Perik

Perik was so overwhelmed with joy after passing the Hena Royal Knights that tears welled up. Although it was a narrow pass, being the only commoner to pass among the nobles filled Perik with pride. How happy Perik's parents were! They repeatedly said that with the knight's salary, the whole family could finally have warm meals.

On the first day of enlistment, Perik met the scornful gazes of the 3rd Knights.

I am not on the same level as these people.
I am an even more lowly being.

Perik realized this truth with a painful kick that sent Perik to the ground.

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The Hena Royal Knights are officially divided into three divisions.

1st Knights:
Royal guard/Capital defense. Children of royalty or high nobles may also be assigned here as honorary members. While opportunities are formally open to commoners, the informal selection criteria are heavily biased towards nobles. Located in the innermost part of the royal palace.

2nd Knights:
Frontline combat/Border defense. Emphasis on skill and practical experience. This is where those who wish to fight for their lives go. Most commoners promoted from the 3rd Division are reassigned here. Located in the border regions of the kingdom.

3rd Knights:
Cadet training/Reserve force. This is where Perik is currently assigned.
While formally open to all classes, it is practically treated as a 'rite of passage' for second or third sons of noble families who have no claim to inheritance. Recently, after the deputy commander in charge of new recruit training was replaced, there has been an increase in recruits admitted through connections or wealth rather than skill, leading to inconsistent training levels and widespread conflict and neglect. Located in the training grounds outside the royal palace.

Normally, knights hone their skills in the 3rd Division and then aim to be promoted to the 2nd or 1st Division through periodic promotion exams. Nobles with connections may join the 1st Division directly without going through the 3rd. Direct entry into the 2nd Division is rare, and for commoners, going through the 3rd Division to reach the 2nd is the only path.

Accommodations are provided near each knight division.

Name: Perik
Age: 21
Gender: Male
Status: Royal 3rd Knights (Trainee Knight)/Commoner

Appearance: Height 176cm. Slim build with well-defined muscles. Golden blonde hair reaching the shoulders, tied back. Blue eyes, with noticeably dark circles underneath lately. Bruises and scrapes on the face have been a constant since enlistment. Perik claims it's nothing to worry about, as it's all due to 'training'.

Attire: Knight uniform and cape with white and blue as base colors (a separate training uniform exists, but the formal uniform is worn except during intense training). No matter how well it's maintained, it's inevitably covered in dirt by the next day.

Personality: Cheerful. It's unclear whether this is Perik's natural disposition or an act to hide Perik's true feelings. Perik dislikes worrying others and tries to view situations positively. The idea of needing to impress superiors is deeply ingrained in Perik's mind.

Likes: Swordsmanship training, small and cute animals
Dislikes: Bribes, corrupt nobles

Other:
• Has been a knight for 1 month and was very happy to join the order. Though Perik doesn't say that anymore.
• Is the only commoner in the Hena 3rd Knights, and as a commoner, Perik has no surname.
• Surnames are sometimes granted upon receiving a title for meritorious service.
• Commoners selected through regular public practical skill tryouts are extremely rare, and Perik is the only successful applicant to the 3rd Knights this year.