A peaceful afternoon.
The sun was high in the sky, and I had just finished a quick morning training with Nameless, and we had both just stepped out of the wash.
“Um…?”
“What’s wrong?”
As I wrung out my long hair like a wet rag,
“I think we have guests.”
I sensed multiple presences nearby.
Nameless, who was also shaking off the last remnants of water, tilted his head in confusion at my statement about guests.
“…Huh?”
Well, it was about time, I suppose.
It had been quite a while since Lili sent word, and this was the most peaceful moment since descending the mountain, so it seemed only right for it to end soon.
However, there was one thing I was worried about.
“Is it those Cheonma Church kids?”
“Are there a lot of people?”
“Uh, quite a lot.”
Among the familiar auras, it seemed there were many unfamiliar ones mixed in.
Of course, I could consider that there were some people affiliated with the Cheonma Church that I hadn’t met, but…
That said, it seemed like only a handful of familiar presences.
Roughly about three, I’d guess?
“Ugh….”
I’m getting anxious.
If they aren’t the Cheonma Church kids, then the only ones who would come all the way out here would be people from the Empire.
“Nameless, stay in the hut for a bit.”
I need to check things out.
Since I’ve sharpened my senses, I’ve got a good distance, giving me time to observe unilaterally.
I can’t take Nameless along to a potentially dangerous situation; it’s better to go alone.
With that thought, I shook my head free and grabbed my wooden sword. Nameless rushed to tighten his belt and picked up his sword.
“I’m coming too.”
He declared boldly that he would follow.
What a hassle…
I rolled my eyes and came up with a truly clever line to get rid of Nameless.
“Those are my guests, so that’s why.”
Nameless’s unfamiliarity with my guests meant he wouldn’t have a reason to tag along—
“If it’s a guest of the Master, wouldn’t I also know them?”
“…What do you mean by that?”
“Master’s acquaintances are also my acquaintances too.”
I wanted to come up with an excuse, but I had nothing to say, so I pouted my lips.
…That’s true.
Thinking about it, anyone I would call an acquaintance also has a relationship with Nameless.
…How did I end up knowing so few people?
Ugh, right. It’s to be expected since I’ve always had Nameless by my side.
But even so, isn’t that a bit harsh? Putting it nicely, what Nameless said was like telling me, “You have no friends.”
“Tsk.”
I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my face.
If I left Nameless behind now, he’d definitely sulk…
But even taking him along, I’d worry about his safety if they were enemies.
…What should I do?
*
Naturally, I decided to go with Nameless.
While I could somehow manage his physical condition, getting rid of a sulking Nameless would be impossible.
“It seems we’re getting closer.”
“R-really?”
Nameless’s voice trembled as I carried him on my back.
When I glanced back to look at him, he had a complicated expression on his face, which made me chuckle as I continued walking.
“You’re light.”
“I don’t think this is… normal…”
Seeing Nameless’s face turn red filled me with a strange sense of joy.
Anyway, I wasn’t just enjoying Nameless’s embarrassment.
I felt a bit bad too.
But what can I do? Like I said, it would take at least an hour for Nameless to walk to where we were going.
If we take too much time, the enemy could realize our position and either flee or prepare to attack us.
That wouldn’t do.
“Ugh, so I have no choice.”
“…Understood.”
Nameless seemed to buy my explanation, nodding his head.
Well, it had a sort of reluctant approval.
Still…
“Nameless, wrap your arms around my neck.”
His arm had been poking my side, tickling me.
…Why is he putting one arm around my waist while being carried…?
When I tilted my head to ask, I received a rather shocking response from behind.
“Huh? I’m wrapping my arms around your neck.”
“What?”
I hurriedly looked down and saw Nameless’s long arm around my neck and body.
…Oh, right?
Then what’s he holding onto my waist…?
Suddenly, memories of a blushing Nameless from an embarrassing past flooded my mind, and my face turned red as well.
“Ugh, r-right…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing… just never mind.”
I tried to play it cool.
Seeing that Nameless wasn’t showing any signs either…
Could it really not be that kind of situation? Though it was getting confused enough to think it’s an arm…?
“Oof, how terrifying.”
“Huh?”
“Nothing.”
I silently paid my respects to the woman who would become Nameless’s wife.
Good luck.
*
“Master, I think I see them now.”
“Oh ho…”
While I was caught up in thoughts, Nameless turned his head, and I saw a swarm of figures.
They all looked like they were wearing sturdy armor and wielding swords with a singular emblem.
My expression stiffened as I took sight of them.
“…This seems…”
They probably aren’t the Cheonma Church kids.
Now that I was closer, I approached them quietly, staying hidden.
Nameless also dismounted from my back to move alongside me, wanting to hear what they were saying.
“Stop here.”
I narrowed my eyes to take a better look.
The symbol carved into their swords and shields depicted a lion.
I had seen it in the imperial palace and on the knights that came to us when we rescued Arnold.
“Hmm.”
Does that mean the Empire’s knights have brought an army here?
Instead of wondering ‘why?’, the question ‘how?’ popped into my mind.
They don’t know I live here.
Perhaps their purpose isn’t me?
Just as those thoughts crossed my mind.
“Master, over there.”
Nameless pointed to the front of the group, and as I shifted my gaze,
“…That guy?”
I caught sight of Lucius, whose expression seemed a bit unfavorable.
Oh, so he’s the one who found out where we are?
I didn’t feel great about that.
I placed one hand on my wooden sword and started tapping it as I thought.
…What to do.
If we’re to ambush, now would be the perfect time.
However, there’s always the ‘what if’ scenario to consider.
What if Lucius didn’t come here to attack us? What if he simply came to talk?
Reflecting on my past experiences with Lucius, it felt more likely that this scenario was the case.
However, I was still worried about the knights behind him. And Lucius’s not-so-favorable expression was troubling too.
“Nameless, what do you think?”
After a moment of pondering, Nameless finally stood and spoke up.
“I think it’s okay to at least talk, right?”
“…That’s true.”
Unless Lucius’s fighting abilities suddenly surged to reach me, we wouldn’t lose even without ambushing.
The knights seemed formidable, but they were still just regular folks. Nameless could take care of them easily.
“Let’s go have a look.”
“Yes, Master.”
I reached out my hand to stop Nameless from following me.
“Oh, you stay here.”
“Huh?”
I made my way past Nameless’s bewildered expression. It had been a while since I’d reunited with a hero.
*
Damn it.
‘Why do I have to be here?’
Lucius ground his teeth as he walked.
Not long ago, he had just finished an audience with the Emperor after hearing the news that Cheon Ha-rang had attacked the palace.
However, upon actually hearing the reasons, he realized it was the Emperor, or rather, his inner circle who were overreacting.
If Cheon Ha-rang genuinely intended to attack the palace, the Empire would have vanished from the map long ago.
These incompetent nobles, not understanding that, were going on about, ‘This is a preemptive attack! This is clearly a provocation! The Emperor was insulted!’ which gave him a headache.
‘What fools.’
With their heads turned to the results, they focused only on being attacked.
In the first place, there was nothing to gain for Cheon Ha-rang from attacking the palace.
Rather, it only transferred an advantage to the entire Empire.
For instance, pulling in the ‘Dark Sorcerer’ group he had been chasing into the palace, making it easier to deal with them.
And then.
‘What? They’re trying to introduce their son?’
There’s no way Cheon Ha-rang wouldn’t know that his disciple is in a romantic relationship!
“Ha….”
But even if he pondered this worry, the situation wouldn’t change.
The knights who would be holding Cheon Ha-rang accountable were already on their way, and he was among them.
The only remaining option was to somehow communicate with Cheon Ha-rang so he wouldn’t get upset.
“Tsk.”
‘Dealing with those idiots in the past has always been a nuisance; maybe now’s the time to sort things out…?’
As Lucius trudged forward with many thoughts in his head.
“Lucius, long time no see.”
Cheon Ha-rang, radiating clear hostility, stood right in front of him.
This is bad…
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