Second Refusal

The office was appointed with no ceremony in particular which was because of the situation they were in.

Leon had to stay more days in the capital due to the transfer of office. A bivouac which was the tallest building was in the capital, as much as it was a training place for high-rank knights and a home to special operations, it was also where Leon's office was situated. It was also allowable for him to work from his territory but the importance of being in the office cannot be overlooked which demanded him to come once in a while or better still leave a capable replacement that could handle the paperwork. The replacement cannot be his assistant as the assistant of every minister of defence is the highest-ranked knight in the kingdom. Temper kingdom does not have a magic tower. They don't have an organisation dedicated to training mages but they could proudly boast of the power of their knights. The strength of the knights and the power of their sword styles were strong enough for them to own four out of the seven sword gods.

"I'll be meeting the knight today," Leon said, looking into the mirror as he adjusted the collar of his shirt.

Leon was wearing a plain shirt and left it unbuttoned at the top for a more casual look. On top of the shirt he's wearing a stylish vest with 5 buttons, it has a fairly deep v-line, it's just narrow enough for the top to remain visible, adding another layer to the overall look of the suit.

The jacket fits him like a glove, a tailored glove. It has a subtle pinstripe pattern which gives the suit an elegant look. The 5 buttons of his single-breasted jacket have been left unbuttoned, he wants to appear well dressed while still looking casual and it works.

The jacket is the same length all around, it has vents on either side, there's a pocket on either side and there's a breast pocket which has been left empty.

He's wearing pants which have the same pattern as the jacket, but a different, complementary colour and they create a perfect balance with his shoes. He's wearing a classy pair of plain-toe monk straps.

To top it all off he's wearing a trendy belt, which can be accompanied by cuff links and a tie clip.

"You look dashing." Knight Daryon said.

"But I'm worried, I think the knights will see this as excess."

"You have nothing to worry about your grace, even if it's about skill I'm sure you'll impress them."

Leon smiled at the way Daryon was working hard to make him gain more confidence in himself.

"What about the people that call themselves WhiteOrl guild?" Oweyn asked.

Leon paused for a short while, still staring into the mirror, "Is Mufasa still asleep?" He asked.

"Yes, your grace... I've never seen a cub sleep so much," Daryon said.

"It's been two days since hatched and he's been sleeping," Leon said, ignoring Oweyn.

He walked out of the room, on the corridor that led to the compound of the mansion he was staying at, Daryon moved closer to him and asked.

"If I may my lord, I noticed the relationship between you and Knight Oweyn has been a bit soggy."

"Should I trust a subject that hides stuff from me?" Leon replied to him with this question.

"Ah, I must admit even I was surprised when I saw him use magic, I've known Knight Oweyn since the former Duke suddenly brought him home, he has always been mysterious but I am sure of his loyalty," Daryon said.

Leon did not reply. As he reached the compound where his chariot was waiting he was greeted by the WhiteOrl guild.

They bowed, and then Loret spoke, "I'm sorry, but can we see you as soon as possible, a lot was put on hold for us to meet with you." She said.

"I understand, but I truly am busy. Can you wait until this evening, I promise we'll talk this evening." He said, his eyes glued on Loret, 'Her voice is so gentle...'

Loret looked at the others, they all nodded in agreement, "Alright then." She said and they all bowed again.

... .... ....

Five narrow, round towers piercing the sky are the first you'll see of this tall bivouac and are connected by lower, thick walls made of black stone. Elegant windows are scattered here and there across the walls in an asymmetric pattern, along with symmetric holes for archers and artillery.

A regular gate with huge black metallic doors, a regular bridge and large crenelations offer a safe home to all the knights and soldiers that wanted to stay especially those in training.

Lush fields of crops surround the walls and provide the inhabitants with food all year round. Leon admired the tall trees from the window of his chariot with his hands caressing the ears of the little sleeping cub on his lap.

As the chariot stopped all the knights and soldiers, to be exact all the knights of the bivouac aligned in front of him, they all stood in fifteen columns, with two individuals standing separately in front of them.

Leon got out of his chariot and they all went on one knee immediately, slammed their sheathed swords to the ground and bowed their heads, paying obeisance to Leon.

Purple, straight hair subtly touching his shoulders, slightly reveals a handsome, lived-in face. Hooded brown eyes, set elegantly within their sockets, his hair made his overall come out as handsome, he had no facial hair and his purple eyebrows were thick and sharp which made his gaze stern. He raised his head as he was also bowing, "My name is Tinlef Efescius Di'er Vladimir. I am a major general ranked Knight of the Temper Kingdom."

'So long but ends with Vladimir, so it's safe to guess he is probably Count Vladimir's son...how is he so handsome when his father is so fat.'

Knight Tinlef slightly looked up due to the silence.

"Nice to meet you Knight Tinlef... eh, I hope to work together with you and serve the kingdom."

Beside Tinlef was a black-haired man who was also on his knees. His hair was wavy and had a parting on the right, it appeared as though it had been gelled, his large and thick facial hair was connected to his hair which revealed his mature face. Glittering black eyes, set charmingly within their sockets.

Scarred skin beautifully compliments his eyes and cheekbones and leaves a satisfying memory of his upbringing.

"I am Tesh'Rimon Hagmere, a lieutenant general ranked knight and the Chief Knight here also your assistance." He said, his voice thunderous in nature even though he talked calmly.

'...a lieutenant general...just like Knight Finduilas.'

"I heard what happened to my colleague, we grew up together even though I may seem older..." Knight Tesh'Rimon slowly stood up while the others where still kneeling. Knight Tinlef could be seen trying to pull him back down with the edge of his cloak. "...How am I sure I won't lost my hand in a battle, aren't we your precious subjects? Or do you consider us some people that are meant to die for your sake?"

Leon sighed, "What Bullshit is this..."