The ways for a knight to acquire a squire were limited.
It usually involved their family assigning them a servant, hiring a lower-class individual such as a slave or a commoner, or a similar arrangement.
If a slave were chosen, it would be less of a traditional employment and more of a provision of food and lodging, but even that could be considered a form of employment.
Of course, it was unlikely that slaves would willingly follow a knight, but in reality, becoming a knight’s attendant was a step up from the status of a slave.
At the very least, it was far better than being sold as a rower for a small boat or living their whole life in the stench of manure.
An attendant who followed a knight around to handle menial tasks, while not as prominent as a squire, still served as a kind of representative of the knight’s status.
When the knight handed over money and instructed the attendant to purchase supplies, it was the attendant’s role to procure them at a low cost and manage the logistical supplies.
Additionally, duties like maintaining the warhorse, saddling it, and taking care of armor and weapons also fell under the responsibilities of the attendant.
A knight could not live without an attendant.
Keldric, however, was a bit of an exception.
“So, you’ve finally decided to get an attendant?”
“Hmm. I think it’s about time I had one.”
“You’ve come to the right person. I’ve replaced my attendants a few times myself.”
In that sense, Sir Henri seemed rather pleased with Keldric’s change of heart.
Although he hadn’t voiced it before, Sir Henri had never approved of Keldric wandering alone without an attendant.
After all, it was a knight’s virtue to command subordinates.
While it was commendable for a knight to know how to maintain their own weapons and armor, knowing how to do it and actually dirtying one’s hands were entirely different matters.
From the perspective of knights like Sir Henri, such menial tasks were best left to attendants or other subordinates.
This was seen as the natural order established by divine will, and no one questioned it—it was simply the norm.
“As much as I hate to admit it, Sir Henri is right this time. If you’re not taking on a squire, you should at least get an attendant.”
“Hmm…”
“To be honest, I think you’re a little late to the party. Didn’t your family provide you with servants?”
“I refused them. I had my reasons.”
Unexpectedly, even Sir Alan suggested that Keldric should hire an attendant, leaving Keldric at a loss for words.
Though he had preferred managing his belongings on his own for the sake of convenience, now that Aveline had joined him, overseeing everything had become an overwhelming task.
Keldric admitted it. It was time to hire an attendant.
“Where should I go?” Keldric asked reluctantly.
Acknowledging the need for an attendant was one thing, but he had no idea where to look for one at this point.
The first to speak up was Sir Henri, who had a history of dealing with attendants bearing bruised injuries.
“You could buy a slave, but I recommend taking in an orphan or a wanderer instead.”
“Why’s that?”
“If you bring in heretics or those from the southern tribes, you’ll end up in trouble.”
Perspectives on slavery varied greatly by region, but one fundamental belief was widely held.
The Church prohibited enslaving those who shared the same faith.
Individuals who committed grave sins might be excommunicated and turned into slaves, but that was more of an exception to the rule.
Serfs, who provided labor in exchange for sustenance, were treated differently.
They were considered a step in the social hierarchy and were not regarded with the same disdain as foreign slaves.
Thus, slaves were predominantly made up of prisoners of war who were heretics or members of the southern tribes.
Keldric pondered for a moment about the meaning of the word tribesman and quickly realized it was a rather racially discriminatory term. His expression grew uneasy.
“Better avoid slaves, then.”
“Wise decision. Employing slaves tends to lower one’s standing.”
In fact, for nobles, employing slaves was often seen as undignified.
Most slaves came from desperate and impoverished circumstances.
Owning them might be a status symbol in some regions, but generally, it wasn’t looked upon favorably.
Furthermore, even though it was menial work, serving a knight was considered an honorable and respectable role.
If such a position were held by a slave rather than a commoner, it would disrupt the social hierarchy.
Thus, nobles generally preferred hiring commoners who could be paid for their labor.
“Is there a good place to hire a decent attendant?”
“If you go to the marketplace, you’ll find commoners looking for masters to serve. But be cautious—there may be pickpockets.”
Sir Alan’s suggestion was to scout the marketplace for commoners seeking employment as attendants.
Keldric was not particularly enthusiastic about the idea, and apparently, neither was Sir Henri, who shook his head firmly and waved his hand in protest.
“Don’t do that. The marketplace is full of untrustworthy people. They lack loyalty.”
“That makes sense.”
“I recommend going to a monastery instead.”
Sir Henri’s suggestion was to hire orphans or impoverished individuals cared for by a nearby monastery.
According to him, since they came from desperate situations, they could be employed as attendants for relatively low wages.
What drew Keldric’s attention more than the cost, however, was the loyalty and trustworthiness that might come from such individuals, particularly if they were hired out of charitable intentions.
“Just because they’ve been cared for by the monastery doesn’t mean they all feel attached to it. Many of them likely wish to leave someday.”
“Oh…”
“If you hire such a person, they would likely show you loyalty. Economically, it’s a sound option as well.”
Keldric found himself drawn to Sir Henri’s suggestion.
The lack of guaranteed loyalty in Sir Alan’s marketplace suggestion bothered him.
While hiring from the monastery wouldn’t ensure absolute loyalty, it seemed likely that someone with a sense of decency would appreciate the opportunity and feel indebted.
“Is there a monastery nearby?”
“There’s one in Bogenberg. It’s small, with only a few monks, but it should meet your needs.”
With much to prepare before setting out on his journey, Keldric decided to tackle this pressing issue first.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
The St. Albertus Monastery, protected by the walls of Bogenberg, appeared well-maintained to Keldric’s eyes.
The monastery’s outer walls were free of overgrown vines, and any crumbled sections were promptly repaired by stonemasons or laborers.
The monastery itself was far from shabby.
Though built of wood, it was at least insulated against the cold, making it a suitable refuge for the poor seeking warmth.
This reflected the regular patronage the monastery received from the Count of Bogenberg.
Keldric arrived at the front of the monastery and reined in Aveline.
Under normal circumstances, he would have brought Boreas, his usual steed, but Alyssa had convinced him that riding Aveline would project a more dignified image.
“This is the place?”
“Yes, indeed. This is St. Albertus Monastery. It’s among the better-maintained ones.”
“You speak as if you’ve been here a few times.”
“It’s not that… but I do know a bit about monasteries.”
It was quite strange that Alyssa seemed to know so much about the monastery.
Even if she was a fallen noble, the fact that her family was still intact when she graduated from the Academia meant that she wouldn’t have been at an age where she required the monastery’s care.
Still, it seemed awkward to bluntly ask, “Were you an orphan?” So Keldric kept silent.
“Is there a place outside to tie the horses…?”
“You can go inside. There happen to be people over there.”
A monastery wasn’t a place inhabited only by monks.
While monasteries located in rural or isolated areas followed that structure, those within cities often had hired servants.
Several servants quickly ran over upon seeing Keldric and Alyssa on horseback.
Their gazes held a mix of fear and reverence, most of which were directed at Keldric.
“May the Lord bless you. We sincerely welcome you to the St. Albertus Monastery, honorable knight.”
“May the Lord bless you. I am Keldric of the House of Bellaf.”
“Ah, I see!”
Although Keldric’s fame was still somewhat limited, he was quite well-known in the city of Bogenberg.
The undefeated knight who had won every tournament match!
Most of the audience may have been nobles or knights, but the attendants and servants who served them were numerous.
Thus, even servants working at the monastery would have heard of his reputation.
“Sir Keldric of the House of Bellaf, what brings you to the St. Albertus Monastery…?”
“I wish to meet the abbot here. Is that possible?”
“My apologies, but the abbot is not currently present. I will fetch a monk who can act on his behalf.”
“Please do.”
Two of the monastery’s servants departed, and shortly after, a middle-aged monk with a shaven crown appeared.
“May the Lord bless you. I am Brother Antonius, serving at the St. Albertus Monastery. It is truly a blessing to meet you, Sir Keldric of the House of Bellaf, by divine providence.”
“May the Lord bless you. I also find this meeting to be truly gracious.”
“The Scripture says to welcome guests eagerly. Please, come inside.”
Keldric followed Antonius, leading his horse Aveline. Alyssa followed behind him.
After entrusting their horses to the servants, the two went straight to the abbot’s office.
The monastery’s interior was as well-maintained as its exterior, and Keldric found it impeccably clean.
“Sir Keldric, may I ask what brings you to visit us?”
“Hmm. I am aware of the efforts St. Albertus Monastery puts forth for the city and the County of Bogenberg.”
“Thank you for saying so. It humbles me greatly.”
“Though it may not match your devotion, this is a small token of goodwill that I wish to offer to the church and the Lord.”
Keldric handed Antonius a pouch filled with silver coins.
While the monastery adhered to the broader policies of the church, its actual operation relied heavily on self-sufficiency.
Monasteries in rural areas often sustained themselves by producing goods like wine, much like manors.
However, urban monasteries had a different ecosystem.
They relied on donations from visitors or support from local lords.
If a lord showed no interest, funds would often fall far short.
Although the Count of Bogenberg seemed to pay some attention, the monastery still faced financial challenges.
Even though Keldric had come to recruit an attendant, he couldn’t bring himself to merely take away orphans and the poor without offering anything in return.
The reason Keldric handed over the pouch of money was precisely this.
“Ah…! Thank you, Sir Keldric.”
Antonius looked deeply moved.
It was no wonder—most knights who visited typically offered only a pittance and expected the monks to arrange their repentance for them.
Knights were often arrogant, believing themselves unquestionably loved by God.
To their eyes, it wasn’t strange to think that monks were merely beggars taking alms.
In contrast, the amount Keldric had offered was by no means small.
As Antonius carefully tucked away the pouch of coins and crossed himself, Keldric finally broached the purpose of his visit.
“I’ve heard that there are many orphans and the poor here. Is that true?”
“It is true. They are truly pitiable souls, but we do our best to embrace them with mercy and love.”
“God will surely reward your good deeds. On that note… would there be any among them whom divine grace has deemed suitable for my assistance?”
Antonius immediately grasped Keldric’s intention.
‘He’s looking to take on attendants!’
Of course, there were orphans and the poor in the monastery. Their presence was almost a given.
Many gathered seeking a simple meal or a place to shelter from the cold.
St. Albertus Monastery was no exception, and knights seeking attendants would occasionally visit.
“Indeed, there are! For a knight as devout and charitable as yourself, surely God will guide you to a diligent child.”
“I would like to see them.”
“Please follow me.”
Keldric walked behind Antonius.
Given the monastery’s location within the city walls, its interior wasn’t particularly spacious.
It didn’t take long for Keldric to reach the area where the orphans and the poor were gathered.
“Everyone, this is the honorable Sir Keldric of the House of Bellaf.”
Though the Bellaf family wasn’t especially renowned, Antonius introduced Keldric with great enthusiasm.
The recent tournament victory and the generous donation likely contributed to this fervor.
When the introductions were concluded, Keldric stepped forward and began to speak.
“The Lord has granted me the opportunity to care for the weak, and how could I not fulfill such a duty?”
“Ooooh…!”
“I promise you a better life. If you learn and work under me, you will receive fair compensation.”
A considerable number of people stepped forward, intrigued.
Following a knight might carry risks, but the prospect of eating and living like a human being was too tempting to ignore.
Keldric carefully surveyed the faces of the crowd.
Most looked frail and weak, but two children stood out to him.
A boy with bright, intelligent eyes, standing beside a girl whose hand he held tightly.
“What is your name?”
“My name is Arno, sir.”
“And what skills do you have?”
“I worked briefly as an apprentice to a blacksmith. I’ve also learned some reading and writing, so I have a decent memory.”
“Oh…”
At fourteen years old, Arno spoke with clarity and confidence. For an orphan, his physique was notably sturdy.
Additionally, he had learned basic literacy from the monks, a rare skill for someone of his background.
Taking the children wasn’t something Keldric was entirely comfortable with, but he understood well from a young age that trust, when given, often deepened loyalty tenfold.
This was an exceedingly attractive quality.
After observing Arno for a moment, Keldric spoke cautiously.
“Would you be willing to work under me? I’ll pay you one and a half Grassen silver coins per week.”
“…Sir Knight. I deeply apologize for speaking out of turn, but if I am to follow you, I wish for my friend to come with me.”
“Your friend?”
Even though Arno was confident, directly making such a request to the towering Keldric required courage.
Trembling slightly, Arno pushed the child whose hand he held forward.
The girl, hesitant at first, was gently pulled by Arno and stepped in front of Keldric.
“Go on, Helga, introduce yourself.”
“I-It is an honor to meet you, Sir Knight. My name is Helga, and I am also fourteen years old.”
While Arno, being a boy, seemed suitable enough to be taken on as an attendant, Helga gave Keldric pause.
After all, it was entirely possible for him to encounter bandits tomorrow and end up in a bloody fight.
In such situations, attendants needed to at least manage themselves. Keldric wasn’t sure if taking on a girl as an attendant was wise.
“What can you do?” he asked.
“I… I know how to care for horses. My father was a stablekeeper.”
“Anything else?”
“I can handle most household chores…”
“How do you manage horses?”
Keldric tested Arno and Helga with various questions.
By the end, he concluded that both were capable of earning their keep.
Arno was skilled in maintaining weapons and armor, while Helga could tend to the horses, prepare meals, and manage camp logistics.
Taking them both seemed like a reasonable choice.
‘What should I do…’
Keldric mulled over his decision.
Both children demonstrated useful skills, and Arno’s literacy was particularly appealing.
“Alyssa, what do you think?”
“I think it’s a good idea. Teach the boy how to fight a little, and there shouldn’t be any issues.”
“Hmm…”
After consulting Alyssa, Keldric finally nodded.
“I’ll take these two.”
“Understood. I’ll have them bathed and dressed in proper attire by tomorrow.”
“They’ll be my attendants, so spare no expense.”
“Yes, Sir Keldric.”
Antonius’s tone was exceedingly polite thanks to the hefty donation of silver coins.
Feeling slightly lighter, Keldric left the monastery with Alyssa.
For now, he planned to recruit just the two attendants and expand the team gradually if needed.
“If they’re to follow me, they’ll need equipment.”
“Let’s head to the craftsmen’s quarter.”
It was clear that focusing on equipping Arno and Helga would be the right course of action.
Turning his horse toward the craftsmen’s quarter, Keldric resolved to handle as much as he could in Bogenberg before the time came to depart.