in the name of the queen

Chapter 45 The stronger the Knights, the weaker the Knights

The once prestigious Royal Knights have now become the tears of the times, as if they are struggling unwillingly under the collision between the laws of their ancestors and the tide of the times.

In this era, magicians are supreme, alchemy is ever-changing, and extraordinary people are unique. Even ordinary people would prefer to become a navy, artillery or musketeer when entering the army.

No one who has the slightest ambition wants to be a knight.

The glory of the humanoid tank in the Cold Weapon Age has long since ended.

A few farmers with a little training can beat the knights into sieves with their muskets.

Although flintlock muskets have many problems such as slow loading, poor accuracy, and unreliability, when hundreds of soldiers lined up in neat lines and picked up their muskets, the knights' charge was like being lined up to be shot.

No matter how thick the armor is, it can't withstand the whizzing bullets.

Even low-level magicians and extraordinary beings dare not confront well-trained musketeers head-on.

Of course, this excludes high-level magicians and extraordinary people of level seven or above.

They are special beings beyond ordinary people.

The salary of the Royal Knights is not too high, it is more of an honor, and it is a springboard for progress in the age of knights.

The captain of the Royal Knights is a prerequisite for promotion to general.

Although this ancestral method has been shattered by the waves of the times in the past hundred years, it does not mean that the Royal Knights are unimportant.

The only disadvantage of the position of leader is that it wears out too quickly.

The battlefield duty of the leader of the Knights is to wear full royal guard of honor and charge for the emperor.

Wearing heavy plate armor, riding tall horses, and wearing gorgeous and dazzling costumes, accompanied by the flag bearer holding the royal flag high, he attacked the musketeers' position. This scene is full of epic feeling.

If Roland himself were not the head of the Royal Knights, he would even be willing to write a few impassioned poems for the heroes who died.

But he is.

The leader of the Knights is not only a consumable item, but also a fragile item.

The tragic war thirty-seven years ago consumed seven knight leaders in just three years.

If he wasn't tied to the Queen, Roland would even suspect that this guy wanted to harm him.

But he ultimately happily accepted the appointment.

Times are indeed changing.

It’s not just infantry that has changed, there should also be knights.

Since he is appointed as the leader, it is natural to redefine the knight.

A true knight should have the courage to give up his false reputation, the determination to let his enemies die, and the humility to admit that cannons and guns are more powerful than swords and spears.

Wearing plate armor and charging into a phalanx of musketeers is not bravery, but weakness.

He had to change the Order.

Although there are still formalities to be fulfilled, it is certain that Roland will become the group leader.

After leaving the palace and sitting in the carriage, Sif softly comforted:

"Roland, the head of the Knights is indeed a dangerous position, but it is a transition before becoming a general or a member of the cabinet."

"Even if there really is a war, I...I don't think Her Majesty the Queen will really let you charge."

Her hint was obvious.

The benefits of the group leader must be taken care of, and the risks should be ignored.

Roland smiled and nodded, but his thoughts were different from Sif's.

Finance, personnel, military, these are the real powers.

The decline of the Royal Knights?

It's normal, and it won't be his turn if he doesn't decline.

As long as there is an establishment and money can be obtained, there will be many desperadoes in the three overseas provinces, bah, and some will be loyal and brave men who are willing to serve Her Majesty the Queen.

Those who oppose the Queen can laugh at Roland now for being the leader of a polished regiment, but sooner or later Roland will laugh at them as street lamp pendants in King's Power Square.

After leaving the palace, Sif was surprised to see Roland's emotional stability, and asked casually:

"Where to go now?"

"The Royal Knights' station, they should have a station, right?" Roland teased half-jokingly. "Of course there is, just... let's go and have a look."

When the carriage arrived at the Royal Knights' station, both Roland and Sif were shocked by the sight in front of them.

A dilapidated site, a collapsed gate, a feeble guard, and weeds on both sides of the road. There are many buildings and people in the yard, but the exterior walls of the main building are mottled and peeling off, and they are no longer in shape.

There are some people, but at first glance they are not Royal Knights.

Women took their children and even puppies to relax and play in the yard.

Although it is dilapidated, it is the headquarters of the Knights. The location is very particular. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, making it a good place for outings and fun.

Tall redwoods and oaks form a small forest, which is indeed great for children to play.

Many small animals curiously mingled among them, and even boldly begged for food from the children's hands.

It was obvious that they were having a great time.

Seeing this scene, Sif's lips almost became angry.

That’s outrageous. Is this still the Royal Knights?
  She was a little sad. She thought she was looking for a good job for Roland and giving him some sweetness, but she ended up letting him suffer.

She couldn't stand it with her welfare being paid like this.

"Roland, the appointment has not been made yet. If you don't like it, we can"

"No, this is it!"

Seeing this scene, Roland almost smiled crookedly.

Seeing that Sif was already on the verge of going berserk, he smiled and explained: "Your Majesty has not yet ascended the throne, and he said that the stronger the Knights are, the more difficult it will be to control them. Power that cannot be controlled is of no use to us."

"It can even be said that the stronger the Knights are, the weaker the Knights are."

Sif was stunned.

Roland's words may sound absurd at first, but upon closer inspection they are full of truth.

She was no longer grumpy, but still a little depressed.

"But with the Knights declining like this, can they still fight?"

"Of course!"

Roland categorically poured chicken soup into Sif, "The salary of the Knights has never been high. Becoming a Royal Knight is both an honor and a springboard for progress. Most of the people who come here are not looking for salary, but for their future."

"As long as they see the room for promotion again, the Knights can be reborn."

Sif's eyes ignited with blazing flames, as if she saw the moving scene of nearly ten thousand knights charging in bright knight uniforms and thick armor.

The array of steel and flesh is as powerful as the Great Steel Wall.

Then a hollow phalanx of infantry appeared in front of them, alchemical bombs appeared, the dark barrels of cannons appeared, and rows of muskets appeared.

The blazing fire in Sif's eyes was extinguished instantly.

She murmured to herself: "But the knight has been eliminated from the battlefield. Forget it, don't bother, just treat it as an honorary title."

Roland didn't like hearing this.

Honorary title, what do you say?

He and Sif are both die-hard royalists now. Loyalty is not something you can do with your words, you have to have strength.

The army can't be counted on, the navy is maverick, the air force is still in its mother's womb, and the overseas military forces are complex. The one they can rely on most is the Knights.

He retorted with a serious expression: "Xif, I don't want to hear those words just now in the future. You have a special status. Such depressing words have a huge impact on morale."

He wasn't kidding.

Anyone can deny the Royal Knights and ridicule them all they want, but if members of the royal family think so, the faith of this army will collapse.

Sif lowered her head in embarrassment and said softly: "I know."

Although he didn't directly admit his mistake, it was no different from an apology.

But she was still a little unconvinced, "Roland, I still don't understand, what can we do to regain their fighting strength?"

Facing Sif's expectant gaze, Roland smiled slightly and said calmly:
  "Then we'll see."

(End of this chapter)