Chapter 318 – Demon Slayer Knight Order

“The Duoveris Cult was attempting to infiltrate Verdugal. My uncle apparently captured a cult executive trying to escape across the border and extracted information about the cult’s internal affairs,” said Prince Josiah.

That made sense. Southern stability would be Grand Duke Debonnis’s concern, and if there was information about the cult attempting to infiltrate Verdugal, he would naturally increase his vigilance.

From Termwills’ perspective, Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory lies to the southeast, while the territory near the border that his second son inherited from Roy is to the south.

Apparently, Duke Driscoll was invited by Grand Duke Debonnis as part of his efforts to improve relations. Prince Josiah, having facilitated their connection, attended the meeting as well. It sounded like the kind of situation that would be mentally exhausting.

“I’ve had the civil officials investigate the records about demons… It is indeed a concerning matter,” said King Melvin, crossing his arms and stroking his chin.

“Gardinis’s involvement is troubling. The Black Bones were also involved in Beriondora’s fall, and there were signs they were moving to revive their leader.”

Since Gardinis called him a young upstart, it meant he must have known something about his origins in some way.

Even the veteran Alvelinde appeared young, so while a demon’s appearance doesn’t correspond to their age… do demons share their personal histories with each other among their ranks?

Considering the impression they give, it’s somewhat hard to imagine demons being that familiar with each other. If he learned it through hearsay, there should be records somewhere, and if we could trace those, we might uncover his origins… but well.

“Hmm… We should thoroughly investigate the records about demons, especially those from the southern regions. I’ll have the civil officials look into this matter as well.”

As time was running short, we wrapped up the discussion and concluded our conversation with King Melvin and Prince Josiah.

Looking over the square, I saw the members from Verdugal and Silvatria who would be joining the new unit lined up in formation.

The guests were arranged near the building entrance. From the Royal Castle, important figures around King Melvin had also attended as guests, including Chancellor Howard, Knight Order Commander Mildred, and Court Magician Ricard.

Those attending as my acquaintances included party members, workshop staff, and Silvatria-related personnel.

Alfred wasn’t on the airship but was standing with the workshop staff wearing his disguise ring as if it were perfectly normal. He apparently dislikes standing out as Prince Albert. It might have become second nature to him by now.

Regarding the composition of the new unit, it seemed Mercedes and Chester from the Veldgar Kingdom Knights had also joined.

The Dragon Knight unit doesn’t exactly have personnel to spare, so this must have been judged necessary. The rest were selected from the Mage Corps and soldiers based on their skills, character, background, and other factors, undergoing interviews and confirming their willingness before being assigned.

From Silvatria, first were Elmer and the others. Regarding Donovan and Lionel, it seemed they had regained their official status now that the Zadias matter had been resolved.

The court musicians began playing heroic music, and the ceremony to establish the new unit was declared to begin.

King Melvin appeared on the deck, surveyed the assembled crowd, and spoke.

“Everyone, your efforts are appreciated. In these troubled times with the covert activities of allied demon groups, I find it reassuring that so many brave warriors have gathered here. From this day forward, you shall strive to hone your skills as members of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order and fulfill your duties.”

The official name of the anti-demon unit was announced. King Melvin extended his right arm sideways, indicating the airship and shipyard.

“The wisdom of the magician who built this shipyard in merely one day. The sky-faring ship brought from Silvatria. And the knowledge and power of you brave warriors. All these have gathered here today. The bonds that will be forged through your exchanges and training. I am confident that the martial prowess and wisdom of both nations will dispel the crises facing our two countries.”

His words were met with cheers praising King Melvin. After the cheers subsided, he continued.

“Let me introduce to everyone Elliot Rodias Silun, who will assume the position of Commander of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. Some of you may have already heard, but Elliot was the eldest son of the Silun baronial family. Though he lost his memory in a ship accident, he achieved military exploits in Silvatria and became renowned as the Magic Knight. Elliot, step forward.”

“Yes, sir!”

Prompted by King Melvin, Elliot, who had been standing in the front row of the knights, took one step forward and bowed in a subject’s salute.

“He regained his memory, fought the demons’ minions in Vinesdora, and has now returned to our country. Beyond his martial prowess and character, I guarantee that his background makes him a suitable person to serve as Commander of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, connecting our two nations. If anyone questions my decision or believes their own strength makes them more suitable for the position of Commander than him, step forward now.”

He looked around as he said this… but no one stepped forward.

Some aspects of Elliot’s abilities weren’t widely known in Verdugal. By clearly establishing his background and capabilities here, there was likely an aim to solidify Elliot’s position.

“It seems there are no objections. Elliot, what say you?”

“Yes, sir. I humbly accept the appointment as Commander of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. I intend to devote myself to repaying the debt I owe to His Majesty Melvin and His Majesty Eberhart, earning the trust of all knight order members. And I swear to dedicate my entire soul to fulfilling our tasks.”

“Excellent. Adriana.”

“Yes.”

King Melvin stepped back and handed the proceedings over to Princess Adriana.

“I am Adriana, having come from the Kingdom of Silvatria as representative of my father, Eberhart. I consider it an honor to attend this establishment of the Demon-Slaying Knight Order. Though my abilities may be modest, I am resolved to contribute to the friendship between our two nations. Let us walk this path together.”

She said this with a smile. Applause erupted from the attendees, and King Melvin nodded before continuing.

“Otherworld Ambassador Theodore, step forward.”

“Yes, sir.”

I took one step forward.

“Theodore has achieved remarkable results in recent years and brought aerial combat equipment to our country. This shipyard was also created by Theodore’s hand. The Demon-Slaying Knight Order will coordinate with him, assisting him in opposing the demons. As the foremost expert in aerial combat, he will also provide your instruction. Theodore.”

“Yes.”

I nodded and bowed. King Melvin seemed to be carefully choosing his wording. As part of information control, he was avoiding using the term “demon slayer.”

“I am Theodore Gartner, as introduced by His Majesty Melvin. Though I am still young, I will devote my full efforts to the duties of instruction and training. I look forward to working with you all.”

As I said this, applause broke out… but at the part about “full efforts,” for a moment, the expressions of the knight order members—especially those familiar with me—seemed to twitch. …I don’t intend to push them that hard in training itself. If they get injured during training, it would defeat the whole purpose.

After giving a safe greeting and stepping back, King Melvin took over again.

“That concludes my address. We have prepared a modest celebratory gathering. Everyone, replenish your spirits, deepen your exchanges, and prepare for training and your duties.”

With these words, the ceremony to establish the Demon-Slaying Knight Order concluded. Food was being brought from the Royal Castle to the shipyard building.

After the ceremony ended, we moved to the dining hall inside the building.

It had the atmosphere of a buffet-style standing party. Probably to facilitate interaction among the members.

So, being in the position of receiving greetings, I ended up accepting greetings from the members along with Elliot, with only light eating.

“Ambassador, Commander Elliot. We look forward to working with you.”

“Likewise.”

“Looking forward to working with you.”

After finishing their greetings to us, the knights were shaking hands and actively trying to build good relationships here and there as part of the exchange between Verdugal and Silvatria.

“Still… to create such a facility in just one day.”

“Thank you. Since it also serves as training facilities, if you encounter any inconveniences while using them, we can make adjustments to some extent, so please let us know.”

“I see… That’s unique to magic construction.”

The knights’ smiles twitched. Meanwhile, Elliot was also exchanging words with the knights.

“Commander, we heard you’re the Magic Knight… Being skilled with both sword and magic is reassuring.”

“The use of magic tools is essential for aerial combat. Commander Elliot, what kind of magic do you use?”

“Water Magic. I mastered sword arts adapted to magic in Silvatria.”

“Water Magic… Then, does that include Healing Magic?”

“Yes.”

The members’ expressions brightened upon hearing about Healing Magic.

Like Ashley, having someone who can use Healing Magic is indeed reassuring. From recovering vitality to detoxification, having just one Healing Magic user increases sustained combat capability and reduces casualties. In military forces, Healing Magic users tend to earn trust and respect… and if they can also wield a sword and fight on the front lines, even more so.

“I’m not very knowledgeable about magic… Ambassador, what kind of magic are you skilled in?”

The topic shifted to me.

“I don’t have a particularly specialized element. If I had to say, all types of offensive magic.”

“Or rather, he’s proficient in almost all schools of magic.”

“That’s quite…”

“That’s extremely reassuring when fighting demons.”

“Absolutely.”

Elmer and the others nodded thoughtfully at Elliot’s words. While the reaction was somewhat awkward, it was reassuring that Elliot’s relationship with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order members was off to a reasonably good start.

“…I’m concerned about the Ambassador’s training content.”

“Indeed…”

“No, it’s normal. The ‘full efforts’ part refers to my mindset.”

It means I won’t cut corners when planning the training content or monitoring its progress, so there’s no need to worry.

As usual, we’ll utilize golems for dealing with miasma bullets and miasma swords, methods of aerial maneuver using magic tools, and things like that. Beyond that, experience in actual aerial combat matters, so we might also do sparring.

I’ve received further updates regarding publication!

Details about the publisher, scheduled release date, and the illustrator who will be handling the project have been announced in the activity report!

I’ve been able to come this far thanks to everyone’s support.

Once again, thank you very much.

I intend to keep doing my best from now on, so please continue your support!