Chapter 139: Military Handover

"So that is how it has been? I never imagined Treisy's life over these past few years has been quite so eventful! Haha, as long as he is happy, it lightens this royal father's sense of guilt just a fraction." After some time, Roger finished reporting on the events of recent years to His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom. Strictly speaking, Roger should have been Treisy's subject, yet his presence here today was naturally at the command of His Highness Treisy.

"His Highness Treisy has matters to attend to at the moment, so he sent me to convey his warmest regards to you all. Just now, we officially took over the United Kingdom's military cabinet; he is probably still tied up in a meeting!" Although Roger was a "guest," the need to play the role of an attendant meant he remained standing rather than sitting down to converse with the King.

"It is of no consequence. We could never really rein that boy in anyway, and it is you who have endured much hardship looking after him all these years." At that moment, His Majesty suddenly made a gesture that would have shocked any outsider: he bowed deeply to Roger. The suddenness of the action caught Roger off guard, leaving him immensely flustered.

"Your Majesty! I cannot possibly accept such a courtesy. Looking after His Highness Treisy was entirely my own decision. It is nothing more than what a citizen of the United Kingdom ought to do."

"A citizen of the United Kingdom?" Hearing this, His Majesty could not help smiling. "I am well aware that you are not originally from the United Kingdom. The surname Durandal is hardly unfamiliar to me; it is the name of a European noble house. Yet, as a European, you were still willing to care for Treisy, winning his need and his trust. For that alone, you are entirely worthy of this bow. This is the gratitude of a father, not the decree of a king." The King showed no sign of displeasure upon discovering Roger's European heritage; instead, he treated him with profound respect.

"Yet, I am curious: as a European, what made you willing to become Treisy's subordinate?"

"Because I was cast out by my family. The reason is simple: I had no desire to take part in politics. My father opposed my pursuit of medicine, and so I was banished. Though I am now His Highness Treisy's subordinate, I serve primarily as his personal physician, only occasionally attending to other matters for him."

Roger's words were not entirely truthful, but His Majesty did not reproach him for the deception.

"I see. I once heard that you were bestowed the title of Grand Master of the Hospitaller Knights, and I assumed it was merely a casual appointment by Treisy. To think there is such history between you! And what are your thoughts on the United Kingdom?" The King seemed to be testing Roger, yet the reply came swiftly.

"I am already a man of the United Kingdom. From the moment I chose to follow Treisy's path, he conferred upon me the citizenship of this realm." Roger cared little for the King's probing; indeed, he utterly refused to acknowledge his past ties to Europe. "Though my calling is medicine, my family spent many years training me, and I am little inferior to my older brother who bears the title of Roland. I shall certainly assist His Highness Treisy in accomplishing his grand ambition."

"If that is truly the case, then how wonderful it would be. Though I scarcely have the right to ask, I still hope you will guide him into becoming a worthy sovereign. Will you do this?"

"I am entirely at your command!" Roger performed a knightly salute. Though he was not a true knight, he remained the honorary Grand Master of the Hospitaller Knights.

"Very well! You may return now! Do not keep Treisy waiting!"

"Understood, Your Majesty!"

Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Military Affairs, a grand ceremony was underway. It was the transition rite between the old and new cabinets. Although it dispensed with the traditional grand military parade, numerous prominent military commanders were nonetheless present, for this ceremony also symbolized the official regency of Treisy, the Prince of Wales. Treisy had already arrived at the venue, accepting the adoration of the citizens. He wore neither his exclusive princely crown nor any elaborate regalia; instead, he was dressed as always in his familiar black military uniform. The only distinction he bore was the Holy Sword—Excalibur—which symbolized the supreme military command of the United Kingdom. He held the sword tightly in his grip. Presently, in his capacity as the Prince of Wales, he would bestow knighthoods upon his subordinates and the highest commanders of the military department.

Holding the sword with its tip pointing downward, he approached the three Marshals step by step. The three Marshals knelt before him, surrendering their allegiance to Treisy.

"May our Lord grant you a sharp blade to judge all living souls; may the Lord grant you scales to maintain order; may our Lord grant you eyes that pierce through all deceptions!" Each of the three Marshals spoke in turn, offering their blessings to Treisy. In response, Treisy rested the flat of the sword upon each of their shoulders in succession. "May our Lord grant you victory! Long live the United Kingdom!"

"Long live the United Kingdom!"