A business trip to the Human Kingdom was decided.
While it would have been ideal to take all the unit members, that was, of course, impossible.
There was the possibility, however slim, that the fortress could be attacked while they were away.
While the demon appearances had significantly decreased after the True Demons were repelled, monsters, conversely, had become more rampant. It seemed they were filling the void left by the demons.
After much deliberation, Hans chose two members to accompany him, Bayard and Helia.
The trip to the Human Kingdom wasn’t likely to be dangerous, but individuals suited to the occasion were necessary.
However, practicality couldn’t be sacrificed for mere appearances.
Hans ensured sufficient forces remained to defend the fortress in his absence. This was why he had Cluna and Yuren stay behind.
Naturally, Cluna and Yuren strongly protested.
Their logic was that the Commander’s safety took absolute precedence.
To counter this, Hans had chosen Bayard.
“Bayard’s skill is more than enough to protect me.”
“Thank you, Commander.”
‘Tch, it can’t be helped.’
‘She’s not wrong.’
While Yuren and Cluna wouldn’t compromise on the Commander’s safety, this time, they were speechless.
Everyone acknowledged Bayard’s prowess.
However, the choice of Helia was met with surprise. While Helia wasn’t incompetent, she was still relatively inexperienced.
But Hans remained firm, and ultimately, Bayard and Helia were chosen to accompany him to the Human Kingdom.
The other unit members, though disappointed, didn’t openly object to the Commander’s decision.
After all, they ultimately had to abide by his choices, even if it meant risking their lives.
“Teacher, why did you choose me?”
Once the surroundings quieted, Helia cautiously asked.
Her love for Hans was immeasurable, but lately, she had been losing confidence.
Her skill was exceptional for her age, and she had recently improved significantly, even surprising Yuren with her rapid progress.
However, Helia herself wasn’t satisfied. She felt like she was only holding her teacher back.
The thought of leaving had even crossed her mind. She had reached the point of such extreme insecurity.
That’s why she was taken aback when Hans suddenly chose her.
“Because you haven’t seemed very happy lately.”
“What?”
“You’ve been looking troubled recently.”
“...”
“That’s not a bad thing. It’s actually good. But sometimes, you need a change of pace.”
Helia silently closed her mouth, holding back tears.
‘It’s not that I don’t want to be helpful... I don’t want to be a burden.’
She had committed such acts out of anxiety.
Already emotionally fragile from losing loved ones in the war, her sense of self had shattered.
Yet, her teacher had noticed her.
Helia trembled with emotion.
Of course, this was Helia’s perspective. In truth, Hans was worried about her potential for losing control.
Hans, being further away, was less affected, but even he was momentarily stunned.
The Royal Guard, facing her ferocious aura head-on, were even more intimidated.
Hans, startled by the sudden outburst, spoke.
“Bayard, what is the meaning of this?”
“They threatened us first.”
“Threatened?”
“Did they not demand you submit to them, Commander?”
“Ah.”
‘She’s a beastman, so her values are closer to an animal’s. And to her, I’m the leader to whom she has pledged loyalty. They challenged my authority... a group of weak prey, no less. Of course she reacted.’
‘Oh, my head.’
He felt a headache coming on, but dealing with the current situation took priority.
‘These are the Royal Guards, protectors of the royal family. Naturally, most of them are skilled.’
‘It wouldn’t be good to cause unnecessary conflict.’
He didn’t want them fighting amongst themselves and weakening their overall strength.
‘But dismissing Bayard would diminish the authority of the Royal Knights.’
He had to tread carefully.
“Bayard, we must be forgiving of others’ mistakes.”
“Commander, but...”
“For the greater good, we must endure this much.”
“If that is your will, Commander.”
Bayard quietly retreated.
The Royal Guard could finally move again.
Hans, observing the scene, clicked his tongue.
‘The killing intent that paralyzed them...’
“There was a bit of a commotion. Are you alright, Captain Melissa?”
“I-I’m fine. Thank you for your concern.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear it.”
Melissa inwardly clicked her tongue.
‘The ferocious killing intent that felt like being crushed by giant steel bars... yet he dispelled it with a single word. Truly, the Commander of the Royal Knights.’
However, she couldn’t overlook the previous outburst.
‘I made a reasonable request as a member of the Royal Guard, only to be met with intimidation.’
‘No matter how prestigious the Royal Knights are, this is unacceptable.’
After some thought, Melissa decided to report everything to His Majesty.
‘Before things escalate further.’
‘Besides, after meeting him in person, I can’t understand what the Commander is thinking.’
‘He’s from the Human Kingdom and was chosen by our King and recommended as Commander of the Royal Knights. But his actions just now didn’t seem like those of a loyal subject.’
‘Just who are you? What is your purpose?’
Melissa’s wariness only deepened.
[Translator Notes]
[Your Text Here]