Chapter no. 8: "Purpose Meets Luck "(Part 1)

The Imperial Palace:

In the heart of the Imperial Palace, within the Throne room, The Emperor occupied his throne with the mighty bearing of a ruler, gazing upon the breathtaking morning view extending to the distant horizon.

A satisfied smile spread across his face, as he stared down at his domain. To his side, Minister Gimald pored over some documents.

These documents contained clandestine intelligence procured from the Knights' squad, primarily concerning Imperial Knights specifically assigned to duties and services within the Imperial Palace.

"Jake Snater has officially resigned as an Imperial Knight due to health concerns," Gimald reported. "Your Majesty, what course of action do you propose?"

The Emperor responded with a knowing smirk, "While there's currently no official replacement yet... there could still be an option available to us." 

Scrutinising him, Grimald inquired, "Pardon?"

-

Enya entered the grand Throne room of the Imperial Palace, accompanied by an Imperial Knight who soon left her side. Inhaling deeply, she offered a respectful bow to the Emperor, Minister Grimald and other subordinates.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," she greeted.

The Emperor nodded in acknowledgment and spoke. "First and foremost, congratulations on your recent victory of the duel,"

Enya's eyes lit up with a proud smile. "Thank you," she replied.

The Emperor gestured for the other subordinates in the room to leave.

With his hands clasped behind his back, the Emperor walked towards the glass window and began, "Allow me to be straightforward. What has been your goal considering this position from the very beginning, Enya?"

Enya gazed at him, a confident smirk gracing her lips. "...It's to become the Grand Chief Commander, that's all. Just like my father, to claim the top elite rank...I take pride for that and am considering such ranks so as to gain every bit of experience." she responded.

The Emperor nodded, "Still that resolve...It is your desire to ensure your father's name eternally shines with honor in the annals of history." 

Enya's smirk grew wider. 

The Emperor added, "... Your father was a steadfast and trustworthy man who served the entire realm with dedication. He maintained order during the early years of my rule and his devotion left a deep impression on me, both as an Imperial Knight and as the Commander of battalions."

Enya's eyes widened for a moment before eagerly nodding, "Really...? Two roles...Were there many Knights who held dual roles like my father? It sounds like an extraordinary responsibility. How did he manage both positions effectively?" she asked.

The Emperor inclined his head, "Your father was a unique individual. His commitment and skill set him apart. Few could match his ability to balance the demands of being an Imperial Knight and a Commander."

Enya absorbed the information, her mind racing with curiousity. "And, Your Majesty, forgive my ignorance, but could you tell me...something about my father's personal history? I know so little about his life before he served the realm."

The Emperor regarded her with scrutiny, a momentary shadow passing over his features. "Some things are better left unsaid. And I do think this much is enough for now," he replied, his tone carrying a hint of gravity.

Enya flinched, bowing instantly, "I-I see...Pardon me, Your Majesty." she apologised hesitant.

The Emperor acknowledged her and asked, "Now then, I want you to know the reason for your consecutive night duty assignments."

Minister Grimald stepped forward, his response measured. "Actually, a member of the Imperial knight group has retired, and as a temporary measure, we were seeking a suitable substitute. Hence, you were assigned to the night duty."

Enya nodded thoughtfully.

"I personally reached out to you with the hope that you could continue with night duty at the Imperial Palace for a while longer," the Emperor expressed.

Enya shrugged, flashing a smile. "...I don't mind," she replied.

"But with restrained hours of course." The Emperor responded. 

Minister Grimald hesitated for a moment yet, handed Enya a scroll and continued, "Palace guard duty is assigned from 9:00 to midnight. Your cooperation is much appreciated."

Enya bowed, contented, "I get it. Thank you." 

"Instructions will be provided to you by other Imperial Knight members and General Void," the Emperor mentioned, glancing over his parchments. "Remain vigilant, Enya. You may find yourself alongside highly skilled cavaliers, entrusted with practical tasks throughout the Palace now that you are to become a squad leader. It could be a valuable experience for a relatively young cavalier like you."

Enya narrowed her gaze in acknowledgement, "Yes. Rest assured. Almeria's service is my honour...Thank you." 

Following that, she left the Imperial Palace.

-

Once again, the grand doors sealed shut, casting the room into stillness. After a beat, The Emperor gazed beyond the window.

The expanse of Almeria sparkled beyond the glass, with the tower lights resembling jewels resting upon the daylight hue.

"Keep reporting me her performance, Grimald."

"...But Your Majesty, a girl? How could she possibly handle palace guard duty and pactical tasks? Plus she's the youngest cavalier to become a battalion leader. Please reconsider." Grimald whispered, incredulous.

The Emperor closed his eyes, a subtle grin playing on his lips. "Under my vigilant eye, the impossible becomes possible. She's a valuable asset...you will soon know," 

Knight's Training Ground:

As if aiming for the clouds above the horizon, a formation of Knight squads sailed forth.

Enya stood amid the training ground, where the twelfth squad of cavaliers had assembled. Under the radiant sun, and the joyful chorus of birds chirping, Enya, raised her sword high.

"Listen clear, my comrades, strength without discipline is a blade without an edge," she began. "Fom today onwards, my squad, never stand injustice and let's show them all, what it means to hone your talents under the future Grand Cheif Commander of Almeria, Enya Verne." 

With these words, some of the junior knights gazed upon her with intense focus and (unexpected) admiration. In unison, they echoed their commitment, shouting, "Yes!"

However, a few disgruntled cavaliers crossed their arms, vexed. "Tsk, who'll work under her?" they complained. "Boasting already, tsk. She's the youngest of the base. Her as a squad leader is a disgrace, isn't it? Clarke, Valor?" One with gray hair and hazel eyes commented, while the other with blue hair and almond eyes concurred, "You're right, Ethan. Why did Leader Rayzel lose to her?" The third one, his caramel locks dazzling in the wind, rested his arm on Clarke's shoulder and nodded, "Yeah, no fun~"

Enya overheard their comments, managing a smirk. "Hey there, Ethan, right?" she greeted, approaching him. Ethan squinted his gaze. Enya offered him her hand. "I look forward to working with you all," 

Ethan glanced over at his comrades, remaining silent. Valor smirked, shaking Enya's hand instead. "Nice to meet you too. However, try as you might, Leader Rayzel was obviously stronger than you. Try however you like. But, we won't ever approve of you," he responded in a polite tone but wore a smug grin.

Enya gazed at him with a sneer in return, "Oh really? Your call. I am already qualified, though," she retorted boldly as Valor withdrew his hand, irked.

Clarke glared at her, while Ethan gritted his teeth, "Such audacity? Who do you think you are? Know your place. Acting tough. Don't you take advantage of being General Void's apprentice, got that?" he argued. Enya sighed, turning around, "You can think of me however you want. I will not stop you," she responded, trying not to engage in an argument this time.

Leaving Ethan, Clarke, and Valor behind, they exchanged revulsive looks, clearly enraged.

"Let the training commence!" Enya declared at a side, with a decisive nod, displaying various sword strikes, while the junior knights' fueled by inspiration, began their practice.

-

After training shift, Rowan, Elix, and Rayzel crowded onto a bench with Enya. Enya let out a sigh and stood up, "Come on, it's not like it's an incredibly rare artifact or something."

Elix's eyes sparkled as he gazed at the scroll Rowan held beside him, clearly impressed. Chuckling hard, he commented, "No way! This is amazing. An offer from the Imperial Palace for a subsitute night guard too? Aw... You're so lucky~"

Enya shook her head, lost for words as she observed the three of them celebrating the decree. "Seriously? It is for work, not something to celebrate," she said, scratching her head.

Rayzel, yawning and slumping his shoulders, glanced at Enya. "Hey... Madam Enya... you have no idea about your qualities. Your personality makes it impossible for someone to trust you just once—they inevitably trust you with something else," he mumbled in a laid-back tone.

Enya raised an eyebrow, perplexed, "Huh? Really?"

Rayzel nodded, glancing at the scroll once again while Elix chimed in, "Of course, Ray is right. You have a unique personality. You possess so much wisdom that once someone learns from you, they can't imagine living without benefitting from your wisdom."

Enya bit her lip, chuckling softly. "You don't need to flatter me."

Rayzel persisted, "No, It's true... By the way...I think there should be a book written about your life."

Blinking in confusion, Enya listened as Elix snapped his fingers and said, "Yes, and! The title could be 'The Legends of Enya Verne.' Picture this: a cover with you riding a horse, wielding a sword, and saying, 'Enya won't die until Enya beats Enya.' Pfft!" He burst into laughter.

Trying to suppress laughter, Rowan covered his mouth with a cough, and Rayzel chuckled heartily. "Haha, that was a good one... I want to read that book."

Displeased, Enya shook her head and moaned, "Hmm... Say whatever you want." She snatched the scroll, looking away unamused. 

Elix and Rayzel continued to laugh hard while Rowan stood up to intervene, "Don't mind them; they're just being playful," he clarified.

Enya offered Rowan an ironic smile, still visibly annoyed. "Mm. Says the one who was almost joining the laughter just now," she retorted.

Rowan, closed his eyes, smiling awkwardly. "My apologies for that. But still congratulations to you," he said, genuinely.

Enya nodded as Rowan gazed at her for a while, and continued, "And. I realise there may be more responsibilities of yours from now on so don't fret...Also, if you encounter any difficulties with the battalion, don't hesitate to share. I'll try to help,"

Enya gazed at him back and cracked a smile, "...Difficulties, huh? Well, thank you, Leader Rowan. But it's nothing. Just a challenge I need to overcome myself."

Rowan nodded, assured and looked at Elix and Rayzel, his exhausion evident. "Elix, enough with the break. Come on for patrolling duty. And Rayzel, the general asked for you for the battalion position."

Enya, befuddled, looked at Rowan asking, "Why? What battalion position?"

Rowan smiled, "Rayzel isn't dismissed as a battalion leader just because he lost. General Void has it all managed. The thirteenth squad leader, under Rayzel, had recently assumed administrative responsibilities for operations. Hence, Rayzel will undergo training and manage the thiteenth squad position now."

Enya's eyes widened as she blinked. "...That's great. General Void is so thoughtful." she wondered.

Rayzel stretched his arms, lazily, "Oh no~ I was having fun after a long while~ It was...what you call it? ...Freedom! But no, they just had to bring me back to the squad leader life...My poor freedom is all ruined." 

"Wait a sec- Why do I have a feeling you lost the duel on purpose?" Enya uttered instantly twitiching her brow at his sight.

"No way!" Rayzel denied. Rowan, in turn, smiled at Enya awkwardly, "Nevermind that. You should head to General Void. He called for you." 

"...Is that so?" Enya asked, nodding as she turned around to leave.

General Void's chamber

"It's not a bad choice," remarked General Void studying the scroll.

Enya smirked, nodding. Deion, standing against the wall, gazed at her with a slight, knowing smile.

Enya smirked wider, teasing intentionally, "Well. You really are proud of me now, right, General Void?" 

General Void nodded, maintaining his stoic demeanor. "Of course. It is a matter of pride. Claiming two assignments as a trainee simultaneously is no small feat," he responded.

Enya chuckled, "But it's possible for me, isn't it? Nothing new."

General Void clasped his hands behind his back, continuing, "Indeed. I have trained you since your very first day, and this is the outcome of your hard work. Now, you must manage your time efficiently and diligently. Your responsibilities span from early morning to mid-afternoon here at the Base, and later, at night, you'll transition to Palace patrol duty."

Enya nodded, smiling boldly, "I've got it."

Instantly realising, she furrowed her brows, shocked, "Wait. Wha-?"

General Void let out a sigh, "I am saying that no more evening shifts for you now, since training hours are lessened. But morning duties must be done."

Enya nodded, as her lips quirked up, "Oh, yes! Good to hear."

General Void shook his head, "No need for gratitude."

Enya grinned, acknowledging, "You even secured a position for both me and Rayzel alongside the thirteenth squad leader. It's reassuring that no one suffered a loss."

General Void returned the scroll, saying, "For now, yes. It was pre-planned. But remember, in the future, sacrifices may be necessary. Positions are temporary. If Rowan duels with Deion and wins, Deion steps aside. If I duel with Deion and he wins, he replaces me. Similarly, there are duels between battalions too, called fencing. These clashes gauge the strength of battalions, promoting the stronger ones and demoting the weaker ones in rank. It follows a systematic procedure."

Enya grasped the concept, her confidence rising as she declared, "I see. Then I shall beat everyone."

"You are welcome to try, but don't dismiss the possibility of facing defeat." General Void retorted with a grim look. 

Undeterred, Enya shook her head. "Doesn't matter. I have this aim now."

Deion stared at her with a smirk, "Not bad. I look forward to it." he added. Enya grinned at him back, amused by the challenge.

"I'm heading back for patrol." she waved casually, heading out.

"It seems she really lives up to your expectations," Deion commented eyeing General Void with a glint of intensity in his gaze. General Void continued with his task, his lips curling into a light smirk as he responded, "Indeed, she shall do so. She always will, that's our commitment."

Deion's lips formed a fleeting smile, his eyes narrowing, "She's indeed admirable, no doubt. But, General, remember this, no matter what, I'm the one who'll ultimately take you down. The top rank belongs to me." he declared sharply before turning to leave.

General Void's smirk widened. "We'll see about that, young brat," he retorted, his demeanor becoming more assertive as he watched Deion exit.