BONUS:
Mr. Claus of House Banfield
ONE KNIGHT IN House Banfield's ranks was well known throughout
the Empire, and his name was Claus Sera Mont.
Claus had made a name for himself during the Empire's war with
the United Kingdom of Oxys. His exploits in that conflict had earned him
a reputation as a genius tactician. Yet the fact of the matter was that his
fame was nothing but an annoyance to him. After all, the strategies they'd
employed in that war had all been Tia's ideas. Liam had entrusted his fleet
to Claus, but in truth Tia did the actual commanding. It wasn't Claus, but
Tia, who had led the Empire to victory, destroying treacherous allies doing
nothing but dragging their own army down.
Claus felt guilty, as if he'd taken credit for Tia's accomplishments,
but that wasn't the only reason he was frustrated with his reputation. Since
Tia's strategy had rested on the sacrifice of a huge number of allies, Claus
was now seen as a cold, cruel man.
At home, Claus lamented his fate. "Why must everyone think that I
gave out those orders?"
Claus lived in a large mansion with many servants within House
Banfield's domain. He'd begun making a name for himself upon joining
House Banfield, and that name was now known widely. His living
situation reflected his successes, since one of Liam's policies was to
reward people amply for good service. That was all well and good, but
Claus didn't feel he deserved everything he'd received. His feeling of
unworthiness had become another source of endless stomach pain.
As he lamented in the living room, his wife approached and smiled.
"I've heard all about your accomplishments in the war, dear."
Claus grimaced. "I only supported everyone! It was the people
supposedly under my command who really did the work."
His wife continued beaming, assuming he was merely being
humble. "Lord Liam wouldn't have given you this mansion unearned. I'm
glad that you're finally being appreciated now."
Before coming to House Banfield, Claus had been treated poorly as
a knight due to his unwillingness to speak up for himself and his lack of
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interest in promotion. Others took credit for many of his efforts, so his
standing always remained low, his lifestyle always modest. He was glad
his wife and children could finally enjoy easy lives, but he couldn't help
feeling guilty over what he considered his undeserved reputation.
"Lord Liam obviously made a mistake," Claus said, slumping.
"Who knows when he'll realize that and take this mansion back."
His wife put a hand on her hip and frowned. "It's no mistake.
You're a fantastic knight, and you should take some pride in yourself."
"But—"
When Claus continued to protest, his wife shouted, "How can you
be so insecure when there are so many people under your command? It's
your job to hold your head high and work with pride! A superior must be
confident, so his people can do their jobs with confidence too!"
Claus winced and nodded at her words. "True—I should at least
ensure my people don't have cause to worry."
Claus had struggled a lot himself, and always strove to create an
environment where his subordinates wouldn't. I know what it's like to
work in a rotten environment. I always want to be sure to report my men's
accomplishments and help them get ahead. That's pretty much all I can do,
anyway.
Certain of his shortcomings as always, he shifted gears to focus on
helping his subordinates.
His wife sighed, obviously dissatisfied with the conclusion he'd
drawn. "I just wish you'd have a little more confidence. To us, at least,
you're a wonderful knight, so I hope you know that." In fact, to his wife
and children, Claus was the greatest knight in the world.
Claus smiled, bashful at this sentiment. "Y-yeah, I do. You're right,
though—I guess I'll put in a little more effort."
"I don't want you to work harder. I only want you to have
confidence!"
Seeing the way his wife worried over him, Claus thought, I at least
want my family to be happy, to make up for all I put them through in the
past. I don't think I need such an inflated reputation to do that, though.
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