The large stage in the center of the banquet hall could accommodate a considerable crowd of men and women as they danced in exquisite harmony.

But not right now. The entire banquet hall was enveloped in a profound hush; no one could do anything but stareeven those deep into their cups couldnt tear their gaze away from the couple ascending the platform.

And then they danced.

...Theyre beautiful Senna unwittingly blushed. Their dance was as graceful and lovely as they were; every move was like art brought to life, drawing the audiences enraptured gaze with an almost magical magnetism. Senna was enthralledand so was everyone else.

Problem was, Charles and Joshua were having a conversation that had nothing to do with that.

Charles was bewildered. What is it about this man that makes him such a natural? She was deftly led by Joshua and couldnt help but blurt out her thoughts.

Do they teach the Knights how to dance?

Charless prickly comment made Joshua pause.

What can I do? he asked, smiling kindly back at her.

You havent changed.

Neither have you, Young Lady?

This is all within your expectations, isnt it.

Joshua gave her a questioning look, which made her blush and look away.

If I dance on stage with you, Prince Kiser will stop bothering me. His dignity is more valuable than his dance partner.

Joshua was taken aback. Youre overestimating me, he said with a hearty laugh.

Why did you save me? Charles asked, undeterred. The Young Masterthe Baron could have been in huge trouble for that.

Well Lets say I felt bad for breaking a promise.

That wasnt the answer I expectednot at all. So he remembered?

As the dance wound down, Charles came to a resolution and opened her mouth.

I have a question

I cant help you this time

Charles stared at him.

Im still a member of the Imperial Knights.

Im not sure what youre talking about, Charles huffed. I was just wondering how you got so tall.

As soon as the music came to an end, Charles curtseyed and quickly distanced herself.

Thanks.

Of course.

Charles spun around and strode away, leaving the rapid clack of her heels behind her.

Your temperament hasnt changed.

What? Joshua spun around. Excuse me?

The voice had come from outside the stage, as if waiting for the dance to conclude.

Hey!

...Princess Sersiarin. Joshuas words verged on a groan.

This woman, though descended from the noblest blood, suffered misfortune like on other.

He approached.

Hubalt, the Holy Empire: one of the three great powers of the continent. In the midst of the Imperial Citadel was a massive temple, as befitting of a holy empire in the service of the gods.

Hermes Temple, guarded by thousands of priests and paladins, was the permanent residence of the Pope, one of the dual rulers of the Hubalt Empire.

The somber, sunlight ambience of the ancient marble edifice was marred by a furious debate taking place in the corner.

Ill never understand His Majesty the Emperors views. Is he planning to send Sir Christian to the Reinhardt Masters Battle? The first man to speak was undeniably a paladin; his immaculate white armor, emblazoned with the golden wings on the breast, made that obvious.

The Pope agreed as well.

That makes it even more perplexing, High Priest! a young priest fumed. Why reveal him to the public now, after hes been hidden so deep?

One key fact seems to have escaped Sir Modrians notice.

Does it matter? Paladin Modrian, the heated young man, tilted his head.

Doesnt the Popes agreement mean that hethe man you look up to so muchhas accepted it as well?

The commander Modrian sighed.

Sir Chrysler jean Sebastian, Knight of God.

The commander led all of the paladins of the Hubalt Empire. Among them were three hundred White Knights, the most divine and powerful of them all. They answered to no one but God, and were the only superhumans so devoted.

Sir Christian is the best disciple he has and he wouldnt be able to join Reinhardts Battle without permission. Sir Christian has been a Master for a long year now, by human standards. Hes our Empires secret weapon.

Were Gods knights, first and foremost, a different man, also a paladin, said. Im not sure why people cling to such fame.

From what Ive heard, Sir Christians participation is motivated by two things.

Two?

Duke Altsma will be participating in this years Master Battle.

Duke Altsma of Swallow? Hes the one who was disqualified, right?

Right. Hes the one. The High Priest, Harold, stepped forward and looked Modrian in the eyes. Like Emperor Marcus, a lunatic of his time, Ulabis, Prince of Thran, voiced his desire to participate in this Master Battle. Duke Altsmas reentry isnt just about restoring his dignityits also for revenge.

Then

You couldnt become a Master just by becoming an A-Class Knight. Masters enjoyed international, intercontinental privileges, hand-tailored to their personal needs; as such, every Master had to be recognized in front of the entire population of the continent. That is, during the Reinhardt Master Battle, also known as the People of All Continents Festival.

Because of the tournament structure, the two of them could square off in the near futureif theyre lucky. Duke Altsma is not concerned about the title, which he could restore quickly by attaining recognition from the Masters of other kingdoms.

Whats the other reason, then?

Five years agodo you recall the new talent picked at the Reinhardt Battle? The monster, the other paladin whispered. He was only ten years old at the time.

High Priest Harold nodded in agreement. His Majesty the Pope was unconcerned at the time, but His Majesty the Emperor was. No, the entire Imperial Palace was in chaos; everything that happened in Reinhardt is inextricably linked to political power. By the way, theyre saying that monstrous child from back then is going to participate in the Master Battle.

Modrian's eyes widened.

So this time, our Empire has decided to dispatch someone with the potential to shake the continent: Sir Christian. He is the most talented of the unofficial A-Class Knights.

Isnt that excessive? A fifteen-year-old at the Master Battle?

The High Priest shook his head with conviction. He knew that when it came to these monsters, common sense held no sway.

Hes a very capable kid, Harold noted, this Baron Joshua Sanders.