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Maria von Hohenzollern 
[img] http://i.imgur.com/mHxQYPc.jpg [/img] 
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Royal Capital Lugnica
Iron Bell Knights HQ
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[@ADamnFiddle]
[@6slyboy6]
[@Heckno12]
[@Lucius Cypher]

Malakaus had decided to take a commoner, no less a former slave, within his current post as a squire. Maria, from her perspective in regards to what she believed Cheiko and Ryan were likely before coming to the city from basic analysis of their situation, were likely within the same boat. Of course, Maria had no knowledge to their true identities, therefore Maria’s assumptions were wrong. 

Maria wasn’t the sort ot judge someone by the color of their skin or the cat ears on their head. Her father had instilled a degree of tolerance towards other cultures and heritages, despite her ignorance about most of these being quite apparent from the relative disconnect of being within the noble class of society, but Maria was not the sort to discriminate solely based on someone’s appearance. 

Or she tended to try and make more rational choices based on the current situation. She knew that it was idiotic to assume that the power of those demihumans were definitely useful, as they were able to do certain things that humans could not accomplish, and vise versa. Perhaps she should add a few demihumans into her ranks? At least Malakaus seemed to believe it was a good idea. 

Elves, on the other hand, were hated by the general public. It was brave for someone like Malakaus to act in such a way; to add an elf to his roster as a squire. After all, elves, especially those with fair skin and silver hair, were seen as avatars of the Devil [Satella]. But Maria didn’t care for such societal stigmas. Skills were warranted by those who possessed them, rather than who possessed them. If Malakaus believed this individual held the potential to become a knight, then god help the lot of them. 

At the very least it was easier to justify taking Cheiko or Ryan as potential squires to others. But it wasn’t as if society had forgotten about those fifty some-odd years ago, and most definitely hadn’t forgotten about the Witch.  

Malakaus’ bravery was something to behold. A knight that started from the rubble of society and was given chance as a knight by simple strength. Perhaps Maria could learn something from his actions. After all, Maria was skilled with the sword and as a knight only through her father’s name. The “daughter” from a hero, it was clear why Maria was more privileged than others. But Maria’s skill was still nothing to laugh at. 

The name “von Hohenzollern” was known for their skilled swordsmen and knights, and Maria was no exception to this. 

[color=gold] “If you believe she has the potential, then I will not question your judgements, Sir Malakaus. You are not someone I would consider an idiot, but know there might be enemies you would need to consider by keeping an elf close by. But if she is to be your squire, I am sure she is a wonderful person, despite your claim to her thorny exterior. You always did have an eye for these sorts of things, no?” [/color] 

However, there was another concern brought up by Malakaus. 

Malakaus seemed earnest in his request: 

A simple quest to assist in the subjugation of demonic beasts. Any demon beasts were evil, and usually hunters in the Knights or hired mercenaries would join in the extermination in the event that there are those without the time and excess money. After all, mercenaries tended to be a bit more expendable than those of tied and true knights. 

[color=gold] “As for offering my assistance, I cannot say that I do not wish to see whatever was causing this issue in the ground like all Demon Beasts belong. Nuisances to society with no redeeming qualities simply do not belong in our time. Even the worst criminal might one day redeem themselves; Demon Beasts were made by the Witch to cause harm and fowl to any and all in her twisted attempt to destroy the world. “[/color] 

At the very least that was what Maria was taught, not truly knowing the true origin of the Demon Beasts not coming from the witch of Envy but another witch. The road to evil is paved with good intentions, after all. 

But Cheiko did bring up a good point. Ryan and Cheiko were not well trained. Without proper training with a sword, which could take upwards of a few weeks to even months, they were very ill able to keep up with whatever was going to occur within the towns. 

Maria didn’t wish for anything bad to occur between the two new recruits. After all, they were now individuals Maria wished to protect as her squires. Maria did have high expectations for them, but at the very least it was nice to know there were other virtuous people who desired to make a difference in the world. 

[color=gold] “But if Ryan and Cheiko are not comfortable with joining, I cannot say I will force them to accompany us. They seem to be ignorant with the sword, which is why I promised to assist them in their trainings. It might be good training for them to accompany us after they are at least adept in their basics. I will still offer the most I can offer you, however, as a show of good faith. After all, I am a knight myself. I would be slacking my duties if I were not to assist you in any  way I can. My blade is still yours if you were to need it.” [/color]