Chapter 1418 - 603: Alfred’s Report (Part 1)

Chapter 1418: Chapter 603: Alfred’s Report (Part 1)

On a snowy morning, Alfred awoke from his dreams.

The Temple Knight Commander initially opened his eyes for a while, then the warm quilt and soft bed made him close them again.

After several years, the Temple Knight Commander returned to Brunswick. The last time Alfred traveled was around the time when Laine became a Count; he had visited Brunswick then, when he was just an ordinary Paladin.

That year, at twenty-eight, during the Archbishop’s inspection, he stood like an ant.

I vowed to make everyone see me.

And not until he was in his early thirties did this Paladin from Nord finally encounter a turning point in his life. Firstly, credited with developing a diocese, he was honored as a Temple Knight, acquiring the knight’s title. Then, single-handedly breaking into Musillon, he was conferred the Freya Ancient Church District, his name spreading throughout the Old World. The name of Temple Knight Alfred is now known to many in the Old World. Considering many factors, whether it was Laine or Archbishop Vikma, both vigorously promoted Alfred’s achievements. Thus, although he is not as universally known as Laine, not famous throughout the Old World, he nonetheless has gained some fame.

The snow outside blew fiercely, hitting the window ledge and glass, making a slight sound. Alfred struggled for a moment and decided to get up. He climbed out, donned his nightgown; despite the indoor fireplace, the Temple Knight Commander still felt a bit of chill.

Standing before the window, Alfred gazed out over the city through the Royal Hotel’s windows.

In the morning, the snow-covered Imperial Capital had a special beauty.

The magnificent city walls and towering buildings, beneath the snow cover, seemed to possess a certain purity, as if the filth and evil hidden under the snow were buried by it. But whenever Alfred lowered his gaze, the dirty smoke rising from rooftops spiraled over the streets, the moist and filthy air from Brunswick’s countless fireplaces would, if approached, make one feel dizzy and cough relentlessly.

In the distance, the golden dome of the Justice Cathedral couldn’t be concealed by the numerous chaotic buildings. Its sacred and grand architecture intimidates all wicked enemies, making them aware of how the Empire has stood firm over the two thousand-year history. Innumerable tales of heroes battling evil are engraved on the cathedral’s murals.

Further away lies the Rick River, a wide river running through the middle of the city. Countless passenger ships, cargo ships, and fishing boats crowd its surface, dock workers already start working before dawn. Brunswick has many dock gangs, each with tens of thousands of dock workers; at this time, they’ve already commenced their diligent labor.

The garbage-strewn streets are already packed with people. Unclean and ignorant bodies jostle and trample, this city is always overcrowded regardless of the time. As the weary night soldiers are replaced by the bleary-eyed guards of the day, the gray and black mud formed by the crowd immediately fills the entire street. With the coming of light, the pickpockets and cultists active in the dark temporarily halt their activities, hawking sounds, footsteps, loading noises, and the clamor of vehicles and horses are simultaneously irritating and familiar.

This is the voice of humanity! Beneath the glorious canvas lies the Empire’s pride, standing firm for two thousand years against countless external enemies and internal turmoil. This old and crowded city still exudes astonishing vitality.

If possible, Alfred would like to look a little longer, but he knows he doesn’t have the time. Soon, as Temple Knight Commander, he must go to the Justice Cathedral to report to Archbishop Vikma in person.

After a brief wash, Alfred donned his Temple Knight uniform. This uniform he rarely wears, only donning it during major festivals or important occasions. He usually wears two types of clothing: one is the Temple Knight full plate armor, the other is the Clergy’s monastic robe.

The uniform had long been laundered and scented by the hotel attendants. Alfred changed into the uniform, hung his Knight’s Sword at his waist, opened the room door, and prepared to head to the Justice Cathedral to report. Departing from the Royal Hotel, he would arrive at the Justice Cathedral exactly one hour early.

Clutching his Templar Standard Longsword, its blade blessed by a local Bishop, Alfred felt the power brought by the tightness of his muscles. Now in his thirties, he was in his prime, having just been promoted to Temple Knight Commander, which was a significant breakthrough in his life. He was filled with ambition, recalling what Laine had once told him.

"When you were a Paladin, speak less, listen more, ask more, do more."

"Now, you should speak more, listen more, ask more, do more. Now that you are independent, and it’s the time you need reputation and prestige, make sure everyone knows you, understands you."

Alfred had a deeper understanding of these words. He was well-prepared with a series of gifts, including many specialties from Musillon and Brittania’s wines, as well as a few exquisite items imported from the Wood Elves. From the Justice Archbishop Vikma to his Cardinals, to the Templar Order Grand Master Hans-Retdorf and several Great Knight Commanders, Alfred meticulously readied gifts for each. These gifts weren’t gold or silver, nor were they valuable, but everyone had something according to rank, showing respect.