"Enough sulking over what can't be changed," I muttered, standing from my chair. It was time to wash away the grimness of last night. I made my way out of the office, heading down the hall to what would have been my bedroom if I was still human. Now, it was just another chamber in this fortress, a reminder of what I'd lost.
When I entered, I found an attendant waiting inside, her expression stiff with fear as if I'd forced her to be there. The sight of her discomfort only worsened my mood.
"Leave," I ordered, my voice flat. I didn't want her lingering while I was already feeling on edge. She bowed quickly, informing me that Norman had arranged for a bath and that it was ready. Without another word, she hurried out, leaving me in peace.
I stripped off my clothes by the bedside, letting them fall haphazardly onto the carpet, and walked to the bathing chamber. The warm water embraced me as I sank into the tub, and for the first time in what felt like days, the tension in my body began to ease. My mind, always racing with plans and burdens, quieted as I leaned back, allowing the heat to soak into my muscles.
"I'll have to send word to Timothy," I muttered to myself, as thoughts of strategy resurfaced. "If his research on Vergile Steel proves fruitful, and we can forge weapons from it, it could strengthen the castle's defenses and even bring in much-needed revenue."
As I lathered the fragrant soap across my skin, I felt a flicker of hope. The steel deposit under our land might be a key to restoring our fortunes. Dipping my head beneath the water, I let it wash over me, clearing both body and mind. When I surfaced, I pushed my hair back, wiping it away from my face.
After lingering in the bath a few moments longer, I grew restless. I climbed out of the tub and moved to the section where fresh water was stored in a large barrel. Grabbing a ladle, I rinsed myself off once more, feeling the cool splash chase away the last remnants of the bathwater. I dried off quickly with a towel and stepped back into the main room.
As I passed by the mirror, I stopped and caught my reflection. My skin had grown even paler, my irises were a deep, unsettling red, and my body had grown more defined muscle mass sharper and more pronounced than it had ever been in my human days.
"Must be this cursed new diet," I muttered, lamenting the transformation that was beyond my control.
As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, the door creaked open behind me. It was the same attendant from earlier, returning, though she froze upon seeing me. Her face turned crimson with embarrassment as her eyes flicked to my unclothed form.
She quickly averted her gaze, stammered an apology, and fled again, closing the door behind her.
I sighed, shaking my head at the awkwardness of it all.
After dressing, I buckled my holster around my waist and made my way out of the room, noticing the attendant standing quietly by the door, waiting for me to leave. Without a word, I passed her and headed toward my office. Once inside, I removed my holster and leaned it against the desk before sitting down to review the stacks of documents Norman and John had left me. I quickly became absorbed in the work, losing track of time.
A knock on the door interrupted my focus. "Come," I called out, not bothering to look up from the papers.
"My lord, I believe there's something you'll want to see," John's voice came from the doorway, a mix of uncertainty and seriousness in his tone.
I set down the feathered pen and glanced up at him. "What's the issue?"
"Well, my lord... a young lady is demanding to meet Kael the Crimson Knight," John said, looking perplexed.
My jaw clenched at the mention of that accursed title. "Tch... what reason could she possibly have to use that epithet?" The name was one I despised. *Kael the Crimson Knight* a name born not from honor, but mockery. I had once been known as the "Young Lionheart," a title passed down from my master, the "Mighty Lionheart." But all of that had changed when she defiled me with this cursed existence.
"My lord?" John's voice broke through my thoughts, his eyes on me.
I realized I had been grinding my teeth in anger. "Yes, John?" I said, taking a breath to calm myself.
"You were grinding your teeth rather loudly, my lord. I had to get your attention before you damaged yourself," he said, offering a rare moment of humor in his typically composed demeanor.
I sighed, shaking off my frustration. "Thank you, John. Where is this girl?"
"She's waiting in the courtyard, my lord. Shall I escort you?" John asked as I stood from my desk, buckling my holster.
"Lead the way," I replied.
John gave a respectful nod and led me out of the office.
As I followed John down the hall, my mind shifted from the irritation of being called the Crimson Knight to curiosity. What could she possibly want from me?
When we arrived in the entry hall, I saw her standing confidently, dressed in simple yet durable travel gear, her spear slung over her back. Her posture was poised, her eyes sharp, and there was a determination in her expression that caught my attention immediately.
John stepped aside, giving a respectful nod as he introduced her. "My lord, this is the young woman who requested an audience. She claims to be skilled with a spear and wishes to join your regiment."
I eyed her critically, taking in her stance and the weapon she carried. It was no ordinary spear. Crafted with care, it seemed battle-worn, suggesting she'd seen combat. I could sense there was more to her than just an eager recruit.
She stepped forward, her voice steady as she spoke. "Lord Kael, my name is Serina. I've come to serve under your command. I've trained with the spear for years, and I've heard of your regiment's strength. I want to prove my worth."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her boldness. "And why my regiment, Serina? There are many others you could join, yet you seek out mine."
She met my gaze without faltering. "Because you lead one of the best, and I won't settle for anything less. I want to fight alongside warriors who are as skilled and disciplined as I am."
Her confidence impressed me, but I wasn't easily swayed by words alone. "Skill is one thing, but discipline and loyalty are harder to prove. Why should I take you in?"
Without hesitation, she unstrapped her spear and twirled it with practiced ease, its movements fluid and precise. "Test me, and I'll show you why."
John looked at me, awaiting my response. I nodded, stepping back to give her space. "Very well, Serina. You'll have your chance. John, find someone for her to spar with."
John bowed, moving quickly to gather a soldier. In the meantime, I watched her carefully, noting how her hands gripped the spear, and how her body shifted in preparation. She was more than confident she was seasoned.
Moments later, John returned with a soldier, a seasoned warrior from my regiment named Cedric, known for his expertise with the sword.
Serina and Cedric faced off, and with a nod from me, the duel began. Cedric was fast, but Serina was faster, her spear darting with precision. She controlled the distance between them with ease, keeping him at bay with thrusts and sweeps. It wasn't long before Cedric found himself disarmed, her spear tip resting just inches from his throat.
I stepped forward, impressed. "Enough. You've proven yourself. strong which I respect you may join for now"
Serina withdrew her spear, offering a respectful bow. "Thank you, my lord."
I studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Welcome to the regiment, Serina. You'll have your chance to show your worth on the battlefield soon enough."