The Lionheart family mobilized a hundred knights for the Knight March, apart from the members of the family. There were forty White Lions and sixty Black Lions. The Knights of the White Lion protected the main family, and there were quite a few of them. As such, it wasn’t a big problem even if forty of them were absent. However, the same wasn’t true of the Black Lion Knights.

The Black Lion Castle was located at the Uklas Mountains at the border of Kiehl, and beyond it lay the Great Forest of Samar. The natives of the forest were always trying to sneak past the border into Kiehl at every opportunity, and there were criminals of Kiehl and other nations trying to sneak past the border to avoid punishment. The main duty of the Black Lions was to serve as guardians of the border at the Uklas Mountains, and they were recognized by the Kiehl Empire for their strength and valor.

Since Eward’s uprising a year ago, the Black Lion Knights had greatly increased their power, but most of the knights that they had recruited were youngsters from the countryside. If the elite knights were mobilized to participate in the Knight March, the castle would be left with rookie knights. Thus, half of the commanders and elite knights of the Black Lion stayed back at the castle, and as a result, in the mansion, there were quite a few new faces among the Black Lion Knights that Eugene didn’t recognize. Of course, he knew that they were all there to participate in the Knight March, a grueling ritual that would bring even the strongest of warriors to their limit.

As he made his way to the center of the room, he couldn't shake the feeling that all eyes were on him, watching his every move.

“…..”

But not all of them were unfamiliar faces. Eugene stared at Gargith, who was intently peering at him while proudly sticking out his chest. Just like Dezra, Gargith had decided to join the Black Lion Knights.

Eugene didn’t say a word and looked at the man standing next to Gargith — Genos, the captain. Originally, he had been in charge of the Second Division. However, after Dominic had passed, his division had gone up one rank.

“…Hmm.” Eugene cleared his throat when he felt the heat of their gazes. It had been quite a while since he had last met with Genos or Gargith, but… Eugene felt rather embarrassed seeing how Genos’ eyes were filled with tears.

‘What an achieve...