The decision for a business trip to the Human Kingdom was made. It would be nice to take everyone along, but of course, that wasn’t possible. What if all of them were taken and the fortress got attacked?
Even though the Blood Demons were being repelled, the appearance of Demons started to increase. It seemed like they were attempting to fill the gaps left by the missing Demons.
After much concern, Hans chose two individuals: Bayard and Helia. The trip to the Human Kingdom wouldn’t be too dangerous, but he needed the right people for the position.
However, he couldn’t give up practicality for the sake of appearances. Hans deployed troops strong enough to protect the fortress even if he wasn’t there. That was why Cluna and Yuren were put on standby.
Of course, Cluna and Yuren protested loudly. They argued that the Commander’s safety was the highest priority. To counter that, Hans had chosen Bayard.
“Bayard’s skills are more than enough to protect me.”
“Th-thank you, Commander.”
“Tch, I can’t help it.”
“That’s not incorrect.”
Yuren and Cluna wouldn’t back down about the Commander’s safety, but this time they couldn’t say a word. Everyone recognized Bayard’s abilities.
However, the choice of Helia was met with surprise. While Helia wasn’t bad enough to tarnish the Royal Knights’ name, she was still relatively lacking in skill.
But Hans wouldn’t bend his will. In the end, the individuals chosen to accompany Hans to the Human Kingdom were Bayard and Helia. The disappointed expressions on the faces of those not chosen were quite the sight.
Yet, there was no one present to strongly oppose the Commander’s choice. After all, it was the Commander’s decision, and they could only follow, even if it meant putting their lives on the line.
“Teacher, why did you choose me?”
As the surroundings quieted down, Helia cautiously asked. The extent of Helia’s love for Hans was beyond imagination, but recently she had begun to lose a bit of that confidence.
It was true that Helia’s skills were excellent for her age. Furthermore, she had been improving significantly lately, enough to astonish even Yuren.
However, Helia wasn’t satisfied. Rather, she felt like she was just holding the teacher back. Wouldn’t it be better if she just left?
Helia’s confidence was driven to the edge, to the point where she had extreme thoughts like these. So when Hans suddenly chose her, she couldn’t help but be flustered.
“Well, you didn’t seem to be in a good mood.”
“Huh?”
“You had a worried look lately.”
“……”
“That’s not a bad thing. On the contrary, it’s a good thing. However, sometimes, you need to refresh your thoughts like this.”
Helia quietly sealed her lips. She felt like she might burst into tears at any moment if she spoke. The anxiety of not being helpful led her to this mistake.
Having lost precious people to the war, her already unstable ego shattered completely. Yet, the teacher was watching her properly.
Overwhelmed by that emotion, Helia could only tremble. Of course, this was from Helia’s point of view. The truth was, Hans was worried about Helia’s rampage. Luckily, things were okay for now.
In the original story, Helia was closer to a villain than a heroine. After all, she was the one who betrayed the protagonist and caused a bad ending. She was a wild card.
“If she ramps up like in the original, it could be troublesome. I have to keep an eye on her.”
Of course, Helia had already rampaged once, but under hypnosis, Hans was still unaware of that fact. Anyway, Hans set off directly to the Human Kingdom.
Woosh
“Wyverns are incredibly convenient.”
“Indeed, teacher.”
“Orcs seem to have their uses too.”
Unlike Helia, who agreed readily, Bayard exhibited overt hostility. But Hans didn’t point it out. Beastmen and Orcs were natural enemies.
Realizing that continuing this topic was a landmine, Hans quickly changed the subject. Soon, as they soared into the sky with the wyvern, the scenery of the mountain range entered their sight.
“The surrounding scenery isn’t bad.”
“This… this is nice.”
“Enjoy as much as you can. This is the land we need to protect.”
“I’ll engrave it in my heart.”
Suddenly, Bayard responded seriously, surprising Hans slightly. But he brushed it off, thinking that good was good. However, Bayard interpreted Hans’ words differently.
Unlike Hans, who stated the purpose as the Royal Knights, Bayard took it as the Royal Knights triumphing over Demons. The Commander was looking towards the future.
Perhaps, the next thing the Commander was aiming for was the villains threatening the continent. For example, Orcs. They were merely monsters lingering here to fight.
Thud
“If we crumble, there’s nothing left.”
Bayard steeled his resolve. After perhaps half a day of gliding through the air, Hans finally reached the Human Kingdom. They arrived much faster than expected.
“Flying through the sky is indeed comfortable.”
“I’m glad we aren’t wasting your valuable time, teacher.”
“R-right.”
The heavy response he hadn’t anticipated came back, but Hans lightly laughed it off. Thanks to pre-arranging messages with the carrier pigeon, they avoided the trouble of being shot at with arrows or magic.
The wyvern landed softly in the courtyard of the royal palace. Soldiers were on high alert, watching them with tense expressions, but otherwise took no action. Hans touched down on the ground.
“I am Hans, Commander of the Royal Knights. Where is the King?”
“I am Melissa, the Captain of the Guard. Please mind your title.”
“Hmm, I see. Then…”
“Who do you think you are, being so cocky?”
Hans thought his demand was reasonable. After all, he was a king of a country, and he had received many favors. So he intended to show proper respect—until Bayard’s sudden outburst.
Bayard stepped forward, unusually bold, warning Melissa. In that instant, no one could speak. It was like a furious beast stood before them.
Thud thud
An instinctive fear choked their voices. Not just the guards around Melissa, but even Hans, who was in the back. At least Hans was somewhat shielded by being behind them, but still!
Even Hans felt his tongue momentarily trapped. How would the guards who bore the full brunt of this ferocity fare? No wonder they were paralyzed by such an abrupt turn of events.
“Bayard, what’s going on all of a sudden?”
“They threatened us first.”
“They threatened?”
“They demanded the Commander submit.”
“Ah.”
Only then did Hans realize why Bayard rampaged. Bayard was a Beastman. Meaning, his values were closer to those of a beast. And to him, Hans was the leader he had to obey.
Yet in that moment, they challenged the authority of their leader. A group of weaklings, at that. Naturally, Bayard felt threatened and reacted. Oh dear.
Hans felt a headache coming on, but first, managing the current situation was the priority. Though they looked like that, the Royal Guards protected the palace. Most were undeniably skilled.
‘Creating unnecessary trouble here would be bad.’
He didn’t want them fighting among themselves and exhausting their strength. But if he just subdued Bayard, the weight of the Royal Knights might diminish. They needed to be cautious.
“Bayard, you ought to be forgiving of others’ mistakes.”
“Commander, but—”
“For the greater good, this is something we should endure.”
“If that’s your wish, Commander.”
Bayard quietly stepped back. As a result, the guards could move a bit. Hans clicked his tongue at the overwhelming aura they exuded.
“It seems there was a brief commotion. Are you alright, Melissa?”
“Ah, no. Thank you for your concern.”
“Good. Then I’m relieved.”
Melissa clicked her tongue inwardly. The overwhelming presence felt like being pressed down by a giant iron bar. Yet it was easily dispelled by a single word. Truly, it was the Royal Knights’ Commander.
However, regardless of that, the earlier misconduct was an issue that couldn’t be overlooked. They had made a legitimate request as guards, only to be met with intimidation.
Though they were Royal Knights, that was a bit too much. After much contemplation, Melissa decided to report everything to His Majesty in full. Before the momentum built even further.
‘Moreover, now that I’m face-to-face, I have no idea what the Commander is thinking.’
They said he was of Human Kingdom descent and had been recommended as the Commander of the Royal Knights by their king. Yet, the demeanor he just exhibited was far from that of a loyal subject.
What exactly are you?
What’s your goal?
Melissa’s suspicion grew even deeper as time passed.
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