Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 149

Damian concluded his speech and settled into a chair arranged in the living room.

Yan, with a face full of surprise, asked, “You’re going with us?”

“Exactly as I said. I’ll guide you to the headquarters of the revolutionaries and accompany you there,” Damian replied, accepting a cup of tea from Lia and taking a slight sip.

Though he spoke with ease, Yan couldn’t help but be flooded with thoughts. Damian’s presence would guarantee his safety. Not only was Damian skilled, but he also had connections with Theo and Owen, which meant they could discuss future plans.

‘But there are significant downsides as well.’

Damian was beyond Yan’s control. If Yan went to the revolutionary base alone, he was confident he could handle any situation that arose. But with Damian…

‘It’s hard to predict how things will turn out.’

Damian observed Yan quietly.

“Don’t waste your energy pleading me to stay; I’m determined to go,” Damian stated firmly.

Yan saw the resolute will in Damian’s eyes. He knew he couldn’t persuade Damian, who was so adamant.

“I understand. If my uncle is worried about his nephew, there’s nothing I can say that will change your mind.”

A flicker of discomfort crossed Damian’s face, as if Yan had hit a nerve. But he wasn’t wrong. Damian soon nodded in agreement.

“Shall we depart immediately? I took a brief leave from my special duties, and I’d like to return as soon as possible.”

“Just a moment. There’s one last matter of the fiefdom to attend to; let’s resolve that before we leave.”

“Ah, did I mention we need to bring one more person along?”

“…No.”

Yan frowned. Who else needed to come along?

But Yan relaxed at Damian’s next words.

“Bring along someone you want. Isn’t Lorena the one who tops the training center’s rankings?”

“Oh, is that what this is about?”

Just call it a seedling.

Yan stroked his chin, pondering whom to bring. However, his deliberation was brief.

“Lorena is out of the question. Duke Beowulf is watching her like a hawk. Even now, people presumed to be rangers are spotted around her.”

“Is that so? Then who will you bring?”

Yan grinned.

The trainee suitable for such a personal task had already been decided.

“Cruel.”

“Cruel Dwight? Isn’t he impulsive and headstrong, likely to mess things up?”

Indeed, the experience of being the chief instructor at the training center was invaluable.

It was impressive how quickly Damian pinpointed that Cruel’s flaws didn’t suit this mission.

But there was one thing Damian didn’t know.

“It’s fine. He listens to me well.”

“Really?”

Damian nodded, though his face still showed concern.

With the selection of the companion settled, Yan stepped outside.

He then instructed Kasa to gather the trainees.

“Why? The kids are already exhausted; can’t it wait till tomorrow?”

Kasa expressed reluctance, seeking a reason.

Yan replied with a smile, “It’s time to clearly define their roles. After this, I’ll be away from the fiefdom for a while, so tell them to endure a bit more hardship.”

* * *

The Trainees’ Gathering

One by one, the trainees trudged to the clearing, their bodies weary from the day’s exertions.

“Why have we been summoned?” one whispered.

“I’m not sure, but Kasa insisted it was urgent—the last call for us.”

“Will there be an elixir for our fatigue?”

“It’s not just us; even the villagers must attend this mandatory event. Doubtful they’d offer such comforts.”

As the trainees murmured among themselves, the villagers too began to gather in the clearing, heads tilting in curiosity.

Once all the fiefdom’s people had assembled, Kasa swiftly placed a large wooden box before them.

Soon after, Yan appeared.

The villagers bowed their heads in respect upon seeing Yan, while the trainees perked up their ears, anticipating an announcement of importance.

Thud, thud.

Yan stepped onto the wooden box brought by Kasa, using it as a makeshift stage.

“Ahem!”

Clearing his throat, Yan projected his voice, infused with mana.

“Let us commence the Knighting Ceremony.”

The trainees clenched their fists in anticipation. The moment they had been waiting for had arrived—their transition from trainees to knights.

* * *

The Knighting Ceremony

The knight-appointing ceremony unfolded more swiftly than anticipated.

Lorena, Cruel, Roman, Charl, and Kasa, already knighted, stood aside as the most accomplished trainee stepped forward.

Kneeling on one knee, the trainee awaited Yan’s words.

With Ascalon in hand, Yan touched each of the trainee’s shoulders, asking, “Will you become a knight?”

The trainee responded loudly, “I, along with seventy-one others, pledge to become the proud knights of Armenia, to be the sword of our lord!”

Such a mass knighting was unheard of, like roasting beans in a flash of lightning. Typically, each individual would be called forth to pledge loyalty and establish a feudal bond.

But the trainees following Yan were bound by a three-year contract from the start, rendering the usual formalities unnecessary.

Yan nodded solemnly and proclaimed, “Henceforth, you are all declared official knights of Armenia.”

Most trainees were visibly moved. To become an official knight of a fiefdom, even if only for three years, was a profound honor.

It felt like just yesterday they were treated no better than dogs at the training center. The sentiment was fresh and poignant.

This was a moment that resonated with everyone, from commoners and foreign-born trainees to those from rural noble origins.

Applause erupted like thunder from behind, as the villagers celebrated the trainees’ hard work with congratulatory claps.

Some trainees, unaccustomed to such recognition, felt tears well up, their countless hardships seemingly healed in this moment.

Yan ushered the representative trainee inside and then called forth others.

“Lorena, Cruel, Roman, Charl, step forward.”

The named individuals hesitated, puzzled. Unlike the other trainees, they had already received their knighthood from the emperor.

Amidst the atmosphere, it was awkward to question why they were summoned.

Nevertheless, they lined up before Yan, filled with curiosity.

Yan looked at them and grinned, “You lot are in for a bit more toil.”

Cruel’s face twisted at the words, but he refrained from complaining, knowing the sanctity of the occasion.

Yan pulled out an interdimensional pouch and approached Lorena.

“Lorena Beowulf, do you swear to lead as the First Knight Commander of Armenia, safeguarding the fiefdom and its people?”

Lorena hesitated at the solemn question but then nodded firmly, “Yes.”

Yan retrieved a pristine white sword from the pouch, Baekro, a weapon from Momon’s interdimensional space.

“I entrust this sword to you as a symbol of trust.”

Lorena’s eyes widened as she accepted Baekro, a sword emanating a chill that even the Beowulf household would struggle to match.

She respectfully strapped Baekro to her waist, swallowing hard.

Next was Cruel.

“Cruel Dwight, do you swear to lead as the Second Knight Commander of Armenia, safeguarding the fiefdom and its people?”

“Let’s give it a shot.”

Cruel, receiving the bloodthirsty sword, grinned ear to ear.

Then came Roman.

“Roman, do you swear to lead as the Third Knight Commander of Armenia, safeguarding the fiefdom and its people?”

“For three years, I do swear.”

Roman admired the sword Volakia, caressing its blade in awe.

Charl was next.

The trainees watching from afar wondered why Charl was called before Kasa.

Charl shared their confusion.

“Charl, do you swear to lead as the Fourth Knight Commander of Armenia, safeguarding the fiefdom and its people?”

“I will swear, but… shouldn’t Kasa receive this honor first?”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Then I swear.”

Charl embraced the sword Lamia as if it were precious.

Lastly, it was Kasa Ifrain’s turn.

He had looked enviously at the weapons the others received, trying to hide his longing.

Yan met Kasa’s gaze with a smirk.

“Kasa Ifrain, do you swear as the sole administrator and the lord’s proxy of Armenia, to prioritize the safety and prosperity of the fiefdom’s people?”

Kasa looked up in surprise.

A lord’s proxy! Such a distinguished position was usually reserved for the lord’s direct lineage, typically the eldest son.

To entrust him with such a significant role…

‘He must be planning an absence… leaving the details to me?’

Kasa knelt, reflecting on his envy, and pledged, “I swear. As the administrator, I will fervently dedicate myself to the revival of Armenia.”

“Well done.”

As the oath concluded, Kasa rose to leave, but a shadow loomed over him.

Peering at the shadow’s identity, Kasa was presented with a sword.

The sword, Windbringer, carried the essence of the breeze.

Kasa gazed at it, then beamed, “Thank you!”

He accepted Windbringer with a bright smile.

Yan watched Kasa secure the sword and then announced loudly, “With this, the knight-appointing and Knight Commander-naming ceremonies are concluded! Everyone, take a well-deserved rest!”

At Yan’s call, the trainees—now knights—left the clearing with joyous laughter.

Some sought to celebrate with drinks, others to rest at home.

Cruel, about to enjoy a beer, startled at a presence behind him.

“…?”

Yan was looking at him ominously with a grin.

Cruel knew from experience that such a look from Yan always preceded troublesome tasks.

And sure enough.

“You’re not resting yet.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re about to embark on a journey with me. Oh, and the special mission commander is here too. Long time no see, right?”

As Yan finished, Damian emerged from his mansion, smiling.

“Indeed, it’s been a while, Cruel.”

Cruel’s face contorted.

“Damn it… Just when I thought I could finally relax.”