Chapter 39

Fortunately, Dick was still alive.

Cecilia proudly announced after hearing the cheers.

Nobles were treated at least as semi-nobles, and the better skilled ones often came from prestigious families, making Cecilia’s speech quite lengthy.

But the meaning of her words was very simple.

“If you want to become a true knight, come to Windsor.”

In other words, it was tampering.

And blatant tampering at that.

**

“The Windsor Knight Order has no ethics or morals!”

The Windsor Knight Order’s officers looked at Edward with disbelief as he exaggeratedly spread his arms.

‘Was the vice-captain always like this?’

‘He looks really excited.’

“Well, I’ll make a fuss with something like this. Talented people aren’t needed by Windsor alone.”

Edward looked extremely pleased, quite contrary to his usual dignified self as royalty.

“We will cleanly suppress those complaints.”

Edward smirked, raising the corners of his mouth.

“Our Sword Heroine made a bold move, so it’s only natural we back her up, right?”

The officers nodded reluctantly.

Among the knights who watched the recent duel, many belonged to lords from other regions.

The problem was that Cecilia’s speech had been quite impressive.

Not only was she eloquent, but her skills backed up her words, making them more convincing.

As a result, many knights were moved.

A lord’s power lies in the number of knights they have. There would be significant resistance.

“But how exactly…”

“In situations like this, isn’t ignoring it the best policy?”

To be honest, complaints were inevitable.

We didn’t have the moral high ground. Truthfully, it was completely against righteousness, though Cecilia was cute.

“Crush them with force.”

“…!”

Edward smiled coldly.

“If any complaints arise or if there are lords preventing their knights from leaving, just give me their names.”

This wasn’t an order for official pressure.

It was-

‘It’s time to use that.’

The unofficial power of the Windsor Knight Order.

More precisely, they were ordered to use the unofficial power of these officers.

“That’s right?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“I’ll use that.”

“Since we’re using it, you know what to do?”

“No mercy.”

Edward chuckled, gave some formal encouragement, and left.

Most officers understood Edward’s words, but some younger ones looked bewildered.

Eventually, they asked,

“What is that?”

“It means to use what’s hidden behind the name Windsor.”

These officers were knights too. Though more inclined to pens than swords, they still bore the name Windsor.

“Ah, the family…”

And they were either the youngest children of major lords or from cadet branches.

Mainly chosen from among the children of major lords who showed little talent in ‘martial’ matters.

Which meant…

“A gift from the Windsor Knight Order has arrived.”

“Gift?”

“…This is it.”

An envoy arrived at a certain earl’s territory, whose gates had been locked to prevent the departure of knights.

Seeing the wooden box containing the ‘gift,’ the earl’s expression hardened.

The wood was stained with blood.

He hurriedly opened it.

“Ho… This is madness.”

Inside lay the severed head of a chicken with its eyes open.

This was typically a declaration of war used during territorial conflicts.

But the Windsor Knight Order, officially part of the royal family, wouldn’t declare war – it must mean something else…

The earl read the attached letter.

There wasn’t much written, just this:

-Howard Windsor.

“Shit.”

“What could possibly be written to make you curse like that?”

Eyes wide, looking at the letter the earl handed over while clutching his head.

It was the name of the youngest son of the Marquis of Pembroke, a major lord in this area.

“…Open the gates. Tell the knights they can decide whether to stay or leave.”

“Is that really alright?”

“Do you want to start a war with Pembroke? Eh?!”

“I’ll open the gates immediately.”

This happened in various other regions too.

Mainly in territories criticizing the Windsor Knight Order or preventing their knights from leaving.

Even the stiff-necked nobles who couldn’t be easily pressured by major lords had to receive ledgers filled with corruption charges.

Or letters bearing Edward’s name.

Because of this, they had no choice but to release their knights through tears.

**

Having received this new product, Cecilia was greatly satisfied with its performance.

“Sturting and 14 others! You’ve been appointed!”

Cecilia, successful in recruiting for the knight order, was extremely happy.

Though not entirely new recruits, which was disappointing, she deliberately chose mainly young knights.

She even considered taking more due to exceeding the quota but decided to stop neatly.

After all, managing too many people can be difficult.

‘Remember, this recruitment is for welcoming newbies.’

After all, when newbies arrive later, there should be positions available, right?

“Well done.”

Kairon nodded.

“With this, our newbie recruitment is complete.”

With Kairon’s approval, Cecilia’s face brightened.

Now there’s nothing left but to mingle with the newbies!

‘If we wait a year while doing this… Time flies!’

But it’s too early to wag tails yet. Cecilia maintained her poker face and saluted.

“All thanks to Vice-Captain Edward.”

“Edward? Ah… He caused quite a stir this time.”

That was unexpected even for Kairon.

The Edward he knew would have obstructed Cecilia’s actions rather than help.

“Still, it seems he maintains some principles.”

Kairon nodded.

No matter how displeased he might be, Edward was still a knight of Windsor.

Practically controlling the knight order, it seemed he helped with the rookie issue.

“But continue to be wary of the vice-captain. He helped this time, but next time could be different. He might demand something in return for this favor.”

“Understood.”

Looking at Cecilia’s obedient response, Kairon eyed her suspiciously.

She won the duel and fulfilled her promise of bringing in new recruits.

By now, she should be giving him puppy eyes saying ‘praise me more,’ but strangely, she remained quiet.

Kairon sighed.

“What do you want?”

“Please entrust me with training the beginners.”

Cecilia enjoyed killing demons. Not just because the act itself was fun, but because of the anticipation.

The anticipation that newbies would come someday!

With that hope, she felt a strong sense of mission to become stronger!

And now, Cecilia had reached her initially planned goal.

‘People fall into another world from modern times. There’s so much to handle.’

Should she consider conscription?

That was a foolish thought.

Being suddenly dropped into another world is already unfair, let alone being forcibly detained and trained?

Efficiency drops and limitations become clear.

There’s a saying that those who strive can’t catch up to those who enjoy.

But Cecilia thought differently.

Without enjoyment, effort is impossible.

Therefore, it’s necessary to naturally and voluntarily ‘wish to become stronger.’

‘Taking Another World as a lesson, I must successfully develop the prototype.’

In other words, a lot of free time is needed. And Cecilia had minimal experience teaching anyone. Taking on this task would provide excellent experience.

“I’d like to educate them for at least a year. Until things get hectic.”

“…One year.”

Coincidentally, Cecilia’s plan aligned perfectly with what Kairon wanted.

At least until she comes of age, Kairon wanted to protect Cecilia.

But what Cecilia proposed wasn’t easy.

‘A knight reaching Sword Demon level not taking any missions would be a significant blow. And Cecilia’s sword might dull during this period.’

Currently, the Rianen Kingdom faced continuous incidents caused by demons.

Moreover, other knights of Windsor wouldn’t be pleased.

Cecilia’s abilities were unusually useful.

“I approve of training the beginners. But the duration is too long.”

Thus, Kairon offered a compromise.

“I’ll give you three months. Raise the rookies to a level where they won’t die in real combat, then take them on missions.”

Cecilia saluted enthusiastically.

“One-hit teacher Cecilia, launching!”

**

Initially, she never expected a one-year mission break.

Cecilia thought avoiding those damn long-term missions would suffice.

In that sense, this negotiation was a success.

‘Great. I can prepare for newbies without long-term missions.’

Besides, the ‘missions with newbies’ Kairon mentioned was already part of Cecilia’s curriculum.

‘This is an opportunity. A chance to test the new knights beforehand!’

Cecilia planned to experiment with her ‘Cecilia Guide’ using these new knights.

She would record growth rates and find the optimal approach. With the goal of defeating the Demon God eventually, she’d be very busy!

“Lady Cecilia, why are you dressed like that?”

“Everyone’s wearing armor?”

Cecilia gathered twenty new knights, including Beatrice.

They looked at Cecilia with nervous eyes. She wore a checkered-pattern dress… The epitome of pure and delicate beauty.

“Huh, aren’t we going for training?”

‘The culprit… must be Betty. That’s why dealing with perceptive kids is tough.’

From Beatrice’s flustered words, Cecilia understood why they were already prepared.

Smiling slightly, Cecilia showed them a basket.

“We’re going on a picnic.”

“A picnic…?”

It must be a demon picnic!

That’s what Beatrice thought.

But the rookie knights were already relaxing.

“Guess I got nervous for nothing.”

“Yeah, would Lady Cecilia throw us into a dungeon on our first day?”

“Exactly.”

Cecilia nodded.

Then brightly said,

“So, would you leave those expensive swords, artifacts, and potions behind? We don’t need those for a picnic.”

Beatrice flinched.

Cecilia extended her hand to Beatrice.

“Mhm.”

Like a soaked puppy, Beatrice handed over her pendant.

“Hmm… Warp magic is embedded.”

‘How does she know without appraising it!’

Beatrice looked like she wanted to give up on life. Other knights nodded, agreeing to leave their items behind and left.

When they returned, they had removed their armor and were wearing only uniforms.

By the way, Beatrice was dragged by Cecilia to the changing room for a thorough body check.

**

“Was there such a place in the capital?”

Windsor Knight Order Training Ground 72.

A level 3 confidential location.

A vast prairie surrounded by mountains on all four sides.

‘Cover! I need cover!’

Beatrice panicked, turning pale. Not long after, she spotted a basket lying conspicuously.

Without hesitation, Beatrice approached the basket. Inside was a small trowel.

“…”

Beatrice began digging frantically.

“What’s she doing?”

“Who knows…”

“By the way, where did Lady Cecilia go?”

Meanwhile, Cecilia, who had disappeared saying she had something to attend to,

“Lia. Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.”

“…Hmm. Isn’t this too harsh?”

Together with Rude, she looked down at the rookies on the plain.

“Please do it.”

“Well… I’ll do anything for Lia’s request anytime.”

Rude scratched his head.

“They do look pitiful.”

Then he stretched out his hand.

Dozens of magical circles generated endlessly along his small hand.

The target was the entire ‘prairie’ in front.

“Freeze.”

In that instant, the vast prairie turned into a ‘snowfield.’

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