When I was Reincarnated into a Game World, I Was a Farmer’s Son - Chapter 41
Chapter 41
I’m extremely surprised by Goti’s sudden suggestion.
“After witnessing you taking down that Forest Wolf yesterday, I see that you have potential. That’s why, would you join the Marwell Knights Order as an apprentice knight?”
While I’m still in shock, Goti continues to explain the details. First, he mentioned that the Marwell County has its own army and is continuously recruiting soldiers.
Normally, when commoners join the military, they will start as the lowest-ranked general within the county’s army. Unless they possess exceptional abilities, it is difficult for commoners to advance in rank. However, the entry requirements are relatively low, so anyone with the determination can join.
On the other hand, the knight order is a special group within the county’s army known for their exceptional strength. To join the knight order, it is essential to be scouted by current members and undergo additional special examinations.
What surprised me is that normally, knight orders only accept nobles as members. However, under the current head of Marwell County, Count Schuften Marwell, it seems that they allow commoners to join as well.
However, it is difficult to join the knight order without corresponding abilities, and one also must have the minimum etiquette expected of a noble. Therefore, there have been no cases in the past or present of a commoner joining the knight order.
Apprentice knights are exclusively for those who have potential to become a knight and join the knight order. Apprentice knights will receive training and education as they work on miscellaneous tasks in the knight order.
They live in a dormitory with three meals a day and receive a monthly pay of one gold coin. It seems that the monthly salary alone is more than twice compared to an ordinary soldier. One gold coin is enough for a family of three to live for two months in Machikane Village.
Of course, in return for those benefits, the tasks, daily training, and studies required to become a knight are said to be challenging.
“Currently, we have four apprentice knights in the Marwell Knight Order, but all of them are nobles. It is true that the duties of each knight may differ from one and another and we always face a shortage of talents, they are just not many people who are qualified to be an apprentice knight. Regardless of nobility or commoner status, we constantly seek individuals who possess suitable abilities to be an apprentice knight. To be honest, I see that potential in you, that’s why Neil, would you join the Marwell Knight Order?”
Wait, wait, wait, I can’t process all of this information. It’s just too surprising that you told me all of this all of the sudden.
“You want to become a knight, don’t you? This is your opportunity to improve your life. Honestly, it should be practically impossible for a child from a remote village like you to become a knight. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you.”
I’m not particularly interested to become a knight. It’s like he is forcing all of this on me. With his intimidating expression, the pressure is just to overwhelming. It’s as if I can’t refuse his offer at all.
However…
“I apologize. It’s truly a great offer for me, but I must decline that offer.”
I responded Goti with a firm and resolute manner, expressing my unwavering conviction…
I immediately regretted my answer. Upon hearing my words, Goti’s eyes widened in surprise, but his face quickly becomes stern again.
However, it’s clearly different from before. I can feel an overwhelming sense of intimidation coming from Goti, it’s as if I’m facing a monster.
Don’t tell me, is this what people call ‘Killing intent’!?
The atmosphere is so intense that it feels like it can pierce through me, I can feel Goti’s sharp stare towards me.
Oh no, this is too much for me! He is really angry at me this time!
“You are…refusing this offer, is that correct?”
He’s really scary! This person is way too scary! I’d rather face a Forest Wolf at this point.
“Yes…I would like to decline the offer…”
I answer Goti’s question with trembling voice. If I accept his offer after I said no, I would be killed for sure. It’s too late to retract my words now.
“May I know…the reason of your decision?”
“Yes…it is because I love this village. However, in this village, there is no one who can fight monsters here, there are no soldiers or adventurers here. I just want to protect my father, my mother and the people of this village. I truly love and respect them. We may not be wealthy, but we are happy. We never know when monsters might attack. When monsters appear, I will definitely risk my life to protect the village, my mother, and my father as well! That’s why I don’t want to leave this village!”
In the end, I shouted out my thoughts. Goti and I are looking in each other’s eyes in silence.
My heart is pounding so hard that I thought it would burst, but I have said all of my thoughts, I can’t just back down now. I need to stand my ground.
After a while, Goti takes a deep breath, and the intimidating aura that he emits gradually disappears.
“I can see that you’re serious. I apologize for intimidating you without good a reason. Let’s forget about this discussion for now. However, I’m even more fond of you now, hahaha.”
“T-Thank you.”
“We’re still going to be here for about a month or so. I would like to ask for your help until then, will you help us with the firewood gathering?”
“Of course! I would be honoured to help!”