Side Story Chapter 22

Riftan stopped and stared at the older knight. The commander's expression was so serious that it almost seemed spiteful. Did the man see him as a gullible fool? Very few knights were ever granted land and a castle. Even those from noble households who were not in the line of succession often lived their whole lives as common knights. That being the case, what hope in the world would a lowborn with pagan blood have of becoming liege of a fief?

Riftan snorted as he slung his bag over his shoulder. "You lot enjoy your damn honor. As I said, I'm not interested."

Confused, the commander knitted his brows. "Then, why did you compete in the tournament?"

Riftan felt the color rise in his cheeks. He could not very well tell them it was because he wanted to see the little girl from his memories. The glower he directed at Triton was a silent warning for the man to stay out of his business before he turned on his heels.