Scenario:Lancelot - Rise of a Nameless Knight
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Rise of a Nameless Knight
In hopes of improving the application process for the White Dragons, Lancelot visits a nearby kingdom with a vastly different approach to the task. Percival joins him for the journey, and the two knights discuss their respective backgrounds and upbringings as they travel to their destination.
Lancelot has learned from Siegfried what really happened when he originally entered the Order of the White Dragons.
He thought he would be able to find a way to reform the application process, but a clear answer has yet to be found.
Lancelot: ...
Vane: ...
Wanting to help Lancelot, Vane asks around and learns about a certain country from Percival.
That country established an unusual admission exam for becoming a knight, regardless of lineage or background.
Upon learning of this country's methods, Vane suggests to Lancelot to do some reconnaissance of his own.
Vane: I don't really understand complicated stuff like this, but...
Vane: Rather than just sitting around here thinking, I say you should go out and see things for yourself!
Vane: And don't worry, Lancey—this first officer right here will keep an eye on the fort while you're out!
Lancelot: Thanks, Vane. I appreciate it.
And thus, Lancelot and Percival depart on the next airship leaving the capital.
Lancelot: There you are.
Percival: What's the matter?
Lancelot: I've been so busy lately that I wasn't able to properly thank you.
Lancelot: I appreciate you telling Vane about this place and accompanying me for the journey.
Percival: Humph. Well, I couldn't just stand around and watch you curs make a ruckus.
Percival: Besides, I'm acquainted with the captain of their order, and so it's only natural that I introduce you.
Lancelot: Hehe... Either way, I appreciate the gesture.
Percival: By the way, after hearing Siegfried's story, I've been wanting to ask you something.
Percival: Before joining the order, how did you guys practice your swordcraft and whatnot?
Lancelot: How? We didn't really do anything out of the ordinary, I don't think.
Percival: In my family's case, we had our own special education and teacher solely for teaching the art of the sword. Many nobles do the same.
Percival: Was there anyone in your life like that?
Lancelot: So that's what you meant. Well, it's not as if I didn't have anyone in my life to teach me swordsmanship.
Lancelot: But I don't think I had anyone in my life that you would consider a proper teacher.
With a wry smile, Lancelot reminisces about his hometown life before joining the order.
Lancelot: Back in my hometown, there was an old swordmaster that lived nearby.
Lancelot: Vane and I always sought him out when we wanted to train.
Lancelot: He taught us various skills, from how to properly grasp a sword to basic handling techniques.
Percival: If you ask me, that sounds exactly like someone I'd call a proper teacher.
Lancelot: For Vane and I, he was a teacher—no doubt about it.
Lancelot: But alas, he was not a knight, and unfamiliar with the art of battle. That was something we'd have to learn on our own.
Percival: So I suppose for anything outside of swordsmanship, he wasn't much of a teacher after all.
Percival: By the way, I'd actually heard you received your recommendation to join the order upon winning a duel against a famous swordsman. Is he...
Lancelot: Yes, the very same swordmaster. I was just fortunate enough to win on that day, that's all.
Lancelot: However, news of our duel spread around until one day when he suddenly stopped teaching me.
Percival: Maybe he lost his confidence after losing to a child?
Lancelot: Perhaps... All I know is that he told me that there was nothing left to teach me. He threw away his sword that day and went to working in the fields, never looking back.
Lancelot: From then on, all of my experience and knowledge was self-taught, either through books or by fighting monsters.
Lancelot: So I picked up the essentials of being a knight here and there with books I could find. I can't really recommend any of them though.
Percival realizes how privileged he'd been growing up, reflecting on how easy it was for him to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge in comparison.
It would be much more difficult for someone outside of such an environment to obtain the tools and knowledge to become a knight.
Percival: I don't know how to say this, but... I'm impressed that you wanted to become a knight despite your upbringing.
Lancelot: I was just a fool who didn't understand the world. If I had known the reality of my situation, I may have been much more hesitant.
Lancelot: But... my ambition and desire to become a knight was pure. No matter what my circumstances were, I didn't want to give this up.
Lancelot: That's why I want to give these aspiring children with the same dream a chance as well.
Percival: Heh. Well, I understand your ideals, but don't forget this.
Percival: Even if you make the exam more accessible for people, that doesn't mean it has to be a cakewalk.
Lancelot: You don't need to worry about that. Only those worthy will be chosen. That will never change.
Listening to the conviction in Lancelot's voice, Percival gives a look of relief.
As the two knights discuss their respective backgrounds and upbringings, they draw closer to their destination.
Rise of a Nameless Knight: Scene 2
Lancelot arrives at the kingdom just as the admission exams begin. He soon discovers that the number of proctors is quite large, allowing them to fully examine the virtues and personalities of the applicants. Having found a model example, Lancelot contemplates how to implement this new system in Feendrache.
Percival and Lancelot happen to arrive at the kingdom just as exams were being held for the next would-be knights.
Percival introduces Lancelot to the leaders of the order, explaining the purpose of their sudden visit.
Head Proctor: So that's the case. Very well then, you may observe our upcoming exam if you wish.
Lancelot: Thank you... My deepest gratitude to all of you.
Percival: Well, I'll be off on my way then.
Lancelot: Thanks for the introduction. Take care.
Once Lancelot is introduced, Percival takes off to attend to another matter.
The head proctor leads Lancelot to the grounds where the exam is to be held.
Lancelot: (There doesn't seem to be as many applicants. Although given the size of this country, I suppose this turnout is pretty reasonable.)
Lancelot: (The subjects and recruiting methods seem to be similar so far, if not exactly the same as the capital's. But if I had to choose something that was different...)
Head Proctor: Compared to your kingdom, I suppose our exam may not be as sophisticated but I do hope this doesn't affect your perspective.
Lancelot: No, not at all. Maintaining a high standard is what's important, and I've heard nothing but good things.
Lancelot: However, there seem to be quite a large number of proctors despite the number of applicants. Why is that?
Head Proctor: Interesting... Your colleague, Percival, asked the same question when he first visited.
Head Proctor: After demonstrating that they have the minimum skill requirements, applicants will then undergo a more personal exam to test their knightly virtues.
Head Proctor: Do they possess courage and nobility in their hearts? Do they act with mercy or recklessness?
Head Proctor: As a knight, one must have a sense of justice and duty. It is here that we test these qualities.
Lancelot: I see. So that explains all of the proctors, then.
Lancelot: However, to devote such a large number of individual proctors... Surely there's a more efficient method?
Head Proctor: Just as you might think, this method is certainly not one that people would call efficient.
Head Proctor: However! There's no price for ensuring the growth and prosperity of our country, and it starts here.
Head Proctor: If you think about it as an investment in the future, the amount of effort and time put into this test seems appropriate.
Lancelot: (There are two problems with the current application process for the White Dragons.)
Lancelot: (Obviously the attitudes toward non-nobility among the proctors a problem. The other one is having an exam that heavily favors nobles and the privileged.)
Lancelot: (If we were to change our exam to be more like this country's, this could very well be the key to our problems.)
Lancelot: I was told that all citizens are eligible for knighthood regardless of their lineage and social standing. Is this true?
Head Proctor: While I admit that we have many knights among our ranks that come from nobility, I daresay that may be due to half of our applicants being nobles.
Head Proctor: However, I myself come from a remote village—compared to other countries, I'd say we have a smaller proportion of nobles.
Lancelot: Did you ever feel out of place, even after joining?
Head Proctor: Well, those who hold prejudices against people's backgrounds don't make it past the initial tests.
Head Proctor: Such an unrefined way of thinking... People who consider themselves superior due to their lineage or background have no place within our ranks.
The knight declared his words with a clear conviction in his voice.
His dignified voice and manner was just as noble as any honorable knight he had ever seen.
Lancelot: So this is the result of years and years of having a truly fair and equal examination system.
Lancelot: When I look at you, I can understand how splendid the knights of this country truly are.
Head Proctor: To receive such praise from you, Lancelot, it truly is an honor!
Lancelot: (However, instilling such a sense of values into people is easier said than done. Will the capital even accept such a proposal?)
Lancelot: If you don't mind, may I ask a proctor some questions?
Head Proctor: Not at all! We may be able to catch one in between tests right now. Please, this way.
Having now found a model application process, Lancelot's quest continues.
Rise of a Nameless Knight: Scene 3
Lancelot returns to Feendrache still unsure as to whether a new application process for the order is possible. With Siegfried's encouragement, however, Lancelot realizes how far he's come. With newfound resolve, he asks Siegfried to duel him for old time's sake.
After concluding his research, Lancelot returns to the capital and stops by the training grounds alone.
Having spent his first day back catching up on various errands that accumulated during his absence, the sun has already begun to set.
Lancelot: (I haven't kept up with my training for a few days. I suppose some exercise is in order.)
Firmly grasping his swords, he practices his swings in a secluded area on the grounds.
In the midst of his training, another man silently approaches Lancelot.
Siegfried: Your footwork is too loose—you've already given your opponent an opportunity to escape.
Lancelot: Siegfried...
Siegfried: What's on your mind?
Siegfried: It came to my attention that you went on a little research excursion. Was it unsuccessful?
Lancelot: It's not that. I learned of methods that would be truly beneficial for our order. But I don't know...
Siegfried: What's the matter? Share your thoughts with me.
Lancelot describes to Siegfried the application process and exam methods he witnessed on his travels.
Lancelot: The judgment of each applicant must be left to the proctors, to determine whether or not they truly possess the virtues of a knight.
Lancelot: Of course, each and every proctor will have their own sense of values, but they should all be looking for the exact same qualities.
Lancelot: If I were able to employ a small trusted team of proctors, I would feel more at ease about this.
Lancelot: With more proctors, surely there will be some with values different than my own... Either way, I must be able to trust them to make the right decisions.
Lancelot: I don't even know if I'm capable of convincing all of our proctors to see eye to eye with me.
Siegfried: I see.
Siegfried: Your concerns are justified. Every order of knights has a few among their ranks who may look down on some of their own fellow knights and brethren due to their background.
Siegfried: To instill new perspectives to those who value traditional ways of thinking won't be an easy task.
Lancelot: ...
Siegfried: However, without the opportunity for change to bloom, it cannot flower.
Siegfried: It may be difficult to try and change everything on your own, but perhaps creating the opportunity for change to bloom is a start.
Lancelot: An opportunity for change...
Siegfried: You're a man who has had to overcome every hardship to become a knight, and despite your background made your way to becoming the captain of our order.
Siegfried: I'd say you're the perfect one to create such opportunities.
Siegfried's calm expression glows with a warm smile, illuminated by the faint lights of the castle above.
A teacher and pupil on the training grounds, under the twilight of the evening sky—Lancelot recalls the days when Siegfried trained him in swordsmanship here.
Lancelot: Heh. Having you here, listening to my woes... It's just like when I first joined the order.
Lancelot: I thought that I'd grown since then, but it seems that I still have so much to learn from you.
Siegfried: Your woes are for the future of our kingdom. That is nothing to be ashamed of.
Siegfried: You've grown much since you first joined our ranks. You've become a knight that the capital can truly be proud to have as a captain.
Lancelot: Your words are much appreciated.
Lancelot feels the warmth of these endearing words from his teacher, who taught him everything ever since he was a nameless trainee.
With his heart steeped in courage, Lancelot grips his swords.
Lancelot: Siegfried, I have a request of you.
Lancelot: Would you... have a duel with me?
Siegfried: Heh. Going back to basics, I see.
Siegfried: Very well.
Siegfried: Come at me... Whenever you're ready.
Lancelot: Thank you.
Siegfried: Lancelot, concerning what you should do... you must already hold the answer.
Siegfried: Now I'll test your resolve—prepare yourself!
Lancelot: I understand!
Lancelot: Here I come!
Shrouded in the silent shadows of the night, the teacher and pupil begin their training.
Rise of a Nameless Knight: Scene 4
Upon ending his duel with Siegfried, Lancelot decides to establish a new application process for the order with the faith that he'll be able to fulfill his ambitions as long as he has the support of his friends. As a potential mentor for the aspiring knights of tomorrow, Lancelot sets his sights on being an example for others and opening the doors to a new generation.
Lancelot: Haaah!
Siegfried: Truly... exceptional, Lancelot.
Lancelot: I'm honored to receive your praise...
Lancelot: Oh?
Vane: Wh-whoa...
Lancelot: Vane! How long have you been watching?
Vane: It's been so long since I've seen Lancey and Siegfried going at it together...
Vane: You guys really are totally awesome—my heart's racing like crazy... Look, I've got goose bumps!
Siegfried: He showed up shortly after we started... I guess you didn't notice his presence.
Lancelot: If it had been an enemy, we could've been caught off guard... I still have much to work on.
Vane: No way, Lancey! You're stronger than ever before!
Lancelot: Haha, I'm glad you think so.
Siegfried: ...
Siegfried: Have you decided?
Lancelot swiftly replies with a confident nod.
Lancelot: Before, I would do whatever it took to become a knight, with reckless abandon.
Lancelot: Rather than worry about whether or not I could do something, I'd fecklessly continue to challenge myself.
Lancelot: Looking back now at who I was in the past, I finally realized something.
Lancelot: Once you've decided on something, hesitating on it is simply a waste of time!
As if making a vow, Lancelot holds a sword straight up.
Lancelot: As the head proctor, I'll persuade the other proctor—every last one of them if I have to.
Lancelot: You all have my word. I will establish a fair and equal examination system!
Vane: Heh, that's what I was waiting to hear!
Vane: You know we always have your back to the very end, Lancey! We'll do everything we can to help!
Lancelot: Much obliged.
Siegfried: Heh. If anything, you've been blessed with comradery in your life.
Lancelot: Yes... I truly am.
Siegfried: Lancelot. You've gathered the resolve to stand for what you believe in, despite the hurdles that surely await on the horizon.
Siegfried: This will be much more difficult than just recklessly taking the problem head on.
Lancelot: I understand.
Siegfried: However, as long as you stay true and work with your fellow comrades, I know you have the ambition to succeed.
Siegfried: I look forward to your success.
Lancelot: I won't let you down, Siegfried.
Siegfried: You've really grown.
Siegfried reminisces about his days ever since joining the order as a bittersweet smile forms on his face.
Siegfried: Lancelot... As your teacher, there's something I want you to know.
Siegfried: Just as I've been a teacher and mentor to you, someday you too will become a mentor to someone else.
Siegfried: I want you to become a worthy mentor—a revered knight that all aspiring knights can look up to.
Lancelot: Me... Become a mentor?
Vane: Whoa... Professor Lancey's gonna teach?
Vane: Heheh... Lancey's already got everyone's respect; you'll make an awesome mentor!
Lancelot: That's laying it on a bit thick, Vane.
Vane: Come on, Lancey, don't you know? Everyone in the order wants to be just like you!
Lancelot: In that case, I should double my efforts in setting an example for the others, shouldn't I?
Brimming with determination, Lancelot sets his sights on establishing a new application process for the order with his newfound knowledge.
Perhaps one day he will be the key to open the doors to a new future for young and aspiring knights.
For now, his heart has swelled with excitement for the future that lies before him on the horizon.