Steampunk Era: Mad Abield

"Your Grace, you said that our homes lie just behind us." Despite the unease and fear of his first battle showing on his face, the young man replied to Malin with the most unwavering voice. After he finished speaking, he knelt on one knee before Malin: "Your Grace, we will definitely not let you down. Sacrifice is for the better lives of our families. We understand, and we know why we give our lives."

This was the child of a Knight, instinctively adopting the Noble’s manner in addressing Malin, while Malin patted his shoulder: "Every one of you will be a Knight of this city, so stand up, and face the enemy with me."

This time, the young man’s face showed more pride and arrogance: "Am I a Knight too, Your Grace?"

"Yes, everyone is a Knight of this city. It’s not just a title; it won’t grant you status or identity. All of you, like me, stand on this earth and face everything in this world. Just like those comrades who have faced the Black Orcs to the North, you are my Knights, the Knights of this city. Perhaps those Nobles won’t acknowledge all this, but I do."

"That is enough for me, Your Grace. Even if it’s just in your eyes, we can be proud as Knights. Now, I must go and rally my troops. Please permit me to leave, Lord Malin."

"Go, go and rally your troops."

After Malin spoke, he watched the young man turn and run toward the direction where the city guard was assembling.

"Every man a Knight of the city?" The Elf Ambassador exclaimed, "Mr. Malin, you always seem to have a way to lift spirits."

"Because right now, all I can give them is honor and an equivalent exchange," Malin said and then sighed in silence.

He could only offer these young men the glory of a death in battle, he could only give them money so their families would have a place to live, so their children could grow up without worry, so their wives... would have no concerns for the future.

"Because war always leads to death; he could only lead them to die over and over again," Malin continued, then turned to glance at the Elf Ambassador, "How do you Elves regard death?"

"Death is a cycle of returning to the World Tree; in our civilization, it’s a peaceful process. Only those who have protected the homeland or the World Tree are entitled to pride," the Elf Ambassador responded with a sigh. "I can understand your thoughts, Mr. Malin. You always try your best to keep everyone alive, but death is a part of war. Telling them why they die is already very merciful for a commander."