Melior, The Pleasant Kingdom

"This is much better…"

When the two of us step out from the tall walls of the barracks, my body lacks a cumbersome weight. Duncan looks over my new attire with a frown.

"I must admit, you suit decorated steel much better."

"Perhaps, but I feel prepared to take on any foe."

My upper body is now lined with thick, black leather that ends at the shoulders. Below this is a pair of thin trousers lined with protective pads along the immobile parts. The remaining plates of metal are substituted by tight leather braces on my forearms and sturdy boots on my feet. As my compromise to Duncan and his family crest, I still wear the regal blue mantle that flows near to the ground.

"That set was created using ash bison skin, making it inflammable and nearly as tough as metal. Its craftsman was very eager to donate his work to the kingdom, however none found it particularly tasteful."

"His passion can certainly be felt. I have high hopes for this armour."

It's no black suit, but it will do. Considering my situation, I have no room to spare on my protection.

While still inside the impromptu changing room, I had summoned my weapon and confirmed my suspicions. The bullet spent to seal my position among the royal elites has shown no signs of returning. Within that crimson cylinder is the fate of myself and this kingdom, yet its ability to meet this responsibility is growing weaker.

Only five bullets remain and I have yet to discover a means to replenish my ammunition. For the time being, close quarters combat is my primary means of offense and defence. Fortunately, I'm more than used to making ends meet with my magazine empty.

One of those methods is soon noticed by Duncan as we step into the lands of the citizenry. Fitted into existing slots along the black strips are three daggers.

"A Blessed Knight specialising in miniature blades? I've never even encountered an adventurer with such a preference."

"I hope to surprise you with my skills. Perhaps one of these days, you will witness me in combat."

Once the name of my title is spoken aloud, I hastily end the direction of conversation. We are no longer just among the military.

The city expands out in front of us. Rustic buildings of all sizes are crowded together along wide, bustling walkways. Horse drawn carriages coexist with busy pedestrians from wives purchasing produce to children playing games. People bump into each other constantly and the unhindered volume of voices makes hearing your surroundings impossible. To someone unfamiliar to this environment, it would appear chaotic and unbearable. However, everybody here operates under this sense of normalcy.

Duncan leads me through the crowd with his authority on full display. Drawing attention wherever he goes, people move to the side as he approaches and some even call out to the prince.

"Is that Prince Duncan? How have you been, young man?"

"The prince is here!? Quick, Dear, offer him some pastries on the house!"

"Ah, Your Highness! I haven't had the chance to thank you for saving my stand!"

"Mr. Prince! Mr. Prince! I made you some flowers!"

His presence is met with smiles by old and young alike. I disappear into the background as the everyday man comes up to greet their prince with sincerity and gratitude. When met with royalty, I had anticipated there to be discontent at the difference in wealth and power. It doesn't matter the location or era, it is difficult to maintain a positive relationship with those you command and police. There will always be many that disagree on regulation or feel wronged by the system in some way. That is likely still the case in Melior, but this showing of acceptance in their leader is truly stunning.

Duncan navigates the crowd well, placing his hand on my shoulder and moving us through the cluster of people.

"Thank you for your kindness! I would love nothing more than to talk, but I'm currently showing a knight from our neighbouring cities around Melior. Should you have problems, inform the guards and I shall do my best to resolve the issues."

The crowds continue along their way while Duncan pushes me towards an open space containing a fountain. The flowing water falls into a stone pool decorated with small banners and wooden ornaments.

"The city seems to be in a hurry."

"But of course. Many are diligently preparing for the Peace Festival."

Part of me wants to inquire about this event in confusion, but I hold my tongue. Regalia adorns the streets of Melior, visible for all to see. Celebrating something momentous like peace while rallying an entire city of citizens in preparation, this is no small holiday. Whatever it is, I would be in a difficult spot if I claimed to be unaware.

Fortunately, Duncan feels no shame in offering his thoughts. The prince crouches down next to the fountain and runs his fingers over a small white banner. Printed in blue on the thin fabric is the image of a sword safely fastened within its sheath and crossing a bow without arrows. Behind these unprepared weapons is the image of an eight-sided star.

"Forty years without war. Our ancestors would never believe the times we live in."

"We may be unable to rest with other threats, but removing bloodshed between humans is truly wonderful."

"It is thanks to knights like you, Clement, that all Kingdoms came to coexist."

My crafted response is met with curious words from Duncan. The prince returns to his feet and looks me directly in the eye with something I can only describe as hope.

"The era of peace began with the arrival of the first Blessed Knight. In the past, each Kingdom fought to scrape by with whatever resources they could gather beneath the throne of Titans."

He continues as the two of us begin walking down the decorated walkways. Stores, businesses, and residential homes, every building is marked with the same banner.

"All humans and creatures fell silent for an entire day as the shadow of an angelic beast fell and shook the land. That was the moment of disbelief before the people realised that a Titan had been slain. With Knights blessed by the goddess, humans were no longer at the mercy of the beasts."

His voice is like that of a child reciting his favourite fairy tale. How many times has he been told this story? For those alive on that day, this event likely marked the beginning of a new era. It would be an era without endless fear in the next catastrophe, one where they can imagine a peaceful future. Celebrating this event is like celebrating the life of humanity itself for this world's people.

"The great Kingdoms agreed to an alliance in aiding the Blessed Knights to perform their divine task. With your arrival, there are now eight. The day the last Titan falls feels to be just within view!"

Passersby listening to his passionate speech follow with his enthusiasm and cheer, clapping at his words. None of them passed a glance to me, so only his last sentence seemed to have been heard. Meanwhile, I feel unable to join in their parade.

"How long will this peace last…"

I mutter my own thoughts beneath my breath as I stare at the banner. The world I come from is far from perfect, but the idea of a perfect world is considerably more insane. A world without war is nice, but war is not always fought by men marching in rows towards the opposing force. Humans are not the kind of creatures that can take opposing desires and resolve them without conflict. Such a creature doesn't exist. At best, this alliance holds until the last Titan is killed.

What will become of the Blessed Knights after the Titans are gone? If they are truly as powerful as I've been told, they would be more than capable of wiping out an entire army if prompted to. Once the greater threat is gone, these divine weapons will simply be turned against their fellow man in a power struggle between nations. Kingdoms will grow with peace. To grow is to require more, be it natural resources, money, or land. To be unable to meet this demand is to take from where more exists, from others.

"Will they ever be able to celebrate peace once this fantasy ends…"

Duncan does not notice my inner premonition, nor do I allow it to damper his mood. In his world, the children will always be playing happily as long as the Blessed Knights exist.

"One moment, Clement! I have spotted a friend of mine."

Peace continues as the prince hastens me along the road ahead.