The World I Was Supporting Was Real

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“Yeah. This time, His Majesty the Emperor has decided to replace the new members of the Royal Knight Order, specifically based on the results of the Academy‘s graduation exam.”

This was what the professor had said.

This time, it was announced that specifically the top student from the Rufrantia Academy’s graduation exam would be recruited directly into the Royal Knight Order without any further tests, if they wished.

There seemed to be some discontent about whether such a benefit could be given to the Rufrantia Academy, which, despite its exceptional swordsmanship, didn’t have a high overall ranking. However, since the Dean of the Rufrantia Academy had close ties to the royal family, the complaints quickly dissipated.

If it had been a selection for wizards from the Mage Tower, the backlash would surely have been much more prolonged.

Regardless of the background, it was an opportunity for Luka. If she could secure the top spot in the upcoming graduation exam, this golden opportunity would allow her to become a member of the Royal Knight Order immediately!

It was truly an event-like recommendation. Coincidentally, it was timed perfectly for Luka’s graduation!

If it’s not a sign that the gods are watching over her, then how could such a stroke of luck be explained?

“That’s not all. Not only will the top student be recruited into the Royal Knight Order, but the second place will also be specially granted the Qualification to be a Holy Knight.”

“A Holy Knight?”

“That’s right. While a saint hasn’t appeared yet… if a saint were to be born in this era, it would be an even greater privilege than joining the Royal Knight Order!”

Unlike her childhood, Luka was now an adult who understood everything.

The Qualification to be a Holy Knight. In reality, it’s merely a superficial privilege that couldn’t even be considered a reward.

To select a Holy Knight, a saint must inevitably exist. And a saint had not appeared for nearly 200 years.

Expecting the immediate appearance of a saint would be foolish.

Still, the fact that she could join the Royal Knight Order without an exam was a massive advantage.

“If you’re the top student…”

“Only one person can achieve that.”

One person.
Only one could enter the Royal Knight Order.

When Irina, a friend from the past three years, heard the news, she smiled at Luka.

It was the proud smile of someone who had never once tasted failure.

Luka really liked that smile.

“Irina. It’s a competition! No hard feelings, no matter who wins between us!”

“That’s what I want to say, Irina.”

A few months later, on the day of the graduation exam.

The victor of the graduation exam, which was conducted in a 1:1 duel format, was decided without any twists.

Luka Hebnisian. She, who was accustomed to being at the top of her class, defeated her friend Irina, who made it to the finals, and became the top student in the graduation exam!

“I did it…!”

At that moment, Luka thought the time had truly come.

It was the result of the god who had always watched over her showing mercy.

She never lost her integrity, no matter what she did. No matter how small the matter, if it was wrong, she wouldn’t even look at it.

Even if no one cared and no one was harmed, if it was unjust, she wouldn’t act.

If she joined the Royal Knight Order, she would finally be able to earn a proper income.

What came to mind were the orphanage. The children who were waiting for her, the director, and the sisters.

Had Amon and Freya grown much? By now, they must be fifteen, and Luka wanted to see her siblings grow from boys and girls into young men and women as soon as possible.

But.

“Ugh…”

“Irina…”

“Congratulations, Luka… If you hadn’t looked at me… I would’ve been really mad…”

“I’m really happy… Thank you for doing your best… Congratulations on becoming part of the Royal Knight Order…! I, I’ll catch up soon…”

For the first time, Irina’s unwavering heart had been broken.

They were friends, but also rivals. Luka had never lost to her in swordsmanship, but Irina always smiled as she said it.

Next time, I’ll win.

Though it had never come to pass, the vow was never empty.

Without Irina chasing after her, Luka wouldn’t have reached her current level either.

‘…’

Why was it?

What came to her mind was not the happy faces of the director and her orphaned siblings—but rather the figure of her father.

On the wharf at sunset, pointing to the sky with clear eyes like a child, her father’s words echoed.

—God is watching over you.

“Irina.”

Always, whatever she did.

Up above, always watching over you.

“I’ll pass on the top spot to you.”

The spirit of her father, engraved in her body, moved Luka forward.

* * *

“Are you really okay…? I, I… I…”

“Becoming a member of the Royal Knight Order was your dream, wasn’t it? To be honest, I was only interested because they earn good money.”

“Luka…”

“Aren’t you just going to have to take the entrance exam anyway? You’re graduating soon.”

As a result of discussions with the professors, it was suggested that since Irina was essentially on par with Luka, if both wanted, they could swap their roles.

From Luka’s perspective, there was no hesitation. There was a significant gap in the weight of their aspirations; Irina’s goal was solely to join the Royal Knight Order, while Luka only wanted to live stably.

“Did you forget the second-place privilege? The church said they would grant the qualification to be a Holy Knight.”

“But that’s a problem that requires a saint to descend…”

“Besides, I’d rather be a Holy Knight than just join the Royal Knight Order. After all, God is always watching over us, right?”

Now that she thought about it, Luka had always talked about that.

She didn’t regret giving up the opportunity to Irina.

Luka had confidence in her own abilities.

Even without such privileges, she was certain she could join the Royal Knight Order through a standard route.

It might take some time, but God would surely still be watching over her.

Thus, Luka wrapping up the graduation exam by becoming a member of the Royal Knight Order instead of obtaining the qualification to be a Holy Knight—

Time passed, and once again, a new year dawned.

* * *

That day was the Academy graduation ceremony.

Though she finished the graduation exam in second place, Luka had achieved outstanding results overall and was chosen to read the graduation speech on behalf of her class.

Up till this point, everything had been perfect. It seemed her life was set to be a bed of roses.

“…Huh?”

Until she returned to her hometown and saw the sights.

The sunset had already disappeared, but her home—Hebnisian Adelia—still burned brightly red.

“What… What is this?! What’s happening?!!!”

Before she could grasp the situation, she dashed towards the burning orphanage.

‘!!!!’

She saw several children… bleeding and collapsed.

She also saw the fallen sisters.

At that moment.

“Luka…!”

“Wha… Director?!”

She ran towards the direction of the voice.

Thud, thud.

God is watching over you, her father’s voice echoed in her ears. Thud, thud.

In front of her stood the director, covered in blood, looking up at Luka with a worried expression.

“I, I’m sorry… that it has come to this… I need to explain…”

“Wait a moment! I’ll go find help right away—”

“They’ve already gone to call for help… It will be resolved soon…”

“What the hell is going on here?! What happened?!”

Instead of explaining, the director smiled.

The smile of one who realized that their time, permitted by God, had come to an end.

“Luka… congratulations on your graduation….”

“Director…?”

In that moment, Luka’s world stopped.

No sound reached her ears.

She felt her throat ache as she screamed loudly. In the back, she sensed someone coming, but couldn’t hear them.

What she could hear instead was her father’s voice.

That God is watching over you.

That He is watching over you. Always.

God is…

Watching you.

No matter what happens.

Good [or bad] things [or perhaps not so] all [all of it]

He is always watching.

God

Is

Watching

You

* * *

Recently, an epidemic had spread in the surrounding region, leading to a sharp increase in thieves’ attacks.

And that was the conclusion.

All members of the thieves’ group had been apprehended, more than half having died in the process of resisting arrest.

The leader had been beheaded.

Among those involved, all of the most culpable had been killed.

‘…’

What did Luka do? Nothing at all.

Thanks to the academy’s dean, who worried about her, she had a place to stay and could manage to survive—but her eyes no longer held the lively spark they once had.

She merely existed, consuming the bare minimum of food and water to survive.

More than half the day was spent lying in bed. Her only concern was one thing.

If it is true that God is always watching over me.

Is this a response from God…?

There had been many unfortunate moments. Still, she carried on undeterred. It’s okay. He’s watching over everything.

She had never once acted shamefully. So why?

Why… why?

She had never sought recognition. Simply, shouldn’t the things that shouldn’t be taken away remain untouched?

“Luka.”

From beyond the door, the dean’s voice.

Though Luka did not respond, the dean did not pry as if he understood.

“I have something to tell you. You don’t have to come out, just listen from there.”

—the saint has descended.

“Luka, this means you have been granted the qualification to become a Holy Knight. I will go ahead and submit your application. So—”

He knew the ordeal she had gone through but hoped this would serve as a springboard for her revival.

After saying this, the sound of steps faded.

Thud, thud, her father’s voice echoed.

God is always watching over you.

The dean did not tell Luka the truth.

This was merely an opportunity given coincidentally. The likelihood of Luka becoming a Holy Knight was virtually zero.

Ophilia Translerente, Linea von Einsberg.

What were the chances that the second-ranked student from Rufrantia Academy could overcome those two renowned figures?

Though it may be God who grants the saint, humans decide who becomes a Holy Knight.

He simply wished for her to pull herself together.

If she could find even a little motivation, he would wholeheartedly support her. He couldn’t let Luka with her remarkable talent falter here.

After the dean left, Luka buried her head in her pillow.

Normally, she would be shocked to hear news of the saint’s appearance. But she felt no surprise.

Luka’s heart had been broken. Having lost her second family, she stood still, whispering to herself.

God.

So, was it you, God Igguoqueden? I’m sorry. I’m used to calling you God, so please forgive me.

Are you there?

Are you always watching over us?

If so, is this also a trial I must overcome?

If I endure and move forward, will good things come just like when I entered the academy?

Just like how the saint appeared now, providing me with the chance to become a Holy Knight?

But… but.

‘I’ve already lost…’

I’ve lost my family twice now.

Would becoming a Holy Knight even mean anything?

Is all of this truly the will of God?

She posed questions that would never receive an answer.

Throwing them out, over and over again…

Her father—someone bearing the name of her father whispered to her.

God is watching over you.

God is watching over you.

God is watching over you… like a broken record, rattling on and on.

* * *

Rattle, rattle.

Realizing there was no more scrolling down, I donned the most serious and stern look in the world.

Hmm. I was curious about what would come next, but was it all just melodrama?

People are so predictable. If they were lacking in depth, they would be swayed heavily by such melodrama. The thought was so abysmal it made me chuckle.

And then—

“Ugh… sniff… aahhhh!!!!”

Boohoohoo!

I was, just a predictable ‘shallow person’ who was depicted as one.

“Uwaahh… Luka…!!! You’ve worked hard…!”

You didn’t let misfortune crush you and gave it your all! That’s amazing…!

Moreover, even after all that happened at the end, you’re still asking about His intentions instead of blaming God…!!!

You’re absolutely right!

God is watching over you!

He saw you not committing an act of negativity even for a single moment, and that you gave up your place in the Royal Knight Order!

Honestly, I haven’t been able to watch over everything until now. I apologize. But…

But right now.

I am!

I am watching you!

“Ugh… sniff.”

Hot tears flowed down my cheeks and dropped onto my knees.

I just feel so sorry for Luka.

If I hadn’t checked in, nobody would have cared for her, and that makes me feel so sorry.

I hope Luka gets to be a Holy Knight just once…

[ Igguoqueden: Hiya ]
[ Igguoqueden: Why am I showing this late? ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: “Wait, is that what you mean?” Is it correct to say this? ]
[ Igguoqueden: Yeah…. ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: Well… Luka’s fate is so twisted that resolving it is not an easy task. ]
[ Igguoqueden: Sounds like bull. ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: Since you asked what that meant, let me explain. While the support of the divine can definitively do anything, … ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: It acts individually on each problem, as you, God Igguoqueden, surely understand? ]

I think I understood what they meant.

Like getting rid of a three-thousand-won rock, or using seven thousand won to enhance Erin’s assets. It’s probably something like that.

[ Igguoqueden: Yup. ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: That’s why it wasn’t shown. No matter how much grace you possess, God, I can’t put any further burden on the ONE who watches over this world… ]

Oh? Are they hinting at a high-value donation here???
Oh yeah. How much is it?
How much is it!!!!

[ Igguoqueden: Just straight up saying it… how much is it? ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: 150,000 won. ]
[ PleaseGiveMeMoney: That’s the minimum amount converted into ‘power’ needed to turn the wheel of her miserable fate and make her appointed as a Holy Knight. The thing is, that’s not all. Also… ]

150,000?
I typed in numbers, completely ignoring the rest of the chat that was rising higher and higher.

[ Igguoqueden: Donation / 300,000 won / Shut up!!! Just take my money!!!]
[ Igguoqueden: Bring on the next chapter!!! BANG BANG BANG! ]

Next chapter, now!

Hurry!!!!