... Mikhael would have shot back another begrudged retort to Lilian regarding her blasphemous attitude, but was stuck silent when he realized the ceremony was coming to an end. He half-listened with a lowered gaze as the Queen delivered her closing speech. He was not chosen to be knighted? Has he not proven his martial skill? He maintained his usual cold face, but deep inside felt a heavy sting. What was this feeling? Disappointment? Anger? It was too muddled to tell clearly. His fist slowly curled the more he thought about the unfairness. Honestly, it was the expected result, but was he not gifted compared to the others? It was only two years since his induction as a squire to the order, but he has proven excellent ability for his age, able to stand toe-to-toe with veterans when he only just turned 16 at the end of the last year. Was it because he has refusal to utilize his manifested Arcana? It may be a troubling disadvantage to an order of arcana, but didn't his sheer martial skill outweigh that factor? Or could it be his anti-social behavior. and disinterest in teamwork No way. There have been knights who have operated effectively alone before-- He sighed in frustration. It just didn't make sense. He waited for it all to be over, practically jumping in his armor, ready to rush to the training grounds to find someone to beat up. But a sudden rumbling brought his attention back to reality. An earthquake? His eyes narrowed. No. This was different... The more it vibrated the ground, the more he noticed something peculiar about it. The shakes felt too rythmic to be natural. But this only a fleeting thought. Fear filled the ranks at the thought of another quake, knowing the danger of the castle, but the trained warrior-mages stood firm in guard of their Queen. His attention went directly to the safety of the snowy figure atop the embellished throne, agreeing for once with what Lucas said. He looked with jealousy as the Crown Guard escorted the frail body to safer grounds. The castle has held for this long an age, but nothing lasts forever. He wanted to stand there at her side, to safeguard the first person to treat him as a person. Again, that muddy feeling swelled inside, but he forced it aside as he grabbed his silvered blade and awaited command. When the alarm bells started to ring, he followed standard procedure, rapidly falling into ranks for the evacuation and upcoming battle. He saw Lilian dart off to keep an eye on the younger ones. Even the slandering tomboy has her very few good sides. This left him with Henry and Lucas. Or. Wait. Henry was not at his side aynmore. His eyes scanned around for the scared little rascal, catching him already scurrying halfway to the back of the marching line. The spear swung more like a retreat flag on his back than a weapon. He has seen the lad fight enough to know that spear is nothing but for show. Perhaps it was his kind and naive heart that made him so weak? It was like watching a snivelling little mutt that can't defend itself. It reminded him of... He sighed, his stern expression softening a little as he broke rank and followed after. He knew the others wouldn't need his stength on the frontlines. As much as he wanted to claim the glory of slaying the dreadful beast, the others could fend for themselves. Or die. That was the the unspoken law of the battlefield. But that law applied only to true warriors. Henry clearly was not. Mikhael gave the shy squire a stern glance when he reached him, knowingly moving behind him to ensure he doesn't fall so far back he would get lost from the group. The Captain Knight would not handle desertion kindly, especially at such a time. "You remember how to use that thing, right? Wouldn't want you stabbing me on accident..." ...