After changing into banquet clothes, I first conveyed my thanks to the crown prince.
"Thank you for presiding over my investiture ceremony, Your Highness."
"Presiding over your knighting was a meaningful moment for me as well. Personally, I'd been considering appointing you as guard swordsmanship instructor in recognition of your merit, but unfortunately I couldn't obtain the appointment authority from His Majesty. Fortunately, the War Minister is working on it, so results should come soon. My apologies, but please be patient until then."
"I'll gladly wait, Your Highness."
At first I'd thought it was a troublesome position, but having joined the crown prince's faction, being a close associate seemed beneficial in many ways. Troublesome matters would certainly come with it, but the scales tipped slightly toward benefit. So whether it worked out or not, I was at peace with it.
