Chapter 52

Chapter 52

But none of this was a problem.

After touring the place with the new residents, Lorant immediately procured four sets of down bedding from the Slime Ranch factory and kindly donated them to the team.

"This is so comfortable!" Leon Rist exclaimed, kneading the down pillow in excitement.

The pillow was soft and fluffy, quickly bouncing back when pressed, clearly indicating it would be very comfortable to sleep on.

"Manager, how much does this cost? Can I buy a few more sets?" Even Estelle, the usually quiet half-elf, couldn't resist the temptation and gently stroked the soft down comforter as she asked Lorant.

Lorant glanced at Lancelot for help.

After speaking, the half-elf blushed slightly, her shy nature making it difficult for her even after knowing Lorant for so long.

This shyness made it hard for Lorant to refuse her.

However, the Slime House currently produced very few down pillows and comforters, focusing mainly on producing long down jackets.

These few sets were rushed by Nia herself.

"Estelle, the production of these items is still quite low. If you want to send some back to your village, you might have to wait a bit longer," Lancelot explained to the half-elf.

"But there are clothes made from this material that you can buy and send home to your family."

He quickly offered another option after refusing her request.

Estelle's pointed ears twitched. "T-That sounds good."

Leaving the four to settle into their temporary lodgings, Lorant and Lancelot wandered around the abandoned town.

Not far away, they encountered the patrol knights from Outpost Five.

The patrol group consisted of five knights, and the leader approached them upon seeing them.

"What are you—Knight Sir." As soon as he got closer, the patrol knight saw Lancelot's badge on his chest and immediately changed his tone and saluted.

In the territory of the Knight Regiment, knights, especially high-ranking ones, held considerable status.

Lancelot returned the salute. "We are a registered team and have been assigned to guard near Outpost Five. We will be stationed here for the next while. Could you please inform the outpost about our arrival?"

"It would be my honor, sir!" The patrol knight saluted earnestly, his voice firm and resolute.

Lorant watched as the patrol knights, clad in multiple layers of linen, shivered uncontrollably due to standing still in the cold.

These patrol knights didn't look much older than Silem, one of them possibly even younger.

They were still children.

"Do you patrol the village every day?" Lorant couldn't help but ask, noticing the trembling of the youngest one.

"Yes, this is our patrol area. A bit further ahead is a newly opened shop. To ensure the safety of all residents, we patrol twice daily," the lead knight nodded and said.

After the town was abandoned, they no longer needed to patrol such a vast area.

But despite the long distance just for one shop, they had no complaints.

After bidding farewell to the knights, Lorant watched their retreating figures, lost in thought.

"What's wrong? What are you thinking about?" Lancelot stood to Lorant's left, subtly shielding him from the biting wind, and asked, noticing his distracted expression.

Lorant shook his head. "Nothing, just wondering if these patrol knights are all professionals."

"Well, some are apprentice knights, others are first or second-level knights," Lancelot replied, unsure of Lorant's intent but answering seriously: "The one who spoke is probably a second-level knight. The others include three first-level knights and an apprentice knight."

"Patrolling the outer areas of the Black Forest isn't particularly dangerous, so lower-level knights handle it."

"I see, no wonder they look so young," Lorant mused.

It was these young individuals who formed a line of defense between humans and beasts, a line built of blood and flesh.

The next morning, Silem and Simon packed their bags, preparing to set off for the Black Forest for training.

"Mom, it's okay!" Silem awkwardly patted his mother's shoulder, trying to console her as she clung to him, tears streaming down her face.

Since Lorant could support the family, Ruth's personality had changed somewhat.

In Silem's memory, his mother was gentle yet incredibly strong. Whether dealing with troublesome neighbors or angry parents after fights, she always stood firmly in front of her sons.

Like a crumbling wall, though precarious, she protected her children with unwavering resolve.

After discovering Silem's talent for knighthood, Ruth became even stricter, supervising him daily to ensure he never slacked off until he was selected for the Knights Academy.

Silem once believed his mother was always this strong-willed woman.

Until recently.

Without needing to wear armor anymore, Ruth began showing her softer side.

Previously, when Silem was an apprentice knight, whether going on missions or participating in school drills, Ruth only encouraged him after he was injured, demanding he stand up and face everything bravely.

Now, this former 'tiger mom' clung to her son's arm, unwilling to let him take any risks.

"Mom, didn't you teach me that if I chose the path of a knight, I shouldn't fear danger or retreat? That's not the spirit of a knight."

Ruth choked back tears. "B-But now you can choose differently, Silem. Let's not be knights, okay?"

No one wants to put their child at risk. Once, Ruth had no choice; becoming a knight was the best future she could offer Silem.

But now things are different. Their family no longer needs Silem to risk his life to survive.

In fact, Lorant had already talked to Silem about this. He has always been more indulgent of his younger brother than their mother, and he naturally doesn't want him to get hurt.

However, Silem is quite determined. He wants to become a qualified knight.

He knows that his brother and mother have his best interests at heart and that if he wanted to, he could live a carefree life as a wealthy young master.

But he refuses. To protect his family, he must go further down the path of knighthood!

Silem helplessly looked at his brother, who was standing nearby with his arms crossed, watching the scene unfold. His eyes were filled with a plea for help.

"Come on, Mom, if you don't let him go, it'll be dark by the time we get into the forest." Lorant, pleased with the look in his brother's eyes, stepped forward to pull their mother away.

Simon's mother quickly moved to support Ruth, simultaneously giving the two children a nod to hurry up and leave.

Silem and Simon hastily slung their large backpacks over their shoulders and slipped out with Little Eight.