BERTRANMIGRATED TO BE A VILLAIN IN THE NOVEL
CHAPTER 4. KNIGHTS

Dad's not the only one I'm happy to look back on. Our knight commander, Sir Williams, has gone with him, and I have been waiting to discuss something. 

I could have called him to my room, but I chose to go to the training ground of the knights. A full day had passed since their return, and after taking a leave of absence the previous day, Sir Williams returned to his post, training the knights collectively. 

On my arrival, Sir Williams gestured for the knights to stop. Half of them practically sunk to the ground, dripping with sweat. I look like a real saint to them. 

Sir Williams bowed respectfully. 

“Good morning, Madam. What brings you here today?”

He was a muscular, weathered man with many scars and a little older than Dad. The Grand Duke had many enemies, and this was the one who kept him alive. He's been serving Dad since he was a kid, and of course, Dad trusts him with his life. 

"I want to have a squadron of knights directly under my command."

As per my request, his eyebrows shot up. It was not uncommon for a woman to have a personal knight, although most chose one after her debut. Opportunities that require more protection have specially assigned knights. Of course, it was rare to ask the entire squadron for myself, but my goal required a lot of secrecy and manpower. 

“They can still train under you,” I continued when he did not answer. "But I want them to just take orders from me and do some secret tasks."

The knight commander hesitated, many questions in his eyes. 

“Can I ask what destination?”

"No." 

"Have you spoken to His Majesty about it?"

“He will agree. You can ask him, if you want. ”

I could see he was still reluctant, even though I came all the way here as a sign of respect. My irritation grew quickly, and I squinted. 

"Who are you serving, Sir Williams?"

“Great Duchy of Avington.”

"And who am I?"

“Mrs Valentina Avington.”

"That's it," I crossed my arms, glaring at him. "Unless you dare disrespect me, your master, I suggest you follow your orders."

"Please allow me to confer with the grand duke first, miss."

My nostrils were blazing and my tone was loud, my voice was rising, because now it's a matter of principle. Sir Williams was obviously surprised by my perfect logic and shook his head.

“No, miss. You misunderstood me. ”

"perfect. Now get the knights. ”

An indecipherable expression was on his face, with a hint of amusedness, which I thought was absurd. He sighed and smiled. 

"You're exactly like your father, miss."

With that, he directed his attention to the knights, who were still resting. Finally, he called the couple ahead and introduced them to me. There were fourteen in all, ten knights and four apprentices. They were mostly young, but looked impressive with their swords. 

The squadron leader was a man of around thirty years old with a cheerful face. His name was Sir Joseph Harrod, and he greeted me with a friendly smile. I can't remember the details of the knights, but an apprentice slightly older than me caught my attention. 

Her hair was bright silver in color, which was rare even in this fantasy world, or at least this part. That means he has blood from the kingdom of Isvoria, our neighboring kingdom. She was beautiful with a calm elegance, but unfortunately I could not remember her name. 

Since I was satisfied, I returned to the manor. Sir Harrod escorted me, and I gave my orders on the way. 

“There's a girl you have to find. She was eight years old, with golden blonde hair and green eyes. Beautiful and kind, in an orphanage in the County of Newfield.”

He looked at me, as if waiting for me to continue. When he saw that I was done, his eyes widened in fear. 

"Miss, you want to find a girl across the county?"

"Yes. He's affiliated with the temple, if that helps. ” 

Sir Harrod laughed nervously. "For what? Surely this girl is not so important?”

I raised an eyebrow. “This is my order, so all you have to do is carry it out. I will try to think of more descriptions later. ”

"It won't be fast, Miss."

“Luckily you have almost a decade, then.”

Sir Harrod shook his head and laughed. "Yes, madam. We will carry it out.”

I felt very happy with myself, especially when I was welcomed back by Tia. He was smart enough to thank me repeatedly for my kindness in saving him, and swore by God that he would serve me with his life. 

The story is in the palm of my hand. I don't care how long it takes, I will win.