Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 55

"...and so, this remains the closest location to the Empress's court."

Despite their nickname, the Emperor's Sword, the Knights' station actually lay nearer to the Empress's palace in a direct line.

Rumor held that the first emperor, out of fondness for his companion, had placed him in this spot, close to her palace.

It was a tradition handed down through generations.

Erica shifted, unimpressed with the administrator's dull story.

"Where do they train in swordsmanship?"

"There are five training centers. The internal rulebook covers aura use and other precautions."

"Can we go now?"

"I'll show you to the nearest one."

Erica followed, her long strides confident and pleased.

***

Erica felt a spark of excitement.

Stepping into a new environment might make anyone nervous, but for her, excitement won out.

'They said I'm the first new recruit in a while; they'll welcome me, right?'

The Emperor had gladly welcomed the eighteen-year-old Swordmaster, and even Marquis Knobel had shown unusual favor toward Pechenik's apprentice.

Erica shook her head, recalling their hospitality.

'Besides, I'm pretty young.'

She wasn't the youngest knight in the Order's history, but for now, she was the youngest in Tenearha.

When her initiation was announced, the administrator had barely contained her excitement.

'Being the youngest is nothing new—I'm used to it!'

Erica had always been the youngest in the Dantes Mercenary Guild, where her status practically invited a little indulgence.

Shurin, Karon, and others understood her personality well enough.

And if anyone thought less of her because of her age, she'd just prove them wrong with her skills.

Erica expected an easy transition into life with the Knights of Tenearha, confident she'd thrive as she had in Dantes.

"Oh, looks like the First Army knights are training on their own."

She glanced over with a smile.

"I'll go introduce myself."

But there was one thing Erica hadn't anticipated.

The First Army drill hall.

Burly men were sweating, immersed in sword drills, while others took a break on benches.

"Hello, everyone! I'm Erica, the newest member of the First Army!"

Unlike the free-spirited mercenary guilds of the South, Tenearha's ranks were a tightly knit aristocratic order.

An exclusive, insular group brimming with privilege.

These were the elite among nobility.

"Please take care of me—"

"Don't you have a last name?"

"Pardon?"

"I asked if you have a last name."

Erica's gaze sharpened as she paused, then answered.

"I'm a commoner, so I don't have a last name."

"Tsk."