Seeker 230

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Chapter 230. At The Castle Gate

"Information from Unicorn that reside in the World Tree Forest, you say...?"

At the gates of the royal palace, after I had explained the situation, the two gatekeepers appeared puzzled. 

They exchanged a few words before the older one retreated into the gatehouse, leaving us to wait in this spot.

We decided to patiently wait, but the idle time was boring. 

Rebecca-san struck up a conversation with the younger gatekeeper.

"But it's been a while, Gerald. How's the life of a Holy Knight treating you? It seems like such a perfect fit for someone as serious as you."

"It's not as simple as that. There are many challenges."

"Oh, really? But you wear that Holy Knight medal well."

On the young gatekeeper's left chest, there was a badge with a motif resembling the sun.

I recalled the other gatekeeper wearing the same. 

It seemed to be called the Holy Knight medal.

"Rebecca, you know, if you were a bit more serious and cleaned up your act, you could become a Holy Knight too."

"That's not my style. I prefer wandering as an adventurer."

"I see. Some things never change."

It appeared that these two had known each other for a long time. 

When I inquired, I learned they used to be fellow adventurers. 

Gerald had passed the country's exam and become an honorary Holy Knight about a year ago. 

Meanwhile, Rebecca-san remained a wandering adventurer—such was the story.

However, at that moment, Gerald cleared his throat with an affected tone.

"But, Rebecca, I don't really want to say this, but—I'm a Holy Knight, and you're an adventurer. Please show at least some respect. If you act casually in front of the public, it won't be fitting for a Holy Knight."

In response, Rebecca-san pursed her lips, took a deep breath, and replied. 

"Fine, Gerald."

"Very well. From now on, Adventurer Rebecca, please be more reserved."

"...You've changed a bit, haven't you?"

"I can't remain the same as when I was an adventurer."

There was a hint of tension in the air for a moment. 

I found their relationship rather bothersome.

Also, I couldn't help but feel a bit of resentment towards the idea that Holy Knights were held in such high regard. 

Adventurers had to humble themselves before the Holy Knights, or they wouldn't be respected—this was a societal hierarchy that seemed ingrained. 

I wondered if they were aware of what they were saying.

Either way, I didn't particularly like the attitude of flaunting authority like that. 

After some time, the older gatekeeper, who had gone inside the castle, returned. 

In addition, another man who appeared to be an Awakened One, bearing the Holy Knight medal, arrived at the gate as well. 

He looked to be around 40 and had a stern countenance.

The medal's design was subtly different from the other two, exuding a more luxurious aura. 

Perhaps it indicated a higher rank. 

But what caught my attention more was the fact that…

Kazane-san whispered in my ear.

"Daichi-kun, that person."

"Yeah, seems like he's broken his limit."

The "pressure" emanating from that individual was distinct, unlike that of an ordinary skilled adventurer. 

He was clearly not a Level 25, probably around the same level as us or perhaps a bit higher—maybe in their mid to late 40s.

However, it wasn't just us who were surprised. 

As the man who had arrived looked at each of us in turn, Kazane-san, Yuzuki, and I—his eyes widened.

Well, it made sense. 

Just as we could somewhat gauge his level by the strength of his pressure, the same applied in reverse. 

When someone was significantly stronger than oneself, it felt strange and hard to comprehend.

The man made a slight contemplative gesture before addressing us.

"I heard you are messengers from Unicorn in the World Tree Forest. I'm Benedict, the captain of the Holy Knights. It's clear at a glance that you are not ordinary. Follow me, and I will relay your message to the King."

With that, the person who identified himself as the captain of the Holy Knights moved towards the castle's inner courtyard. 

As we were instructed to follow, we walked through the gate and trailed behind him.

On the other hand...

"Well, I'll leave it here. I plan to stay at the Drunken Saint's Tavern for a while, so if you need anything, come by. Goodbye, boys."

Rebecca-san said this and then headed towards the city. 

After all the help she had given us, we lightly bowed our heads and watched her depart. 

Then, we proceeded to follow the captain of the Holy Knights.