The Runesmith

"Sir Durendal, huh?"

"I like it. It sounds... very knightly."

"Mine isn’t bad either. Didn’t know your brother was this well-versed in names."

"Well… we never really talked much."

"Ah, well, I’m sure you two will hit it off! He seems to live in his own world, but he’s very kind and capable."

Lucille's voice held an unexpected softness as she spoke about Roland. The respect she had developed for him through the whirlwind of events softened any lingering bitterness she might have felt about leaving her old life behind. Robert could hear the admiration in her tone and smiled under his helmet.

"Yeah, my younger brother is truly remarkable. I wonder if Father would have let him become the heir - I don’t think any of us could match his achievements."

Robert sighed, reflecting on recent events. His brother Roland, who had left home at the age of ten, had risen to the rank of Knight Commander. He on the other hand wasn’t even a tier 3 knight yet and was older than Roland. While Robert had always believed his progress was rapid enough to reach this rank before thirty, Roland’s talent seemed almost inhuman by comparison.

To make things even more bewildering, Roland’s abilities were enigmatic. He wielded runic machinery with ease, and his magic seemed endless. Robert had only begun to realize his brother's true power during the events at the De Vere estate. Even his father who misread his identity showed him some respect, something Robert had been striving to do at the border as a Royal soldier.

The two had arrived just yesterday and slept through the entire day. When they awoke, Roland had already prepared suits of armor for them and laid out a detailed plan. He gave them a choice: they could either stay in Albrook and work under him and the local lord, or they were free to do as they pleased. That was it - he wanted nothing in return for his help. If they wished, they could leave and go wherever their legs would carry them. He even offered to give them some money and new identities as adventurers.

They felt a deep gratitude toward him, and leaving without repaying him was out of the question. They decided instead to stay and work, finding the idea of remaining in this well-developed region appealing. After a tour of the estate, they were free to look around on their own. They used this time to stroll the grounds - without the maid Mary, which added some danger to their exploration. Roland had already warned them about a few people they’d be wise not to cross, and Mary was on that list.

“I suppose we’re truly starting over,”

Robert finally said.

“New names, new lives… It’s strange how quickly the past can fall away.”

“Does that bother you?”

Lucille asked, glancing at him but her face remained covered by her current mask.

“Leaving it all behind?”

Robert stopped walking and paused for a moment before finally giving his reply.

“Part of me feels…unsettled, like I’ve abandoned who I was meant to be. But then I think about Roland, and how he made his own way. He seems to have found a purpose without needing to look back, and seeing him thrive makes me wonder if I … no if we can do the same.”

Lucille replied in a soft-spoken tone.”

“It’s funny - there was a time when the thought of leaving my family would have terrified me. But here? With you, and even your brother… I feel free. Like I can finally choose who I want to be.”

Robert felt the weight of Lucille's words settle around them like a warm cloak against a chilly night. He had been so accustomed to the expectations of his father’s title and family that he hadn’t realized how much they constrained him. Now, in this place, it was as if a door had opened, one leading to a life unbound by old duties. He glanced at Lucille, who seemed lost in thought, her gaze drifting over the quiet garden.

They walked in sweet silence, the crisp sounds of their footsteps on gravel were the only disturbance to the tranquility of the estate grounds. Their thoughts were interrupted as Lucille broke the silence, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Sir Durendal~”

She repeated, drawing out the title in a teasing tone.

“How does it feel to have a name so knightly it sounds as if it belongs in a legend?”

Robert laughed softly, feeling embarrassed for some reason.

“It’s a bit surreal, but I suppose a fresh start deserves a grand name. Durendal. There’s a certain… strength to it. It’s a good choice. And Curtana… that sounds both elegant and sharp but more fitting for a lady knight than a scholar.” �

“Perhaps I’ll just have to become one, Sir Wayland seems to have a knack for both.”

The two laughed and as their laughter faded, Robert felt his gaze linger on Lucille. They had something genuine, something that had formed in their shared decision to leave behind their former lives. At first, he had questioned if running away had been the right choice, but the more time they spent together, the more he yearned for a future by her side. Though they had not yet wed, he couldn’t imagine anyone else in his life, and he sensed that Lucille felt the same.

The air shifted as they turned a corner, and the main manor house came into view once more, standing tall and solemn in the soft afternoon light. The Valerian banners fluttered slightly, their rich hues mirroring the colorful city in the distance. In the quiet that settled between them, they stopped, their hands finding each other, fingers interlocking as they stood face to face.

“Lucille… I mean, Lady Curtana…”

“Y-yes? Sir Durendal?”

Though they both wore helmets, their eyes held a longing that spoke louder than words. But before they could continue, a cough echoed from nearby, breaking the spell. They sprang apart in a panicked motion, their hands slipping away as they quickly composed themselves.

“Ahh…”

“Uh…”

“Sir Durandal, Lady Curtana… I hope that I’m not intruding on something important?”

They turned to the voice to see Roland standing nearby. They weren’t sure if he had been standing there for long but both their faces were now flushed. This was the only time they were glad that he had made them wear these face covers as he caught them in quite an embarrassing moment.

“Not at all, Sir Wayland.”

Robert stammered, clearing his throat awkwardly, his posture stiffening. Lucille straightened her back and gave Roland a small bow, attempting to hide her embarrassment behind a composed exterior.

*****

“I see, very well then. I’ve finished my talk with Lord Arthur, but before we return, I want you to meet someone.”

Roland nodded, maintaining the appearance of being their direct superior. With so many soldiers around, it was best, at least for now, if they believed he was in charge. His plan was to elevate both Robert and Lucille to tier 3 as soon as possible, with the hope that Robert could take on a role as one of the Knight Commanders under Arthur. Alongside Sir Gareth and Sir Morien, Robert would complete the trio of Knight Commanders, which might finally allow Roland to step down and focus fully on his workshop instead.

"Meet someone, you say?"

Robert asked in a hurried tone, adjusting his posture. Roland was certain he had interrupted their bonding time, but more pressing matters demanded their attention. Bernir was still held captive at the Institute, and Roland needed to settle these two before he left. There was no telling when or if he would return, so he had to ensure they would be fine in his absence.

“Follow me to the training grounds, Sir Durendal, the person I want you to meet is this way.”

Roland turned, and the two followed close behind. They wound their way around the estate, eventually reaching the rear grounds. The former mayor's residence had been transformed into a literal fortress, though more expansions were still underway. The inner grounds were reserved for high-ranking knights and trusted soldiers, while a new section with a secondary barracks was under construction outside the main fortifications. It was there they would meet the person Roland had in mind.

As they entered the training grounds, the sounds of clashing swords and grunts filled the air. The area was alive with soldiers drilling in formation, refining their stances and strikes under the sharp eye of Sir Gareth. Among the mix of seasoned fighters and eager trainees were a few young men who stood out, their enthusiasm setting them apart from the veterans.

‘Now that the money is rolling in, this place really got popular but they still need a lot more training before they are battle-ready.’

Roland stopped short of the training grounds, observing the steady influx of newcomers. Many were adventurers, while others were newly awakened battle class holders who had opted out of the adventuring life. Though Roland saw adventuring as the ideal choice, offering freedom and autonomy, he understood it wasn’t for everyone. For many, joining a noble’s personal troops was more appealing. They’d receive food, clothing, and weapons, and in return, all they had to do was train and occasionally go on expeditions - without the uncertainty of roaming through damp dungeons and facing constant monster attacks. For some, this structured life was far preferable to the dangers of a wandering existence.

“High Commander?”

One of the Instructors identified Roland instantly and quickly approached him to ask about his reason for being there.

“At ease, Corporal. Bring over Trainee Fin.”

“Trainee Fin? Of course, commander! Please just wait a moment.”

The entire estate now operated with a formal military structure, complete with defined ranks and a solid command hierarchy. At the top were the Knight Commanders, and Roland held the title of High Knight Commander. If he achieved a secondary Tier 3 class, he could rise to the rank of Grand Knight Commander, but his ultimate goal was to step away from his knightly role entirely. He trusted Robert and the others to maintain order and lead effectively in his stead.

After a few moments, a young man stepped forward. His face glistened with traces of sweat from the drills, yet his expression was confident and eager. In his early teens, he had dark hair and a lean, well-balanced build. Despite his youth, he moved with a quiet, solemn demeanor, as though imitating a figure he looked up to.

“Trainee Fin, reporting, sir!”

Fin said with a crisp salute, standing at attention before Roland. He was one of the orphans together with Jorg and Marcie to get their classes. He was the only one from the trio to get a warrior battle class. His options were to either become an adventurer or join up with Arthur’s soldiers. He could either become a carrier guardsman or perhaps aim higher with Roland’s help.

Becoming a knight was a far more prestigious path than joining the ranks of ordinary soldiers. While soldier classes weren’t as inferior to knight classes as some assumed, the knightly title still carried a certain esteem. Contrary to popular belief, noble blood wasn’t required to become a knight. The opportunity to unlock the knight class could be achieved through an ascension ritual, with the first step usually being the acquisition of the squire class - a goal attainable in several ways.

One pathway involved having family ties to knights, which helped with the initial class unlock. In Roland’s and Robert’s cases, their background made it relatively simple: by developing certain skills and leveling them up, they could access the squire class without directly serving a noble. For those without such connections, however, other means were necessary, typically requiring a knight’s direct involvement.

Working under a knight and receiving personal training could unlock the class through a hidden achievement tied to the squire role. Another, more reliable option was a written vow - something Roland intended for Fin to perform eventually. This magical vow offered a straightforward path to knighthood, avoiding the unpredictable nature of the hidden achievement. A contract sealed by magic was simple enough to arrange, and for Roland’s plans, it was ideal.

There was also a more direct path to gaining the knight class, even for those who had never achieved the squire class. If a noble of at least baron rank granted them an official title, it would unlock a related achievement. With this achievement, they only needed to meet specific skill requirements to reach the Tier 2 knight class.

“Good. Fin, I’d like you to meet Sir Durendal and Lady Curtana.”

Roland introduced, gesturing to Robert and Lucille. The young man looked towards the two and it was clear that his eyes were drawn to Robert’s galant form.

“Fin, you’ll be serving as Sir Durendal’s personal squire from now on.”

Fin's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he quickly composed himself. He was still a young man who didn’t know proper Knightley decorum, something that Roland hoped Robert would help him with. For some time, Roland had felt guilty about Fin’s situation, having left the boy to train with little supervision while he tended to his own responsibilities. Jorg had Bernir, Marcie had Elodia, and now, with Robert’s presence, Fin would also have someone to guide him.

“It would be an honor, Sir Durendal.”

He replied, bowing his head while his eyes sparkled with clear anticipation. Robert on the other hand didn’t seem too sure how to react. He had not anticipated being assigned a squire, let alone one so eager.

“Uh, thank you, Fin.”

Robert stammered, glancing at Roland, who seemed to encourage him with a subtle nod.

“But I’m not sure I’m ready for that kind of responsibility yet. I haven’t even finished my training. I mean, I haven’t even reached Tier 3 yet. Are you sure he should be placed with …“

Robert caught himself before speaking, noticing the strange looks on the faces of those around him as if they were judging him for doing something improper. After realizing his mistake, he quickly straightened up.

“I mean… Sir, yes, Sir High Commander, it would be a pleasure!”

Roland had to stifle a chuckle; it was moments like this that reminded him of the advantages of being the leader of the group. With the military structure firmly established, he held the position of second in command here, and no one could refuse his orders. Only Arthur was above him here and everyone knew it.

“You’ll be fine Sir Durendal, Fin is a local and knows his way around the city, ask him for anything and he will get it for you. Now then, Lady Curtana follow me, I’ll show you to the smithy and get you acquainted with everyone there.”

Robert blinked, momentarily overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. He hadn’t expected a squire - especially not someone as eager as Fin. As he took in the young man’s hopeful gaze, a sense of responsibility settled over him. Fin would be his first squire, and Robert wasn’t entirely confident he would be up to the task of guiding him. But his gratitude toward his brother was immense, so he resolved to give it his best effort. If Roland believed he could train this young man into a proper knight, then perhaps Robert should trust his brother’s judgment; after all, Roland had proven himself a wise decision-maker.

"Very well, Fin. I look forward to working with you."

A grin spread across Fin’s face as he gave a sharp salute, clearly pleased with Robert’s response. Roland watched the exchange with an approving nod before turning to Lucille.

"Fin, give Sir Durendal a proper tour through the barracks and training grounds, and remember to follow all his orders.”

Fin nodded with enthusiasm, already brimming with excitement to show his new mentor around. As he took a step forward, Roland turned to Lucille, his expression softening.

“Shall we, Lady Curtana? You still require a workshop of your own I think.”

He said, gesturing toward the path that led to the tower the smithy he was supposed to occupy was.

“My own workshop?”

He couldn’t see her face, but he could tell from her tone that his sister-in-law was brimming with excitement. After years spent at the institute, observing Arion working alongside dwarven smiths, he was certain she would be a valuable addition to their ranks. He hadn’t quite known what to do with the smithy Arthur had set up for him in Albrook, but with her here, it wouldn’t go to waste

‘Great, now I’ll just need to find them a house to live inside the city and have them settle in. The only thing that remains now is to get Bernir back…’

Roland thought to himself while walking forward. His assistant was still being held captive at the institute and for this whole thing to finally end, he needed to return and get him back.