Knights and Mages

The Black Knights vanished as soon as Torres's condition improved, leaving behind only a card.

It was a Magic Card numbered 9, with the words "Abandonment or Survival."

I felt a bit bitter, realizing that the lord was displeased with my actions.

The result was that I had acted unbecomingly of an Arahan, and the consequences came quickly.

"This means I'm on my own, right?"

"Yeah, that's about it."

"Does that mean I've lost my backing?"

Liu sighed, but I thought it was for the better.

Without the Black Knights, there wouldn't be unnecessary complications like the Clark incident.

Liu stuck close to me, looking around cautiously.

"We need to be careful now. Without the Black Knights, we could die on the streets and no one would know."

"Don't worry."

Liu's concerns were valid, given the atmosphere.

We were in Tamaya with the knights, and they were clearly wary of us.

The Bahl white horses were incredibly fast, and I was allowed to ride one because I had helped Torres.

The knights wouldn't normally permit this, but they seemed to respect Torres's wishes.

"I'm surprised they're not hostile. If you were a knight, they would have attacked by now."

"That's because knights value honor. Unjustified killing goes against their honor."

Liu was puzzled by my explanation.

"What do you mean? You're not a knight."

"It's just a figure of speech."

A knight's honor is paramount, and they wouldn't kill without cause.

As we entered the camp, the atmosphere was bustling. Knights rushed in, and soon, laughter and conversation filled the air.

"Torres is awake."

A knight called out to us, and we followed him to the camp.

Torres was seated, still recovering but dressed in full armor.

I sat down, and Liu hesitated before joining me.

Torres offered us a cup of Minar tea, a gesture to show there was no poison.

I took a sip, and Torres began to speak.

"Let's drop the formalities. Why don't we use informal language?"

Torres was taken aback but agreed.

"I'm 17. How old are you?"

"This body is probably 15."

"I'm two years older than you."

Torres chuckled and asked if I wanted him to be called "hyung" (older brother), but I declined.

Torres found it amusing and laughed.

"Before we begin, thank you for saving my life. I owe you one."

Torres was surprised by my gratitude, as it was unusual for a mage to express such sentiments.

"I also thank you. I got to ride Bahl's white horse. It's truly the best."

"Arahan praising Bahl? That's unexpected."

"Everyone likes the best. Whether it's a house, watch, or car."

Torres asked about the Clark incident, wanting to know if it was self-defense.

I explained the situation, omitting the system and my mana abilities.

Torres listened intently, seeming to accept my story.

"If what you say is true, it was self-defense. The empire's law doesn't punish self-defense."

"But first, I need to confirm if your story is true."

Torres didn't fully believe me but was willing to listen.

"Why did you spare my life? You could have escaped with the Black Knights' help."

"I don't dislike knights. I admire their dedication to honor."

Torres was surprised by my words.

"A mage who doesn't dislike knights? That's rare."

"I like close combat. It's my style."

Torres found me intriguing, offering a pouch of Minar tea as a gift.

I jokingly asked for a Bahl white horse instead, but he declined, citing that the horses weren't owned by anyone.

Torres was genuinely concerned about his honor.

I then asked him to help find Liu's sister, promising to keep my word.

Torres agreed, impressed by my commitment to keeping promises.

He vowed to use all his resources to help.

The transfer gate couldn't be used for 24 hours, so Torres provided us with the largest lodging available.

As I trained, Liu watched, grateful for the hospitality.

Torres observed me from afar, astonished by my physical training.

"Why is a mage sweating so much? It's unheard of."

In his eyes, I was overcoming my lack of mana with physical strength.

Torres reflected on his own values, wondering if he could be as honorable as me.

He decided to befriend me, despite our families' rivalry.

The idea of dining with a mage was shocking, but Torres believed there was much to learn from me.

He instructed his men to prepare a feast, even offering to invite me to dinner.

This was unprecedented, given the historical rivalry between our families.

Torres was determined to forge a new path, one that included friendship with a mage.