Chapter 9
It was by chance that I came to be involved with the Knight Order. I had no plans for an inspection, nor was I in a position to meddle in the internal affairs of the Knight Order. That day, I was simply walking the path to the Royal Palace. “…Is that?” A single knight in armor was standing leaning against the wall. He was resting his weight on his sword, but his footing was slightly unsteady. Normally, such a thing would not happen. “Are you on a mission?” “Yes.” There was a reply. However, his breathing was shallow. When I had him remove his armor, there were injuries. Bruises and abrasions. Not life-threatening. Still, fatigue was clearly accumulating. Trembling arms, unfocused eyes. He would heal if he rested. But if he didn’t rest, it looked to me like he would eventually break. …I have seen this once before. The fact that a person who kept saying “I can still move” just like this, one day, suddenly could not stand up anymore. So I asked. “Why don’t you rest?” “There were… no replacements.” The knight said that and shrugged his shoulders slightly. “If I push myself a little, I can last.” The word “little” was far too light. “Is that an order from above?” “No.” His answer was immediate. “It is my own judgment.” I realized it then. This isn’t coercion. It’s a system. Those who push themselves are evaluated highly. And those who collapse are blamed for poor self-management. Therefore, this knight thinks pushing himself is natural. That as long as he doesn’t collapse, it is fine. After calling other knights and having him carried to the infirmary, I stood rooted to the spot. Behind me, the knight who came as a replacement spoke. “…I apologize for the trouble.” There is no reason anywhere to apologize. That was the beginning of my facing the Knight Order.
It was shortly after that that I learned the internal situation of the Knight Order. On the surface, the Knight Order is well-organized. Injured people are immediately taken to the medical office, and treatment is generous. The mortality rate is low, and equipment updates are regular. Looking only at the numbers, it appears to be an excellent organization. The problem was everything else. When I checked, there was no concept of working hours. Rest was “if there is time.” Voluntary training was “practically mandatory.” “Knights are the shields that protect the people.” “Shields shouldn’t try to protect themselves.” That was the tacit understanding. After finishing an all-night patrol, they go straight to voluntary training. After voluntary training, they are sent to separate security details. If concentration drops, they fix it with willpower. Sleepiness is glossed over with strong tea. Fatigue is treated as self-management. If they collapse, the medical office. However, once healed, immediate return. That was the Knight Order‘s way. I finished reading the report and let out a quiet sigh. “…This is just a theory of guts.” The Commander tilted his head. “There are no problems. Discipline is maintained, and missions are carried out without delay.” “Because no dead bodies have turned up, is that it?” I spoke quietly. “Yes.” That is exactly why it is troublesome. I placed a single sheet of paper on the desk. “I am submitting a reform plan.” The air in the room wavered for a moment. “The content consists of two points.” I held up one finger. “First. Establish a limit on working hours. Continuous missions are a maximum of twelve hours. Afterward, they must be placed on standby.” The second finger. “Second. Thorough management of training hours. Voluntary training is not mandatory.” The Knight Commander’s expression stiffened. “If we do that, real combat experience will—” “Drop?” I interrupted immediately. “A sword swung in an exhausted state versus a sword swung in a well-conditioned state. Which one survives?” Silence. “This is not coddling.” I continued matter-of-factly. “The Knight Order is not a collection of consumables. It is a military force for continuous operation. An organization that maintains its strength by whittling down people will eventually collapse.” After falling silent for a while, the Commander spoke in a low voice. “…There will be backlash.” “I am aware.” “Especially from the old guard.” “I expect so.” I raised the corners of my mouth just a little. “However, if accidents due to lowered concentration decrease and errors in judgment are reduced, the numbers will silence the counterarguments.” Not emotion, but results. Not guts, but a system. “If knights protect the country, then the country should prepare a system where knights do not break.” The Knight Commander did not argue against those words.
From that day on, the Knight Order would begin to change little by little.
I only proposed the plan. The ones who chose, acted, and changed things were them.
And so, I stand from my seat as usual. —It is quitting time. Today, too, ended peacefully.
Comments for chapter "Chapter 9"
MANGA DISCUSSION
Leave a Reply
