Treatise Of A Failed Knight

Chapter 342: The Great Kingdom (Part 3)

"The Royal Court consists of over 5,000 members. The King, Archbishop, 12 Dukes, 50 Counts, 250 Viscounts, 1,000 Earls, and 4,000 Barons all make up this great governing body. Of course, we do not discount the members of the Lower Nobility. These Lords, who hold territory throughout the Kingdom, are responsible for the peace and prosperity of the locals." Davina pauses after making this statement, staring at all of us with a broad grin.

She must have noticed just how amazed we all are with her Kingdom.

This is bound to make any normal citizen happy.

It also means she is doing a good job spreading the propaganda of her nation and creating a deep impression in the minds of tourists.

"How is the Knight system in this Kingdom?" I slightly lift my hand and raise a topic I have grown rather curious about since I arrived here.

As a High Rank Knight myself, this is something that I would like to understand.

"Great question!" Davina grins, her navy blue eyes sparkling as though they have suddenly come alive. "In Dustinville, there are innumerable Knights. Allow me to explain..."

Once she starts explaining, my mouth turns agape.

As it turns out... the Knight Household System doesn’t exist in this Kingdom!

"Dustinville believes in individuality over collective power when it comes to Knights. As a meritocratic system, one can become a Knight if they work hard enough and display valor (whether man or woman). The only strict criteria is that the person must be a citizen of the Kingdom. If they aren’t, then they must renounce their previous citizenship and become citizens of Dustinville from that moment onward if they wish to be Knights."

"I-I see..." Barely managing to croak those words, I grow dazed by a change in perspective.

Basically, there can be no such thing as an ’Aditi Household’ in this place.

A Knight is an individual.

Also, only Knights recognized by Dustinville hold such a title.

However, to be recognized as a Knight in Dustinville, one has to become its citizen.

’Lady Beatrice is now a Dustinville citizen, it seems...’

"Members of the Royal Court possess the power to appoint Knights, ranging from Low Rank, Mid Rank, and High Rank. Naturally, each High Noble has a limit of individuals that they can appoint per year. The Nobles will also take responsibility for any Knight that they appoint and will grant them the necessary support."

"Oh? Like sponsors." Leon suddenly beams after being silent for so long.

"Exactly!" Davina continues while smiling. "In exchange, the Knight’s actions reflect the Noble who appointed them. This may be good or bad. This means Nobles have to be careful about who they appoint as Knights and should only acknowledge those of good character—people who are chivalrous and loyal."

"It appears as though Knights are tied to their respective Nobles. How is that individuality?"

Klein raises this problem with a slight frown.

It seems he was also having the same thought as me.

I only decided to remain quiet in case my questions would ultimately be answered as Davina kept talking.

"No, not at all!" Davina swiftly corrects Klein with an exaggerated smile. "Even with everything I mentioned earlier, Knights still possess a certain level of autonomy and can freely roam the land. They are required to respond to the summons of their Lord, but besides that, they have their own lives to lead and can be as free as they desire."

’Oh? That sounds fair...’

"The only exception is if the Noble wishes to keep the Knight as a retainer. However, even the great Nobles cannot afford to keep all the Knights they appoint as retainers. Many of them also require their Knights to travel the Kingdom—especially their territories—to help those in need and accomplish good deeds."

’In essence, Nobles want Knights to spread their good name and raise their reputation.’ I chuckle silently while suppressing a loud laugh.

Now that I think about it, since Knights can be used this way, they could also make perfect spies by going to other territories. They could be useful for picking up rumors and reporting back to their Lord.

Also, if a Knight of one Noble ends up becoming popular in the territory of another Noble, it could cause the subjects of that territory to favor the rivaling Noble. This could lead to mass migration or rebellion in the unpopular Noble’s territory. Thus, the dissatisfied masses will end up moving to the popular Noble’s territory.

’But this must be done with tact. I suspect that many Nobles would have thought of this. As such, there should already be laws in place to prevent such an intentional act. If a Noble is suspected of intentionally committing mutiny, it could lead to a trial in the Royal Court.’

Or maybe the Church intervenes before it gets that serious.

Regardless, this is a possible situation.

However, there ought to be some loopholes one can employ to circumvent such consequences.

"The Royal Family holds the sole power to appoint Royal Knights—the highest cadre of Knights in Dustinville." Davina continues with her explanation, not even realizing that I am already deep in thought on another matter entirely.

"Royal Knights can be appointed to guard the Royal Palace, the Royal Family, and the territory of the King. They can roam the land doing good deeds and representing the King. Unlike with the limitations of other Knights appointed by Nobles, Royal Knights have no restrictions on where they can go or the kinds of deeds they can perform in other territories. There is no threat of being charged for mutiny..."

’This must be because the King is the supreme force of Dustinville, and as his representatives, Royal Knights hold a lot of power and great autonomy. Though I suspect Miss Davina will say something to the effect of "Royal Knights not only serve the interests of the King, but the entire Kingdom."’

"... And this is because Royal Knights not only serve the interests of the King, but the entire Kingdom!"

My goodness!

She actually said it!

’Man, the propaganda in this Kingdom is so effective. If I wasn’t a Leviathan with my rich life experiences, having undergone one Apotheosis, I might have fallen for it.’ I lampoon, casting a silent gaze at my fellow tourists.

Only Ciel seems to clearly see through all of this ruse.

She’s a Leviathan, and someone who was an active leader of her people, so I’m not surprised.

As for the matter of Royal Knights, they must clearly be the agents of the King, meant to keep the Nobles and all other subjects in check.

I wouldn’t even be surprised if members of High Nobility fear them.

’Lady Beatrice must be a Royal Knight, since she is situated in the Royal Capital. I will have to make time to visit her one of these days...’ I nod silently to remind myself of this fact while staring outside the windows.

Once again, I am captivated by this new land.

It’s like I’m in a different world.

I previously expected a Large-sized Kingdom to look identical, or maybe a little bit better than Randalorion, but this place is a lot more polished and civilized compared to my Kingdom.

While staring out the window, I continue listening to Davina.

I learn a few more things.

Apparently, each territory in Dustinville is also given some measure of autonomy, so they can wage war against one another.

This really reflects the violent and war-ridden reality of Eariel.

’I guess only serious matters, or problems that broach on national interests will be brought before the Royal Court or mediated by the Church. Everything else can be settled with war between the two territories....’

"The closest Large-sized Kingdom to Dustinville is the Great Shamahk Kingdom. Although both sides were enemies and even went to war in the past, they eventually settled on a non-aggression pact. However, it seems that Shamahk... never mind." Davina sighs, quickly regaining her composure after giving a forceful smile. "Forget I said anything."

’Oh?’

Upon noticing this, my brows perk up.

’Could it be that Shamahk wishes to break their non-aggression treaty with Dustinville?’

This could explain the future.

No...

It explains a conflict between the two parties... but it doesn’t explain why Shamahk would win.

Right now, both parties are equal in strength.

One could even argue that Dustinville is actually the superior one.

So what changed?

’I can only hope this problem occurs after I am done with my academics here. Or, if it is something I can prevent, I can put a stop to something catastrophic. After all...’ My thoughts wander as I remember something a good friend once told me.

"... War is never a pleasant thing."

Unfortunately, I am in uncharted territory here.

I don’t know any details about either Kingdom, and I also have my own problems to deal with.

’Well... there’s still time.’ I sigh deeply while pinching my forehead. ’No need to rush.’

Maybe I can eventually get acquainted with the King.

Warn him of the impending crisis.

’But will he believe me?’ I sigh and shake my head. ’Even if he does, it’s not like I am completely sure that Dustinville is in the right here. If the king is a Leviathan, which he likely is, then I cannot judge his actions based on normal morality. He could very well be the one in the wrong, and by warning him, I could trigger an even worse series of events.’

Yes, this is worth considering.

My impression of Shamahk isn’t great at the moment, but I can’t let that cloud my judgment.

By tipping the king off, I may as well be dooming an innocent party.

Or... innocent parties.

War is fought by men, after all.

All of these people will end up being casualties if I make the wrong move.

’So I have to be patient and observe matters more closely...’

"... To answer your question, Miss Ciel, I will be as honest as possible. Yes, slaves also exist in Dustinville, just like in every other part of the world. It is a trend of the times and cannot be changed, no matter how hard one pushes for reform." Davina sighs, almost as though she actually wishes something could be done about it.

"Is that so...?" Ciel raises her brow, unconvinced by the lady’s acting.

I watch all of this in silence, wondering how the matter reached this point. Knowing Ciel, she probably grew concerned about Magivores or Vey’lithars, which led to this discussion.

"Yes, but I can guarantee that slaves are treated better here than in any other Nowe’arn-dominated Kingdom around. This is all thanks to the Dustinville Civil Liberties Act that our great and mighty ruler enacted. Unlike in other kingdoms, slaves—yes, even those of other races—have basic rights. Mistreating them could lead to the punishment of the masters. Slaves can also be educated, even going as far as receiving a university education. Some slaves even have the chance to become free or even become Knights if they contribute well enough. Dustinville is currently making an effort for other Kingdoms to adopt these revolutionary ideas."

’Wow... that is indeed revolutionary.’ I gasp in awe at the image that has been presented. ’In many Kingdoms, like Randalorion, even commoners—free people—do not have many of these opportunities.’

Yet slaves are given these rights in Dustinville.

Even if they are not Nowe’arns!

This is quite admirable.

Of course, the abolition of the slave trade is still the best, but I will consider this to be a step in the right direction.

Ever since the start of the 15th Era, most Kingdoms would not stand for Nowe’arns enslaving each other. Instead, the term Indentured Servitude was coined and used as a way to address Nowe’arn slaves who ended up in their situation due to debt or other affairs.

How these indentured servants are treated depends on the Kingdom, but one thing is always the case. Their living conditions will always be better than those of slaves of other races!

However, in Dustinville, it appears there is no difference between slaves.

Slaves of other races and indentured servants share the same benefits and restrictions.

This must be why there is a considerable presence of other races, such as Syl’vaens and Thal’marians, in Dustinville. At the very least, although racism is sure to exist, they can be considered of somewhat equal status compared to a Nowe’arn.

"B-back to what I was saying... Dustinville is ranked Number 1 in Wheat Production, Number 2 in Barley Production, Number 14 in Education, Number 9 in Oak Timber, Number 25 in Salt, and Number 11 in Tin Production...." Davina quickly switches from the uncomfortable subject, her rubbery smile appearing infectious despite her nervousness.

There must be certain things she isn’t allowed to say to tourists, so she doesn’t want to get into trouble. Thankfully, Ciel notices this and backs off.

Or maybe she saw the future and determined what would happen if she didn’t.

As a result, Davina continues to ramble uninterrupted, harping on about Dustinville’s greatness.

Based on everything she has said, it is safe to assume that Dustinville is among the top 30 Kingdoms in the Eariel Continent.

This is a great achievement!

Dustinville is also absurd in size, having a diameter of over 30,000 kilometers.

That’s about ten times larger than the Randalorion Kingdom.

The average Large-sized Kingdom is definitely lower, at a diameter of about 22,000.

This means Dustinville is simply larger than most Large-sized Kingdoms.

Having a total population of over 900 million makes sense to me now.

I also understand why Temporal Tunnels are indispensable in such a place. It would be basically impossible to get anywhere far through normal means.

"I have a question..." For the first time since the tour began, Seth finally says something. "What are the Singing Cliffs?"

I smile wryly.

If Seth had taken more courses in the Randalorion Academy, he would know.

Or maybe he has forgotten about it.

Then again, I can’t fault him.

In fact, although I know what the Singing Cliffs are, there are so many other things I have no clue about. Even regarding the Singing Cliffs, I only have a superficial understanding of the location.

Everything else is based on speculation.

"Ah, excellent question!" Davina must have been nervous that the quiet person, who hadn’t said anything throughout the trip, would ask another problematic question.

Thankfully, Seth didn’t turn out like Ciel.

The relief on our tour guide’s face is palpable as she answers his question with delight.

"The Singing Cliffs is a special area filled with Special Resources. It is a beautiful place which also generates musical sounds as a result of its topography as well as the Special Resources present. It is relatively safe, though due to its rough terrain and distracting/enchanting musical notes, it could be deadly for inexperienced visitors." After pausing for a short while, as though deliberating whether or not to say something, Davina finally continues.

"It exists between the territories of the Great Shamahk Kingdom and Dustinville... and although Shamahk occupies a territory closer to it, this development has only been recent. Neither Kingdom has full claim of the land."

’Ah, I see now...’

My lips curl up as understanding flashes in my eyes.

’So Shamahk is coveting the Special Resources that exist in the Singing Cliffs, and it is encroaching on territories closer to that location. Doesn’t this mean it is invading Dustinville’s side of the territory and exerting its influence on all the surrounding Small and Mid-sized Kingdoms under its control? Or maybe things aren’t that simple...’

Regardless, I seem to have stumbled upon a decent clue as to how Dustinville and Shamahk eventually had their falling-out.

It must be related to the Singing Cliffs that stand between them.