Karlheinz was not only the commander of the mage knights but also Avianoia’s chief conjurer. For Noah, however, he was more than that—Karlheinz had been his master for the past ten years. Since the age of nine, Noah had learned the art of the blade under his tutelage, training to protect his princess.

And two years ago, Karlheinz had also become his superior.

“You are no longer a mere servant, Noah. You are the captain of a chapter of royal knights.”

The rise of a nameless orphan, once nothing more than a servant, to the rank of captain in the king’s service was a story known across the realm. The only person to whom he could even be compared was Karlheinz himself, who had likewise risen from orphanhood to claim the title of chief conjurer, a tale so famous that it was known even to those outside of the kingdom.

Noah, however, could not have cared less about such things.

“I have fulfilled all my duties without issue,” he said.

“If your subordinates are concerned for your well-being, then you are still lacking,” Karlheinz countered. “You work without rest, and it weighs on them.”

“I recall thinking the same of you when I was a child, Lord Karlheinz.”

“Perhaps it seemed that way because you only saw me when I was working with Her Highness. Her orders took priority over all else. There was no one else who could carry them out.” Karlheinz leaned back in his chair and looked up at Noah. “I understand why you’re restless. Three years have passed since Princess Claudia fell into her slumber.”

Three years ago, Claudia had cast herself into a deathlike sleep, a spell that used her own life as a component.

“I must reconstruct this body,” she h