Chapter 36
“It seems they were hoping that our knights would advance and protect them in some way. Perhaps they did not want to upset the commander, so they called me instead, thinking it would be easier to approach me.”
“Those fools! I knew they would cause a big problem one day.”
Commander Fursan felt his neck stiffen as he thought about the enormous mess caused by the same fools who spend their time chasing women.
At least Joseph, who lost in the game of chance, got away with only receiving a warning, but Terry and Angelo could not avoid being punished.
But the problem was the team's implicit rule that "members are loyal to the leader, and the leader in turn protects his members."
"What on earth am I supposed to say to the commander of the guard! How humiliating!"
Dealing with a leader who was much younger and now couldn't even stand up to Laszlo was already embarrassing.
Edmund whispered, as he quietly read the message of cooperation that the leader had put forward, glancing around.
“If you don’t remove the rotten fruit from the basket quickly, the rest will spoil. These troublemakers are no exception, and this could be a good opportunity to get rid of them.”
“Mr. Milton…?”
“You may think I’m heartless, but if we don’t deal with them decisively, the responsibility will fall on our entire system. We have to make it clear that this was their fault alone.”
It was a cold statement from someone who is usually seen as a “good guy,” but it was exactly what the leader needed to hear.
“In fact, there’s no need to drag the whole order through the mud for something we didn’t even order.”
Frankly, he didn't want to be held responsible for this mess. Nor did he want to grovel before Laszlo.
"So what do you suggest we do?"
“Let us consider the incident to be a reckless act by rash individuals, and we declare that we will hold them accountable. We leave their punishment to the commander of the guard.”
“It appears that the commander is determined to deal with this matter under military law, which could lead to severe punishment…”
“I understand how much you care about your knights, but if we don’t distance ourselves from this, innocent members will suffer.”
This made the leader feel more at ease.
“Yes, it is for the other knights.”
He nodded his head as if making a decision.
“I understand. Although it will be difficult to confront these fools, I cannot allow the other hardworking knights to be harmed by this disgraceful incident.”
Edmund responded with an understanding expression.
“I will take care of it. Since they are the ones who summoned me, and it seems that the head of the guard is not opposed to my presence.”
"but…!"
“I know that every knight is like a child to you, regardless of his flaws. It is difficult to make such a cold decision, but I will deal with this for the greater good.”
The commander was deeply impressed by Edmund's idea. Thanks to him, there would be no difficulties in the future.
“You are truly a reliable friend. Having someone like you as my deputy is a great comfort.”
"You are very kind. In the meantime, please supervise the training of the riders."
"Of course! Don't worry."
"Then I will go out."
Edmund left the Knight's Hall smiling.
***
There were two reasons why Edmund went to the Cressides estate instead of the Knights' Commander.
Firstly, to prevent the leader from discovering that he was the one who told these three fools about Edel Lancaster.
Secondly, personally verify the ownership of Crisis.
"How ridiculous."
Upon entering the property of Chrysos, Edmund stifled his sneer as he looked around the interior, which was far from what one would expect from a Count's mansion.
His second goal was more than just achieving it.
Cheap framed paintings, flashy decorations of gold leaf and fake jewelry, vulgar artificial flowers, low-quality carpets and curtains, and tackyly designed furniture…
There is nothing that can compare to the dignity of the Count's family.
'I must make Laszlo throw a party here one way or another. The nobles need to see this disgrace.'
In this way, Laszlo's reputation in society will be completely destroyed, even though there seems to have been little to bring him down.
However, it was Edmund's mood that deteriorated when he saw Laszlo sitting arrogantly, with two men tied up and kneeling in front of him.
"It has arrived."
In the armory near the training grounds, apart from Lazlo and the two men, there were also several men who appeared to belong to .
They were as well-disciplined as the bodyguards of any other high-ranking noble family.
'The mercenaries who pretend to be knights, and Lazlo, who puts them in as his guards, are all in chaos. Tsk tsk.'
Edmund was intensely envious of Laszlo, who had already reached the top at his age, but he consoled himself by belittling him.
Of course, outwardly, Edmund maintained a polite, gentle, and cultured demeanor.
“It has been a long time, Lord Crises. I am sorry that we must meet under these unfortunate circumstances.”
“Indeed. And since neither of us enjoys delaying things, let’s skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point.”
As soon as Edmund saw it, Laszlo nodded towards the two men, who lit up as if they had seen an angel coming to save them.
“I assume you have already read the letter of cooperation. These men insisted that I contact you before they were brought before a military court.”
“I have reviewed the contents.”
"So, what is the position of the Imperial Knights?"
Terry and Angelo were certain that Edmund would somehow save them.
However, Edmund didn't even glance in their direction.
“There is nothing unfair in Lord Crises’s request, and we have decided to expel them from the Imperial Knights.”
Laszlo laughed as if he had expected it.
Edmund was upset, but certainly not as much as the two men who were completely shocked.
Their mouths hung open when they doubted their hearing. Then, without any prompting, they crawled on their knees and clung to Edmund.
“Mr. Milton! How could you do this to us?”
"How can knights abandon themselves? That's ridiculous!"
Edmund, not Laszlo, furrowed his brow and rebuked them.
“The truly ridiculous thing is that Imperial Knights would commit such foolish and shameful acts! Do you have any idea how shocked the Commander must be? Or how furious the other members must be?”
“But she was just a maid, and nothing serious had happened until…”
"We are deeply sorry. Please, forgive us just this once, please!"
Terry and Angelo cried as they pleaded.
Even in this desperate moment, they pleaded with Edmund, not Laszlo. Laszlo found it amusing.
'Why beg someone who can't do anything for you?'
Even if Edmund could do something, he would not lift a finger unless it was to his advantage.
Laszlo despised “politically manipulative knights” like Edmund Milton, and had never seen a more deceitful person than him.
'He pretends to be nice and good on the outside, but on the inside, he is black-hearted like them.'
In any case, what happened between them was none of Laszlo's business.
"So, the Imperial Knights are leaving the matter of punishment entirely in my hands. Am I correct in understanding this?"
“Yes, Lord Crisis. We agree with whatever decision you make.”
“Very good then. To be honest, I wanted to cut off their arms, but the victim insisted on following civil law. I think I should respect her wishes.”
The “victim” Edmund was reminded of the incident that led to this chaos.
“Oh, right, the victim was the former Duchess of Lancaster, wasn’t she? Is she okay?”
“It’s likely these savages bruised her arm when they grabbed her… Should I go ahead and cut off their arms?”
When Laszlo's expression became harsh, Terry and Angelo shouted and rushed back, causing Laszlo to click his tongue as he looked at them and then turn away.
This strangely upset Edmund.
'Why does Laszlo seem to be protecting that woman...?'
It could have been half a joke or just an excuse, but it was a very important statement coming from Laszlo Criscis, who was usually indifferent and rude to everyone.
So, driven by impulse, Edmund made a proposal.
“If this isn’t too advanced, I’d like to apologize to her on behalf of the Imperial Knights.”