Chapter 511 – A new Start.

“The High Commander is approaching!”

“GREETING THE HIGH KNIGHT COMMANDER!”

“…”

A large group of armored men performed the customary military salute of the kingdom, directed at a single individual wearing an intricate suit of runic armor. Though the armor was different from what they remembered, they recognized the knight commander, Commander Wayland. Forming a line on either side of him, they ensured he had an unobstructed path to the Valerian villa, where their lord, Arthur Valerian, resided.

“So much for a quiet morning…”

He was not alone, however, and the other soldiers quickly noticed that his entourage wore similarly styled clothing. First, they saw a man dressed in a full set of armor, similar to their leader’s, though somewhat plainer. Beside him was a figure in a robe, their face hidden behind a mask. While the armored man was around the same size as the Knight Commander, the robed figure was smaller and thinner, leading many to assume they were likely female. The trio soon disappeared through the main door, and only then did the knights begin to murmur among themselves.

“Those two looked important, who do you think that was?”

“Maybe some new hires? One of them looked like a proper knight, maybe they are here to swear their loyalty to the Lord?”

“Hah, this place is really growing.”

The men all began nodding, eager to cheer. Among them were failed adventurers, soldiers who hadn’t quite made the cut in other cities, and others simply drawn by the high pay. Initially, they didn’t know what to think of the late Valerian’s son. They assumed he would be incompetent, yet the city continued to prosper, along with their wages and equipment. They were now proud soldiers of the Valerian household, and some even aspired to one day join the Duke’s personal knights—a dream they now felt was within reach.

Back in the estate, Roland sighed inwardly, walking through the estate clad in his Rune Mark II armor, a cape flowing behind him. His older, bulkier armor had been melted down, making this his only remaining set. Fortunately, he had hidden it well under his robe during his adventures across the kingdom and was fairly certain that no one would connect this armored figure to Wayland, the Deputy Professor – at least not yet. Even if they did, as long as his identity as the man in the green goblin mask remained a mystery, he would be safe.

To his right was Robert, wearing one of the armor suits from his store. His whole body was covered and the helmet was equipped with a voice changer. To his left was Lucille, soon to be Robert’s wife. She was wearing a magical robe with runic capabilities, specially woven from super light metallic threads, a technology he had started using after his visit to the institute. She also had a mask with eye cutouts and a small mouth opening covered by a darkened mesh. It would not allow any of her facial features to shine through in an attempt to keep her identity hidden from everyone.

“Let them in.”

Roland arrived at the entrance to Arthur’s office. In the past, the ones to welcome him would be both Gareth and Morien. Neither of them was here to greet him that day as the two had advanced to tier 3 classes and were busy training. Mary was constantly with Arthur along with a hidden entourage of assassins all wearing maid uniforms. Perhaps if he was an enemy, the two new Knight Commanders would have shown themselves but Roland had already proven that he was a trustworthy ally.

Arthur Valerian’s office was richly furnished yet restrained, with polished wood and fine tapestries lining the walls, lending the room a warm elegance. Once filled solely with bookshelves, the office had been steadily upgraded, and there were even plans to add a new wing to the estate. Money was flowing in steadily, and their progress showed no signs of slowing. It was finally time to invest their well-earned funds.

“Commander Wayland, your reports are usually less… eventful, is what I want to say but I’d be telling lies.”

Arthur remarked, his mouth twitching with amusement, though his gaze remained sharp.

“Tell me, did it not occur to you to perhaps ask them before bringing them here under cover of night?”

Roland sighed, removing his helmet and holding it at his hip.

“To be fair, Arthur, I did ask them, and they agreed… at least one.”

He replied, shrugging slightly and glancing back at the two figures behind him. When the pair had awoken that morning, he’d briefed them on the situation in Albrook, assuring them that Arthur could be trusted to keep their secret. Now, he removed his helmet as a signal that it was safe for them to do the same, and they soon followed suit.

“Oh… you two really do look alike, though there are a few differences, wouldn’t you say, Mary?”

“Yes, my lord, the resemblance is quite uncanny.”

Roland glanced at Robert, understanding immediately what they meant. Though they shared similar features, his older brother was more stout, with a pronounced square jaw, while Roland’s own features were more balanced, with a scholarly quality. Strength was the first word that came to mind when looking at Robert, while Roland had a more even, balanced appearance with fewer flaws.

“Now then, If I understand correctly, this is Robert Arden, your older brother and this is, Lady Lucille De Vere, quite the entourage…”

Arthur seemed slightly troubled and Roland didn’t expect him not to be. These weren’t simple refugees that he brought along and they were both children of nobles. They weren’t really inferior to Arthur in status as even though he was the son of a Duke, he was still a bastard. Robert on the other hand was from a proper wife and Lucille’s father was a count.

Arthur chuckled softly, shaking his head as he took in the unusual scene before him. Roland’s brother, Robert, stood tall, his bearing marked by the disciplined rigidity of a seasoned knight. Lucille, on the other hand, moved gracefully but her nervous glances around the office hinted at her discomfort in such unfamiliar surroundings. However, there was a lot of curiosity as well and she kept looking at the many runic devices inside of his office.

“My apologies for imposing on you Lord Valerian.”

Robert eventually responded while also bowing forward, his armor producing a slight clinking sound.

“Hah, I’m no Lord Valerian, at least no yet. There is no reason for titles if we are just among us, as you might have noticed, your younger brother just calls me by my name, I would appreciate it if you did the same, my friend.”

Surprise covered Robert’s face as he glanced at Roland for confirmation. Roland just responded with a nod, as he had already contacted Arthur previously and had a chat with him about the issue even before his sibling woke up from sleeping more than a full day.

“I told you it would be fine. You just have to play the knight when we are out in public.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Robert relaxed, his rigid posture softening, though a glimmer of relief remained carefully masked in his expression. He nodded to Arthur, acknowledging the lord’s openness. Lucille, catching Roland’s reassuring glance, also visibly relaxed.

“Thank you, Sir Arthur. We appreciate your discretion in this matter and your hospitality. We know it’s… unconventional, given the circumstances.”

Lucille said, her voice steady with gratitude. Arthur waved a hand dismissively while leaning back in his chair. Finding the encounter a bit jarring as he was not really used to being thanked by other nobles.

“Think nothing of it. I’m honored to offer what support I can, and you are both welcome here. From what I’ve heard, you’ll fit right in with my merry band of miscreants. That being said…”

He glanced towards Mary who had been standing patiently by his side.

“Mary, would you give our guests a tour of the estate? Show them the grounds, perhaps the gardens. Gareth or Morien might be able to show Sir Robert around the barracks and training grounds, and perhaps Lady Lucille would enjoy visiting our rune smithy? She might also want to familiarize herself with Master Brylvia, our resident Master Runesmith.”

“A Master Runesmith? I would love to!”

His future sister-in-law was still the rune enthusiast she had always been. Although she had attended the Institute and participated in extensive Runic research, she hadn’t worked in the field with practical rune smithing. It was clear that she longed to visit real-world locations where true runic craftsmanship took place, rather than the sterile environments of the Institute.

“Excellent”