Notes at the end of the most recent chapter.
The four champions were gathered around the castle stage where Zelda had her hand raised above Link, who was kneeling. Daruk insisted that the ceremony be public to fully recognize the boy, to which Revali argued Link had done nothing other than be chosen by the sword. He hadn't proven himself to anyone, so there should be no ceremony at all. Urbosa and Mipha eventually sided with Daruk, arguing that the knight should feel welcomed.
Zelda recited the words that officially knighted Link before the champions and the public of Hyrule in a rather solemn tone. It was clear that she still somewhat resented Link for having 'the easy part.' At least that's how she sees it.
"Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the darkness," she paused briefly, "You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity. And have proven yourself worthy of the blessings of the Goddess Hylia. Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight, the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the Hero. We pray for your protection…and we hope that—that the two of you will grow stronger together, as one."
Zelda took a shaky breath and studied Link before continuing.
Daruk scratched his beard in discomfort before commenting, "Gee, this is uplifting. She's making it sound like we already lost."
Revali rolled his eyes and looked at him.
"Wasn't this your idea? You're the one who wanted to designate the appointed knight with all the ceremonial pomp, grandeur, and nonsense we could muster!" he retorted.
The avian turned back to the ceremony.
"And if you ask me, the whole thing does seem to be overkill. I think I'm on the same page as the princess regarding…this boy."
Now Urbosa was annoyed, mimicking Revali's eye-roll gesture.
"Oh, give it a rest. That boy is a living reminder of her own failures. Well, at least that's how the princess sees him…" she trailed off.
By now Zelda had finished the knighting speech. She lowered her hand and again studied Link with her large, green orbs. He continued kneeling respectfully with his eyes shut.
The princess sighed and commanded the boy: "Rise."
Link carefully opened his eyes and stood up to his full height which was eerily like Zelda's height—if not a hair shorter.
"Link, do you fully understand what you will be surrendering by pledging your allegiance to Hyrule and knighthood?"
"Yes."
"Are you prepared to give your life defending the royal family?"
"Yes."
Zelda stepped closer.
"With the Royal Council, the champions of the Divine Beasts, and the good public of Hyrule as witnesses, you are bound to your duties until your death or if the Council unanimously agrees you are not fit for serving."
The four champions, as well as the small audience of Hyrulian people, applauded. The princess then whirled around and walked at an unusually quick pace away from the stage. Link hurriedly matched her pace, following at a close yet protective distance. She noticed this and began walking faster, so her knight again equaled her rate. Zelda sighed, knowing that Link's sole duty was to accompany her anywhere she went. But…she could order him to do something else. Zelda wasn't fully prepared to have another person constantly follower; however, she considered his presence would never put her at ease. She also recalled that Sikumar asked her to not push him away like so many others did. It's not like Zelda had a choice, though, because he'd always be there. If she tormented him and attempted to drive him off, he'd still be by her side.
Zelda sighed, knowing any attempts to rid herself of the knight would be to no avail.
But there were at least two places he was forbade from following her to: her private office and her chambers. So, she took advantage of that knowledge and went to study. Link's lesson from Sikumar had prepared him for such events; he took up a defensive stance outside the door and held both of his palms on top of the Master Sword, whose tip rested on the stone floor. It would be quite boring standing outside a room for many hours, but Link agreed to it. He began to feel curiosity build inside of him. When would they leave the castle? Who will fill in for him when he needs to sleep? The boy almost felt happy, but he remembered that his emotions were his bane. At least, that's all he's ever been told.
Tick-tock, tick-tock.