"That was a bit harsh…" muttered the apprentice knight, looking at Giselle with a wounded expression.

Recommending someone from the Wardanaz family—a prominent magic family representing the Empire—for knighthood was indeed uncommon. However, if anyone from that family had the qualities needed for knighthood, it was I-han. After all, he had recently fought alongside knights from the Beechwood Order against anti-magic insurgents, showing that he’d elevate, not tarnish, the honor of whoever endorsed him.

But I-han intervened for Moradi’s sake, explaining, "Moradi just doesn’t want to give the impression that his family is too close with mine."

After all, associating …