I appreciate the offer, but I do not believe I can do this.

M-My god, the nobles cried, swallowing nervously. It wasnt as if the Emperor was giving him an impossible order. Not that it matteredJoshua was already a member of the Imperial Knights.

Has he lost his mind? All Joshua had to do was agree, and all his problems would go away.

Money, fame, and power were all his for the taking.

Joshuas independence was surprising, but his ignorance was even more surprising.

Are you refusing my offer? Emperor Marcus looked devastated. My words are law in this Empire. You know what will happen to you if you try to backtrack on this, yes? I will give you one more chancebut this time, it is an Imperial order, not a request.

The atmosphere changed instantly. Some of the nobles acted busy, while others glanced furtively at Joshua and the Emperor.

Duke Tremblin quietly looked around, and his eyes landed on Duke Agnus.

I thought youd at least be a little surprised, he said to the other duke. Agnuss usual tranquility was gone, leaving him stiff-faced. What thoughts hid behind that icy visage?

If you refuse again, it goes beyond a simple rejection, Emperor Marcus warned. It will be treason. You see, if I cant have something, Ill simply destroy it so that I dont have to be jealous of anyone else having it. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward. And just so you know, its illegal to bring foreigners like the Wilhelm Knights into this country without good reason, even if you treat them like your own. Do you get what I mean?

After the carrot came the stick1.

This time, the Emperor waited with visible eagernessbut he was to be disappointed.

It seems I have no choice but to repeat my answer, Your Majesty.2

What?

The nobles eyes were filled with joy, but the Emperors were cold.

Can you afford to refuse?

Your Majesty compared me to a thing, after all.

Did I upset you? Marcus looked glum.

Joshua nodded. Well, no, actually. Its the opposite.

The Emperor was clearly confused.

You understand that things are priced based on their worth.

So?

There are premiums, as theyre called, based on how much the customer wants the product, how many other customers there are, and how many competitors there are.

Marcuss eyes spurred him onward. Even the nobles were watching intently now, daring Joshua to step further into a political battle with the Emperor. Would he still be able to hold himself high after this meeting?

If I may dare, Your Majesty, theres something Ive been wanting to say: as a sword, I am highly desirable. I am utterly unique, with all the demands that entails. As time goes on, not only will the price go up, but so will the number of buyers. I reckon that Your Majesty is the only one bold enough to offer me such a petty price.

Emperor Marcus wasnt stupid enough that he needed Joshua to finish his words to understand what he meant.

So You want to bargain with me.

Oh? Is it that obvious that I want to market my product to Your Majesty? Ive decided that I wont sell myself just yet. If you and I wait a little longer, haggling should go quite smoothly for both of us.3

The tension in the throne room was palpable. Who would be brave enough to speak in front of that mad emperor?

AHAHAHAH. You are a funny guy after all. There was a strange light in the Emperors eyes as he stared down at Joshua. Firstly, comparing you to a thing isnt as correct as you made it sound. He arrogantly relaxed into his throne. As a buyer, I dont want for anything. Ive bought everything Ive ever wantedI never even considered losing it to someone else. Marcuss laughter ceased. But you see, boy, my patience doesnt stretch that far.

A knight chooses his lord when he turns 18that time is enough.

Youre right. Not only are you famous across the entire continent, but I presume you have a relationship with a dragon. What a revelation! HAH!4 Emperor Marcus was going mad upon his throne. An inexplicable rush of pleasure rose up in him5.

Tell me what you need. Heh. Dont overthink it, I just want to leverage my position against my future competitors. Dont tell me it isnt allowed.

Is that so?

Yes. Tell me what you want.

Joshua broke into a grin. Half the plan was a complete success.

I have to get as much as I can. Joshua was just as greedy as the Emperor.

Your Majesty, he eventually said, I need my own knights.

What do you mean?

Exactly what I said. I want to combine the 11th and 12th Battalions into a single, independent order of knights.

Joshuas casual tone didnt fool the nobles for a second. The pushback came immediately.

Your Majesty, this is insane!

A knight order that doesnt belong to the Imperial Knights? You cant find anything like that anywhere on the continent!

Your Majesty, I dont think Baron Sanders has thought this out!

Of course, none of it so much as moved a hair on the Emperors head. He casually waved their objections away.

What level are you aiming for?

Because it will be a new order, I want it to retain the same status. Dropping would negatively affect their moraleI want the transition to be smooth.

In other words, for them to be treated the same as the Imperial Knights.

You can see how difficult your request is? Emperor Marcus gestured at the nobles sadly.

Joshua knew instinctively that this was where the real fight began.

Your Majesty, Im proud to say that I understand the hearts of the 11th and 12th better than anyone else here.

What are you saying?

Ive been disrespected my whole life. Joshua spared a glance at Duke Agnus. My mother, my only family, was insulted and assaulted by a mere soldier. No matter how great I may be, the way I see myself hasnt changed. I was denied the freedom to live my life as I wished, simply because I am the son of a maid.

A sense of humility.

It made sense. Joshua really did expel himself from the most respected family in the Empire. Babel was great, but Joshua was second to none.

Like me, they want to be the finest knights in the Empireknights that no one can ignore.

Anyone who looked at Joshua right now would be struck by his arrogance and unshakeable conviction, especially given his age. More importantly, Emperor Marcus liked it.

Im lucky to get the most famous sword in the world, and maybe even the strongest shield. Fine. Is there anything else you need?

This is enough, Your Majesty.

Emperor Marcus rose from his throne with a hearty laugh. Then Ill leave the matter of the Wilhelm Knights alone. And Joshua Sanders will rise to a count this time.

The jaw-dropping announcements kept coming.

In addition, all of Marquis Crombells property will be seized for his crimes. I will give it all to you. Youve gone straight to the center of power. Consider your name carefully. He peered at Joshuas kneeling form strangely before turning away. I cant wait to see you again, Count Sanders.

Three dukes followed him, leaving Duke Agnus trailing behind. The Marquises of the Twelve Families barely managed to avoid tripping over their feet as they hastened to do the same.

And dont make me wait for the reunion greetings, Duke Agnus spat under his breath as he passed Joshua.

The throne room began to fill with murmuring.

Oh, how silly. The greetings are just a formality

He must be at the same level as Knight-Command Rod, right?

That guy is only 16 years old. What are you talking about?

Joshua slowly stood as their whispering washed over him.

Everyone else in this room was a noble of a lower classno one there outranked Joshua anymore.

Joshua felt a gaze on his back and turned around to find Ash behind him, his face flushed red.

That was pretty neat.

But are we done yet? Joshua smiled sadly.

The nobles eyed him as he stood.

I will give you a chance right now. This is the first time, so you will get special treatment over those who join later.6

What on earth are you? The confusion was blatantly obvious on their facesexcept for Ash, who was visibly excited.

Yes! Yes! I will!

Joshua laughed and nodded his head.

Anyone who wishes to join us, Ash joyously shouted, Stay here!