As Jonan and Cham Cham reached the city gates, a trumpet blast echoed, and over twenty knights clad in iron armor emerged, swords drawn. Following them came Lady Sylthrone, who addressed the pair with an amused, playful expression.
"Well, well, look who finally showed up.
I was certain you'd chicken out, Master Jonan. And I see you've brought your foolish friend along, too," she teased, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Jonan quickly signaled Cham Cham to follow his lead—he'd anticipated something like this—and knelt on one knee before Lady Sylthrone. "Lady Sylthrone, I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve under you.
I hope you'll keep your promise and grant my friend a position alongside me," Jonan spoke confidently, maintaining direct eye contact.
Cham Cham reluctantly knelt as well, irritation evident in his voice.
"I also hope you'll honor your promise, Your Ladyship, and allow me to serve alongside Jonan," he said stiffly, a hint of displeasure in his expression.
Lady Sylthrone commanded, "Soldiers, disperse. Jonan, Cham Cham, follow me."
Her voice conveyed authority and assurance as she led them silently to an enormous estate, stretching across multiple houses and streets, guarded by sentries in every corner.
"A servant will show you to your rooms. You'll live here now, so get comfortable.
Tomorrow, Jonan, you'll be knighted, and Cham Cham, you'll become a knight too, she said with a mocking tone.
Cham Cham,
remember, commoners can't keep their original names upon knighthood—you'll need a new one. That's all, dismissed."
Her voice was sharp and clear as she walked away slowly, signaling to a servant to guide them.
A dignified older man approached them. "It's an honor to meet two new knights," he greeted politely but firmly.
"My name is Wysser, head servant of Sylthrone Estate. Please, follow me."
Wysser was tall, about fifty years old, dressed elegantly in a black suit with a French-style mustache and flowing gray hair.
Jonan and Cham Cham followed him quietly.
Cham Cham, seeing a noble estate for the first time, was stunned.
Having grown up in poverty, fighting daily for mere crumbs, he couldn't help feeling resentful about the nobles' luxurious lifestyle.
Still, he suppressed his anger, knowing bigger things awaited him.
They eventually reached their rooms.
Initially assigned separate chambers, they requested to share one instead, and Wysser obliged. Their room was lavishly furnished, featuring two luxurious beds, a balcony, private bathroom, and decorated walls.
Cham Cham couldn't hide his astonishment, a small smile forming despite himself.
For Jonan, the grandeur brought back bittersweet memories of his own family.
"Gentlemen," Wysser began courteously, "I must attend to other tasks. Please, feel at home. If you need anything, ask any maid in the hallway."
Both nodded. Once alone, "Jonan", said Cham Cham.
"Thank you," he said sincerely.
"Because of you, I can finally fulfill the promise I made to Tim."
His voice was tinged with sadness, but then he teased lightly, "Though, watch out—I might soon surpass you."
Jonan laughed softly, "You can try, Cham, I'm always up for a challenge."
"Have you thought about your new name yet?" Jonan asked curiously, eager to support his friend.
"You'll find out at tomorrow's ceremony," Cham Cham replied with a playful grin.
"Make sure it's a good one," Jonan said warmly, then advised gently, "We should rest. Tomorrow's a big day."
Night had already fallen. Cham Cham agreed, and both went to bed—but neither truly slept. Cham Cham pondered his new path, his new name, and how best to support Jonan, whom he greatly admired for his calm resilience since the forest accident...
Jonan lay awake, planning his future meticulously—training schedules, sword practice, studies, and runs.
He also thought of teaching Cham Cham to read and write, knowing it would help greatly in their new lives as knights. Most importantly, he was filled with excitement at returning to nobility, envisioning the possibility of someday seeing his sister again.
The following morning,
A gentle knock sounded at Jonan and Cham Cham's door. It was Wysser's authoritative yet calm voice that broke the silence. "Master Jonan, Master Cham Cham, it's time. Lady Sylthrone requests your presence in the estate courtyard. I've left appropriate attire outside your door."
Jonan and Cham Cham were already awake, each lost in his own preparations for this significant morning. Jonan opened the door, picked up the clothes, and tossed Cham Cham his set. "Get ready," Jonan said calmly.
Cham Cham's heart raced. This is it, he thought anxiously. Everything's going to change, even my name. I hope Tim would have liked the name I've chosen.
Jonan's thoughts wandered elsewhere. This is where it all begins. Luna, I'm going to see you again.
They dressed silently, took deep breaths, and stepped into the courtyard. Knights lined each side, swords raised in salute, banners waving gently in the morning breeze. Lady Sylthrone stood in the center, her expression solemn, holding a sword with a golden hilt and a diamond-encrusted guard.
Cham Cham swallowed nervously, his mouth dry. Jonan's expression was unreadable as he knelt on one knee and motioned discreetly for Cham Cham to follow suit.
Cham Cham knelt beside Jonan, his heart pounding fiercely.
A herald announced loudly, "Sir Jonan!" prompting Jonan to stand and step forward. Lady Sylthrone commanded softly, "Kneel," and Jonan complied immediately.
With practiced grace, she gently touched his right shoulder with the sword, speaking clearly, "Rise, Sir Jonan. You are now a knight sworn to House Sylthrone. Your duty is to protect this house from harm, even at the cost of your life." The knights cheered enthusiastically.
Lady Sylthrone raised her hand, calling for silence. "Do you swear to defend this house against all evil, even at the expense of your life?" Her gaze was piercing and serious.
Jonan answered resolutely, "I swear. From this day forward, my sword and my life belong to House Sylthrone."
Cheers erupted once again as Jonan stepped aside. Lady Sylthrone smiled warmly, whispering as Jonan passed, "You won't regret this."
Before Cham Cham could react, the herald announced loudly, "Sir Tich!"
Jonan couldn't suppress a small smile, whispering softly as Cham Cham moved past him, "You chose well, Tich.
Don't worry, Tim would be proud."
Tich stood before Lady Sylthrone, who commanded gently, "Kneel." He obeyed without hesitation. She tapped his right shoulder gently with her sword, then his left.
Her voice hardened, eyes locked onto his, "Do you swear your loyalty to this house? Do you vow to protect it at all costs, even your life?"
Tich answered loudly and confidently, his voice unwavering, "I swear to live for you, eat for you, drink for you, and die for you!"