The snowfall had thickened, heavy flakes drifting down in endless spirals, mixing with cold rain that streaked across the carriage windows. Each time the wheels turned, they crunched loudly through the snow-covered road, the wooden frame groaning as it struggled against the frozen ground. The rhythmic crrk—crrk of iron rims cutting into slush echoed through the quiet countryside, broken only by the whistle of winter wind slipping through the cracks of the carriage.
Sir Tev and I sat inside the same carriage—not out of convenience, but because he simply wasn't rich enough to afford another.
From what he had explained earlier, our journey would first take us to a government office near the border. There, we would use a portal that would send us directly to the main city. Once we arrived, I would face my opponents. Tev's role would end there, and everything afterward would depend on me—on how I performed in the Trial of Knighthood.
What if I fail?
That thought wouldn't leave my mind.
The tension wasn't new to me. Even in my previous world, I'd always been like this—nervous before exams, terrified during viva tests, anxious before important matches. Anxiety had always been my shadow.
But this time, it wasn't just about pride.
My life depended on it.
If I failed, I wouldn't be able to enter the academy easily. My only remaining options would be to prove myself as a rare genius and hope for a recommendation—or take the commoner route: written exams, interviews, and a brutal combat test with almost no chance of success.
Noticing my tense expression, Tev spoke.
"Don't worry about being rejected," he said calmly. "I'm confident you'll become a knight. You'll face thirty opponents, and you only need to place within the top ten. As for the final trial—only the winner earns the opportunity to enter the academy as the princess's attendant."
Then his tone hardened.
"But Tyler, I want you to reach at least the third position. I'd be happy if you win… but I know that won't happen."
His words stung.
In a low voice, I asked, "Why, Sir Tev? Why isn't it possible for me to win—and why do I need to win at all when placing in the top ten is enough to become a knight?"
He laughed softly. "Do you think simply winning or placing in the top ten makes you a knight?" He shook his head. "That's my fault—I didn't explain it earlier. You'll become a Knight-in-Training, not a full knight. A squire sworn to the Duke's house until you come of age."
He glanced at me. "You're still fifteen. The minimum age to become a knight is eighteen."
"When you become a trainee knight, you'll be taught by senior knights until you're ready to become a full-fledged knight. That's how I became a knight of the Duke's family as well," Tev said
So… this was only the beginning.
"And the real reason I said winning is impossible," Tev continued, "is because of Aelina Faewyn Moonveil of the Viscount Moonveil family."
Hearing the name, something tugged at my memory, a vague recollection just out of reach.
"She's been famous since childhood," he said. "Not just in the west—everywhere. She's a noble, and half-elven. That alone gives her superior mana affinity."
I remembered her instantly.
She was the one who had given one of the heroines in the God Trials a nightmare of a battle.
And
She was the one who became Princess Talia Lir Grey's attendant.
I was in trouble. I knew—without a doubt—that she was dangerous.
She wielded a saber and was terrifyingly skilled. One of her spells could even control the mana in the surrounding atmosphere.
"According to our information," Tev added, "she's the same rank as you. Possibly even breaking into D-rank."
I leaned back into the carriage seat, my heart heavy.
Then Tev handed me an envelope.
I looked at him in confusion.
"Open it."
Inside was a letter—and a framed photo given by the Church. It was the picture we had taken before my departure from the orphanage.
I opened the letter.
---
Dear Tyler,
We are all doing well, and all the children wish you the best for your future. Nina still cries for you and keeps saying she'll become a knight when she grows up.
I don't know where you'll be when this reaches you, so I'm sending it through Sir Tev.
Tyler, please control your anger and don't let it consume you. Whenever you feel lost or need help, go to the Church—they will always support you.
Sister Mariya
---
A smile formed on my face as I finished reading.
Tev silently handed me a handkerchief.
I didn't understand why—until I felt the tears on my cheeks.
I was crying.