ALL NOVEL Chapter 148
148. It’s Good To Not Caring If Someone’s a Nobody, Isn’t It?
There’s a well-known story tied to the Sage’s crest.
When the world was overrun by monsters, and humans and demi-humans alike faced extinction, humanity barely survived.
It’s said that those who dedicated themselves to supporting, organizing, and rebuilding the remaining humans—giving them a system of nations, helping them thrive, and grow—were the ones whose hands bore the glowing Sage’s crest.
Some say the first bearer was the founding king or emperor, but the truth is uncertain.
After all, neither the kingdom nor the empire spreads such stories.
“Sage’s crest… the Wiseman…”
Eva must have known the story, too. She repeated the name like a murmured mantra.
The same crest as the one carried by the founders of nations—it’s no wonder she was astonished.
“Never thought I’d live to see the day that the Sage’s crest, spoken of only in legends, would appear… Well, though I suppose it’s not confirmed yet.”
The herald shook his head a few times, then turned to Eva.
“Now then, will you grant me the honor of engraving the Sage’s crest upon you?”
“Honor? No, it’s I who am grateful to you.”
“Very well… [Crest Transmutation: Sage]!”
As Eva’s crest was rewritten, the room filled with a dazzling light, and overwhelming magic began to whirl around.
It reminded me of when it happened to me.
Where all that magic power comes from, I don’t know, but it gathers and transforms into the Sage’s crest, a symbol of incredible power—so potent that you can’t help but feel its strength.
As the glow faded, the magic stabilized, settling into Eva’s body.
“Amazing… I feel power and knowledge surging through me… Will I even be able to master this?”
She seemed more anxious than happy. I could understand that feeling.
“Congratulations, Eva. Don’t worry—you’ll soon unlock the crest’s power and become an incredible mage… No, a Sage.”
I clapped her shoulder, and she looked at me in surprise before turning away, pouting.
“Being congratulated by you doesn’t make me happy. And don’t say irresponsible things when you don’t even know what powers this crest holds.”
“…O-oh.”
Shot down completely, I slumped in defeat, while Leafan snorted and burst into laughter.
Was it really that funny to see me get owned like that? Damn.
“That’s my sister—just what I’d expect.”
“Right? The chosen one really is on another level.”
“I don’t really get it, but congratulations, Eva-nee!”
“Congratulations!”
Amid the flood of well-wishes, Eva turned bright red, glaring at Raidoc, who was being especially enthusiastic.
I understood how she felt, but it was best to just give up on him.
Then again, with a guy like him, having two wives might be acceptable.
…Tch. Go get yourself in trouble.
While nursing an inexplicable jealousy toward Raidoc, I handed a potion to the herald.
“Alright, next up—Alphard.”
“Sir!”
Huh, I thought they’d stick with Raidoc’s group, but it looks like it’s the guards’ turn.
Honestly, it’s probably a long shot for Alphard or Persia to receive a high-ranking crest.
They’re talented, sure, but even among the kingdom’s royal guards, there are plenty just as capable.
And most of them carry common black emblems.
Just owning a Swordsman’s or Warrior’s crest is impressive enough.
As always, Alphard stood firm and serious—completely his usual self.
He wasn’t expecting much, and it was easy to tell.
“Let’s begin. [Crest Aptitude Judgment]”
Generis, the Crest Official, seemed unusually calm this time—suggesting bad news.
And that made his next words all the more surprising.
“Alphard, it seems you have the aptitude for the Holy Knight’s Crest.”
“““What!?”””
Not only the crowd but Alphard himself jerked his head up in shock.
The Holy Knight’s crest is renowned.
It’s a higher-tier crest that rarely appears, even among knights and nobility.
How can Generis be so composed!?
Maybe the Sage’s crest was such a bombshell that this just feels ordinary by comparison.
While everyone else was stunned, the Kendall siblings tilted their heads in confusion.
“What’s up?”
“Craft-niisama, wasn’t Alphard already a Holy Knight?”
Ah, this needs explaining.
“Alphard’s role is that of a Holy Knight, but that’s just a job title. The Holy Knight Corps is one of the units under the kingdom or its lords, specifically those with legal authority.”
Holi Knights hold both judicial and enforcement powers, able to deliver justice on the spot.
Because of the authority they wield, forming a Holy Knight Corps requires the king’s approval.
In wartime, they can also take command of the military.
Alphard, in the Elixir territory, serves as the de facto head of military operations.
Legally, however, that responsibility falls to Kyle.
Kyle’s personal guard is selected from the Holy Knight Corps, though none carry the Holy Knight’s crest.
Hearing all this, the kids nodded in understanding.
The Kendall siblings’ generation received limited political education, a consequence of the short schooling period.
Priorities were given to math, literacy, and magic. Future generations are expected to receive more well-rounded education.
As I finished explaining, Alphard’s crest transmutation was already complete.
Surrounded by congratulations, I scrambled to offer my own.
Regardless of the specifics, this was cause for celebration.
Yet Alphard’s gaze lingered on Persia, filled with concern.
Ah…
“Persia, you’re next.”
“…Y-yes!”
In stark contrast to Alphard’s stoic demeanor, Persia stepped forward nervously, her beautiful face tense.
She shot a resentful glare at Alphard.
At this point, not receiving a high-tier crest would be beyond awkward.
If she didn’t get one, Persia would probably blow up. I genuinely hoped she’d receive something amazing.
Perhaps my prayers were heard, as Generis let out a firm “Ho!” in admiration.
“Persia has the aptitude for the Beast Rider’s crest.”
“That’s quite a rare one.”
I had never heard of it, but Persia seemed to know.
“What kind of crest is it, Persia?”
“Better to ask the Crest Official, no?”
“Fair enough.”
When I prompted him, Generis nodded.
“It’s a higher-tier knight’s crest, and also ranks above swordsman and warrior emblems. It grants not only combat skills but also the ability to control numerous animals and certain monsters—though only those suitable for riding.”
What!?
And this is Persia, who named a bird “Tebasaki”!
“It suits me perfectly. Please, proceed.”
“Understood.”
Persia looked satisfied—but was this really okay?
Though I felt uneasy, it wasn’t the right time to object.
I silently watched the ritual unfold.
With her new glowing crest in hand, Persia murmured contentedly.
“Now I can be even more useful to Kyle-sama.”
…Right.
Everyone gathered around her to offer congratulations, and I was the only one left worrying.
Well, I guess I’ll just stop overthinking.
I joined the celebratory crowd.
“Heh. Now I have a crest with a color too. I’ll prove that I’m not the only one useful to Kyle-sama.”
Not that I ever claimed to be the only one.
Since Persia seemed happy, I swallowed the retort.
The only ones left now were Raidoc, Solar, and Leafan.
…Yeah.
At this point, nothing could surprise me anymore!