Chapter 47: The Pearl Mountains(Part 1)
"That concludes my report, sis-...I mean, Commander. That's everything that transpired in Garnet City last night," Remarked Rione, as he finished relaying the events that had occurred the previous night.
"I see...how unfortunate. With this, the Third Squad has now lost their Captain and three of their First-Class Knights at the hands of The Irregulars. Their Vice-Captain will have to lead them in the interim while we look for a suitable replacement for the Captain position...but that's much easier said than done, at present we simply don't have any other Knights who are strong enough to qualify. And with how easily Captain Plore was killed, I refuse to allow another under-qualified individual to head the Third Squad, no matter how much the Nobility breathes down my neck," Responded Jules with a grimace.
"I strongly agree with that sentiment, but you know it isn't realistic...if another high ranked Noble managed to convince father to pressure you, like what Count Ernet Plore did to secure high ranks in the Order for the members of his family, your hands will be tied," Pointed out Rione, letting out a sigh.
"Tch, don't remind me...I have full control over my Commander Squad, and thanks to your cooperation, the First Squad has been free of any external interference and influence as well. The Second Squad is about halfway there, but I have hardly any control over the Third Squad...the vast majority of the members of that squad come from Noble Houses who are opposed to my way of doing things, they foolishly believe that only those with Noble and Royal blood should be allowed to join the Knight Order.
As such, they refuse to accept my more merit-based recruitment policies...if I had my way, there'd be a lot more Commoners in the Order, but they just keep getting in my way whenever we come across any talented Commoners. The fact that I've been able to recruit as many Commoners as I have is nothing short of a miracle, why don't they understand that this is the best move to ensure that our Kingdom is as well-protected as-...excuse me, I got a bit too heated there," Remarked Jules as she composed herself, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling.
"No, I get it...like I said, I share your sentiments, Commander. While I fought those two Irregulars, I couldn't help but think what a waste it was that men of their talents and skill are our enemies. They would be invaluable assets if they were on our side. But there's not much we can do about it, what with the church's policy of executing any Commoners who possess Irregular Magic," Replied Rione in agreement.
"If only we could change that, it's the height of foolishness to enforce policies that make enemies of our own people. I wonder, just how many talented Commoners make no effort to unearth their latent potential because they know that their odds of getting into the Knight Order are so slim? What a waste. Ahem, excuse me, I've gotten off-topic here, let's get back to the matter at hand, there's no point in discussing and dwelling on what-ifs...besides the Third Squad's top Knights, the Cardinal in charge of the Garnet City church was also killed...we had recently discovered evidence that he was working with his sister, the Viscountess Stagra Garnet, to make life harder for the Commoners in the city. That's likely why The Irregulars targeted him.
One thing has become abundantly clear to me about them at this point...there's no doubt about it, The Irregulars only target individuals who discriminate against and oppress Commoners. When I and the members of my squad fought them outside the Quartz Ruins, they were clearly not trying to kill any of us, it seemed more like they were testing their skills against us. And now, they've done the same exact thing against you and the members of your squad, they made a clear effort to avoid killing any of you. They aren't killing indiscriminately, they only target those who they've deemed to be deserving of it. And I believe we can use that against them," Surmised Jules thoughtfully.
"Yes, I agree. We can at least narrow down the areas they're most likely to target...I would imagine that they'll target places under the Third Squad's jurisdiction, or places where the churches are being led by corrupt heads. Plus, the fact that they won't kill Knights like us, who don't abuse our power and oppress Commoners, it gives us the opportunity to defeat them more easily than we'd otherwise be able to.