35 Let's think about what to do for the time being.

"Lord Ratzel, you will be assigned to guard the dignitaries from this day forward.

Ilias and Marito were summoned to the office, and as soon as they were ushered into the office, Ilias' assignment was changed.

As the name implies, it is a duty to protect important people. You can say that the job of a knight patrolling the streets is typical, but if you are a knight in a fantasy world, the position of a guard has a cool sound to it.

"Me?

"Yes. Sir Ratzel, you've proven yourself to be capable of taking on the dark side of Mejlis. I'm sure you'll have no problem leaving me in charge.

Indeed. It would be a better opportunity for the Iliad to demonstrate its capabilities than just patrolling the streets.

But a dignitary guard, who would it be? There are some candidates, but considering the timeline, no one comes to mind. Does this mean that there will be some changes?

"Since today, does that mean that Pope Eupharo is already at the Taze?

No, he's probably still in the Garnet territory. He's not coming alone. He's coming with a certain number of people, so he'll be late.

That's true. Then who are you protecting?

You. You.

"What?

Marito points at me. There's no one around. It's him, apparently.

You don't seem to be aware. You don't seem to be aware that you're one of the few people who can read the language of Chikyu.

"Uh.

I didn't have any particular skill, and I wasn't really aware of it. But it is indeed valuable to be able to read a book that has important information for this world.

I feel tickled to be treated as an important person just because I can read Japanese, even if I have specialized skills.

If this becomes known, there is a very high possibility that people like Raheit will try to kill you. If they do, you definitely won't be able to protect yourself, will you?

No doubt.

I don't think I can beat any enemy I've ever faced. If you have a firearm, you can use .......

It might work against bandits, but that's the world we live in. You can probably avoid them if you see them.

Ilias was caught in an explosion the other day and didn't get hurt. A sniper rifle shot from a very long distance might be able to take advantage of the magic enhancement, but it will probably be dealt with.

Conveniently, you and Lord Ratzel live in the same house. Don't you think it's a good time to give him a bodyguard?

"It would certainly be convenient.

You are quite right. They are roommates and know each other, not to mention competent. If there were other guards in the house, it would be even smaller.

Normally, people who are under the protection of VIPs tend to live in large buildings. We don't see many dramas where SPs live and work in private houses.

But the Iliad is going to be an escort. ...... Hmm...

"The Iliad. ......

Wait, you don't want me to do it?

I can replace you if you want, but I can't lend you Sir Raggedy-doo.

Well, you can't have the Commander of the Order as your escort. I'm rather afraid. Ilias is looking at me like he wants to say something, but let's just think straight.

"I think Ilias is the best choice for the job.

"Hmm, so you don't want a female escort?

You're stepping on a lot of Iliad landmines, Your Majesty. I'm sure you're not the only one.

Not at all. In fact, the more feminine, the better. Unfortunately, I don't find the Iliad s*xy.

"Oh.

You're being looked at with fear. Or is it scorn? You can't help it, you're a boy.

"Well, the Iliad would be a good choice for both s*xes. It's just the chemistry. ......

Compatibility. Who do you think you're compatible with?

Hmmm, from the knights I know, I'd say ...... Kara is the best.

As I thought, Karaji is highly capable. Not only is he very talented, but he is also the easiest person to incorporate into our schemes.

That spear thrower is very strong, yes. It's nice to be able to make a quick move from a distance when thinking about strategy.

Lord Dmitri Kovkorn, yes, he's a good match. But he's more of a field officer in his current position.

"I see. Well, the old men of Raggedy are all very skilled. ....... I'm sure there's a more suitable chair than the dignitary guard.

"I can get a young knight from Léanor's squadron, would you like to meet him?

No, I think it would be easier to talk to Ilias if he knows what he's doing.

I don't think we can invite knights who hate the Iliad into our home.

"Then it's settled. Sir Ratzel, this is a royal order. Protect him.

"...... Yes, Your Majesty.

From now on, you will have more opportunities to work with the Iliad.

Thinking about it, I have often crossed paths with Ilias. Although it was unavoidable since we worked at different places, it was convenient to be able to communicate with him all the time.

There is technology for long-distance communication in this world, but it is based on magic and is at the level of the secret rituals of the Yugra cult. It's difficult to introduce.

But the Iliad is a bit of a quibbler. ....... You can't do much wrong. I'm sure you've heard of it. ...... I'm sure you've heard of it. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun.

For the time being, you should talk to the Ragdoll Squad about taking over the patrol of the Iliad.

So let's go to Ragdoll's place.

"...... Oh.

Oh, Mr. Ilias, you seem to be in a foul mood, don't you? I'm sure you'll be able to understand why people are unhappy with the fact that this is the target of your knightly work of guarding dignitaries, but isn't it too obvious? I'm not going to say anything about professionalism, but I should probably warn you about this later.

And so we arrive at the training grounds of Ragdoll. Wolfe is also there, and everyone is training vigorously.

"Oh, boy. You did well the other day.

Old Man Kara calls out to me. He had been summoned by Lord Ragdoll to take down the bandits who were after the book in the matter of the other day. He was the only one who knew what was going on, aside from the directors and the Iliad.

I had apologized to him for telling him the title of the book, and for keeping him in the dark about it, but I had finally gotten him involved.

Still, the fact that he smiled and joined me was most reassuring. He said, "There might be one more disturbance before I die, right?　It would be a great honor to be a knight.

I was just thinking of an idea. It's thanks to the skills that Kara and the others have cultivated that we've been able to get results.

"Whoo-hoo-hoo!　If you know that, you're promising enough. Have you come to train today?

No, actually, the Iliad...

Well, we haven't had a proper hand-to-hand in a while. Grandfather Kara, shall we have a fight?

I don't mind, but ...... come here for a moment, boy.

He pulled me away from the Iliad. Then he whispered to me in a whisper.

"What's going on? Isn't Ilias getting nervous?

"No, actually, I've been assigned by His Majesty, Mari, to protect a dignitary. Well, here's the thing.

Ilias is starting to do some swinging as a form of preparation, and even just with the swinging, you can feel how dangerous he is.

"Hmm. The fact that the monk can read that book is certainly a reason to guard the dignitaries. But then I don't think it would be like that. ...... What else did you tell him?

I told you that the ...... Iliad would be a good choice.

"Then you'll be pleased, but not angry.

I know. Yeah, but when I was asked if there was anyone else I wanted, I thought Karaji would be the best match.

"......

Oh, that sounds right. Kara-kpa is making a dumbfounded face. Then he lets out a big sigh and continues.

"That's it. ...... From a knight's perspective, guarding is an honorable job. I'm sure you'll be dissatisfied if you're told that someone else would have been better suited for the job.

I'm not sure.

I was simply talking about personality compatibility, but I guess you took it that way. But I think I was talking about who would be a good partner rather than an escort.

Oh dear, I'm in for a world of hurt. ....... I'll have to admonish you somehow, but perhaps you'd like to buy me a drink sometime.

Excuse me, please.

I'll take care of it. I've been honored. You should see what he does!

Well, I can always count on you, Grandpa Kara. And so the match between Kara and Ilias was decided. The people around him stopped their training and came to watch.

Ilias was the second best among the powerful Ragdoll squad. However, the gap between the second and third ranks was so wide that he could not even train properly.

However, he is well aware of Grandpa Kara's abilities. His performance in the defeat of the bandits, in the village of the Kuro Wolves, and in the defeat of the Dark Lord. Even if the Iliad is an extraordinary monster, his outstanding skills must be second to none.

In fact, the fast-growing Wolfe had yet to hit Grandpa Kara.

Just as he was thinking this, the battle began.

"Nnngh!

Kara-kai kicked the earth. With great speed, he brought Ilias within range of his spear. An unstoppable flash followed. But Ilias didn't even pause, and easily blocked the blow with his sheath.

Karaji's speed was no different from the performance he had seen in the Kuro Wolf Tribe. If it's just sharpness, it's even better than that time.

"Whoa!

With a roar, he unleashed a furious dance. All of them precisely aimed at Ilias. But Ilias didn't move an inch. He handles the spear with only the movement of his hands.

I have no idea what kind of kinetic vision I would have to have to prevent that invisible rain of attacks.

"Hang in there, Ilias!　Let's kill Karajiri!

Wolfe, where did you learn to speak like that? I don't know, maybe it's just something I have to do when I'm around these grandfathers, but I'll tell you later.

It should be noted that Wolfe does not like Grandpa Kara very much, and attacks him seriously when he trains. I thought I had cleared up the misunderstanding, but...

The people around me are rooting for both of them. So which one should I support?

...... There's no need to wonder, how can you not cheer for Karaji, who is bravely taking on the monsters for his own sake!

"Go for it, Kara-ya!　If you're fast enough, you won't be beaten!

"......

Suddenly, both of them stopped moving. No, they were stopped.

Ilias was grasping the spear with his free hand, not the one that had been holding the scabbard. And he was using only his thumb and bent forefinger. It is a one-handed attack.

What's with that picture, doesn't it make you look like a demon king, Mr. Iliad?

Kara-ji tried to move his spear, but it didn't seem to budge. Or rather, he was floating. He is lifting the huge spear and Kara-ya with only the strength of his fingers.

"...... Oh, Jesus.

The Iliad releases Kara-age into the air for just a moment. It was only for a few tenths of a second so that he would not free fall as soon as he let go. But in the meantime, he slammed the scabbard in his other hand down on top of the spear.

"Whoa!

If he didn't have his feet on the ground, all the impact would be felt by him. The hardness of the spear and Karaji's defensive skills could prevent the damage, but they could not kill the momentum.

As a result, he was blown far backwards. It reminded me of the tragedy of the dark place where I was kicked before.

Immediately, you turn your eyes in the direction of Kara-ya. He spun a few times, but Grandpa Kara was still passive. Finally, he thrusts his spear into the ground, killing its momentum completely.

"What a foolish power, Bol is a baby!

Kara-ji looked up. And there's Ilias, already swinging his scabbard. He must've been 50 meters away. I can't see him running. You mean he's on foot?

Maybe he was told that he's not as fast as you, and got a little competitive.

"Noooooooo!

Karaji quickly pulled out his spear and was hit by the sword. With a roar, the ground cracked and exploded.

"Ka, Kara-ya? !

I can't see much because of the smoke. Is he all right? I strained my eyes and waited for the dust cloud to dissipate.

A silhouette emerged from the smoke, and soon both of them were visible.

Karaji had been able to block the Iliad's attack, he had survived such a shock. But there was something wrong, both of them were not moving. There was no sign of pursuit or counterattack.

Thank you for your help.

With that, Ilias released his battle stance and returned his scabbard to his waist.

Grandfather Kara is still in his defensive posture. I don't believe it, so I run over to him.

"Are you alright, Grandpa Kara?

"......, my back is dead.

There was Grandpa Kara, whose back had died from the blow of the sword. The sight of an old soldier dying can be very moving.

"Ka, Kara-ya!

After that, Grandpa Kara was carried by stretcher to a treatment facility. He was told that he would be cured with the use of healing magic, but that the maximum strength of his waist was further reduced.

Sorry, Grandpa Kara, I'll buy you as many drinks as you want next time. .......

"The Iliad is strong!

"I know you're strong, but I wish you'd have a little more respect for the old man.

"What do you mean? Grandpa Kara is an expert tangler. If we were to fight half-heartedly, we would have fallen prey to his strategy.

He could have trained himself for when he was being pushed to his opponent's pace.

You cut down the skilled Karaji with a single, hard blow. It's too bad he couldn't show off his skill. Boru was holding his hands together as he was carried away.

"Then you can't clearly prove which ...... is better than the other .......

So that's what he meant. I'm beginning to understand what Karaji is trying to say. This is a misunderstanding that needs to be cleared up as soon as possible.

"Are you worried about the fact that I said that Karaji is the best in terms of compatibility?　I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

"...... What do you mean?

If you've seen it a few times, you know what I mean. I'm a theorist and I like a quick and easy strategy. Karaji has a clear role and a sense of stability. He is attractive as a decisive move in a critical situation.

"Then what about me?

Too strong. It's a foul move that tilts the battle in your favor just by placing it.

The karaji is like a kaguruma or a katsura-ma in shogi. It is an important element in the chasing down of the opponent.

The Iliad, on the other hand, is a foul piece that can run in all directions with its flying carriage and horn, and even take away the opponent's piece if it is stepped on.

Do you appreciate that?

"He's the most reliable, of course. I don't know what Lord Raggedy-doo is capable of, but I've seen the strength of the Iliad many times.

"Oh, I see. I don't know about you, but I've seen the strength of the Iliad many times.

"If all you want is protection, you don't have to worry about the Iliad. You'll be able to get a lot more than just a pair of shoes. Do you find it rewarding to use a trump card that can unilaterally defeat your opponent in a game of chance?

"Well, that's .......

If the future of the nation is at stake, or the state of the nation is at stake, you don't have to choose between means.

At first, I tried to pull the Iliad out of the equation, but ...... it is what it is, and it is what it is.

But if you rely on the Iliad for anything, you're relying on it too much. It's okay to rely on him in moderation, but if you rely on him too much, it's not good for you to live in this world. It's not that you're bad, it's that you're too good.

"Well, yeah, that's true. I certainly want you to rely on me, but it's not good for you if you have to rely on me for everything. ......

"Even in our current relationship, we're spoiled big time. I'm sure you're not the only one.

I put my hand on Ilias' head. He's really the type of guy who needs to be told firmly to get his point across. It's embarrassing, but if I don't say it, old man Kara won't be rewarded.

"Ilias, I don't want to make you the cause of my failure. I'm sorry if I offended you. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry if I offended you. ...... Well, no, I'm going to ...... apologize to Grandpa Kara.

With that, Ilias returned to the treatment facility. Hmm, I wonder if this will work.

"Wolfe, do you think it's okay to talk like that?

Even though I can understand the surface of the emotions that are expressed, I can never understand their true intentions.

I feel that Ilias and I have had a number of minor misunderstandings. We both want to have a good relationship with each other, but there must be a difference in what we are looking for in the other. When I think that, I feel like asking a third person.

"Hmmm, you're a good man, Kara!

It's time you made up with him. ......

I'm willing to fight for you!

Who told you that? - Oh, I did.

I use it a lot, especially in front of the Iliad. In the literal sense of the word, it is a way to show that you are willing to move in a favorable direction to the extent that you are able. But in reality, it's a standard refusal phrase. .......

I'd like to be able to say something like the Iliad to Shisho.

"I'm not as good as the Iliad, but I'm still counting on you.

I want to be like him.

Wolfe is growing up. And she's starting to get greedy. Greed is an energizing will in human life. It is good that Wolfe has his own greed.

Greed can make us blind to our surroundings and have a negative impact on others, but at this stage, there is no need to put a brake on it. Let him be as greedy as he wants to be.

"Well, you can't do it right away, but you'll get there. Good luck.

"Yes!

But don't resort to violence, okay?　That's what I promised my master.

I will fight with all my might!

I'm beginning to seriously think that he understands the use of words according to the standards of our world.

But when I interact with Ilias, I can't help but think that. She is not very good at communicating with others. No, it is possible that she is just difficult for someone to understand, but nevertheless, she is.

She lost her parents at an early age and is surrounded by old people. I am ostracized by knights of my own age, and I have no friends of my own. No wonder he's not very good with people.

I would like to believe that my interpersonal skills are not as good as they could be, but I am able to deal with people in a casual manner. I'd like to believe that.

I guess I should go ahead with the plan. Be prepared for it, Iliad.

--------------------------------------

After I left him, I went to check on Grandpa Kara. He is lying face down on the bed, with a magic stone on his back that releases a magic power to relieve the pain.

The treatment has already been completed, but the pain is not completely gone. This is the reason for the treatment.

What is it, Ilias? Didn't you go back with the monk?

"No, I came back because I thought I hadn't properly apologized to Grandpa Kara. I'm sorry ...... that I let my personal feelings get the better of me.

"Whoo-hoo-hoo!　It looks like the monk had something to say about it. Don't worry about it. I've heard what happened. I'm sure I would have done the same thing as a knight.

Is that what we were whispering about at that time, or did Grandpa Kara dare to accept the match after understanding our feelings? I could have admonished him, but I was ashamed of my shallowness.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm the one who suffered a terrible defeat. Are you trying to take away my position as well?

No, it's not like that. ......

From my point of view, I'm glad you're so adamant about being appreciated by that monk.

Adherence ...... may be.

It's true that ever since I met him, I've been aware that I want to be relied on and protected by him. And once again, I couldn't restrain myself from thinking that I was inferior in comparison to Kara.

"But the monk did a terrible thing by cheering for me at that moment. I thought I was going to die because of it.

I'm sorry again. ......

I was heated by the fact that his voice was directed not at me, but at Karaji, amidst the cheering voices. I had acted as if I were depriving my opponent of a chance to make a move.

It was immature. But I can't help but wonder why I did it.

You don't seem to know why you're so obsessed with the monk. If you want to know, I can tell you.

"You do?　I'd love to hear it.

It's all about love.

Grandfather Kala, that hip that breaks so often, wouldn't it be better if you broke it completely?

Wait, I'm not joking, don't grab the sword!

Wait, I'm not joking.

I've got a wife and kids. I know what it's like to be in love. I have a wife and children. I know what love is. What you feel for the monk is something else.

Is that ......?

It's more like longing. I'll tell you what, the knightly admiration you have for your father is something else. It's a longing for someone who has what he cannot have. The longing to be a knight like your father is a goal you can't reach now but will eventually. But not the boy. That's a fundamentally different way of life for a knight.

What you can't have: ......

"I understand the heart of evil when I need to. I'm willing to walk that path. That's a different kind of strength than the spirit of a knight.

Yes, his way of life is very different from that of the knight I believe in. At least I don't think I would or could go down that path. But he goes down that path without hesitation.

But does that mean that you admire his way of life?

Don't be so conflicted so soon. Your chivalry is real, I can assure you of that. I'm not longing for an outsider. Nor do I yearn for the resolve to go out on a limb. I long for a way of being that can be either.

Can you speak a little more clearly? ......

Can you embrace chivalry while also embracing the path of evil?

You can't ...... do that. You can't.

Yes, you can. Because if you do, it's no longer chivalry. But that boy understands chivalry and he understands the outside world. He can do things you can't. That's what you feel the difference in and admire.

I was afraid he'd go down the path of evil. I knew it was a path I could not take. But he wavers between that path and this one with impunity.

It's certainly not something you can try to imitate. You might say that he has a feeling of longing for it. .......

You can find a lot of things that you can do to make your life easier.

That's ...... right, I guess.

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one.

Is it because of my immaturity after all?

"Don't be so cynical. I'm happy to be appreciated by that monk. That's why I took your match seriously.

Even Grandfather Kara thought so?

"It is not only monks who can do what they cannot do. It's not only monks who can do what they cannot do, but also His Majesty, for example.

It's true that unlike a knight who fights with his sword, you lead the country. That's something I can't do. That's why I consider it a higher honor to be recognized by you.

"You've only ever met knights. Then suddenly that monk appears as a familiar presence. You're in a better position to be accepted. It's natural for you to be greedy and forceful, and it's not a bad thing if you are now.

Your Majesty is still a long way off for an inexperienced person like me. I've heard that my abilities have been recognized, but I only have a vague sense of it. It will probably be a long time before I am truly recognized.

In this respect, he has a strong sense of being recognized by his immediate surroundings. I guess it's natural to be more aware of near goals than far ones.

...... Thank you, I've cleared up a lot of things.

But by the looks of it, you and I have made little progress in our relationship.

You still say that?

You're a pretty girl, so I wouldn't be surprised if you had feelings for me.

I'm sorry, but there's no sign of that. He always treats people as if they are violent and troublesome. He always treats people as violent and troublesome. ...... I'm sorry, but what does that mean?

It's a shame, because that thing seems to like to act older than it is. I'm sure my age is out of his league.

I'm sure you're not the only one.

Lakra. I wonder what his response to Lakra will be. He seems to be in love with her, but as a relationship between a man and a woman. ...... No, his treatment of her is not that of a woman.

At first there was talk of Lakra using charm magic on him, but that was only to get information from him. ....... In a sense, it is safe to assume that they are close to each other, no matter how much they dislike living together. .......

He doesn't seem to be treating her like a woman.

He doesn't seem to treat her as a woman.

Maja, she's close to my mother's age. She was close to my mother in age. I kept my distance from her after the book incident, but she seemed to be a good friend of mine from the beginning.

The way he treats Maja is very mild and polite. So that's what it was. .......

It's possible. ......

Well, ...... good luck with that.

Hang in there. Hang in there for what?

Well, if you prefer older women who are much older than you, you're probably going to have a much lower opinion of younger women.

"Yes, indeed, ........ I've been at a disadvantage with men and women before, but this is the first time I've been at a disadvantage with age.

He appreciates me, but his usual attitude is curt. So that's what it is.

A lot of things are starting to make sense to me. But now that I understand, I feel like trying out various things.

"Okay, I've got some energy.

"Well, I think I've given you a fatal misunderstanding. ...... Oh well. But don't forget that even a monk has an admiration for you. Don't forget that.

"What, really?

You can't go out on a limb because you have a strong sense of chivalry. You should know that's not something a monk can do.

Is that how it is? ......

He, like me, is attracted to each other because we have something each other can't have. Is it okay to think that way?

If you're talking about the degree to which the monk respects you as a knight, then I'm better than you. That depends on your diligence.

I can't say anything about that. Kara is an experienced knight and I'm an inexperienced knight.

But you're still a knight. You can go forward with your heart on your sleeve.

"Yeah, okay.