Chapter 16

As they made their way to the underground prison of the First Knights, Todd, the lieutenant, asked:

“Do you think she’s had a change of heart?”

“…”

Baelor didn’t answer.

He didn’t know the reason himself.

This morning, summoned by Vivian Rondor, Baelor had received several documents-

“Th-these are execution orders.”

-Execution orders stamped one by one with Rondor’s suns.

It was permission to end the lives of the vermin who had been lounging in prison despite their capital crimes.

He had let out a sigh of relief—finally.

At the same time, he felt it was unexpected and had some doubts.

Recently, Baelor hadn’t even hoped for this.

He thought executions were impossible, that they could only wait for the death row inmates to die on their own.

That was linked to Baelor’s belief.

If there was one thing Baelor firmly believed after 38 years, it was that people don’t change easily.

People are born with innate dispositions.

You can tell just by looking at the squires who aspire to become knights.

A coward remains a coward, a violent one stays violent, an impulsive person remains impulsive, and a brave kid stays brave.

Just like a snake is a snake and a dragon is a dragon… there’s nothing you can do about it.

As they grow, differences arise in how they hide or reveal their dispositions, but in extreme situations, their true nature emerges.

Vivian Rondor was...

To put it harshly, a coward; to put it kindly, a gentle noble lady.

A girl who used to act cute around her parents, who loved her family dearly.

She might grow up to be a good woman, a good wife loved by her husband… but she wasn’t fit to be the head of the Rondor family.

Just a few days ago, she remained silent even after an insult.

She was someone who was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do even around her family’s own knights.

“…”

How had she managed to stamp the execution orders for 20 people?

Others might think it’s easy, but Baelor knew that the person placing the seal needed a certain resolve.

There was a unique pressure that only a leader could see from the position of a knight commander.

Managing people’s lives was like that.

Knowing that to some extent, he had given Vivian Rondor time.

But now, she had changed overnight.

He hadn’t heard any news that a retainer had scolded or advised her about this sudden change.

It was so abrupt that it made all the waiting up until now seem pointless.

Baelor couldn’t understand it.

Seeing Baelor walking with a blank expression, Todd spoke.

“Ah, could it be that?”

“…?”

Entering the underground prison, he tossed out a sly joke.

“Didn’t you insult Lady Vivian not long ago? Maybe she’s trying to get revenge by appointing you as the executioner…”

“…”

Baelor gritted his teeth and looked back at Todd.

Realizing his joke hadn’t landed, Todd quickly lowered his posture.

“I-it was just a joke. No need to get so serious…”

“…Todd, it would be better if you just watched your mouth.”

“I-I’ll be careful.”

Baelor shook off his unpleasant feelings.

Perhaps he felt worse because Todd’s words seemed plausible.

But if Vivian Rondor had made such a choice, Baelor might make a choice of his own.

As Todd suggested, he might consider elevating Robert Rondor to the head.

How much blood had he shed for the Rondor family?

How much pain and agony had he endured in war?

If, as a reward for his loyalty, he was given a lowly and despised role, he had nothing more to give to Vivian Rondor.

-Spit!

Arriving in front of the prisoners’ iron bars, Baelor gathered phlegm and spat on the floor.

He simultaneously discarded his unpleasant feelings toward Vivian Rondor.

Then he spoke to the 20 death-row inmates before him.

“It’s time to die.”

***

The execution took place in the courtyard of Rondor.

Even though it was called a courtyard, it wasn’t a small space.

Large enough for about a hundred people to comfortably form a big circle.

And in the center of that circle stood a wooden block - A chopping block.

At the sight of it, I began to feel nervous.

From the windows of Rondor Castle, heads popped out here and there.

Maids, retainers, guards who had grown curious… All of them watched intently.

Key figures had gathered in the courtyard.

First Knight Commander, Baelor.

Second Knight Commander, Thoros.

Third Knight Commander, Morden.

Fourth Knight Commander, Burger.

And their lieutenants and numerous knights.

Treasurer Brynden, Vivian’s tutors including Lady Lynne, intelligence officer Nestor, head butler Pippin, other household members, and Vivian’s personal maids. Also Balon, Willas, Martin... anyone who wanted to watch...

...and me as well.

Everyone who could gather from the House of Rondor was present.

Even the young soldiers of the penal unit.

At Burger’s suggestion that they should witness the fate of serious criminals, they had come to watch too.

Balon, who was standing next to me, muttered.

“This is my first time seeing an execution. My heart’s kinda pounding.”

Like a child who’d received a new toy, he couldn’t hide his excitement.

Martin, fiddling with his pimples, said,

“Wonder if there’ll be a lot of blood. I’m curious.”

Willas added,

“So he’s finally dying, old man Darion. They say that bastard forced himself on Aunt Eina and Aunt Laura.”

I glared at Willas.

Listening to his story didn’t make me feel any better. The decline in public safety and the deaths of the men of Roctana probably played some part in this crime after all.

Martin looked puzzled.

“Huh? The Aunt Eina and Aunt Laura we know?”

“Yeah.”

“Wow... he’s got some nerve.”

“I wish that bastard would just die already. They might not have been beauties, but Aunt Eina was kind...”

“...Shh. It’s starting.”

As Martin said, the execution ceremony began.

With her red hair fluttering, Vivian walked into the courtyard.

Retainers parted to avoid blocking her path, and Vivian drew everyone’s attention with slightly uneasy steps.

She slowly climbed up to a high platform built on one side and took her seat.

Beside her stood the head butler and several soldiers, along with retainers.

It was hard to believe that this small girl was the one ruling over everyone gathered here.

Vivian began to speak.

“S-Sir Baelor. Are the prisoners r-ready?”

Baelor stepped forward and replied in a loud voice.

“Yes.”

Blond-haired and blue-eyed Baelor. Judging by his gradually receding hairline, he’ll soon be bald. Even so, a heavy and dignified, knightly aura flowed from him.

He had thick arms, broad shoulders, and a tall stature.

‘Almost as big as my father.’

When Baelor slightly turned his head and looked back, the First Knights brought out twenty prisoners with sacks over their heads.

Vivian watched them and swallowed hard. The unrest in her eyes intensified.

It was the moment she faced the people she was about to execute.

Just as a clear expression of anxiety began to spread across her face, her red eyes scanned the crowd.

Her wandering gaze seemed to be searching for someone.

Before long, her large eyes settled on me.

“…”

“…”

We looked at each other for a long time.

As if only the two of us were here among a hundred people, our gazes stilled.

Vivian’s breathing gradually calmed down.

As she steadied herself, my heart began to race instead.

I didn’t know what decision Vivian had made.

Am I really going to be the executioner?

Will I be the one to kill those twenty people kneeling up ahead?

Vivian spoke.

“B-before we proceed with the execution... I-I have something to ask all of you.”

Her small voice rang clearly among the people.

No one made even the slightest sound.

Perhaps because of that, her stuttering became more pronounced.

“D-due to the war, many people died, including the Lesque family, who were Rondor’s executioners. As you all know, there’s no one in Rondor to serve as an executioner. Is there a-anyone among you who would become Rondor’s executioner?”

“…”

I felt the urge to smack my forehead.

It’s not good for the head of the family to come out in such a submissive manner.

If she wants someone to do it, she should just command it.

Despite my advice that being overly cautious would only lead to being disregarded, did she have to show such weakness?

Willas nudged Balon and whispered.

“Hey, Balon. Why don’t you volunteer?”

“Are you c-crazy? Why would I do that?”

“Are you scared of killing people?”

“...Then you do it.”

“I-I’m not doing it. Just kidding.”

Even in their tone, one could sense the tension. That’s how hard it is to kill someone.

Aside from their joking, the courtyard remained silent.

Not a single knight stepped forward for their lord.

As the silence continued, Vivian’s position only became more awkward.

“…”

“…”

“…”

A long, long silence.

There wasn’t a single person willing to walk a difficult path for her.

I understand that executioners are despised in the South. Given that the role is passed down through generations, it’s understandable that it’s avoided.

But for no one to step forward... it was disheartening.

It felt like confirming Vivian Rondor’s standing.

Vivian, perhaps sensing the coldness, scanned the crowd with anxious eyes.

Her gaze sought me out as if searching for help.

“…”

“…”

That’s why I can’t just stand by and watch.

Again, she looks like nothing but a loner to me.

She seems to be standing precariously alone once more.

Like a rose blooming in the wilderness or the last dying ember among the coals—I feel as if I must protect her.

And perhaps it’s because she seems so pitiful due to my family’s actions. Or maybe I simply can’t take my eyes off her...

In the end, almost unconsciously, I nodded.

It was a signal of affirmation once again—If no one else does it, I will.

Seeing this, Vivian bit her lip firmly and then spoke.

“If no one will step forward... as the head of Rondor, I will appoint someone for the role.”

I heard the retainers tense up.

Maybe because I had already decided to do it. The sight of the retainers, not daring to make a sound for fear their names might be called, seemed laughable to me.

“…Kylo Allen.”

At Vivian’s whisper-like words, the crowd collectively held their breath.

Over a hundred gazes shifted from Vivian to me.

My distinctive black hair stood out among these southern people.

People easily spotted me.

“Uh... uh...”

Balon, Willas, and Martin were equally stunned.

Vivian continued.

“From now on, you are the executioner of Rondor.”

I closed my eyes tightly and then opened them.

So it has come to this, after all.

“…”

I didn’t like it, but I recalled what I had told Vivian.

I was the one who insisted that even if you don’t want to, you have to do it.

I didn’t want to make a fool out of me by taking back my words now.

Perhaps that’s why, I took steady steps forward.

—Step... step...

I walked slowly toward the execution block.

The path felt endlessly long.

Throughout my walk, the gazes of the House of Rondor bore down on me.

I didn’t take my eyes off Vivian. Vivian didn’t take hers off me either.

“Do you need any weapons?”

Burger shouted from far behind.

“…A two-handed sword.”

I answered coldly.

I saw Vivian’s expression flinch slightly.

Together, we were preparing to kill people.

Burger’s lieutenant, Coleman, brought a two-handed sword from somewhere and handed it to me.

I held the sword and felt its weight.

I had held real swords a few times before, but it had been a very long time.

It weighs the same as a wooden sword, but the heft when you hold it is incomparable.

There was a gravity that came with a weapon capable of actually killing someone.

“Phew...”

I steadied my breath.

Gripping the hilt with both hands, I raised the blade toward the sky.

After confirming the sharpness of the blade, I planted it back into the ground.

Perhaps because I had become the executioner, relieving the tension of those who didn’t want to be one, mocking voices began to be heard here and there.

The lieutenant of the First Knights was the first.

“I wonder if he can even do it. He’s just a fourteen-year-old kid.”

I looked back at him and replied. In the quiet courtyard, conversation could easily be exchanged.

“I’m fifteen now.”

“Same difference. You’re still a brat. Have you ever killed a person, Kylo Allen?”

Once again I felt I was completely thrown to the wolves of Rondor.

Considering the relationship between our family and Rondor, it was to be expected.

Another knight sneered beside him and shouted.

“This is quite a sight. Who would have thought the eldest son of House Allen would become Rondor’s executioner? Could there be a more fitting job?”

“He’s doing work that suits his origin—barbaric, lowly work.”

Laughter gradually spread. I glanced at Vivian.

Her expression wasn’t particularly good.

I wondered if she felt sorry for what she had done to me.

But I didn’t want to show her the sight of me being bullied.

I knew that only if I was strong would she follow.

It wouldn’t look good to lose face because of a few petty knights.

Also, I especially didn’t want to back down to the knight order that had bullied Vivian Rondor.

‘If you get hit, you have to hit back.’ That’s what my father always said after all.

“Lowly?”

I turned to the knights and asked.

“I don’t know who’s more lowly here. Perhaps those who are too scared to kill a single person to help their own lord.”

At my reply, the crowd fell silent as if cold water had been poured over them.

They hadn’t expected any words of resistance.

The Second Knight Commander, Thoros, asked.

A man of short stature and agile build.

“...What do you mean by that?”

“What was that earlier? When the lord was looking for an executioner, you all turned into dumb mutes. Is that the loyalty of Rondor? If it were House Allen, everyone would have volunteered and enjoyed the honor.”

My voice echoed in the courtyard. Knights, maids, and retainers all remained silent at my words.

I continued.

“Now I understand how we were able to trample over you. With guys like you as knights, of course, it was inevitable.”

“You’d better watch your mouth, Kylo Allen.”

The First Knight Commander, Baelor, said in a deep voice.

I knew he had taken the bait and steadied myself.

I had wanted to get back at him ever since he said something to Vivian.

“Watch my mouth?”

I pointed at him with my finger and said.

“Consider yourself blessed to have been born in this land.”

“...?”

“In our land, if someone like you doesn’t watch his mouth and disrespects the lord... we cut off his head and display it on the castle walls.”

At the harsh words, murmurs arose here and there. Baelor stared at me with unwavering blue eyes.

Vivian looked surprised, her mouth slightly open. The maids and retainers around her had similar expressions.

Baelor continued.

“...Are you questioning my loyalty to Rondor?”

“Questioning your loyalty? No there is no need to.” I spat back, “Loyalty is shown through actions, not words.”

His eyes scanned me up and down. The other knights behind Baelor seemed to be growing increasingly angry.

But Baelor belatedly let out a smirk.

Of course, he didn’t look pleased at all.

“...Well, you do take after your father, Jade Allen’s eldest son. You’ve got the same sharp tongue.”

“…”

“But, Kylo Allen, if you’re going to say things like that, why don’t you suppress your fear first? Your hands are trembling.”

I glanced down at my hands. As he said, they were trembling slightly.

I hadn’t realized it myself, but I must have been very nervous.

But I couldn’t help it.

I had to make such provocative remarks under the gaze of Rondor.

I was suppressing my fear for Vivian’s sake.

Not just because of the gazes, but because I was about to kill people soon.

But I couldn’t reveal such inner thoughts.

“You say I’m afraid?”

“No matter how much you try to hide it with words, a kid is still a kid. It’s okay to be afraid.”

Baelor spoke as if soothing a child.

He was throwing insults to match mine.

So I returned the insult.

“What’s there to be afraid of, from a bunch of guys who all got trampled by my father?”

That seemed to hit their sore spot.

Memories of defeat don’t fade easily.

Baelor’s eyes twitched for the first time.

The Second Knight Commander, Thoros, spat out curses.

The Third Knight Commander, Morden, placed his hand on his sword.

The Fourth Knight Commander, Burger, let out a snort as if he couldn’t believe it.

Having struck a nerve, I continued.

“I feel no fear toward the weak. Don’t be mistaken. The peace of Rondor is maintained by my sacrifice and the patience of House Allen, not by Rondor’s army. It’s not you who hold my life, but we who hold yours.”

I felt killing intent rising around me. From here and there, fists clenched, and the strange sound of leather gloves tightening could be heard.

I felt I was becoming a complete target.

Even those who had grown accustomed to me and no longer showed hatred were now gritting their teeth as they looked at me.

Only Vivian was different.

She, who would have been the angriest normally, was not the same this time.

She watched my confrontation with her mouth slightly open, just like before.

The reason she was reacting this way was probably related to our promise.

I had told her to watch me.

I was showing her the fight she couldn’t fight herself.

I hoped that at least this would give her some comfort.

I wanted her to feel relieved that I had repaid Baelor’s insult.

“Allen.”

The laughter disappeared from Baelor’s voice.

“...You’re making a mistake right now.”

Despite his final warning, I didn’t waver.

—Thunk!

Resting the two-handed sword on my shoulder, I prepared to swing.

I looked at him and said.

“Shut up and bring the prisoners in front of me.”

– – – The End of The Chapter – – –

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