Bernice

Are you talking about Bernice? The apprentice knight Bernice?

Bernice is an excellent fellow. Diligent and dedicated to training. Among the royal knights, there's no one more committed to training than him.

His skills are outstanding, and there are more than a few comrades who owe their lives to Bernice in battle. In many ways, he's an indispensable talent in our Pereus Royal Knights.

In fact, Bernice is not someone who should remain an apprentice knight. His skills are exceptional, and his achievements are sufficient. Moreover, he's a Nemonic.

It's true that there are many Nemonics in the Pereus Knights, but it's not to the extent that a Nemonic would remain an apprentice knight. The reason Bernice remains an apprentice is because of Ferrancy.

A knight who can accompany the commander is an honorably selected position within the knights, known as the commander's aide. It's considered the highest position a regular knight can achieve.

Therefore, even the commander cannot freely choose the commander's aide. It's a position that requires exceptional skills and overwhelming achievements recognized by other knights.

No matter how outstanding Bernice is, he's not at that level. So, under normal circumstances, it would be impossible for Bernice to be by Ferrancy's side.

But the story is different for an apprentice knight. Apprentice knights assist the duties of regular knights. And regular knights can choose their own apprentice knights to assist them.

That's why Commander Ferrancy took Bernice as his apprentice knight and takes him everywhere.

In most cases, the position of the commander's apprentice knight is merely a nominal one. High-ranking nobles' children often bribe the commander to enter as apprentice knights to pave their way to success.

So when it was announced that Bernice became the commander's apprentice knight, everyone was surprised. It's obvious at a glance that Bernice is a commoner from the countryside. He's not from a family that can afford bribes. And Ferrancy is not someone who would accept bribes.

I hear that Bernice is undergoing rigorous training under the commander. It seems the commander intends to make Bernice his right-hand man. To catch the commander's eye... While he's happy about it, I feel a bit sorry for Bernice.

To Bernice

How is our daughter doing? Mom is doing well. It's a bit lonely in our hometown without you, but I'm managing.

It's been so long since you left. How is life as a knight? I'm still worried about you. In my memories, you're still a small and delicate young girl. Every time I think about you enduring the tough life of a knight, I get concerned.

Recently, a bard from Pereus visited the village. He told the villagers stories about the Pereus Knights. I heard the training is extremely harsh and they fight the Voidspawn around Pereus day and night. I don't know how true the bard's words are, but it seems the life of a knight is indeed tough.

While talking about the knights, the bard sang a song for the villagers. It was about the knights' exploits, and there was one memorable line.

"The one with the shining shield, shines the brightest at the front of the battlefield."

I couldn't help but smile. I immediately knew the protagonist of this song was our daughter. While I'm worried about how hard your life as a knight must be, it seems you're doing well, which eases my mind a bit.

As you know, your father's memorial day is coming up soon. This time, you don't have to push yourself to come like last time. Do what you can from where you are. Your father would want that too. No matter where you are or what you're doing, Mom and Dad are cheering for you. We love you, our daughter.

Love, Mom

P.S.
I received the living expenses you sent. It was a really large amount again. Even though you're in the royal knights, do you really receive this much money? Surely you're not sending all the money you receive to Mom, right? You don't have to send so much. Do what you want to do as well.

Children? Of course, I like them.

When I was young, I didn't have many friends. I wasn't in good health, and I spent most of my time training, so I hardly had time to play with friends.

That's why whenever I have time, I go down to the market to play with the children. Seeing them happy makes me happy too.

Playing with children is fun. We play various games, and it's interesting to discover the differences from the games we played back home. The most popular game among children these days is playing knights. Recently, there was a large-scale Voidspawn hunt by the Pereus Knights. When stories of the knights' exploits spread, the children get excited and play knight games.

Sometimes, while playing with the children, I find myself pondering. Pereus is famous for its knights, so many children dream of becoming knights. So, when I'm playing with the children in the market, sometimes those who dream of becoming knights come to me and ask about being a knight.

I also admired knights when I was young, and that's why I became one. Even though I'm just an apprentice, I know how much my words can influence the children. So, whenever I see such children, I find myself in a dilemma. Should I encourage their dreams, or should I tell them the reality? Being a knight is indeed a noble and admirable profession that children look up to, but the path to becoming one is extremely challenging.

Hmm. It's a difficult issue. The thought that my casual words might have a significant impact on the children makes me anxious. What should I do in such situations? I don't know.