145: Chapter 89 Knight Attendant_3 145: Chapter 89 Knight Attendant_3 Kovis, while in Orland, needed not to serve as an aide or advisor to the higher-ranking Great Nobles.
He could have traveled to the North to join the so-called “Magic Technique Association” with limitless prospects.
As Leon was pondering how to retain his friend,
he turned and saw a blond young man entering the room…
who incredibly knelt on one knee before him.
“What are you doing?”
With hands clasped behind his back and knee bent, Kovis knelt and looked straight at his friend.
“You know I’d help you with anything; no need for this.” Leon frowned, attempting to help him up,
but the young man raised his hand, firmly grasping his wrist to stop him.
Kovis gazed into Leon’s puzzled eyes and took a deep breath.
the last descendant of the King of Villania,
pledge my allegiance to you.
I wish to be the steadfast shield before you…
I wish to be the sharp sword in your hand…
I wish to serve by your side as your attendant…
I swear to uphold your emblem high!
I swear to defend your honor with my life and soul…”
The ancient pledge solemnly uttered from the lips of the blond-haired, golden-eyed youth.
Leon’s eyebrows shot up, frozen on the spot.
It was not merely unexpected that Kovis’s grand gesture was an offer of allegiance,
but also the revelation of his identity was startling.
A descendant of the King of Villania?
…The progeny of a king?
Kovis is a prince of Villania?!
If so, as a prince of Villania… why would he want to be a knight attendant to me?
Even if, possibly, even though… even if that kingdom had fallen, reducing him, though a prince, to a slave suffering humiliation for years,
how could I, a mere little knight from a rural border town in Orland, be worthy of a prince’s service?
Though Leon knew he didn’t care about so-called lineage or status, he understood the world didn’t see it as he did.
Otherwise, Kovis wouldn’t have revealed his identity so openly.
In his hesitation, Leon reevaluated this friend he had only known for a few days.
Watching Kovis’s calm yet resolute gaze… the youth clearly wasn’t jesting.
Pressing his lips together, Leon finally set aside his doubts and concerns.
Regardless of the truth behind the mentioned identity, he could feel the firm grip on his wrist.
At such a moment, Leon neither wished nor could afford to insult such a profound resolve.
Moreover, he had no intention of letting this talent slip away, regardless of whether Kovis was a deposed prince or not.
Leon nodded, responding to the pledge of allegiance as taught by Knight Balfe:
“I, a knight of Orland,
Leon Pendragon, accept your allegiance.
I will bestow upon you a sword and armor.
I shall allow you to carry my emblem and guard by my side.”
Hearing the acceptance, the blond youth finally bowed his head, lowered his gaze, and sighed deeply.
Seeing him release his wrist, Leon hurriedly helped him up from the ground and said with a hint of exasperation, “By tradition, I should have presented you with a sword when I said these words, but you came so suddenly tonight, and didn’t give me time to prepare.”
Kovis shook his head and smiled.
“Your response is the greatest reward you could offer me, my lord.”