainers—Sam and Will.
As a full-fledged knight, Clobber's follower, Foster, was entitled to his own room in the outer keep. At Foster's request, the steward assigned him a room conveniently close to the training grounds.
Since Clobber's return to his family, Foster had grown noticeably more ambitious. His words summed it up best:
"A Grand Knight Foster can protect young master Clobber far better than a mere knight Foster."
Those words echoed a sentiment from long ago, spoken by Lilith, the Golden Rose, when she had gifted him a potion. She had said:
"Once you become a proper knight, won't you be able to protect me better?"
That scene was still vivid in Foster's mind—the regal beauty of Lilith's face, the trust shining in her eyes. It was a memory he could never forget, a vow he kept close to his heart despite the passage of time.
Clobber, pleased with Foster's determination, naturally supported his decision.
By midday, Clobber had handled most of his personal affairs. He spent some time bonding with Whirlwind at the stables and entrusted Jack with the care of Radiance, his first warhorse.
With an afternoon left before his break ended, Clobber decided against wandering outside. Instead, he headed back to his room for training.
Rooms in Saintgold Castle were impressively spacious, and Clobber's quarters were no exception. It offered enough room for him to carry out his daily training routine.
Still clad in his heavy plate armor, he began practicing his sword techniques.
In the past, Clobber had always preferred wearing light leather armor in combat, prioritizing speed and flexibility. However, the weight of his current full-plate armor didn't hinder his performance much, nor did it feel unnatural.
Yet, things had undeniably changed. The cumbersome armor significantly restricted his speed and reaction time, forcing him to adapt his fighting style.
Previously, lacking robust defensive gear, Clobber relied on agility and precision, aiming for swift, decisive strikes. If the initial attack failed, he would outmaneuver his opponent, gradually wearing them down.
Now, clad in heavy armor, his tactics needed a complete overhaul. He would have to embrace the plate's impenetrable defense and channel its resilience into a powerful, aggressive combat style. His strikes would need to be bold, overwhelming, and relentless.
The new style, characterized by brute force and commanding momentum, brought Clobber a newfound sense of security. The impenetrable armor gave him a solid, reliable defense, freeing him to focus entirely on offense.
For now, his training priority was to increase the reserves of battle energy within him. Once his energy reached the required threshold, he could undergo his first battle-energy transformation and ascend to the rank of Grand Knight.
Sunlight poured through the windows, casting a golden glow over Clobber's determined, striking face. After an entire afternoon of focused training, he felt rejuvenated and invigorated.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke over the horizon, Clobber slowly opened his eyes, awakening from a restful sleep. Just as he was about to get up, a gentle knock came from the door.
"Master, are you awake? It's Will. I've brought your breakfast."
"Come in," Clobber replied.
The door creaked open, and Will entered with careful steps, carrying a tray laden with steaming food. On it was a bowl of fragrant honey oatmeal, accompanied by a thick, juicy slab of magical beast steak.
Will set the breakfast on the table with great care before turning to Clobber. Bowing respectfully, he began helping him dress.
Once Clobber was fully clad, Will swiftly moved to tidy the bed and clean the room. His practiced movements were swift and efficient, as though he had been doing this his entire life.
It was still early, the sky just beginning to lighten, around five o'clock in the morning.
Under Will's meticulous care, Clobber's slightly messy hair had been combed neatly, and the heavy plate armor that he wore had been polished until it gleamed.
Within moments, an imposing, dashing knight stood before him, exuding an air of grace and confidence.
Clobber nodded in satisfaction, pleased with Will's service.
He then took a deep breath and strode forward, ready to face the challenges and adventures that lay ahead in the new day. (The author, on their first day on the job, felt a bit of a connection with this moment.)
The Dragon's Breath Order consisted of fifty members, excluding the captain and vice-captain, and was divided into five squads, each with ten knights. The first, second, and third squads were responsible for guarding and patrolling the inner keep. The fourth squad took on the task of guarding the outer keep, while the fifth squad handled patrol duties in the surrounding areas of the castle.
Dylan was part of the fifth squad, the same group I had encountered outside Saintgold Castle. Their leader, Viktor Sunflower, was a man with a rather peculiar sense of humor.
According to Dylan, another member of the Golden Rose family served as the commander of the third squad, which focused primarily on patrolling the inner keep.
Since Clobber had sworn in just yesterday, with no squad assigned to him, the Duke had personally tasked him with guarding the Throne Hall.
Creeeak...
Clobber pushed open the door, only to immediately spot a familiar figure standing at his "workstation." The figure was facing away from the sunlight, their face obscured by shadow. As Clobber stepped closer, he recognized the maid who had led him to his room yesterday.
The maid had apparently been waiting for some time. Upon noticing Clobber's approach, she brightened and lifted her head.
"Sir Clobber, by order of the Duke, your duty from now on is to guard the Throne Hall. You have the authority to punish those who violate the law or disrespect the kingdom's dignity."
"Please follow me, I'll show you to the hall."
With that, the maid turned and began leading Clobber into the hall, and he, rather curiously, followed.
Guard the Throne Hall… isn't that just standing at the door on duty? Why am I being led inside? There's no one here besides the Duke!
Who wants to work under the boss's nose anyway?! Stop!
Though Clobber maintained a calm and composed exterior, inside, a storm of thoughts raged. He never considered standing guard under the Duke's watch to be a good thing.
He had hoped that by joining the Dragon's Breath Order, he could gain some advantages, increase his family's favor, and perhaps earn some battle merit if a war broke out.
Making a mark in front of the Duke was never his goal—at least not until he had established himself as a Grand Knight.
Right now, he was just a formal knight, not yet ready to navigate the dangers surrounding the Duke.
The Duke's world was filled with trouble and fearsome threats!
If he got caught up in any of it, it would surely be his downfall!
However, none of these inner concerns were noticed by the maid, who continued leading Clobber deeper into the hall, bringing him to the high platform near the throne.
"Sir Clobber, this is where you'll carry out your duties. Please don't let the Duke down. Follow the code of chivalry, and remember your oath."
After saying this, the maid left, leaving Clobber standing alone, lost in thought.
"Honestly, on my first day at work, being assigned right next to the boss's desk? This is so overwhelming."