The Female Knight of Doom - TFKOD 39: Investiture Ceremony

Alice had not been the focus of a ceremony since she was appointed as a Special Grade Mercenary.

The Mercenary Union organized a ceremony with many attendees to celebrate her promotion. However, the ceremony had to be halted abruptly when she unexpectedly disclosed her true identity.

Back then, all she aspired to be was a Special Grade Mercenary, with no inkling of what lay ahead for her.

Little did she imagine that in less than six months, she would ascend to the rank of a knight in a subsequent ceremony.

Events were unfolding rapidly and continuously, causing frequent shifts in her identity that left little time for others to adjust. Despite the overwhelming pace of change, her youthful vigor shielded her from being overwhelmed, as she herself was in a constant state of growth and transformation.

Attaining knighthood was merely another accomplishment to mark her journey of maturation.

She embraced the opportunity with the same open-hearted acceptance she approached all new experiences.

While there were aspects of this new world that puzzled her, she persisted with eagerness to learn and grow. At just seventeen, it was natural for her to feel perplexed at times, yet she remained optimistic about the possibilities that lay ahead in her future.

Alice had anticipated that her knighting would be a public event.

However, on the day of the ceremony, only the two required clerks, Knight Kent and Knight Philo, were present to witness it.

The other guests who had dined at the duchess’ table did not attend.

Kent delivered a letter to the duchess on behalf of the absent knights.

The letter explained that they had prior commitments for special training at the western grounds, planned well in advance, and expressed their hopes for forgiveness from the duchess for their absence.

The absence of the other knights was not a coincidence.

The duchess had announced Alice’s knighting ceremony during a previous dinner and had also posted it on the castle bulletin board for all to see. The knights deliberately scheduled their special training during the ceremony as a display of defiance, indicating that they would not acknowledge Alice even if she was knighted by the duchess.

After completing the letter, the duchess tossed it to the ground and smirked disdainfully, “A group of weaklings.” With this comment, she glanced down at Alice, “I had anticipated a more forceful opposition from them, giving me a reason to discipline them. However, I was not anticipating this level of audacity… It appears there will be fewer witnesses at your appointment ceremony, is that acceptable to you?”

Alice glanced at the individuals present, including two clerks, two knights, and some village children observing from a distance.

She shook her head nonchalantly.

This was a crucial moment in her life, and she preferred having only a select few individuals there to offer genuine blessings, rather than being scrutinized by a crowd of hostile onlookers.

The hostility of the knights fueled her determination not to give up, despite her urge to retaliate.

It’s fine, she’s still young and will discover the perfect moment.

Thus, the ceremony commenced with the presence of these few witnesses.

Alice stood in her full armor at the designated location.

The duchess approached her with a serious expression.

“I, Sylvie Felix, Duchess of West Felix, am present here today to appoint a knight in front of all of you.” Making eye contact with Alice, she beckoned her to come forward.

Alice took a few steps towards the duchess and knelt down on one knee before her, responding with a simple “Here.”

The duchess inquired, “Are you prepared to become a knight?”

She confidently answered, “Yes.”

The duchess continued, “The west has welcomed you. Will you dedicate your sword to it, fighting for it until the very end?”

She affirmed, “I will.”

The duchess then declared, “I am the ruler of the west, as well as your ruler. Will you pledge your loyalty to me forever?”

Alice paused upon hearing the question.

She had already given her name in a ritual to her god in the dungeon of the Rachel Mansion. Unsure if she could do so again, she contemplated the implications. While some might view the ritual as a mere formality, she was wary of potential dangers it could bring.

In her hesitation, the duchess inquired, “Alice, why do you hesitate? Are you reluctant to pledge your loyalty to me?”

She responded, “I am willing to be faithful to you, but I have already entrusted my name to my god. Repeating it to you would feel deceitful and disloyal.”

Although this might not have been the most tactful response, Alice did not appreciate being pressured by the duchess.

Acknowledging her concern, the duchess explained, “In this ceremony, we still require a symbol to signify our agreement.”

After pausing for a moment, the duchess continued, “Alice, do you have a surname?”

This question was one of her most hated in her lifetime.

Luckily, during her time as a mercenary, people only referred to each other by their names, so this question was rarely asked. The last time she was asked this question was in Poztar City, when she was twelve years old and had just entered the temple.

Alice gently shook her head, attempting to rid herself of the recollection of the last instance she had been asked this question, “I do not possess a surname.”

“Given that circumstance, let me bestow upon you a surname. I will grant you my maiden name pre-marriage, and you can now identify yourself with it.”

“I am greatly honored and privileged.”

“I bestow upon you the name Quint. With this name, you are my sister, my daughter. I will strive to protect you with all my might, and I implore you to shield me with your sword.”

“Yes, I will always defend you.”

Alice respectfully greeted the duchess and presented her sword with both hands.

The duchess’ attention briefly shifted to Alice’s ring before she accepted the greatsword with effort, touching her shoulders and head with the blade.

Addressing Alice as a knight, the duchess declared, “Alice Quint, you are now officially dubbed.”

Alice received the sword from the Duchess, concluding the ceremony.

The unexpected turn of events during the ceremony left Alice feeling surprised. Not only was she now a knight, but she also had a surname, relieving her of any concerns about her background.

During times of conflict, high-ranking individuals would often bestow surnames upon common-born knights who had displayed bravery, as a means of boosting morale.

This practice, however, was uncommon during times of peace, making it a rare and prestigious distinction.

Additionally, the Quint family was of noble lineage, making it a source of pride for any knight bestowed with such a surname.

Kent took Alice’s hand first, “Congratulations, Knight Quint.”

She felt excited, as it was the first time she was being addressed like that. She smiled and thanked him.

The elderly Knight Philo, a highly respected man, smiled and nodded at her without saying a word. She bowed to him.

That night, she decided to skip dinner at the castle.

She anticipated that the knights might be unhappy upon learning of her ennoblement, and she didn’t want to see their grim expressions.

She was too happy and wanted to celebrate elsewhere, where she could enjoy a drink by herself.

Alice headed to the village pub.

When she first arrived, she spent one night at the tavern without interacting with anyone due to exhaustion. Living in the castle, she had avoided going to the village at night.

However, after being inspired by the children during her investiture, she decided to visit the village for a drink and to socialize with the locals.

Intending to have some ale, a common drink in rural pubs, which was affordable and had a mildly tart taste, she entered the pub.

However, upon her arrival, the villagers greeted her with a bottle of high-quality red wine, indicating their recognition, “Congratulations, Knight Quint!”

Applause erupted in the tavern as the villagers raised their glasses to toast to Alice’s success in a somewhat scattered manner.

The festive atmosphere in the tavern surprised her.

Being here for only the second time felt peculiar, but everyone already knew her new name, making her feel like a regular.

The bartender filled a tankard with ale and handed it to her, “This is for you to enjoy… as a friend of Lady Sylvie, you are welcomed here.”

Within the castle, the duchess was addressed with respect, but here they called her Lady Sylvie, a more casual and personal name.

Alice was surprised as she looked around at everyone, “How did you all come to know me?”

The tavern owner explained on behalf of the others, “In a small place like ours, news travels fast! Your recent knighthood and visit to our establishment are considered a great honor. Chosen by Lady Sylvie, you must be exceptional. We trust you to look out for our business in the future.”

Alice enjoyed a sip of the delicious red wine, even though she didn’t have a glass. It went down her throat smoothly.

She attempted to pay for the wine at the inn, but the innkeeper declined, so she treated everyone to a pint of ale instead.

They all raised their glasses and someone exclaimed, “Let’s toast to the health of Lady Sylvie and Knight Quint!”

Cheers and celebrations filled the tavern as toasts were made.

Alice joined in by raising a glass to wish the duchess good health and a long life.

She sat for a while and was approached by everyone for conversation. After talking with the farmers, she started to grasp why the duchess had managed to survive the hostility until now.

Despite the nobles in the castle wanting her demise, the locals here adored her.