Over the course of a single night, the once-rampaging Cuckoo Legion lost nearly half its forces. Two of their champions were beheaded, and the number of fallen knight commanders was beyond counting.
There was no doubt this was a victory worth remembering.
"I know. They went forward guided by their beliefs," Nolan said calmly, a heavy hand landing on his shoulder.
"Weren't you going to see Her Highness the Princess? Why are you back so quickly?"
"Quickly? It's already been half a day," Raziel replied. "We went over the post-battle situation in detail. The impact of this fight is far greater than you think."
He crossed his arms, brows drawn together, his expression grave.
"Her Highness has decided to dispatch more Albinauric and Troll Knights to assist us. But I'm worried that doing so will weaken the defensive strength of the manor."
"Oh, and you," he added, glancing at Nolan. "Her Highness already knows about your heroic deeds. This time, you're in for something good. Just enjoy it quietly."
...
Cool moonlight poured down like water, its gentle glow draping itself over the pool below. The calm surface rippled faintly, the reflected figure within swaying softly, touched by the night.
Nolan was about to meet Her Highness the Princess for the third time.
The location was still the royal moon-viewing grounds of Caria Manor, but this time there were more people present, subtly changing the atmosphere.
Ranni stood at the center. The werewolf guarded her faithfully from behind. To her left stood a Troll wearing a multi-lensed helmet, while a Royal Guard Knight stood to her right, solid as an iron tower.
Raziel had also been permitted to enter this time. He stood beside Nolan, both of them offering respectful bows toward Her Highness.
What a gathering. Nearly every high-ranking figure in Caria with decision-making authority was present. It felt like a private assembly of the Lunar Princess's inner circle.
After the familiar greetings and formalities, Ranni extended a hand to the side and began making introductions.
Loretta was already an acquaintance, so the introduction naturally turned to the Troll knight standing nearby.
"Iji," Ranni said, "this is our guest commander from the Haligtree, Knight Nolan Bethel."
Her voice was clear and pleasant.
"Knight Nolan, this is our strategist, Iji."
Nolan studied Iji carefully. He was tall and powerfully built, draped in a brand-new cloak. The multi-lensed helmet concealed his broad face, making his expression impossible to read.
"Hm. I've heard of your deeds," Iji said slowly.
His voice was deep and steady, lacking the brutality common among Trolls. Instead, it carried a quiet wisdom, the sort born from enduring countless trials.
"Welcome to Caria. I hope you can find your own worth here."
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze fixed on Nolan, then nodded.
"The hero who drove back the Cuckoos. As expected, you cut an impressive figure. A fine knight indeed."
Nolan showed no sign of pride at the praise and answered calmly,
"You honor me, Lord Iji. I only did what I ought to do."
He knew this man was also one of Caria's blacksmiths. If that massive club at his side ever came down, it could easily smash someone into pulp.
"Next, we will discuss Nolan's reward. I have already made my decision."
Seeing the two getting along so well, Ranni showed a satisfied expression and gave a slight nod. She rose lightly from her chair, as if floating, like an illusory flower blooming in the night sky, sending faint ripples through the world itself.
Her expression turned solemn and dignified as she slowly extended a blue finger, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
"Nolan Bethel, your merits cannot be measured in gold. I have decided to grant you the reward befitting a knight. Step forward, valiant knight."
Nolan rose to his feet and walked forward through the pool. Each step stirred layers of ripples, disturbing the moon's once-still reflection. He stopped half a meter in front of Ranni, momentarily unsure of what the Lunar Princess intended, when she accepted an exquisitely crafted straight sword from Blaidd's hands.
The center of the blade was delicately hollowed out, forming an intricate and refined pattern. Set within it was a row of blue crystals, like the brightest stars of the night sky captured within the steel. The hilt was a vivid crimson, blazing like living flame, while the curved guard was adorned with countless golden embellishments, every detail radiating nobility and splendor.
Nolan recognized the sword at a glance. A weapon as much an artwork as an armament, one of the legendary treasures of the Carian Royal Family: the Sword of Night and Flame.
Ranni adopted a ceremonial air, lifting the sword high before gently resting it upon Nolan's right shoulder.
"Under the witness of the full moon, in the name of the Carian Royal Family, and as the Lunar Princess, I bestow upon Nolan Bethel the honored title of Darkmoon Knight. May the radiance of the stars forever accompany you."
The ceremony was astonishingly brief. Nolan slowly raised his head, surprise flashing in his eyes as he blinked instinctively.
So… he had earned Her Highness's recognition? But Darkmoon Knight…
Before he could think further, clear applause echoed throughout the space, with Raziel taking the lead.
From behind, the Royal Guard Knights brought forth a cloak, armor, and spurs, while the iron-handed war counselor presented a greatsword.
"Knight Nolan, having been personally invested by Her Highness, you are now an officially recognized knight of Caria."
Nolan froze for a moment. It was obvious they had prepared everything in advance, yet the armor before him looked no different from standard Carian Knight gear. Still, it was surprisingly considerate that the Carian Knight's sword had been replaced with a greatsword instead. Clearly, the princess had taken the time to learn his preferences.
"I must apologize," Ranni said softly. "Her Majesty the Queen is currently unwell and recuperating at the Academy of Magic. She cannot personally confer knighthood upon you, and thus I am unable to grant you the title of Carian Knight."
Her gaze carried a trace of regret and apology as she spoke. At the same time, she retrieved a shield-shaped badge from her spirit ring, engraved with an exquisite royal crest. The emblem emitted a faint glow, as though bearing the very honor of Caria itself.
Ranni placed the badge into Nolan's hands and said gently,
"This is the Carian insignia. I entrust it to you as well, and hope it will accompany you on your future path."
Nolan was momentarily at a loss for words as he accepted the emblem and examined it carefully.
He knew that among the Carian Knights of the past, only those who directly served the princess were ever granted such an honor. He had gone from being half an outsider to a member of Caria's inner circle, even becoming one of the princess's close retainers.
Still, this so-called Dark Moon Knight title was clearly inseparable from Ranni. For now, aside from sounding impressive, it didn't seem to amount to much.
The same armor, the same insignia. If he walked out without announcing his title, how would he look any different from an ordinary Carian Knight?