Chapter 2: Knight
Lothar was starving.
Training was an exhausting thing. Combined with the fact that today's lunch was especially good, he found himself eating rather hastily.
Just then, he heard a rhythmic tapping—someone drumming their fingers against the table. Following the sound, Lothar looked up and saw Count Werner glance at his elder brother Otto before speaking.
"His Holiness the Pope has called for a new Crusade."
"In the distant East, the Egyptians have allied themselves with the Sassanid Empire. These evil, fire-worshipping heathens have been steadily consuming the Eastern Empire's territories in Asia Minor for decades. They persecute our Christian brethren without mercy, block the pilgrimage routes, and have the Kingdom of Jerusalem completely surrounded."
The Count paused briefly before continuing.
"The Empress of the Eastern Empire, and the Grand Master of the Templars, Gerard, both recently sent letters to the Pope, urging all God-fearing knights to aid the Eastern Empire in liberating Anatolia and reopening the path to the Holy City of Jerusalem."
"The Franks have already mustered over two thousand knights and even hired two witch advisors for their campaign. They are ready to set off."
Otto, visibly excited, interjected: "Father, when will our German Crusaders depart? We can't let them take all the glory!"
Count Werner frowned, sighing in disappointment. Instead of answering Otto, he turned to Lothar instead.
"Lothar, prepare to leave."
Lothar, who had been listening intently, was caught off guard. "Me?"
The Count's eyes fixed on him. "To fight for God is a duty that the House of Habsburg must fulfill. As the second son of this house, this responsibility falls to you."
He then shot a cold glance at Otto, who seemed about to protest. "You need not think of it. Our family has already fulfilled its obligations to the Lord."
Lothar fell silent.
Indeed. It made sense.
This isn't the era of partible inheritance—where lands were divided among all sons. Here, primogeniture reigned supreme.
This rule stemmed from its long-term effects. The fact that splitting lands weakened noble houses, making them vulnerable in an era of constant warfare and shifting allegiances.
So, for a second son like Lothar, there were essentially only two paths forward:
1. Become a knight under a noble lord, earning lands and titles through battle and merits.
2. Enter the Church, becoming a monk and devoting his life to God.
His two younger brothers, for instance, were studying at an abbey. If the family prospered and they proved capable, they might one day rise to become bishop-lords—feudal rulers with clerical authority.
But Lothar had no such choice.
He was Otto's spare—the "backup heir" should his brother die without issue.
In other words, the clergy was never an option for him.
As for the Crusade…
Yes, it was a path fraught with danger, but also one that offered the possibility of swift, extraordinary overnight wealth.
Had Count Werner not joined the last Crusade, he would likely be no different from those impoverished petty nobles who gnawed daily on coarse black bread.
Nowadays, in Germany and France, nearly all lands had been carved up. Even as a knight serving another lord for years, securing even a meager fief was far from guaranteed.
For Lothar—who needed land and prestige to unlock his system—swearing fealty to another lord paled in comparison to the potential rewards of fighting heathens in the Holy Land.
As for the risks?
Great achievements never came without danger.
Having been reborn in this world, Lothar had no intention of living an ordinary life.
"I understand, Father. I'll go."
Lowering his gaze, Lothar picked up his spoon and took a mouthful of thick pea soup.
At that moment—
Count Werner suddenly barked: "Kneel, Lothar!"
The Count's sudden command, thunderous and stern, made Lothar freeze. Confused, he put down the spoon, but then realized what was happening. He quickly shoved back his chair and knelt at the long table.
The Count stood, drawing the sharp sword at his waist and resting the blade on Lothar's shoulder.
"Lothar von Habsburg, in the name of the warriors, I bestow upon you courage. In the name of the Holy Father, I bestow upon you justice. In the name of the Holy Virgin, I bestow upon you the duty to protect the innocent."
"Now swear upon the Eight Virtues of a Knight: That you shall fight with all your strength against heretics and the enemies of God. You shall uphold the weak and purge all that is evil and wicked."
Lothar spoke solemnly: "Father, I swear upon the Holy Father and the Eight Virtues: I shall be merciful to the weak, face the strong with courage, righteous in judgment, loyal to my oaths, and just in all things—until death."
SMACK!
The Count's palm struck Lothar's face with a sharp crack.
"Remember this: becoming a knight means you will face countless hardships and dangers. I expect you to remain steadfast, always upholding these principles."
'That stung.' Lothar muttered silently to himself but kept a calm expression.
"I will, my liege."
The Count's stern expression softened slightly. He turned the knight's sword in his hands and presented it horizontally.
"Then take your blade, Sir Lothar. The firmness of your character may yet be unclear to me, but in skill at arms, I am certain you are worthy."
It was an arming sword—the classic knightly weapon.
Unlike the hand-and-a-half swords Lothar usually trained with, which could be wielded with one or both hands, this one was strictly single-handed, meant to be paired with a kite shield or heater shield.
Lothar accepted the sword and its scabbard, fastening it at his waist.
The Count sighed. "You need not call me 'liege.' All I can grant you is the title of knight—not a land. At present, three of our knights under my command still lack fiefs after years of service. If new lands are won in war, they must come first."
"I understand."
"Before you depart, you may choose two capable retainers and whatever gear you require. Choose wisely—even the poorest knight needs retainers. They are your legs and your shield."
"Thank you for your generosity, Father."
Lothar's gratitude was genuine. Count Werner's treatment of him—a second son—wasn't exceptional, but it was fair.
As for the knighting ceremony?
The ceremony may have been rushed. No bishop to witness it. No elaborate rituals or ceremonies. And the most crucial part— no fief.
But Lothar's heart still swelled with emotion, for in his ears rang the clear chime of his system's alert.
On his status panel, the "Title" shimmered silver.
Knight.
[You have activated the Nobility System.]
[You have received your first squire: 'Banu' (6-Star Squire).]