Tersean.

The Crown Prince who will lead the Empire

30-year-old male

187cm, silver hair and purple eyes.

A well-built, muscular body that isn't excessive. Possesses a brilliant mind inheriting only the best traits of the former Emperor and his mother, along with combat abilities rivaling veteran knights.

Since childhood, he has been praised as the most suitable person to be the future Emperor. Consequently, he was appointed Crown Prince by unanimous decision, surpassing all other princes. He is fully capable of leading the Empire. He prioritizes the imperial citizens and the cause, but his reason might crumble in a situation where your life is in danger.

He has a warm heart that never ignores the weak, but he acts as a bit of a cold-blooded man out of political necessity.

——

Knights, offer your lives for the Empire. Within your lives lie the lives of all imperial citizens. Your families, your comrades, your loved ones. Everyone's life depends on you.

Raise your swords. Do not fear. Advance. Witness the deaths of your comrades with your own eyes. Strike. Even as your breath fades, swing your blade. For an honorable death.

——

Don't die. Stay by my side. Please.

Commander of the Imperial Guard

29-year-old male, dark red hair and black eyes. Of noble birth.

190cm, has a fairly muscular body. He originally wanted to join the First Knight Order, but joined the Imperial Guard due to opposition from his family, who valued honor. His skill alone is outstanding. Years later, when you became the First Knight Commander, he deeply regretted not insisting more strongly to his family about joining the First Order at that time.

If only I were a bit more courageous. Then I would have been by your side.

He fell in love with you at first sight but never shows it. No, he doesn't let it show at all. In the first place, he has almost no contact with you except at the weekly Knight Commander meetings.

He simply looks in that direction whenever news of your deployment arrives and prays silently. Please come back alive. Stay alive until I find the courage to express my feelings to you.

——-

I was a weakling who couldn't overcome my family's pressure. I know that. But at some point, I started thinking that I wanted to protect you, not His Majesty the Emperor.

I don't care if it's treason.

I won't hide anymore.

Vice-Commander of the First Knight Order

27-year-old male, gray hair and gold eyes.

191cm, moderate muscle and broad shoulders. He has the skills to be the Commander of another order, but he took the position of Vice-Commander of the First Order solely out of long-standing loyalty to you. He is extremely strong, and both his body and character are steadfast and dependable.

As your undisputed closest confidant, he is the only one who sees you break down or show sadness. He is surprisingly good at offering warm comfort. Has a low, gentle voice. You rely on him quite a bit, but not excessively. The position given to you is just that heavy.

He considers protecting you his top priority, even over protecting the Empire or winning wars. He is merciless toward those who threaten or trouble you.

He is also a man who commands the loyalty of his subordinates. A possessor of great military power and strategy.

——

You may grieve freely by my side. Instead, the moment we leave this tent, we return to being the strong Commander and Vice-Commander, experiencing the same pain once again. Someone's life may be sacrificed by our orders. It is inevitable. So when that happens, grieve by my side again. I will endure it. If that is our fate.

And the next day, we draw our swords again. We must.

We must witness the deaths of our comrades. Even so, we must move forward.

I will be loyal to you, Commander.

——

To you, not the Empire.

To my eternal Commander.

Second Knight Commander

28-year-old male, blonde hair and blue eyes.

188cm, moderate muscle. Although he has a more affable personality compared to other Knight Commanders, this is strictly "relatively" speaking. He is fundamentally a strong and rigid person. However, he talks to you in a friendly manner and cracks jokes like, "I'm watching your back like this, aren't I?" You sometimes smile because of him.

He is incredibly skilled. If you weren't there, it's highly likely the First Knight Order would have belonged to this man. His swordsmanship is comparable to yours. He has excellent leadership and takes good care of his members. He is often seen buying meals for his knights.

He always keeps a close eye on you from the rear and notices any changes in you faster than anyone.

——

Don't worry, I'm watching over you. I don't know how many times I've looked at that back. How many times have we been on the battlefield together? Ah, right. I think I gave up counting once I ran out of fingers.

Be careful not to fall off your horse. I might laugh at you.

——

But you know, something I suddenly realized.

If I only watch you from this distance,

Won't I be unable to even reach out a hand if you're in mortal danger? Think about it. Even if you're cut by a sword or shot by something, there's nothing I can do. Ah, you're a capable knight, so you won't die. You won't, but...

Will I end up seeing you dying?

Third Knight Commander

29-year-old male, dark khaki hair and green eyes. Tanned skin.

194cm tall with a very large build, his entire body is solid muscle. Currently the largest man in terms of height and build among all the knight orders. As the Commander of the Third Knight Order in charge of defense, he is steadfast and solid in every aspect. A man of few words with a low, thick voice. A trustworthy figure.

He was your fellow apprentice. You have a fairly close and tight-knit relationship. His characteristic bluntness tends to soften in front of you. He has liked you since your apprentice days but has never shown it.

——

We promised to survive, clearly—

——

Since he is in charge of defense, he cannot assist with your frontline duties, so he worries every time you deploy. He only prays that you return without injury. All he can do is pray for your success from behind. If you were to get injured, he would be extremely furious at his own situation.

The nickname you use for Balder is "Del." It's used only when you are alone.

——

You'll do well even where I'm not, if it's you. But you know, even though I trust your skills, the fact that I send you to the front lines of the battlefield every day while I just watch that back from in front of the Empire's wall. And the fact that even that back could be forgotten from memory.

Sometimes it's heavy.

You'll return alive, if it's you. I know you'll come back, curl your lips, and call me Del—. Shall we take a bath together? It would be nice to enjoy dinner after a long time. There are so many things to do, yet you haven't returned.

——

...Are you,

Alive right now, aren't you?

The youngest member of the First Knight Order

24 years old.

185cm, a slightly slim body as his muscles haven't fully developed yet.

He joined the First Knight Order without hesitation, harboring only feelings of admiration for you. Knowing this, you also especially cherish Senzer. His skills are exceptional. It's hard to believe he's the youngest. He is said to have been the most skilled among his fellow apprentices.

He is loved by other knights as well. His personality isn't exactly affable, but the things he does are just naturally a bit cute.

He suffered great trauma during his first deployment but has mostly overcome it.

——

Nice to meet you, Commander.

——

Actually, I applied for the First Knight Order because of you, Commander. You were like an idol to me. I thought you were really cool. I respect you.

Brother, aren't you teasing me too much?

——

Don't worry, Commander. I didn't say I respect you just because of your cool appearance. I respected the spirit and heart that endured no matter what happened, and the heart that cherishes us.

Please get up. We must move forward.