The Exiled Knight Takes Up Life as an Adventurer — A Former Captain's Secret Power and His Carefree Days in a Distant Land - Chapter 1

“Mardin Lutréze, Commander of the Moonshadow Knights, Ilgrad Division!
By order of the crown, you are hereby stripped of your knighthood and exiled from the kingdom for high treason!”

The steward bellowed the decree as if flinging curses, his voice echoing through the hall.

I remained kneeling in silence before the throne.

“Your lands and property shall be confiscated! You are to leave the country within ten days!”

“Speak now if you have anything to say, Mardin! I’ll allow it—just this once. Kukuku.”

Following the steward, the newly appointed lord raised his voice.

His tone was triumphant and oppressive, unable to conceal his glee. A mocking chuckle escaped him.

“He’s actually laughing out loud… What an idiot.”

I muttered under my breath, too softly for anyone to hear.

“What was that?”
“Nothing.”

“I hear you were quite the celebrated knight commander. If you beg for mercy with tears in your eyes, I might just take you on as a low-ranking soldier. Kukuku.”

As if he’d actually do that.

If I really begged here, he’d just laugh and humiliate me for it.

“To show my disgraceful, tearful face to the glorious new lord would be the height of rudeness.
I have nothing more to say. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“You insolent—!”

Without so much as a glance in his direction, I turned and strode quickly out of the castle.

“I’d rather die than serve a fool like you.”

I spat the words the moment I stepped outside the gates.

In the far northwest of the continent lay the Kingdom of Genès.

A few years prior, a succession crisis had sparked civil war.
At first, the royal army managed to suppress the uprising.
But the king was assassinated—and his younger brother, once known as the “Dark Prince,” ascended to the throne.

I had served in the royal knight order, the Moonshadow Knights—Ilgrad Division—and had been appointed commander of this region by the former king himself.

But with the establishment of the new monarchy, everything changed.
This region, closely tied to the former regime, was targeted. The previous lord was executed.

The Moonshadow Knights were split between those loyal to the former king and those who supported the new one.
The royalists were executed or removed from power.

Even I—a mere regional commander following orders from the capital—was branded a traitor and punished.

“Being tossed around by power struggles is ridiculous. From now on, I’ll live for myself.”

There’s no need to throw away my life or loyalty for someone else.
Climbing the ladder? I’m done with that.

Being a knight commander may sound impressive, but it’s just another stressful managerial job.
I’ve decided to live freely and as I please.

“Captain! Please wait!”

“…You guys. Thanks for everything.”

Several of my subordinates had come to see me off at the castle gates—
No, they’d come to try and stop me.

“There’s no one with your skill, Captain! Please reconsider! Losing you is a terrible blow to the knights—no, to the entire kingdom!”

“I appreciate the sentiment. But this exile is a royal decree. I can’t disobey.”

“S-Still…”

“Listen, all of you. Things are going to be rough from here on out, but don’t overdo it. Take care of yourselves.”

As my former squad members called out in farewell, a man nearby let out a loud, derisive laugh.

“Kuhahaha! Leave quickly—or I’ll kill you where you stand.”

He was the new commander of this region, sent from the royal capital.
A textbook example of a power-hungry fool.

“What, did you come to see me off?”

“Hah? Don’t be stupid! I came to see your pitiful face!”

“Wow. Classy. That attitude won’t earn you any loyalty, you know.”

“Wha—! How dare you mock me?! I challenge you to a duel!”

“I’m not a knight anymore.”

“I’ll kill you!”

Snorting like a bull, he stomped toward me.
I flicked my right wrist ever so slightly—
Just as planned, the man suddenly collapsed onto his rear.

“W-What just happened?!”

“Hahaha! You’re not even worth the effort.”

I casually wound up the thin filament I’d been holding in my right hand.

“Well then, take care, everyone! Don’t overwork yourselves! Get a hobby! Enjoy life! Hahaha!”

“Captain! Please wait!”

Their voices were sincere, and I appreciated the sentiment.
But I no longer had a place in this country.

They said if I didn’t leave within ten days, I’d be arrested.

Wishing my former subordinate’s safety and success, I began walking the long road ahead.

“Alright… Guess I’ll need to find a new job.
A career change at this age, huh?”