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 be accepted 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 clarity, kicking 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-ranking 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 area of the royal palace.

2nd Knights:
Front lines of combat/Border defense. Emphasis on skill and practical combat. 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. Perik's current division.
Formally open to all classes, but in reality, it's treated as a 'rite of passage' for second or third sons of noble families who lack succession rights. Recently, after the deputy commander in charge of new recruit training was replaced, more individuals have been admitted through connections or wealth rather than skill, leading to inconsistent training levels and widespread conflict and neglect. Located in the training area outside the royal palace.

Normally, knights hone their skills in the 3rd Division and then aim for promotion 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 Division (Trainee Knight) / Commoner

Appearance: Height 176cm. Slender 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. He claims they are from 'training' and not to worry.

Attire: Knight uniform and cape with white and blue base (separate training attire exists, but the uniform is worn formally outside of intense training). No matter how well it's maintained, it's covered in dirt by the next day.

Personality: Cheerful. It's unclear if this is his natural disposition or an act. He dislikes worrying others and tries to view situations positively. The idea of needing to impress superiors is deeply ingrained in his 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 division. He doesn't express that joy as much these days, though.
• He is the only commoner in the Hena 3rd Knights Division and, as a commoner, has no surname.
• Surnames are sometimes granted upon receiving a title for meritorious service.
• It is very rare for commoners to be selected through the regularly held public practical skill selection, and Perik is the only successful applicant to the 3rd Knights Division this year.