Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste
Chapter 52 Samantha

Chapter 52: Chapter 52 Samantha

As the White Gem sailed into the open sea and joined the escorting frigates, Perfikot could vaguely sense the ship starting to sway slightly, though not noticeably.

This was easy to understand, as the waves of the open sea cannot be compared to the calm waters within a harbor.

Moreover, their White Gem was not an enormous vessel; encountering sea waves and experiencing slight swaying was quite normal.

In the age of sails, Perfikot might have had to experience using a hammock; otherwise, the way of riding the waves would have been thrilling enough, like the pirate ship ride at an amusement park.

During the sail era, if one truly encountered rough seas on a voyage, the swaying was even more exaggerated than the pirate ship at an amusement park.

Fortunately, it was the steam era now, and the seaworthiness of vessels had greatly improved, especially for passenger ships specially designed for comfort and stability in sailing.

If Perfikot hadn’t been particularly perceptive, she might not have even noticed the slight swaying.

"Perhaps this is the feeling of sailing on the sea?" Perfikot mused to herself and then went on without paying further attention.

After changing into an evening gown for the banquet with Beifa’s assistance, she left the room with Beifa and headed towards the deck where the banquet was held.

Due to her special and noble status, Perfikot was staying in the finest cabin on the ship. Consequently, stepping out, she saw that the hallway was lined with similarly luxurious cabins.

Likely due to considerations of operational costs by the shipping company, there weren’t many large suites like the one Perfikot was staying in; according to the schematic diagram hanging in the hallway, there were only four such suites.

As for the other six rooms on this floor, although they were also luxury cabins of the same grade, they did not come with servant quarters or separate living and reception areas.

The Imperial Guard Knights accompanying Perfikot were staying in these cabins, ensuring they could provide close protection for her.

Of course, the status of these Imperial Guard Knights was sufficient to warrant living in such luxury suites, as the threshold for becoming an Imperial Guard Knight was a grand knight, and anyone recognized as such was granted a noble knight title by the Empire, thus considered an aristocrat.

"Lady Brandelis!" A female knight dressed in ceremonial attire stood in the hallway. Upon seeing Perfikot come out, she immediately greeted her with impeccable courtly manners and introduced herself: "I am Samantha Field, the flag bearer of the Fourth Banner Team of the Imperial Guard Knights. I will be responsible for your personal safety throughout the journey."

"My cabin is right next to yours. If you need anything, please feel free to call me anytime. I will do my utmost to ensure your safety."

"Thank you, Knight Field. If you don’t mind, may I call you Samantha? And, of course, you can call me Perfikot as an exchange." Perfikot looked at the knight before her with fondness: "I’ll rely on you for protection during this journey."

"Rest assured, the Imperial Guard Knights will absolutely safeguard your security." The knight reassured before asking: "Are you heading to the deck for the banquet now?"

"Yes, so I request you to accompany me." Perfikot nodded and continued toward the stairs at the end of the hallway.

Samantha promptly followed, maintaining a half-body distance behind Perfikot, with her hand resting on the ceremonial sword at her waist.

Though merely ceremonial, the weapons of the Imperial Guard Knights were not mere decorations—they remained finely forged, sharp weapons, ready to serve as useful arms if necessary.

With Samantha and Beifa accompanying her, Perfikot soon arrived at the deck.

The deck was already bustling with many people. Although the banquet hadn’t started, the atmosphere was lively, and even the escorting frigate not far away appeared animated on deck.

Because the ship had been chartered by the Royal Family, everyone on the deck was part of the expedition team, including members of the Royal Exploration Company, scientists invited by Perfikot, officers of the accompanying military escort, and two Imperial Guard Knights.

"How many of your team of Imperial Guard Knights are there?" Perfikot picked up two non-alcoholic drinks from a waiter, handing one to Samantha as she asked.

Samantha took the drink with her non-sword hand, glanced at her two companions in the crowd on the deck, and replied knowingly: "A standard Imperial Guard Knight team consists of twenty people, known as a banner team. It includes one team leader, one flag bearer, ten knights, and eight attendant knights."

Every Imperial Guard recruit must serve three years as an attendant, learning and understanding the duties and responsibilities required of an Imperial Guard Knight.

Only after understanding these duties thoroughly and familiarizing themselves with everything can one officially become an Imperial Guard Knight."

"Sounds complicated, but if there are so many, why have I only seen you and those two?" Perfikot wondered, but didn’t delve further, simply expressing her curiosity.

"Your laboratory holds extraordinary value for the Empire, so the team leader led six knights to your estate to defend and protect your laboratory." Samantha explained to Perfikot, though they were dispatched to protect Perfikot, her laboratory also contained information critical to the Steam Knights, so part of this team of Imperial Guard Knights was assigned to guard Perfikot’s laboratory.

Perfikot nodded slightly; such matters were handled by the old butler, Foster, as she typically didn’t concern herself with them.

Listening to Samantha’s explanation, she curiously asked: "Is the protection here led by you as the flag bearer?"

Being a flag bearer wasn’t a simple position; typically, they had to hold the banner high on battlegrounds, guiding their troops while ensuring the banner remained steady and monitoring other banners to receive or relay commands through flag signals.

When charging forward, the flag bearer must be out front, ensuring everyone follows the banner closely.

However, this position often attracts enemy fire.

If a flag falls, it gravely affects morale, so usually, it is held by the most loyal, reliable, and physically robust individual.

Since a slightly frail person may struggle to bear the banner.

Yet before her, Samantha didn’t appear stout; though taller than average women, she was merely slender and poised, and didn’t seem like someone capable of charging forward bearing a large flag.