KNEEL BEFORE THE CROWN (BL)

That morning Trevor knocked on the King's bedroom door, after the sun rose on the eastern horizon and the crowing of the rooster had woken up the entire city. The golden light fell on Adam's face and filled every side of his luxurious room, the wide white curtains were pulled back. Trevor slowly approached the basket and gently touched the young man's hand.

"Good morning, Your Majesty."

His blue eyes stared sharply at the General. He seemed unhappy when his sleep was disturbed. Although in the end the young man still got up from his bed, sipping a cup of warm tea that had been brought by the servant. On the wall of the room there was a painting of himself sitting on a throne wearing a golden crown sprinkled with ruby ​​gems and a golden scepter with a shining diamond at the top.

That was Adam, the King of Wilhelmia, turning seventeen when he ascended the throne as the eighteenth King of Wilhelmia. Previously in the same place there was a painting of his father and mother, but it seemed the young man had moved the painting. Because his feelings were not safe when every time he opened it he had to see the faces of his deceased parents.

He glanced at Trevor's hand which was already carrying a thick document in his hand. Wondering why he didn't just visit his Royal Advisor. The King entered his bathroom and soon came out in formal attire. A dark blue velvet outfit complete with his noble titles. Black pants with dark brown lace-up boots were also worn

His blonde hair was neatly combed to the side, while looking out at the beautiful garden outside his tall window. Trevor's attitude was too enthusiastic for Adam, at the age of 40 years. A fierce, dashing look with a sword always perched on his waist, people would not believe if the man's personality was a little cheerful.

"What's wrong, you've come to my room early in the morning? If it's not important, I'll kick you out."

The charming man smiled when he found out that the King's condition was not good because of him, "Of course this will make you happy, Your Majesty. Ackerley is still busy with the order you just gave, so he asked me to help you deliver this."

Adam listened silently, "The first is the deed of land release in Combust by Earl Gerald. He has agreed for his land to be purchased by the Kingdom."

"Why is it delayed?" Adam asked coldly.

"Conflict, Your Majesty. Sometimes the nobles of a region have different opinions from each other. But they have deliberated, you may not know Earl Gerald." Trevor lowered his voice, "He is old so he is easily influenced by others."

"Next is about the weapons factory in Atkins City, Your Majesty. They want you to come for the inauguration."

"The factory has been standing for a long time, all I did was make some repairs. There is no need for an inauguration."

"But, Your Majesty."

Adam glanced at the General who seemed to disagree with his words. "Alright. When is the inauguration? Today?" he answered as if he already knew the answer.

Trevor smiled, "That's right. Your Majesty. This morning after breakfast, I will take you there."

Adam sighed. He couldn't leave his obligations just because he chose to relax in his reading room all day long. Trevor followed the King's steps that led them to the dining room. Passing the paintings of the previous Kings that hung beautifully on the corridor walls. The sunlight shone brightly from the open balcony that accompanied the length of the corridor, with rows of white pillars as high as an adult man's waist.

"Trevor this year will be the fourteenth anniversary of my parents' deaths, right? I forgot a little." Adam said in the middle of their journey. Making the General's steps suddenly slow down. "Yes, Your Majesty. As usual, the people will hold a lantern festival to remember them."

"Is it a tradition?"

Adam stepped into the dining room. On the long table, there were complete and varied food and drinks. Trevor decided to sit next to the main chair to accompany Adam for breakfast.

"Just us?" Adam said softly. His head was bowed to the eggs and grilled salmon on his plate.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Day by day the General could feel the sadness and loneliness of the young man. Spending time alone in this magnificent palace, half-dead giving the best for his people and having no one to sit back and do nothing.

Trevor also knew the times when Adam was at his lowest point. Only he was always with the King, no one was closer to Adam than him and Ackerley. The two of them even saw when the man was just born into the world.

Trevor woke up from his daydream when Ackerley stumbled into the dining room with dark eye bags. It was clear that the man had not slept well. "Good morning, Your Majesty."

"Oh, Ackerley." Adam said. "Please eat with us. I thought you wouldn't be there."

"No way, Your Majesty. Breakfast with you is always my happiness."

Trevor smiled understandingly at his colleague who deliberately left his work so as not to miss spending time with the King. The man knew that Adam didn't like to eat alone. They began to eat the food with gusto, while occasionally starting small talk together.

The Ackerley family had always been advisors to the Kingdom of Wilhelmia. His father was also a personal advisor to King Alexander – Adam's father. The King was in dire need of an advisor to run the government. Ackerkey was appointed as a servant of the Kingdom. His figure helped Adam to make policies and advice that could benefit all parties. Because when he ascended the throne at a young age, it was certainly difficult to hold the reins of the Kingdom. So the figure of Ackerley who was always by Adam's side was very trusted and needed. The man and Trevor were comes from a noble family that has served the Kingdom for generations.

His age is not much different from Trevor, only three years older. A handsome man with long hair tied low, gray. Round glasses with a chain around his neck. And gray-blue eyes that show an intelligent and wise look. Unlike the General, his face is clean from beard and mustache. So it doesn't look like he's aging. As a Royal advisor, Ackerley always accompanies all decisions and steps made by the King faithfully.

"There is a rumor that has fallen into my ears." Adam said. "Some people say that their businesses like to be taxed wildly. Those who force them to hand over money say it is my order." Trevor listened silently. "I have made a low tax rule for the villagers. Why are there still people who do dirty things like that?"

"Is that so, Your Majesty? Forgive me for my negligence. I should have taken care of a small problem like that myself. You don't need to think too much." Trevor said a little hesitantly. "I will increase patrols in the city and villages, Your Majesty"

"Then the farmers in Amiens Village? It seems that the Kingdom has received a lot of income from there this year." Adam added.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The land of Wilhelmia will make any plant grow and thrive. The fields of tubers, fruits and vegetables are one of the people's basic needs, so they never stop being produced this summer." Ackerley explained. "The second largest income for the Kingdom is from the food industry, Your Majesty."

"Yes, I understand. Maybe the harvest festival can be held soon. Just keep up the good work of the farmers." Adam said. "Please take care of all my schedules and give me a report on your work, Ackerley."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Adam rose from his chair with Trevor. "I will come to the factory in Atkins for the inauguration."

Ackerley rose from his chair and saw the King off to the main door where the horse carriage had been waiting for them. The man bowed as the horse was spurred on by the Royal coachman. The journey took about twenty minutes to reach Atkins City, far west of Wilhelmia.

Adam focused his gaze out the window, watching how his Kingdom was doing that day. The carriage was escorted by several horsemen, complete with armor and swords at their waists. Because protecting the safety of the King was their main task.

The location of the factory inherited from his ancestors was the only producer of the best weapons in the entire country. So Adam exported a lot of his products to neighboring countries that had collaborated. They were amazed by the quality of Wilhelmia's weapons, which were good even though they had been passed down from generation to generation. Cannons, spearheads, archery, swords, shields were some of the many weapons produced by Wilhelmia's skilled craftsmen.

The situation was quite crowded when Adam arrived at the place. Also present were the nobles who were related to the Kingdom's government. Most of them had high titles such as Earl, Viscount and Baron, and their families were also present. Adam was greeted enthusiastically when he stepped off the carriage, accompanied by Trevor behind him. The man was immediately given way to the podium where he would give his speech without further ado.

The loud applause continued to be heard until Adam raised his hand to signal to stop. Adam's gaze first glanced at the large factory behind him, which was already standing strong and had undergone significant expansion. Adam's face did not show much expression, although he looked cold, he did not hesitate to shake hands or greet anyone present at the place.

"Good morning, first of all thank you for taking the time to attend to inaugurate this factory, I as the 18th King of Wilhelmia. I am grateful that this factory has been successfully renovated without the slightest problem. This Atkins factory will become a famous weapons producer throughout the country." Adam said slowly.

"My arrival here will formally inaugurate the opening of the factory. Thank you to the workers who have made this place stand strong again. Thank you to the craftsmen who have brought this place to life, your services will never be forgotten in the welfare of Wilhelmia. Hopefully in the future the place will continue to develop for the better."

Applause cheered again when Adam stepped down from the podium, because he wanted to save time and did not want to linger in that place. His figure was then approached by the nobles who wanted to greet and shake hands with the King. Until Adam had to be escorted by several soldiers around him. He tried his best to appear perfect in front of his people, but the first people Adam wanted to talk to were the workers rather than the nobles.

The men with dirty and injured hands from work were prioritized compared to clean white hands wrapped in satin gloves. The King was then greeted by the head of the factory. "Mr. Jonnah. Thank you for your work."

The old man who looked as well dressed as possible in front of Adam, with his wrinkled and dusty suit. He smiled shyly at the compliments that Adam threw. "Let me show you around. Your Majesty. Please."

Mr. Jonnah nervously took the King to see the condition of the giant building. Inside it was full of workers who were tidying up large barrels filled with iron ore, iron sheets, wood, and furnaces.

Under Mr. Jonnah's rule, Adam admitted that he could be a little calmer. Because of the figure he knew quite well, always appearing with a humble, honest, and dedicated personality. This factory has experienced its glory and downfall. Since the tragic incident that occurred fourteen years ago, production had stopped for some time. And after entering two years of Adam's rule, he wanted to return to glory this factory and make it the main income of Wilhelmia. Furthermore, because the young man also wanted to continue all the legacy of his ancestors as best as possible.

Trevor's daily life as General Wilhelmia was not easy. In addition to being fully responsible for the military and defense of the Kingdom. The safety of the King was also his own responsibility, especially as the head of Haven who really needed his guidance and direction. In the learning and training of the students, everything was also arranged according to the General's orders.

That morning Trevor entered his headquarters as usual. There was no schedule for Adam to visit anywhere that day so he could focus on other tasks that awaited him. When he entered the building, he was a little confused because there was no one there. The chairs were all empty. He decided to go around and look for someone to ask. But the results were nil.

Suddenly a loud cheer was heard from a distance. He squinted his eyes, looking towards the field that Haven students usually used for horse riding, now filled with dozens of people gathering. His confusion grew because he didn't remember if there was an order to gather in the field, so Trevor decided to spur his horse back on.

The cheers grew louder as Trevor approached. He took a deep breath when he found out that it was a wild fight that was of interest to the men. His friends were also watching the match with excited expressions. His arrival seemed to go unnoticed because the atmosphere was so chaotic, dozens of men were forming a circle, giving space to the two people who were fighting with swords in the middle.

Trevor also watched, but how surprised he was when the young man turned out to be the target of his seniors' pranks. Weithia was seen struggling to block Robin's sword which was too hard and fast for him to block. The young man fell down with blood coming out of his mouth and his hair wet with sweat.

Under the scorching sun, the man with pale blue eyes seemed to be enjoying the match even though he didn't show much expression. Trevor knew very well that with the nature of his students, it was impossible for Robin to jokingly challenge his subordinates to a wild match like this.

It must be because of the news that Weithia would receive the title of Knight soon, his friends wanted to see how capable the young man was. Trevor began to get carried away in the situation and continued to watch how well Weithia could fend off and protect himself from his much more experienced senior.

His friend who was at the same level as Weithia continued to shout his name to increase the young man's enthusiasm. Trevor smiled when he saw Weithia at a young age had mastered the sword technique that he was currently honing. Only a little strength and self-confidence were left, Weithia would definitely win against Robin easily.

Maybe the beginning was just the beginning, the General could feel that Weithia could already read the pattern that his senior had made. The longer the young man was ready to withstand every swing of Robin's sword and turn it into a double-edged sword. His gray eyes looked so focused on his opponent's vital areas, his head and neck. Robin began to look overwhelmed, Trevor knew that the man's personality was not arrogant, if he lost, he would happily admit defeat.

But it seemed that Weithia and Robin were in a balanced place, their breaths were clearly out of breath. The General could not possibly make the two young men Knights and Company Leaders if only empty barrels made loud noises. The fight was getting fiercer. Cheers accompanied every move Weithia and Robin made.

The General knew very well that Weithia has a very special natural talent. Until when the young man finally managed to make Robin have difficulty with Weithia's agility in controlling his sword.

Suddenly Robin fell to the ground and his sword was thrown in all directions. Weithia with sweat pouring down and gasping for breath pointed his sword at Robin's face. The crowd stopped temporarily, not believing when Robin, who was the best student in Haven, was defeated by his subordinates.

The tense situation was not created when Weithia and his senior laughed and hugged briefly. Weithia thanked Robin for what he considered guidance, and the man just smiled and apologized for making his junior vomit blood. Everyone on the field admitted that Weithia's abilities were not a joke.

Including the King. Who also applauded when the friend's match was over. He smiled from his horse. And saw everyone who immediately bow.

"Isn't there a second part?" said Adam. Trevor was the first person who dared to approach the King.

"No, Your Majesty. The Haven people are just having fun." He said a little hesitantly.

"I quite enjoyed the match earlier. Ah, Lieutenant Bardolf and Captain Hopps are also here." The two old men were a little nervous shaking Adam's hand.

No one there saw the King arrive on his horse alone. Until watching the match until it was over. Adam continued his conversation with the military commanders. Until not long after the Lieutenants and Captains withdrew, riding back towards the headquarters on the King's orders.

Only Trevor was left, who was still in his conversation. The students were still silent waiting for their superior's orders, looking respectfully and awe-inspiringly at the two of them. Not long after the King turned around and spoke in front of the Haven students who were present at the match.

"Don't you have any more lessons?" he said with a low intonation.

"No, Your Majesty." Trevor replied.

"Then, please allow me to share a little knowledge with you all."

The dozens of young men were a little confused by the King's words. Moreover, almost all of them had never met Adam in person. Including Weithia. The General ordered him to first clean himself from the dirt and blood before joining his other friends.

The man followed the General's orders and went to the well not far from the horse stable. He splashed his face from the dried blood and his shoes that had sand in them. He slowly tied the wound on his hand with a cloth, because it was scratched by his senior's sword.

That day was the first time he met the King. His heart was beating with fear, and his hands were shaking slightly when he pulled the bucket from the well. Was that the figure who would be his responsibility. In Weithia's mind, Adam was perfect, a famous King who was loved by his people. A very holy man. Weithia even felt that he did not deserve to be beside him. Let alone get the title of Knight.

He began to walk to where his friends were. After judging himself worthy to appear in front of the others. His feet dragged slightly because they were very sore. He was greeted with some applause, appearing as the winner of the match earlier. Weithia saw the King sitting on a stone chair, slightly higher than the others, while Trevor stood beside him.

Weithia sat in the back row, asking his friend beside him what he had missed. The King decided to share his knowledge with Haven's students that day. There was no prior plan, so even Trevor was a little hesitant to allow it. But of course no one could refuse a King's wishes.

"My General has given me news of the development of this Educational Institution several times. And I really appreciate his initiative in establishing Haven." Adam began to speak, "I heard that just to enter this institution is very difficult, I conclude that the young men present here with me have very great qualities."

Weithia was so amazed by the King's voice and appearance which were so charming and charismatic. The aura of nobility was very prominent. He continued to praise Haven with a happy and wise expression.

"Since I have nothing to do today. To relieve my fatigue, maybe it wouldn't hurt to share my thoughts with all of you." The students cheered softly at Adam's words, feeling that luck had come to them that day.

"I'm sure there aren't many who give you theoretical knowledge, especially when the teaching staff here are also busy with your physical qualities and strength. Today I will teach you the art of war, as my father used to call it."

"Willhelmia's military history has been created a gradual consolidation of power from generation to generation. Which eventually developed a professional force to stand alone. Since the beginning of this country's founding, the system that was created was militarization. A government that based its security guarantee on its military strength and claimed that the development and maintenance of its military to guarantee that ability was the most important goal of society."

Adam's voice was soft and authoritative, "During the reign of the seventh King, Wilhelmia declined and its power began to crack. Militarization returned to the local level. Military power was returned from a large pool of professional troops, to smaller groups of warriors, organized by individual nobles."

"That's not good in my opinion."

"So the ancestors developed the bureaucratic and financial apparatus needed to increase and maintain the power to stand alone especially to put forward the militarization system."

Adam glanced at Robin who was sitting not far from him, "You. Percheval, what do you think about Wilhelmia's military system?"

The young man seemed to think for a moment, trying his best to satisfy the King with his answer. "First, the military commanders in Wilhelmia consist of the Grand General, Lieutenants, and Captains of the 5 Haven Companies consisting of Hazard, Armor, Variel, Evtalon, and Nifilus. Each company can consist of 200 to 500 people. If all are combined, they will form a regiment that will be led by a Lieutenant. That is only for infantry troops. If combined with the archer regiment, all leadership is under the Grand General."

Everyone heard the clever idea put forward by Robin, "But additional troops such as foreign allies or mercenaries will also be counted. Their pay is usually hired by a Kingdom with varying quality, but at least high enough to warrant their inclusion in the Kingdom's main army."

Adam nodded at Robin's excellent explanation. He then continued to ask questions. "Then what about the farmers who fought with the Kingdom?"

Weithia was motivated to answer the King's question, her heart beating fast just to speak up.

"No one wants to answer?"

Her hand suddenly rose. "I-I think farmers with pitchforks have little military value, Your Majesty. They never received any education or training, so it's better to keep them in the fields so they can be productive. But some farmers also fight because of their social status, and must be subject to the obligation of levies. Also because they show concern for local defense as militias that have been armed by wealthy individual communities. Like nobles, Your Majesty."

Adam smiled, "It seems that you not only have ability, but also intelligence. You're the one who just won against Percheval, right?"

Weithia agreed nervously.

"Are you the one who will be my Knight later?"

Adam smiled softly.

All eyes were on the young man, they could clearly see the sweat pouring down his forehead. He sat so tensely and looked panicked when the King invited him to talk. "I-I don't know, Your Majesty."

Adam chuckled, "What's wrong that you don't know? Trevor is the one who entrusted you to carry out that task. And I will never doubt his choice."

Weithia just kept quiet and smiled hesitantly. "Before that, do you know what a Knight is and their duties?"

"To guard a King and Kingdom." Weithia answered hesitantly. Adam laughed softly, understanding the young man's answer, "Maybe you should learn more. Knights. Can anyone answer that?"

Robin raised her hand confidently, "They are His Majesty's horsemen. Or called Cavaliers. Someone who is very skilled at riding, in my opinion Weithia has mastered that ability. The Knights themselves have a rule or code of ethics called Chivaly. They have a reputation as the toughest soldiers in a Kingdom."

"Yes, that is the right answer." Adam's blue eyes glanced at the shy young man who was lowering his head, "A Knight defines the idealism of cavalry which is important for the formation of the concept of an oath of loyalty to become a servant of the Kingdom."

"Sir Vistalia." Adam said softly. He smiled and said, "Relax, everything will be fine. Show a little confidence and pride in yourself. I don't want to see you lower your head like that."

"A man must speak his mind out loud."

Weithia felt speechless, not knowing what words to say. Thank you or sorry. Adam rose from his seat and said goodbye to all the Haven students who accompanied him that short afternoon. Trevor escorted him back into the castle. Under the shady trees with a cool breeze, Weithia was silent as he watched the King leave.