The Melon Church suddenly found itself hosting twenty battle-hardened knights — all full-time warriors trained by the Dilmud family.
They had a prestigious name: The Leviathan Knights.
They pitched their tents in the large open area behind the church, swiftly setting up dozens of shelters and forming a temporary military camp. Fires were lit, food was cooked, and they all seemed like seasoned camping veterans.
“Charge them. Charge them rent!” muttered Samimi, hiding inside the house by the window, watching the whole scene unfold.
“Have you never seen money before?” Fabiana, who happened to walk in, caught her complaining.
“Well, what can I do? I’m no longer the daughter of a count. Luxury and wealth have left me,” Samimi sighed.
“Shhh. Don’t talk like that in front of my grandfather,” Fabiana quickly warned her.
The next moment, Knight King Shaya walked in from the side.
Fabiana absolutely didn’t want her grandfather finding out she had once expelled a teammate — that would be a massive scandal.
Loyalty is a fundamental knightly virtue. But times had changed — loyalty now just made you look like a gullible idiot. No one talks about loyalty anymore.
But her grandfather was an old-school knight, a relic of the past, who lived and breathed loyalty and promises.
If not, he wouldn’t have earned countless accolades from a lifetime of battles and still held only the humble rank of Knight.
“Pardon the interruption, little Sister,” said Knight King Shaya as he entered, surveying Samimi’s room. His eyes landed on the spellbook on the table. “Child, are you a cleric?”
“I am,” Samimi nodded.
“A sinner and a cleric — quite the rare combination. What crime did you commit to end up here?” Shaya sat on a bench, exuding stern authority.
It was clear he didn’t like Samimi much — especially with the Mark of the Condemned on her face. Straight-laced knights couldn’t stand that kind of thing.
Fabiana tensed up, afraid Samimi would expose her.
“That’s a secret of the Holy See. No comment,” Samimi replied firmly.
“…” Knight King Shaya narrowed his eyes. “You know who I am, don’t you?”
“Exactly because I know who you are, I won’t say more. You don’t have clearance for that, Knight King,” Samimi answered.
“You’re the first youngster to speak to me like this. Fits perfectly with my impression of you holy types. But aren’t you afraid I’ll raze your little church to the ground? I do have that kind of power,” he said coldly.
“Try it, old man,” Samimi said, strapping her Demon-Slaying Sword to her back.
“That sword…” Shaya’s eyes widened. He stood abruptly. “Where did you get that?”
“What do you mean? It was inherited from my predecessor, a demon-hunting sister. Why do you care? You’re living and eating in my place, and now you want to ask questions too?” Samimi snapped back.
Shaya stood in silence for a moment, then left the room.
“Are you crazy?” Fabiana exploded after he left. “You were so timid earlier, now suddenly you’re all bold? Do you have split personalities or something?”
“Hmph. That’s just how I am. I can step back when I’m left alone, but if someone dares push me around in my own home, I don’t give face to anyone — I don’t care who they are,” Samimi said smugly, kicking her legs up onto the bed in victory.
Alright, the truth was, Samimi already knew Knight King Shaya’s personality type — the classic tough-guy archetype who respects strength and despises groveling.
As long as she didn’t cross any moral lines, being assertive was actually the safest bet.
“Fine, act however you want — just don’t go crazy on me,” Fabiana muttered, amazed.
But she was also a bit confused. Why had her usually hot-tempered, stubborn grandfather just… backed down? Was he actually intimidated by Samimi?
That night—
The Leviathan Knights threw a party in the courtyard, gathering around a bonfire, guzzling alcohol, and singing knightly songs.
“So noisy,” Samimi grumbled from her bed as she sat cross-legged in meditation.
Ironically, the lively background noise slightly improved her cultivation speed — like studying with music playing.
“Samimi, the Knight King wishes to speak with you,” Fabiana came in, her expression serious.
“If he wants to talk, tell him to come here. I’m not his granddaughter,” Samimi huffed.
“Sister Samimi, I’ll come in and talk then.”
Knight King Shaya was right behind Fabiana and, hearing her words, stepped into the room.
He sat on the same bench as earlier, placed his sword vertically before him, and rested both hands on the hilt — trying to look cool despite his age.
“Sister, do you know the origins of that sword?” he asked.
“Old man, it’s the demon-slaying sword of a demon-hunting nun. It was passed down to me by my predecessor. With your age, you should remember that dark piece of history,” Samimi replied.
“Yes, I recognize the previous owner. I fought alongside the demon-hunting sisters. They were a bunch of fanatics — but without a doubt, they were heroes who fought for the peace of mankind,” Shaya said seriously.
“If that sword was passed to you, it means you’re exceptional and earned their approval.”
“…” Samimi stayed silent, pretending to be mysterious.
She didn’t think the old sister “approved” of her or anything — the woman had just retired and left the gear behind.
“If you have nothing else, I’d like to resume my meditation. Ask your men to quiet down. You’re disturbing the neighbors,” Samimi said coldly.
“Your temperament is exactly like hers,” Shaya chuckled softly, lost in memories.
“Is this… reminiscing?” Samimi blinked, confused by the old man’s mood swing.
“You’re a cleric. I’d like to ask for your assistance with our mission,” Shaya suddenly changed the subject, getting to the point.
“Grandpa?” Fabiana was shocked.
“You’ve probably noticed the recent uptick in monster activity nearby. The Leviathan Knights are here to hunt the source of the Abyssal Contamination that’s lurking in the region,” Shaya explained.
“The great Knight King actually asking for help?” Samimi raised an eyebrow.
“When facing unknown Abyssal creatures, no one can be 100% sure of victory,” Shaya said. “Not even I, the so-called Knight King.”
“If you offer me proper compensation, I’ll help,” Samimi replied.
“You’ll be well paid. If I lack anything, it’s certainly not money,” Shaya laughed.
“Then we have a deal, Knight King,” Samimi said — notably no longer calling him “old man.”
“What about me?”
Fabiana looked at the two of them talking like old friends, suddenly feeling left out. She pointed at herself, her expression a mix of emotions.