Book 9: Chapter 34

The battle between Ykslaas and Chester was approaching its climax.

Shironos and Eltrinde plunged straight from the roof into the upper floor. They tore through the Light Shield Knight Army and the Light Staff Knight Army that blocked their way.

However, as they tried to advance further, they were confronted by the Imperial Guard

Knights. The knights of the Imperial Guard wore tough, heavy armor similar to that of the Light Shield Knight Army. They each held a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.

The Imperial Guard’s duty was to serve as the “shield” protecting royalty, as well as the “sword” that struck down any opposition to royalty.

They went through the most difficult training of all of the knight armies, and it was their unwavering confidence in their abilities that allowed them to gain their position as royalty’s protectors. In terms of swordsmanship, they could match even accomplished warriors like Eltrinde.

「…I’m going have to ask you to move」

「We cannot do that.」

The first to respond to Eltrinde’s demand was the female knight that stood at the very front of the knight army, guarding the entrance to the audience hall.

The knight appeared to be nearing old age. However, her silent but intimidating presence did not give off any signs of fragility.

Attached to her back was a large, two-handed sword. Her equipment was visibly different from that of the other knights, and it was covered in detailed patterns.

Not breaking her knight’s salute, it was clear that she did not plan to let them pass.

「Susanna, co-captain of the Imperial Guard Knight Army… As the second princess Eltrinde, I command you to move. Please move out of the way.」

「I cannot follow your commands. The Imperial Guard has already chosen Narika as their master.」

「…Susanna! Don’t you understand? Narika is not just. Some even say that she conspired with Mazenda to bring the Alva into this kingdom!」

「Eltrinde」

The knight, unfazed by Eltrinde’s anger, did not move an inch.

「From the moment the Imperial Guard swore its loyalty to Narika, we have promised to serve as her sword and shield. You have to understand what a knight’s duty is.」

「Well, that depends on the situation, doesn’t it!? Isn’t it also the duty of a knight to correct their master’s mistakes?」

「No. The duty of a knight is to die alongside its master. A knight serves as its master’s weapon. There is no value in a weapon that disobeys its master.」

「Susanna…!」

Interrupting Eltrinde, Shironos stepped forward.

「But still, you are human. Can you really say that it’s your duty to throw away your free will and serve as nothing but a tool?」

「…Stranger, that is not the case. If a knight’s master is misguided, it is the knight’s duty to advise them. However, if the master still does not choose to right their wrongs, it is the knight’s duty to obey them nonetheless.」

「Even if the path that they choose leads to their demise?」

「Then I guess my duty would be to delay my master’s demise, even if it is by just a few seconds.」

Shironos nodded in understanding.

「You’re definitely a knight.」

「Yes.」

「How foolish… A knight’s duty is to protect the people! You’re completely going against that duty!」

「No, Eltrinde.」

Susanna silently shook her head.

「At times, a knight may still bring its sword down upon the people. A knight may protect the people as well, but that is only if it aligns with its master’s wishes.」

Susanna, not breaking her stance, glared at Eltrinde warningly.

「…So, Eltrinde. I cannot let you pass through here. I have been commanded by Narika to spare your life, so, once again, I will have to ask you to leave.」

「Susanna… I have to pass through. I have to defeat Mazenda and discover Narika’s true intentions.」

Susanna took a deep sigh and broke her stance.

「…Is that really what you plan to do?」

「Susanna, won’t you please reconsider?」

As she reached her hand to the sword on her waist, Susanna opened her mouth.

「There’s no point in asking anymore. As long as neither of us are willing to leave, we’re never going to reach an agreement.」

「…I see, well, that is quite disappointing.」

And at the exact same moment, Eltrinde and Susanna both drew their swords.

「I will warn you beforehand, but I do not plan to go easy on you, Eltrinde.」

「I see. I don’t think I can go easy on you, either.」

「Also, this is not a duel.」

The Imperial Guard knights standing behind Susanna readied their weapons.

Eltrinde put on a faint, regretful smile.

「…I understand. I really don’t want to kill you, but… please don’t hate me for this.」

「I was going to say the same thing. It would be a violation of Narika’s commands, but… if it is what I need to do to protect Narika, I will not hesitate. Even if I end up returning to the God of Life, I will make sure to put up a good last fight against you.」

They readied their swords, glaring at each other.

Eltrinde, not daring to take her eyes off of Susanna, called out to Shironos.

「Sorry, but I think Susanna will keep me busy for now. Even if it is just for a little while, please fight back the other knights.」

Eltrinde assured him that she would join him as soon as possible. Shironos smiled gently.

「…Understood.」

Right after he finished talking, Shironos flew past Eltrinde and Susanna in an instant and appeared directly before the Imperial Knights behind them.

「…Huh!?」

「Wha-…」

Not even bothering to look back at the surprised faces of the two behind him, Shironos began fighting the knights.

「I won’t let them interrupt your battle. Please, go all out.」

Shironos raised his sword and shield.

Taking a quick, fleeting glance behind her, Eltrinde shifted her focus back toward Susanna.

A single drop of sweat ran down Susanna’s face. It was clear that she was worried about what was going on behind her.

Eltrinde stomped the ground.

「…Can you really afford to be paying attention to what’s going on behind you, Susanna? Am I that easy of an opponent for you?」

Susanna smiled wryly and quietly raised her sword.

「No, Eltrinde. However… I’m slowly losing confidence in my ability to stop you without killing you. I’m sorry to let you know, but I’m gonna have to go join my knights as soon as possible.」

「That isn’t gonna happen.」

They glared at each other, paying close attention to the space between them. Susanna was the first to strike.