Duke of the North Refuses the Villain Route

Chapter 7-Order of the Ember Knights

A week had passed since the death of Grand Duke Roano Valtoria. The gray flags that served as the background of the Duchy's emblem had been replaced by black. The flag of their Ember Knights Order was the same, making the orange flame surrounding a great sword look more prominent. They were all mourning the loss of a powerful figure in their home and apprehensive of the days to come.

Supposedly, all outside activities in a territory would be stopped for a month after a great noble's death. But things were different in the North. They could not stop because of the encroaching cold and the threat of monsters on the other side of the Wall. The late Grand Duke had passed, and because of his deteriorating condition, was unable to serve his duties as Supreme Commander for a long time. The Ember Knights Order had been solely led by their Knight Commander for the last year. If it had been as usual, the Young Lord would have taken over instead. However, because of his weak body, the Young Lord had been unable to do his duties.

Now, said Young Lord who had become the new Grand Duke was going to participate in this quarter's monster subjugation.

Kaelan, Captain of the First Company of the First Battalion, was informed that His Grace would be joining their company when they went out beyond the Wall the following week.

He sighed, watching all 50 of his men get ready for the upcoming subjugation. It was already bad enough that he had to look over these "children" now he had to look after another one. The new Grand Duke should have stayed back for now and continued mourning for the late Grand Duke. If he was so sickly that he had been stuck in the castle for years, then how was he supposed to survive in the harsh mountains?

They needed a leader. They did not need to hold another funeral for one so soon.

Spotting the Knight Commander Thorne Zakan, he moved to talk to him about his concerns once more.

"Commander," he saluted. But before he could even get a word in, the middle-aged man regarded him with an exasperated look in his gray eyes.

"Captain," the Commander said. "The orders are final. There is nothing you can do about it."

"I am only concerned for His Grace's condition, sir."

Knight Commander Zakan paused. A small peculiar grin formed on the older knight's mouth. "I don't think you should be concerned about that," he said. "Rather, you should be more worried for your group."

Kaelan tilted his head, brows furrowing.

"His Grace has...awakened his Dragon Flame," Knight Commander Zakan said.

He let out a small gasp, and the movements of the company members near him stopped. Kaelan glared at them. "Stop eavesdropping and get back to work." At his bark, they quickly ran away. But instead of being chastised, they ran like they were excited to share the news with their colleagues.

"Is that true, sir?" he turned back to his superior.

Commander Zakan nodded. "I heard from the steward that His Grace awakened Dragon Flames a while ago," he said. "He had been training nonstop since, mastering his control over his power."

"Then that means His Grace underwent body purification and modification?"

"Yes," his superior nodded. "In fact, he's so healthy that Herard grew concerned that he was running around the training grounds too much while catching up on unfinished paperwork of the late Grand Duke. He had to beg His Grace yesterday to take breaks in between."

Knight Vice-Commander Bandar, who had been silently listening to their conversation inserted himself into the discussion. "Actually, I heard from the maids that Steward Herard had to ask help from the second young master to convince His Grace to rest. That was the only way he'd rest." There was amusement shining in his chocolate eyes.