Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste
Chapter 54: The Knight’s Betrayal

Chapter 54: Chapter 54: The Knight’s Betrayal

Still simmering with anger, Perfikot returned to her cabin, throwing herself onto the sofa with frustration, and vented her emotions by punching the cushion, muttering curses, "Damn Blackwood! They’ve ruined my good mood! I was looking forward to savoring a grand banquet on the seas!"

Despite her words, Perfikot glanced at Beifa standing beside her and said, "Beifa, inform the kitchen to send a grand meal to my room."

"Yes, Miss." Inside Beifa, there was a clicking sound of gears turning. She then reached out to activate another maid automaton, passing the recorded instructions to it.

The maid automaton received the directive and immediately left the room to convey Perfikot’s request.

Meanwhile, Butler Foster and Samantha arrived outside the room, accompanied by other Imperial Guard Knights.

After letting the maid automaton out and instructing the other Imperial Guard Knights to stay outside, Foster and Samantha entered the room together.

Facing the seemingly furious Perfikot, Samantha was the first to salute her and reported, "Lady Brandelis, as per your orders, Sir Beckett Blackwood has been dismissed from all duties within the exploration team. I have taken command of the fourth banner of the Imperial Guard Knights, which now consists of three knights and six attendants at your disposal."

Samantha had adopted a rather stern and businesslike demeanor, not because she had any grievances with Perfikot, but because this was now an official matter concerning military affairs, requiring seriousness, especially considering the grave issue at hand.

Perfikot frowned slightly and asked, "According to what you previously told me, a banner of the Imperial Guard Knights should consist of twenty members. Given that your captain led six knights to protect my estate, the fourth banner should have thirteen members remaining.

But now, I’ve only dismissed Beckett, so why are there only nine left? Where did the other three go?"

For an Imperial Guard Knight, loyalty is paramount.

Although their allegiance is to the Royal Family, when Perfikot holds the Empress’s special full authority, she is the embodiment of royal authority—her orders and will are regarded as the will of the Royal Family.

In such a situation, with three refusing to obey her order, it becomes a very serious matter, even reaching the point of potential betrayal by the Imperial Guard Knights.

"One of the knights was previously Sir Beckett’s attendant, and the other two are their current attendants. After you announced Sir Beckett’s dismissal, they chose to stand with him," Samantha quickly replied to Perfikot’s question before bowing her head.

Perfikot took a deep breath, truly feeling dissatisfied, but instead of flying into a rage, she turned and asked Foster, "Grandpa Fu, in the military, what is this behavior called? With the current attitude of the Imperial Guard Knights, can I interpret it as the Blackwood family trying to control the knights to betray the Royal Family?"

These words immediately caused Samantha and the Imperial Guard Knights listening by the door to change their expressions; accusing the knights of betraying the Royal Family was quite serious!

They had realized the severity of the situation before, but hadn’t thought it would be directed in this way.

"Miss, you shouldn’t be so angry," Foster advised Perfikot, then answered her question, "In the past, the relationship between a knight and their attendant was akin to a parental or mentor relationship. Knights taught their attendants and sought opportunities for them to become true knights.

In fact, many attendants who became knights inherited titles and lands from their serving knights.

Much like my relationship with the master, attendants are expected to provide various services to the knights they serve, including but not limited to military and attendant services.

Providing advice and support in critical moments is also part of an attendant’s duties.

However, this behavior in the military is considered forming factions or developing personal power and followers. According to military reforms of the Empire, such actions have severely violated military laws.

Nonetheless, it doesn’t constitute a betrayal of the Royal Family by the Imperial Guard Knights; your statement is somewhat exaggerated."

"It might be," Perfikot retorted, then asked Samantha, "Have those two guys from the Blackwood family been sent to the frigate?"

"The captain has dispatched a small boat to take them and three other Imperial Guard Knights to the frigate. I watched them board," Samantha promptly answered, assuring Perfikot, "Lady, you need not doubt the loyalty of the knights. Even Sir Beckett would never entertain thoughts of betraying the Empire."

Perfikot shook her head noncommittally and did not say much more, simply instructing Samantha to readjust the defenses on the ship before dismissing her.

After Samantha left, Perfikot then asked Foster, "Grandpa Fu, do you think I was truly wrong today?"

"That’s for you to judge, Miss. I can only offer the knowledge I possess," the ever-humble Foster replied, but still reminded Perfikot, "The Blackwood family holds significant influence in the military. The old Viscount Blackwood and your grandfather were once colleagues, and he was even your grandfather’s superior.

Back in their day, relations between the Blackwood family and the Brandlis Clan were good. Your grandfather and the old Viscount were known as ’B2,’ so much so that your father attended the same university as the current Black Viscount.

However, due to matters related to your mother, a duel ensued and Viscount Blackwood lost, leading to the formation of hostilities between the two families."

Though Foster spoke vaguely, Perfikot understood his implication.

"Really? So such things happened. In that case, I wasn’t wrong today. This family doesn’t seem to be good folks at all," Perfikot observed, instructing Foster, "Send a telegram to Langton, explaining the situation plainly without embellishment."