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The sound of timbre cracking can be heard repeatedly. The source is the mountain of mass― the carcass of the Land Emperor.

The Jantunen garrison Knights cheers as the giant beast crumbles further, shooting their Silhouette Arms into the air with pride.

Some distance from the Knights, three Silhouette Knights are advancing. Among the band of Karrdator Knights, these three has a different appearance and stands out from the crowd.

Besides him is the vice commander's 'Cardiaria', a Karrdator that has been reinforced.

They walked pass the Behemoth that is still crumbling and approached their target. The closer they got, the clearer the pieces with red paint.

The first thing Philip, who was leading the way saw was Guyale's right arm. Its skeletal structure was broken and it was bent out of shape. The trio glanced at it and continued without a word, finally reaching their main objective. The torso without its head and limbs, the armour was in shambles, the crystal tissue has been utterly destroyed. The armour protecting the chest cavity has caved in, the whole torso is misshapen. The strong frontal armour was a twisted lump, showing how strong the impact was.

No one made a sound, thinking about the same thing. They had some hope, but if the impact shatters the torso, it is impossible for the pilot to survive.

Earlecumber moved ahead and kneels beside Guyale.

"Di... I am late, but I still want to apologise... back then, I thought you abandoned us and escaped."

"I lost all respect for you at that moment... But I empathise with you too. The scenario was too dire then, I told myself 'Di won't work with us in this situation'. But... You came back."

"And, so... Sorry Dietrich. I don't know why you were hiding your real strength. Even so, you sacrificed yourself to save us..."

The chest armour flew and made an arc through the sky and rolls loudly when it lands.

"The front armour couldn’t open because it was bent out of shape. That took some effort to get out... Eh? What's wrong everyone?"
"... Huh?"

Jantunen was under high alert because the deployment of the entire garrison Knights, but the gates are fully open to welcome the return of the Knights. The victorious garrison Knights returns in an orderly fashion, advancing slowly on the main street.

Something followed the advance of the parade and the crowd was silenced when it enters the gate. That was the head of the Demon beast which was much larger than a Silhouette Knight. A carriage ferries the intimidating head, even the citizens that didn't see it move knows it’s a threat. The silence spreads, and suddenly explodes in cheers twice as loud.

Some distance away from the main street, a quiet cafe that is isolated from the bustle of the city. Most of the citizens were gathered around the main street, leaving the cafe empty. There are just a few youths patronising the shop, they are people related to this incident: Edgar, Stefania, Archid, Adeltrud and Ernesti.

Edgar sighs and lowers the teacup in his hand. He is saying this on behalf of everyone present. He couldn’t help himself from commenting after hearing Eru casually describe his actions during the Land Emperor incident.

After hacking into the magius engine, Eru exerts full control over the machine and fought. Just listening to this is enough to make anyone with common sense faint after screaming. The more detailed Eru's explanation, the more troubled Edgar becomes. Stefania eyes widen and her surprise is evident. Chid and Ady are stunned, but accepts it since it is Eru. The twins looked at each other and said:

"You two, what do you mean by 'expected'? Although you are right."

Apart from Eru, Edgar is the only one with experience piloting Silhouette Knights. That's why he was shocked after listening to Eru, but was convinced. From what he remembered, Guyale's performance was not that outstanding.  If Eru didn't hack in, it wouldn't have been that powerful. But even with the facts right before him, Edgar just shakes his head. He suddenly thought of something.

"Nothing. I just would have went with the flow back then, and would probably have boarded the carriage and escaped."

"We... the surviving high school pilots, will be going to Känkänen for an awards ceremony."

"The Jantunen garrison Knights will send representatives as well, probably Sir Hallhagen and a few others. This involves a battalion-level Demon beast invasion, a story that is worthy to be spread within the nation, no, to all nations. They say there will be a grand ceremony."

"The existence of the scarlet Knight will be covered up for this incident... This means Ernesti's achievements will not be stated."

"I see. If I was a member of the Knights or an official high schooler, there wouldn't be any problems."

Chid stands up in protest. Stefania stops him with a look, sighs and explains:

"Why? Eru is obviously stronger than those run of the mill Knights!?"

"We can work something out if he is an adult... If they pass over the Knights and grant honours to a twelve year old, the Knights will look bad. The honour of the Knights is the honor of the Kingdom, no one wants that to happen."

"I understand. Senpai are here to convince me?"

"Let's forget about this incident. I am satisfied with piloting an actual Silhouette Knight. Instead of asking shamelessly for rewards, doing nothing is much more relaxing. Besides, I was the one who butted in without permission. I don't want to be manipulated by others because of this incident."

"That won't happen, I guarantee in the name of the Serrati family."

Eru nods after receiving their promises. Unlike Eru, Chid and Ady are unable to accept this, asking with a moan:

"Yah, Eru's dream is to be a Knight and pilot Silhouette Knights correct? Are you giving in now?"

Seeing Eru consoling the unhappy twins, Edgar and Stefania breathe a sigh of relief. Guyale and ther Behemoth were both destroyed in the battle, a testament to the desperate situation Eru was in. Not giving any reward to Eru doesn't sit well with them either. On the other hand, they understand the order of Knights won't be able to handle Eru's exceptional case well. They volunteered to convince Eru of the Knights' dilemma in order to avoid using official orders to pressure Eru. They need not worry about Eru protesting violently, but the contents of their speech were filled with illogical reasonings, so they were prepared for the talks to be stall. They felt grateful for Eru's generous disposition.

Eru who appears to be drinking tea calmly was breaking out in cold sweat. To be honest, he was troubled over how to settle things on his end. It was hard for Eru to do anything in his position. The other party proposing a peaceful resolution made Eru relieved.

Eru finish his tea happily as he thought about how to resolve the matter.
The atmosphere was peaceful after ending the tense topic. The sound of cheers was continuing all this while. They chatted casually in the mean time.

―His consciousness recovers slowly. His first thing he feels is a question.

He felt a sharp pain next from all over his body, stimulating his mind and waking him up.

Dietrich groans from the pain of his protesting body and opens his eyes. The first thing he sees is a wooden ceiling. He turns his head and observes a white drape. He was still confused, but he understands the situation before him. He was warded in a hospital like facility― which means he is safe.

He shivered when he remembered the giant beast. From the situation at that time, it was impossible to save him without getting rid of the beast. Dietrich deduced from this that the battle ended somehow, and was a success since he is alive.

Dietrich relaxed after deducting the crisis has ended, and more importantly, he is safe. As he lies down groggily, a voice came from his side.

Dietrich turns his head with his eyes wide open. It's not because of the content of the speech, but the person who is saying it―

His white clothes almost bursting from his muscular body, and his hair was crew cut. His feet were a shoulder width apart but his knees were clamped together. He is speaking in a feminine way despite having a deep voice― This was a man.
A scream erupts suddenly and fills the entire infirmary.

A convoy comprising of carriages and Silhouette Knights are travelling along the gravel road leading from Jantunen to the capital ― Fremmevira Highway.

There is a person sitting on the top of a carriage. That person is basking in the sun, watching the long convoy line under the warm sun. At the end of the line was a wagon filled with recovered Silhouette parts. The machine that was wrecked by the Behemoth was turned into junk, but the most valuable torso was retrieved. The damage was assessed, if the magius engine and ether reactor known as the heart was fine, it will be easier to repair. And in the worst case scenario, they can place the heart into a new body.

The boy on top of the carriage, Ernesti looks towards the back with a blank expression. There must be parts from the scarlet Silhouette Knight on the wagon too, but it is covered by the canvas so Eru can't tell where it is. The last scene of the fight with the Behemoth while piloting Guyale flashed across his mind. He feels the bump of the carriage as he reminisces.

Right now, Eru is the only one who can make a robot break down in such a short period of time, so he is the only one who wants to resolve it. He will create his personal machine one day. He needs to plan for that day.

As he was feeling troubled over many things, someone approached him from behind and hugs him. There is only one person who will do that in Eru's mind. He turns to look at Ady behind him.

"Why― are you thinking about that again!"

"I know, but I have to think it over when I have time, or it will be a problem in the future."

"... Eru, you really... I hope you can promise me one thing."

"Don't go by yourself, take us with you!"

Eru couldn't see Ady's face, but he can feel the sincerity from her voice. Eru didn't turn back and looked ahead, thinking about Ady's request. He has been setting Silhouette Knights as his goals, and working towards that means...

"Don't say that... it depends on the situation."

At this point, Eru couldn't reject her.

"Hmmp! That's a cunning way to put it! Even though we can't do much, but three heads are better than one!"

Ady's casual words made Eru think. In his heart is a famous story, and inspiration strikes.

Ady pulls both of Eru's cheek as he was spacing out.

"That hurts... You are absolutely right, that was ill mannered of me."

"Right, I know a way! Teach me how to pilot Silhouette Knights!"

Eru groans and smiles awkwardly at Ady, and wonders how things had come to this.

The roasted beef in the centre of the table gives off a delicious aroma.

"Is it time for your Ady to learn to cook?"

They finished the preparation nimbly as they chatted and called their families to have dinner. The two families gathered shortly after and ate happily.

The faces of every parent turned green when they received the news, including these two families. Ilma’s only family are the twins, her anxiety is indescribable. She couldn't stay alone in that state, so the Echevarrias took her in for the time being. Now, both the children and their parents had deepened their friendship.

"To be frank, it's great that everyone is safe."

"We made you worry. As you can see, we are not hurt... This is a miracle."

"Nomnomnom!"

"Swallow your food before talking..."

"We heard that it was really dangerous, but you all seem fine. What did Eru do?"

"Cough! Cough, cough."

"Ara, wasn't the Demon beast really big? Are you okay? Did you give it a good beating?"

"Ara, ara, you can borrow Silhouette Knights? That's wonderful, Eru. But don't be too reckless. It's not something you can borrow anytime you want, right?"

Mathias forced himself to look away from the two of them; the others casually ignored their conversation. In some way, this family was really disciplined.

"Eru, I want you to accompany me to someplace, alright?"

"Erm, we are going to..."

Located at the foot of mount Aubigne, it served as a front line fortress in the past. The highway on either side was made with robust stones, a legacy from its days as a fortress. Several layers of walls are erected with the capital at its heart. Only the outer most siege wall has defensive functions, the rest are used for zonal segregation. Its existence is a testament of the history of this city and nation.

The castle has traces of its days as a fortress, ancient and majestic. Even now, the tough appearance of the fortress commands respect. Its reputation as the ‘Kingdom of Knights’ is presented harmoniously, allowing all visitors to feel the pride of the city.

It is a vast space with a high ceiling, enough for Silhouette Knights to enter comfortably. Elegant drapes are hung on all the walls in fixed intervals on the pillars. A red carpet is rolled out in the centre, and at its end is the throne for the King. An amazingly big seat is situated behind the throne, with a Silhouette Knight sitting on it.

Sometimes, the hall will be cramped with soldiers and Silhouette Knights, but there are only a few people here today.

"That concludes the report for the battle with the Behemoth."

"And the carcass of the Behemoth?"

"I want to use its carcass to offset our losses. But our casualties are light, considering the opponent was a battalion-level Demon beast."

Ambrosius focused on one point of the report as he listens to Joachim, it is the logs of the scarlet Knight and its pilot Ernesti. A baffled expression appears on the King's face.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes. I understand the content seems dubious to Your Majesty..."

"I don't think you will spin such a ridiculous tale, but this makes me worried... Especially this part, rewriting the script in the magius engine. If that's true, that is really marvelous."

"I heard the same report... Only Sir Hallhagen and the Knights know the truth."

After thinking it over, he mumbles:

Philip paniced when he heard this; Eru literally saved the lives of dozens of pilots with his participation. They couldn't commend Eru because of the state of things, but Eru accepted it unconditionally, so Philip owes him a favour. He might be a youth that is much younger than him, but having fought as comrades, Philip won't forget how Eru saved his Knights.

Ambrosius stopped Philip's words with a wave of his hand.

Ambrosius was right to be worried. No matter how talented or pure in character, people can change with the passage of time. Especially a twelve year old who is moving into a rebellious and emotional age. If he grows arrogant because of his talent, it will harm him in the end.

"If that's the case, what should we do?"
"Since he doesn't chase mindlessly after glory, he might become a great Knight... We need to guide him. It might be unnecessary since Lauri is there. Hmm, alright... Arrange for Ernesti to meet me."

After Ambrosius issues his orders, Joachim and Philip bows and acknowledged.


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