Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 498: The Modern Knight

Dorothy originally thought that Shard had prepared in advance for this conversation, but as they talked, she realized that Shard seemed to genuinely understand.

"The precursor to knightly novels were heroic epics. However, unlike traditional hero legends, the protagonists of knightly novels often fight alone for their personal ventures, sometimes purely for the sake of adventure, which usually unfolds in a fabricated environment. As knightly novels have evolved to the present day, with the decline of the Knight Class, the element of adventure in the stories has been diminishing, while the content of love and "lust" has been intensifying; hence, some filthy writing genres have emerged."

Shard shook his head slightly:

"In my view, compared to the ancient knightly novels of hundreds of years ago, contemporary knightly novels are gradually abandoning the Knight Spirit and the Ranger spirit that is demonstrated in defense of love, honor, or religion. But this is understandable. After all, the real Knight Class has already vanished. When the source of creativity disappears, literary works become like rootless duckweed on the water—though they may look good, you'll know they're hollow underneath as soon as you touch them."

"Well said!"

Professor Mulder Goethe raised his glass and said.

This bearded middle-aged man indeed possessed the temperament of a literary master; he not only had unique achievements in prose writing, but he also had considerable skill in popular literature.

The others also murmured their agreement with Shard's view. It wasn't so much that Shard had spoken exceptionally well, but in this era, it had become the norm for the literati of high society to criticize knightly novels. Though not all knightly novels tended towards the base, it was true that literature becoming reliant on erotica and crude language no longer suited the times.

Shard chose to talk about knightly novels also because he knew that at a public event like the Queen's birthday banquet, surely no one would defend knightly novels.

"However, Mr. Hamilton, it is quite curious that you, a knighted man, should declare the decline of knightly novels."

Baroness Yewa Swift of Carsonrick said, her Draleon language was not very good, and she spoke rather slowly.

"But that is the truth. Nonetheless, in my opinion, the decline of the old-style knightly novels also signifies the rise of new-style knightly novels."

"Oh?"

His words naturally attracted a lot of attention; even Dorothy looked at Shard in surprise.

In her opinion, Shard was not someone who would boast in a field he was unfamiliar with, and speaking such words in the presence of many writers seemed inappropriate.

"So, Knight, how do you define what you call the new-style knightly novels?"

Playwright Mr. Prosi Newman asked, his appearance and dress leaned towards the feminine, but his voice sounded quite normal.

"It's quite simple. Old-style knightly novels focused more on depicting battles against powerful enemies or Phantom Monsters in the wilderness or countryside, returning home triumphant after winning the highest honors of knighthood, becoming renowned individuals, and marrying noblewomen or princesses from afar. But for our times, where would there be people adventuring in the countryside or wilderness? Gentlemen, literature must stay consistent with the background and tone of the times."

His statement elicited nods of agreement.

"Therefore, I believe that the new-style knightly novels should set their main stage for adventure in the city. That is what civilized people, who can read and enjoy spending their time with books, are most familiar with."

"Makes sense."

Mr. Miles Garoff, the poet, stroked his chin, and by now the majority of the people were listening to Shard's "grand discourse."

"Furthermore, the clichéd scenes of knights defeating bandits, Phantom Monsters, and Evil Spirits to gain honor are too commonplace. In urban adventures, where is there any opportunity for casual murder? Therefore, the stories of new-style knightly novels should no longer aim to kill a powerful target as before but should struggle against evil on the main stage of the city by more civilized means."

Shard sped up his speech slightly before others could realize what he was getting at:

"Living in Steam City, skilled in Combat Technique, proficient in mathematics, Grammar, Astronomy, and Mechanical Crafting, a man uses his own bachelor apartment as his stronghold, moving through the fog and steam, mingling with the Lower District and the slums, frequenting clubs and aristocratic salons. He interacts closely with the poor but is also able to win over important figures. Fighting crime for a reward, dressing up in disguise to gather information in the night and shadows, taking on mysterious criminals as his arch-enemies, and even courting noblewomen and princesses through missions, thus obtaining a happy life at the end of the story..."

"Isn't this just a detective story?"

Finally, someone caught on to what Shard was getting at, and they emerged from the scenario he had created in his speech. For the people of this era, the scene Shard had painted was sufficiently realistic and vivid.

Everyone laughed because Shard was a detective, and Shard nodded seriously:

"Yes, so I believe that detective stories are the new-style knightly novels that should become popular in the coming era. Detective stories will surely succeed."

Saying this, Shard turned and smiled at the blonde girl, and people seemed to understand something, showing kind smiles.

His previous words sounded somewhat conceited, but it seemed Shard's goal was to win over his companion's favor, as Dorothy Louisa was currently the hottest detective novelist.

So, Shard's speech just now could be explained as romantic, which is why it did not offend anyone. Moreover, the speech Shard just gave seems to have some truth to it.

Dorothy's eyes seemed to sparkle as she looked at Shard:

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"So, a detective is like a modern-day knight?"

She asked softly, but before Shard had a chance to reply, the foreign Baroness from Carsonrick said:

"In that case, as a detective, isn't Mr. Hamilton the knight living in this troubled and complex Northern Pearl?"

Perhaps because her words slipped out, she spoke in Carsonrick's language. Understanding Carsonrick's language, Shard replied with a curled tongue and a smile:

"Yes, madam."

It was also in Carsonrick's language, simple expressions he was familiar with.

Mrs. Yewa Swift covered her mouth and giggled, continuing to praise Shard in Carsonrick's language, while the people around shared their views on knight novels.

Only Dorothy stood there looking at Shard:

"Detective..."

"What's wrong?"

Shard also looked at her, illuminated by the gas lamps and crystal chandeliers overhead. To Shard, Dorothy looked exceptionally beautiful today, and to Dorothy, Shard seemed somewhat different from usual, full of vitality.

After a brief daze, she smiled and shook her head:

"Queen Diana will be coming out in five minutes."

Shard, who had become a knight by "saving Queen Diana" despite being "illiterate," seemed to have been accepted by the local writers here after critiquing knight novels and offering his insights on modern novels.

Taking advantage of the Queen's awaited appearance, Shard took out his ready business cards to exchange with people, partly to network and drum up business. These wealthy individuals generally made high-paying commissions.

Naturally, people were eager to get to know the detective from Saint Delan Square; aside from the delicately unspoken relationship between Shard and Miss Galina, Shard did possess some level of skill as a detective. Over the past two months, he had successfully completed every commission he took on.

When the trumpets suddenly sounded, the bustling hall fell silent, and then everyone stood up — it was an indication of Queen Diana's imminent arrival.

First, a small troop of guards from Yordle Palace quickly descended from the third-floor staircase. They were dressed in heavy armor emblazoned with the Royal Crest, with longswords and pistols at their waists.

After clearing a path from the third-floor staircase to the second-floor balcony, the trumpeters, wearing soft hats and dressed in red cloaks heavy with old-time style, came down from the third floor and stood on either side of the cleared passage.

Journalists gathered on the balcony, setting up their cameras aimed at the third-floor staircase entrance. Half of the people from the first floor came up to the second floor while the other half went directly into the courtyard to look up.

Amongst the whispers, the sound of the trumpet gradually dwindled to an extreme low, then, after a few spirals, it soared to a loud pitch again.

The voices of the guests became completely silent, and all eyes turned toward the top of the third-floor staircase.

First, a few maids emerged, followed by the Marchioness Hura, the Duchess Rondale, and several other noblewomen who came out and stood in the middle of the staircase looking up with everyone else. As the trumpet reached its peak, Queen Diana, crowned and dressed in a silver white gown, finally appeared, escorted by several princesses, with Angelina Cavendish, in a blue princess dress, holding her hand.

Although Queen Diana was no longer young compared to her daughter, she appeared here shimmering as if lit from within, enhanced by her attire and ornaments.

She smiled at everyone below, and the applause almost overwhelmed the trumpets at that moment. The smoke and flash from a row of flashbulbs added a magical feel to the scene.

Shard and Dorothy, along with the other writers, stood at the back of the crowd looking up and clapped along with everyone else.

After gently clapping, Dorothy turned and ducked behind the taller Shard to avoid seeing Lecia. Shard, tiptoeing to see over the stairs, first noticed Lecia, tugging at the queen's gown hem. The red-haired girls and young men beside her must be the local princesses and princes.

It was only then that he saw Miss Galina, the Witch following Queen Diana. She was dressed up today as well, maintaining an elegant and appropriate smile though Shard, no matter how he looked at her, felt the Witch seemed somewhat preoccupied.