A well-forged weapon is half of what makes a knight, while the other half is a sturdy and well-bred warhorse.
If thrown to a clueless serf, such a horse would merely end up plowing fields, but for knights, their warhorse was only slightly less important than their own life.
Even among warhorses, there were ranks, and the most prestigious and battle-ready breed was known as the Destrier.
To be recognized as a Destrier, a horse needed exceptional lineage.
It had to inherit extraordinary traits from both its sire and dam, ideally carrying the blood of the finest horses and inheriting only their best qualities.
By that standard, the black stallion that Keldric received as the prize for winning the Bogenberg Tournament was extraordinary from its lineage alone.
“It’s a bloodline cherished by Count Bogenberg himself. He owns only three of these horses.”
“To think he would part with such a prized horse. I am deeply grateful.”
“Haha… Archbishop Marcen personally blessed this horse. Its stamina is exceptional, so it will obey even under harsh conditions.”
“Oh…”
Keldric nodded as he listened to the stablemaster sent by Count Bogenberg.
He wasn’t entirely sure how extraordinary the horse was, but he decided to take the man’s word for it for now.
“It’s a mix of Andalusian and Firenzan bloodlines. On its maternal side, there’s also a touch of desert horse ancestry from the sacred lands, which makes it exceptionally strong and intelligent.”
“I see. Does it have a name?”
While Keldric had personally named his current horse, Boreas, such an outstanding horse usually came with a name of its own.
Given the rigorous training these horses underwent, a name was often necessary during the process.
“Archbishop Marcen named it Aveline. It’s a sacred name, symbolizing the rider’s health, peace, and unwavering resolve.”
The name Aveline was fitting for a republic or papal state in the south.
Keldric, who didn’t care much as long as the name wasn’t peculiar, nodded in approval.
“Aveline.”
The black stallion, Aveline, had a glossy coat and sharp, intelligent eyes that turned to observe Keldric.
True to the stablemaster’s words, Aveline was an exceptionally perceptive horse.
Boreas, in contrast, hadn’t yet fully responded to its name. Keldric was still in the process of imprinting it by calling its name every time he tugged its reins or urged it forward.
Aveline, however, already demonstrated its training and lineage. Upon hearing Keldric’s voice, it immediately responded, stepping forward and nudging its head toward him. It recognized its new master.
“Good.”
Unexpectedly, Keldric found himself with an excellent horse.
It was also timely, as he had been thinking of acquiring another warhorse to supplement Boreas.
Although Aveline was an exceptional horse, that didn’t mean he would abandon Boreas. On the contrary, Boreas might prove more suitable for travel.
He considered riding Boreas for long journeys and switching to Aveline in battles or skirmishes.
“Does it have any favorite treats?”
“Thanks to its bloodline, it has a strong stomach and will eat any clean grass along the road. But for special occasions, it seems to particularly enjoy boiled oats and apples.”
“Oats and apples… Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Smiling, Keldric parted ways with the stablemaster.
Now that it was settled, he decided to ride Aveline back to the castle.
“Keldric, sir.”
As Keldric exited the tournament grounds, Alyssa, who was also mounted on her horse, approached him.
Waiting nearby were Sir Henri and Sir Alan, who had been watching for him.
The two knights, often lacking in tact, widened their eyes in amazement at the sight of Aveline, the horse Keldric was riding.
Leaping down from their own mounts, they rushed over to him.
“Oh, ohhh…!”
“Look at these magnificent muscles!”
Keldric couldn’t help but feel his shoulders lift slightly in pride.
And for good reason—this horse was undeniably worthy of being called a noble steed.
Other nobles and knights passing by also stole glances at Aveline and murmured words of admiration.
Compared to them, Sir Henri and Sir Alan’s reactions were far from exaggerated.
“Sir Keldric! What’s this beautiful friend’s name?”
“Aveline. Archbishop Marcen himself named it.”
“Oh…! My God!”
Sir Henri quickly crossed himself and began murmuring a prayer.
Oblivious to Henri’s devout reaction, Sir Alan was carefully observing Aveline’s muscular frame.
“Look at those muscles move. Such energy and strength! A true warhorse should look like this.”
“Your own horse is a fine steed as well.”
“Damn it, Sir Keldric. Spare me such compliments, or at least direct them at another knight. They’ll lose their minds with jealousy.”
“…Noted.”
“Especially those clueless Frankish knights watch out for them. They’re practically highwaymen in armor.”
Sir Henri, still deep in prayer, seemed not to have heard Alan’s remarks.
Keldric, feeling a mix of amusement and awkwardness, gently stroked Aveline’s silky mane. Even its mane was extraordinarily soft a testament to its unique lineage.
“Did they explain its lineage to you?”
“The maternal line includes Andalusian horses with some desert horse blood, while the paternal side is from Firenzan stock.”
“That’s a remarkable pedigree. Truly masterful breeding. Desert horses, in particular, are famed for their endurance.”
Both Sir Alan and the now-finished-praying Sir Henri showered praises on Aveline’s lineage.
It was no exaggeration Aveline’s bloodline was exceptional, the kind that couldn’t simply be bought. Even if Keldric had all the money in the world, acquiring such a horse would have been nearly impossible.
This was the type of steed typically seen only in royal courts or among high-ranking nobility.
Keldric’s lips couldn’t help but twitch in satisfaction.
“The barding is exquisite as well.”
True to his words, the barding on Aveline’s back was of exceptional quality. Made of fine navy-blue fabric, it bore the image of a rearing bear on either side—a clear mark of the Bellaf family crest.
It was likely engraved on the barding based on the registration Keldric had completed at the tournament’s armorial registry.
Keldric’s gaze lingered on the barding with mixed emotions.
Boreas didn’t even have proper barding, so this was undoubtedly a step up. However, the fact that it bore the Bellaf family crest left him somewhat uneasy. Though he was acting under the name of the Bellaf family for now…
“I can replace it later.”
For now, he would use it while working under the Bellaf name. If he ever founded a house of his own, there would be time to change it then.
“Did you receive any additional prize money?”
Although not as much as Sir Allan or Sir Henri, Alyssa, who was also looking at Aveline with an admiring gaze, approached and asked a question.
Without a word, Keldric pointed to his saddlebag.
When he gave it a light tap, the jingling sound that emerged was enough to bring a sense of satisfaction to anyone’s heart.
The Count of Bogenberg hadn’t held back when it came to his wallet.
Not only had he offered an expensive and rare warhorse as the tournament prize, but he also provided Keldric with a substantial monetary reward.
Combined with the winnings Keldric had accumulated throughout the tournament and the championship prize, he now had a considerable amount of money.
Having earned so much in a short time, it was time to think about spending some of it.
After all, being a knight was a costly affair.
Maintaining armor and weapons at a proper forge could be quite expensive, and warhorses needed regular feeding with high-quality fodder to stay healthy.
On top of that, there were indulgences to consider, as well as providing for subordinates and covering all kinds of travel expenses.
All in all, managing finances could be a real headache.
Fortunately, Keldric was a frugal knight who practiced restraint in luxury and pleasure.
Thanks to this, he had accumulated a significant sum.
With such savings, spending a little for a day of enjoyment wouldn’t be excessive.
“How about we have a good drink somewhere nice today?”
“That sounds great. I’ve had my eye on a spot with excellent drinks.”
“Are Frankish knights always such a debauched bunch, Sir Keldric? Stick around this dirty fellow, and you might end up rotting away yourself.”
“Blast it! Weren’t you enjoying yourself just fine yesterday? What’s with the sudden change?”
“When did I ever say that? You—!”
As Keldric let out a sigh at the sight of the two knights bickering again, he felt his spirits lift and guided Aveline forward with a lighter heart.
The reins of Boreas, his previous steed, rested in Keldric’s hand.
Despite the arrival of the new warhorse, Aveline, which could have sparked tension, Boreas seemed completely at ease, happily following its master’s mood.
“Today is a fine day. Congratulations once again, Sir Keldric.”
“Thank you.”
Winning the tournament, receiving a much-needed warhorse as a prize, and earning a hefty sum of money…
Just as Alyssa said, it truly was a good day.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
“Sir Keldric.”
At the sound of his name, Keldric reluctantly opened his eyes.
The sunlight streaming through the window revealed that the sun was already high in the sky. Outside the door, where the voice came from, he sensed someone’s presence.
“Alyssa?”
“Yes, it’s me. Apologies if I interrupted your rest, but Sir Tolle wishes to see you…”
“I’ll be out shortly.”
Keldric quickly gathered himself, hastily throwing on his clothes.
It didn’t feel like an early morning visit—looking at the position of the sun, calling it morning at all would have been a stretch.
The sharp throb of a hangover pulsed through Keldric’s head.
Though his strength and endurance made him resilient to alcohol, last night’s drinking session had been wild, even for him.
No doubt, Sir Henri and Sir Allan would still be out cold.
Once dressed, Keldric opened the door hurriedly. Standing outside were Sir Tolle, looking a bit weary, and Alyssa.
“Sir Tolle?”
“Sir Keldric. I apologize if I disturbed your rest.”
“Not at all. What brings you here?”
“The Count of Bogenberg wishes to meet you.”
The fact that the Count wanted a private audience gave Keldric a sense of déjà vu.
Tilting his head slightly in curiosity, he followed Sir Tolle without resistance.
“Is it all right if Alyssa accompanies us?”
“Apologies, but that won’t be possible.”
“Alyssa, return to your quarters and wait.”
“Understood.”
Leaving Alyssa behind made the situation feel even more like last time.
A mixture of unease and anticipation swirled within Keldric.
The unease came from the feeling that the Count wouldn’t summon him without reason.
The anticipation came from the hope that, if it was another offer of a vassalage contract, it might come with even better terms.
As they walked through the inner castle of Bogenberg, they eventually arrived at the same room where Keldric had met the Count in secret previously.
Sir Tolle’s role ended there. At the door, Kuno, the chamberlain, took over, leading Keldric into the room.
“Your Excellency, Sir Keldric of House Belaf has arrived.”
The Count of Bogenberg was seated in the same spot as last time, wearing the same clothes in the same room.
The only difference was the time of day and Keldric’s attire.
With a slightly bewildered expression, Keldric took a seat in the chair Kuno gestured toward.
Then the Count spoke.
“Sir Keldric. It seems I was a bit hasty last time. I want to apologize for that.”
“Think nothing of it, Your Excellency. I know you’re not the sort to question my honor.”
“Thank you for seeing it that way.”
The Count fell silent for a moment. His gaze lingered on Keldric, as if trying to read his thoughts.
“While we’re on the subject… Sir Keldric, if a vassalage contract feels too binding, how would you feel about entering my employ instead?”
“Entering your employ?”
“You’re still young and have many opportunities to experience the world. For an old man like me, such options are already behind me.”
The Count let out a faint sigh. His eyes momentarily gleamed with memories of the past.
“So I’d like to propose this to you. If a vassalage agreement feels restrictive, would you consider working for me temporarily?”
“And what would that employment entail?”
“I would provide you with suitable compensation in return for lending me your sword.”
As was typical when hiring a knight, the Count sought Keldric’s martial skills.
Whether for protection, military pressure, or other purposes, a knight’s strength could be used in many ways.
But what the Count sought was the most direct and significant of them all.
“I would like your help in participating in a territorial war.”
A territorial conflict was approaching.