The God of Jesters
Chapter 338 - 5.18.2 New dogs.

Chapter 338: 5.18.2 New dogs.

Even an old organization that had seen countless kingdoms rise and fall would face changes with the passage of time.

But with the recent growth on the other side, which was later brought by the travelers from the world of mortals to this side of the veil, the world changed too fast.

Ignoring the new methods of killing that were brought back. The most devastating for the old organization has been nothing more than ideologies of that new world.

Morals and creed of knights couldn’t keep up with the world. Now, instead of being revered due to their creed, they are mocked now, called hypocrites and stained with all sorts of names.

The masses were intelligent now, and the reverence they once held for the Knights was long gone.

Now, in their eyes, Knights were nothing more than people that got lucky or were rich enough to obtain special blood. Something they can achieve as well with enough money.

"They don’t have awe for us anymore."

The Man’s name was Ziegart, Hawking Ziegart. A radiant Knight who belonged to the progressive faction among the Knights.

He was one of the earliest members of the Knights to notice the change in the wind. He noticed that if they didn’t change their ways in time, something bad will happen to them. Something that they would regret very much in the future.

It’s why, by the time the first tracks of the train were laid in the plains of Cynark empire, he started to look for like-minded individuals among the Knights. "The world is changing, we can’t remain at the edge of the laws and eke out a living. We need to become part of the governments, it’s the best way to spread our belief and destroy the scourge of curses with our own hand."

The old still believed that the Knights should be pristine in their belief, free from the sins of greed and vanity. They shouldn’t bow, nor should they ever work for money.

But it was due to such beliefs that the Knights barely sustain themselves, the world governments hate them and the mages treat them like rabid dogs.

"Guns are not to be look down upon, they might be mortal weapons, but with simple modifications to the projectile, they can be a good tool for our Knights." Were the words he spoke in this very hall twenty years ago. And now, a small part of the Knights have started to master weapons as guns and the arcane bullets made specifically to target monsters and curses.

Although not his own invention, but it was Ziegart that brought a new avenue to the Knights, strengthening their forces and hence gaining more support from some of the neutral knights.

And as time has gone by, Ziegart has turned into the top three Knights who were responsible for leader of the Cynark Chapter of Radiant Hall. So the moment he had made the suggestion to abandon Remira.

Many among the knights seem to agree with his word. And why would they not do that?

Each of Ziegart’s ideas have been shown to be fruitful till now. Although most of his propositions have been shut down as they directly targeted the bottom line for Radiant Knights. But this one, they can see value in it.

Making Vance frustrated. "Bowing to him will only make his ego grow larger."

"Let it grow bigger, it will be his downfall. We should not lose our current focus to pursue a past humiliation. The world we should pursue is the one in the future."

Like a senior teaching a child, Ziegart explained his perspective to Vance, along with others in the room. "It can work for the most part, but exposing Remira’s identity as the chosen won’t do us any good. Even a rumor would make her a target. The countries might fear us, but there are forces older than the Knights who are looking forward to harming us in any way possible." The Head Knight spoke, his eyes traveled between the members before looking at Ziegart. "So unless you can find an alternative to this issue, I don’t believe we can just abandon Remira like that."

The words that the Old Knight spoke made Vance a bit happy. Although, he was worried for a second that the conversation was leading in a weird direction. But the Old Knight was still not so blinded by Knight Ziegart’s words. He appeared calm and composed, taking everything into account, just like he had always done.

Supported by the conservative faction leader Daar Ghais, who derided Ziegart over his suggestions. But when asked what should be done, he had no answer.

Yes, if the answer was so simple, why would half of the Grandmaster’s be called in the Hall this morning.

But it was at this time, another young Grandmaster Knight spoke her thoughts. "Why not we just pay them? Pay for Remira’s release and then pay them from spreading further lies from their front."

"Young Knight Caseen, have you forgotten the Knight’s honor?" Knight Daar made a disgusted face over what the Caseen spoke just now. And anyone would be in his situation. Because what she was saying was to pay their enemies’ money to shut them up.

Making it appear as if they truly were at fault. "We will lose all our honor."

"Please don’t be offended, Sir Daar, I am just giving suggesting something I have always seen as a kid."

"What do you mean?"

At such a question, Ziegart’s eyes suddenly shined and said to Daar. "What she is saying is not wrong. This happens a lot among the weaker populace, and when it came to us, it is just happening on a bigger scale."

"But what she suggested is also wrong, we can’t afford to bow our head down."

"Get to the point, Hawkings."

"We can’t pay our enemies for her release in any form, we can’t bow our head down, nor can we accept any of their offer. It would put us at passivity."

"But if we were to pay certain individuals. Certain individuals who manage security around the cells, Remira might have the chance to run away."

"You are dirtying the name of Knights."

"Its been dirty since the death of Ikaror Yethel, things can’t go any worse than this."

"All we need to do is time Remira’s dismissal just a bit before the security of her prisons loosens up... and I already have some idea on who will be perfect for such a job."

"If everyone agrees, I promise to save Remira, as well as our honor, from this predicament."

And as expected, the moment Ziegart stopped speaking, an onslaught of insults were thrown his way. All the Knights angered over his suggestion.

Or so it seemed, because many among them truly started to consider his words. Some even went as far as to ask who he was speaking about. Who he was going to pay and how long it might take.

A proof that there were knights not too blind from to reality, unlike certain someone.

"Enough!" A low thundering shout came, silencing the Knight.

"Hawking, how much Dirium would it take."

"No more than 300 thousands. I would try to cut corners where I can, but this is the minimum amount I need for this plan to work."

"... Hah! Considering, none of the other ideas on this table were better than yours. We will move with your plan... all I hope is that you don’t let this matter get exposed."

"There is no need for worries, teacher."

"Then I appoint you to handle this matter, and considering Knight Caseen was the one to partially help you in this idea, she would be working with you on this matter."

"Yes sir."

"Then meeting is adjourned."

*****

At the end of the meeting, Vance couldn’t do a thing.

’Even with power, I am powerless.’

Grandmaster is a whole new avenue for him, he could feel something unique grow inside his body, something that belonged to him and not the blood that he borrowed from the First Knight.

But before he could enjoy the feeling of his realm and come to understand what the thing inside him was. He was called in a meeting about him and how Remira has fallen in his trap.

And with all the power, he still couldn’t change anything. Turning his happy mood to dust. ’I can’t meet master in the current state.’

’If... if I can’t help Remira in this situation.’ Vance turned his head toward Old knight Ziegart, who smiled as he walked along Knight Caseen. "Sir Knight, I wonder if you can give me some of your time." there was no anger on his face, no hatred over the fact that he was treated like a child inside the discussion hall.

No, this was a great learning moment for him and knowing how the whole Hall came to a stop after one political disaster, he understood from this single event that following the old ways won’t do.

’He plays dirty, why should I play straight?’

There was no one in this world who understood how much he hated that clown. Not even his master.

But out of responsibilities and the Order’s purposeful management, he could never come across any cases concerning Yethel or Jester. He was always kept on edge.

Not anymore. He won’t be so passive anymore.

"Knight Clifford, I didn’t think you would speak to me after what happened in there."

"No... I understand your point, I am still learning. And I hope to learn more in the future."

Humility was one thing that Ziegart loved, this showed that a person knew how to hide their true edge front the world. And although a bit amateurish, Vance was doing that very thing.