"You called for me, Madame?" Harding was greeted by none other than the most recent addition to the Registry containing the non-noble knights in the Order of Ennfort.

In case you were wondering who, that was me. Jackson Kross, a humble practitioner of chivalry in his eighteens, looking all young, powerful and lavishly energetic.

After completing the Bachelor of Magic and Knighthood education, I had been assigned to the Magical Assets Division (unfortunately referred to as MAD), and the least I had expected on the first day of my posting was a meeting with the Administrator herself.

I know I'm overstepping my modesty here, but she was impressed.

"Yes, you must be Sir Jackson Kross," she said with a stern voice; with failing charm and high temper. Eyes green with envy, she commanded, "I gained some intel regarding a ferocious Rogue Witch, and I need this thief-born girl killed. Take her to the woods and take her life."

When I had skipped the steps up the stairs and gave a best wink to the hot thing sitting behind the Secretary desk, I never expected such a menial task. I hoped only to gain sufficient points required for the Accolades, that is, the ceremony in which I actually get knighted by a big lord or lady.

I had done a good internship till now,  this being my final posting. But this task was simply reckless. The girl was probably sixteen, no more than that. There was no way I could kill her.

"Um, Madame, no offence, but, did you check the Registry of The Knights instead of the Registry of Licensed Assassins?" I know how to speak flowery, so it didn't enrage her.

"Strictly speaking, this task of yours is of high secrecy and cannot be shared officially with any registered assassins. That would require legal filing and butt-eating audits. Let's not start talking about obtaining permissions from higher authorities," she breathed and rolled her eyes.

"I want this simple and clean. And since you are a relatively new Knight and your resume says clearly that you're interested in following the Path of the Light to become a Paladin in the future, I thought this task of witch-hunting could help you."

The idea of assassinating a girl reeked, I hated the sound of it. But I really wanted to be a Paladin, though witch-hunting was not my type. I was really hoping that I get a raise in my status, so that I could own some good lands by the Los Volgas, maybe own a Castle of my own. 

The Path of the Light had contacts with some religious militants- and they were recruiting like crazy; so the only hope for a non-noble to become a Paladin was to join their Brotherhood with a history of witch hunt.

Ooh! Did I mention about upgrading my armour? Paladins get to wear shiny armour.

Ladies, they love shiny armour, especially ones back at Le Olde Paladin's Tavern. Everyone I court a woman, some guy shows up in shiny armour and whoosh!- gone'd be like the wind.

No more of that dragonshit!

So, unsheathing my sword raising it towards the Madame, half-knelt like a knight was supposed to do, the words escaped my mouth, "As the honour in me is tamed by my service to the Brotherhood that walks the Path of The Light, I shall pledge my sword to you, my Lady."

"Rise, Sir Jackson Storm, and I'm not a Lady, not yet," her eyes shone with satisfaction as well as resentment, "As a token of your accomplished task, bring me her liver!"