Chapter 7 - Betrayal

Baron Shield, who had introduced Luther and Viktor to everyone attending the banquet, turned back once again and faced the two knights.

With curly brown hair, sluggish hazel eyes, and a rather greasy physique, Baron Shield appeared quite ordinary and unremarkable.

"I didn't know you were already acquainted," Baron Shield said, his face displaying a curious expression.

Viktor looked into Baron Shield's inquisitive eyes before turning to gaze at Luther's unattractive face. "Yes, we are very close friends," he said.

Seeing Viktor's mocking demeanor, Luther responded with an indifferent tone, "Ah, we used to be very close friends, but I can't say the same anymore. Isn't that right, my friend?"

"Absolutely!" said Viktor, looking at Luther's calm face with his guilt-ridden eyes.

Sensing the sudden increase in tension and the chilling atmosphere that overtook the room, Baron Shield attempted to change the subject. "Wonderful! It is an honor to have two esteemed knights such as yourselves in Shield Barony," he said. "I would have liked to introduce you to my son Edward, but he has matters to attend to and is not here at the moment. Instead, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Lady Elizabeth, and my daughter-in-law, Lady Jennifer."

Baron Shield gestured toward a corner of the guest hall, where his wife Elizabeth and daughter-in-law Jennifer were conversing with a group of women.

Noticing Baron Shield's invitation, Elizabeth and Jennifer gracefully detached themselves from the surrounding circle of women and slowly made their way to the table where the knights stood.

Lady Elizabeth stood elegantly in a dazzling yellow dress, which shimmered under every stroke of light, capturing the attention of everyone nearby.

Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders with a glow reminiscent of sunlight, while her deep blue eyes radiated purity and charm. Though she had long passed her forties, the grace she carried along with her maturity made her a figure of admiration. The fine lines on her face reflected the wisdom and experience she had gained over the years, while her posture still carried the vigor of youth.

Lady Jennifer, on the other hand, drew attention with her striking red hair. Under the candlelight, each strand shimmered with the warmth of fire. Her green eyes reflected the tranquility of a deep forest—calm yet profoundly captivating.

In her twenties, she embodied a harmonious blend of youthful elegance and budding maturity. Unlike her mother-in-law Elizabeth's poised and alluring presence, Lady Jennifer radiated an energy full of vitality, making her stand out in a unique way.

Both women reached Baron Shield and stood at his sides. Their examining eyes swept over Luther and Viktor before they greeted them with polite smiles.

"This beautiful lady is my wife, Lady Elizabeth, and this lovely young lady is my daughter-in-law, Lady Jennifer," Baron Shield introduced the women before continuing with the formalities. "These handsome gentlemen are Sir Luther, who will be residing in Shield Castle from now on, and Sir Viktor, who will be serving Shield Barony for a temporary period."

Stepping forward, Luther took Lady Elizabeth's hand and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, lovely Lady Elizabeth!" before placing an innocent kiss on the back of her hand.

Immediately after, he took Lady Jennifer's hand and said, "Likewise, it is an honor to meet you, Lady Jennifer!" and kissed the back of her hand as well.

"You are very kind, Sir Luther," Elizabeth said, impressed by his courteous and gentlemanly manners.

Jennifer, in turn, nodded and offered him a polite smile.

As Jennifer's smile bloomed like a red rose, Luther returned her gesture with a smile of his own.

Remaining a step behind, Viktor simply greeted both women in silence.

Once the introductions were complete, Baron Shield, accompanied by the two women, walked away, wishing for them to enjoy the banquet.

When Viktor was alone with Luther, Luther's tone became serious as he asked, "Why are you here?"

Luther, who had a long history with Viktor, met him at the beginning of his journey to becoming a knight. They moved together and built a strong friendship.

However, this friendship ended with Viktor's betrayal. Viktor had betrayed Luther by pursuing the woman Luther loved, leaving only enmity between them.

"The Marquessate of Ironwall recently found evidence that bandits are planning to attack Shield Village. Claiming that its military forces are constantly being watched by enemies, Ironwall sent a secret message to the royal army, seeking help to prevent a possible attack, as sending reinforcements to Shield Village posed a high risk of ambush."

"Also, we knew that you were in Shield Village. So, we decided to offer a little help."

Viktor explained everything directly, hiding nothing. Although he had a poor relationship with Luther, it did not change the fact that they were once comrades-in-arms.

A true knight, Viktor was deeply devoted to the chivalric order and respected its rules.

Thinking about the only dishonorable act he had committed in his life, Viktor felt a bit guilty as he stood before Luther. He remembered the first time he saw Evelyn; he had fallen in love with her at first sight.

Evelyn, with her extraordinary beauty, had immediately caught Viktor's attention. Her long, wavy dark chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders like a river shimmering in the moonlight, while her emerald-green eyes held a deep and captivating glow. Her porcelain-like flawless skin gave her an ethereal and elegant aura. Her lips, naturally red like a blooming rose, and her sharp yet delicate facial features made her appear as if she had been sculpted by an artist. Her posture exuded both noble grace and irresistible charm; the first time he saw her, Viktor had felt as if he were standing before an enchanting presence.

Disregarding both his friendship with Luther and his knightly honor for the first time, Viktor approached Evelyn while Luther was away on duty. Their relationship developed quickly, and they married before Luther returned.

Although he felt guilty toward Luther, Viktor never regretted marrying Evelyn. Being with her made him truly happy.

A Master Knight's lifespan was significantly longer than that of ordinary humans. With an expected lifespan of approximately 200 years, Viktor was 30 years old when he married Evelyn, and over the past 20 years, they had a daughter together.

Viktor deeply loved his wife and daughter, cherishing every moment spent with them and never wanting to be apart from them.

So much so that, feeling guilty toward Luther, he volunteered to defend Shield Village from the impending bandit attack. He decided to move into Shield Castle along with his family.

"Whatever, I don't care what you're doing."

After listening to Viktor's explanation, Luther did not consider the expected bandit attack on Shield Village to be significant. A knight of his level did not fear a group of ordinary bandits.

Moreover, now that he understood Viktor's reason for being there, Luther thought to himself, 'Stupid knightly pride.'

The fact that Viktor was trying to do him a favor just because he felt guilty, and that he had moved to Shield Castle with his family, was utter foolishness to Luther.

Luther knew that Viktor still considered him a comrade-in-arms. Even knowing this, Luther wanted nothing more than to kill Viktor and felt not the slightest trace of friendship toward him.