I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 50: Morning Council

“Tch, why do I have to stand alongside that brat from the Vandière family?”

The man repeating complaints and clicking his tongue at a volume that His Majesty couldn’t hear was the commander of the First Knight Order. Rumor has it that he has harbored a dislike for members of the Vandière family ever since losing to his rival, Vandière’s father.

The reason I, the commander of the Third Knight Order, can stand here in such a situation is due to the excellent relationship between the commander of the knight orders and my father. Consequently, it’s natural for me to be particularly disliked by him.

As for why this man who dislikes me is standing beside me, it’s because of His Majesty’s order to participate in the morning council and stand in a position to protect him in the audience chamber. As I’m not a member of the Royal Guard, I’m not allowed to carry weapons.

This is my first time attending the morning council, but I’m glad I received a brief lecture from the Chief Attendant beforehand. Otherwise, I might have embarrassed myself by not knowing the protocol, such as who to greet and when to speak. The commander of the First Knight Order might have been expecting that.

“Now, I believe some of you have seen the dragon this morning. That dragon is the one that the Vandière Knight Order Commander here has formed a familiar contract with…”

The ministers exclaimed in admiration at His Majesty’s words. Perhaps because it’s a historic achievement, he emphasized the familiar contract. Amidst the voices of the ministers, the small clicking sounds became even louder. You’re a count, show some decorum.

His Majesty provided explanations that were not entirely truthful but not entirely false regarding matters related to the temple, and finally instructed me to showcase Jest.

“Jest, come out here. Let me hold you.”

“Yay!”

Jest moved from his usual spot on my back and settled into my outstretched arms. His behavior of rubbing against my chest was completely that of a dependent animal.

“At the moment, he’s small due to magic, but his true size is what you saw in the courtyard. He’s only ten years old, so I advise against approaching him carelessly as his actions and words are childish. His parents seem to have lived for two hundred years, and if anyone were to harm Jest, it wouldn’t be surprising if they burned down not just the capital but the whole country… If anyone does anything strange, please report it.”

As I finished speaking, the audience chamber fell silent. Oh, come to think of it, I didn’t mention Jest’s age or his parents to His Majesty.

“Vandière… where are the parents of that dragon?”

As expected of His Majesty, even though he must be quite shaken, he maintained a calm demeanor.

“I don’t know. Jest says that while his parents were absent, he was asleep and had magic stones embedded in him to control him. Since the appearance of the Saint means the resurrection of the evil god is imminent, it would be reassuring to have an ally until then.”

“Will I be able to be with Mom?!”

“That’s only possible after we find your mom. I’d be happy if you could fight alongside me when the bad guys come.”

“I’ll fight too! If I can meet Mom, I’ll tell her!”

“I see. Thank you. Jest, you’re a good boy.”

While stroking Jest’s forehead as I held him, he closed his eyes blissfully, seemingly enjoying it. He really does have cute reactions like a dog or a cat.

“Ahem. Vandière, what did the dragon say?”

Oops, I almost forgot about the audience chamber due to Jest’s cuteness. Perhaps the ministers were also surprised by Jest, as they began to buzz again along with His Majesty’s cough. I also turned back to His Majesty with a stern expression.

“Jest, who heard the story earlier, said that if he could meet his mother, he would lend his strength in the battle against the evil god.”

“I see! That’s doubly great! But I hadn’t heard from the temple yet about the Saint entering the capital. What are their intentions…”

At that moment, the Chief Attendant approached His Majesty and whispered something.

“Well then, let’s conclude this morning council here. Everyone, you’ve all worked hard. The two knight commanders, follow me.”

“Yes, sir.”

Following His Majesty again with Jest hidden on my back, we headed to the reception room. Inside were the Temple Chief, with his rich white beard unlike his head, and the Saint whom I had just met this morning.

“Forgive the sudden visit. We have welcomed the Saint to the temple, so I came to report, and although you probably already know… I would also like to talk about the misconduct of the Chief Priest…”

As the Temple Chief stood up to greet me and looked my way, it seemed like he had heard various things from the Saint. The Saint, perhaps told to remain silent, glanced at me happily from time to time but stayed quiet.

“Hmm, so that’s the Saint?”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Eleanor!”

“Oh ho, from the streets… no, from a village deep in the mountains, just arrived and still not familiar with manners. Please feel at ease.”

“This time, the Knight Commander Vandière prevented the disaster caused by the Chief Priest’s invitation. We are grateful. Upon investigation, the Chief Priest has completely lost his divine power. It is likely due to the influence of the cursed magic stone embedded in his body. He is now unconscious, almost like a vegetable, but his disposal is up to you.”

Once the magic stone was removed, he seemed to have lost not only his divine power but also his life force completely. It’s quite miraculous that he’s still alive.

“Hmm… in that case, punishing him won’t change anything. Let’s consider it a punishment for the temple to manage the Chief Priest in the future. Even if it was an individual’s rampage, if someone from the temple caused a disturbance, some form of punishment must be implemented.”

“Understood, we will do so.”

The discussions continued, and since I was just standing there, I wished they would let me go home, but I wasn’t released until about an hour later. On the way from the reception room to the exit, I heard a rumor that the cause of the ministers’ commotion during the morning council was not Jest, but rather my smile directed at Jest. I’d like to believe that it was a misunderstanding.