I am aware of my own dejected mood, and I am being way too moody
unlike a knight which brings me down even more.
My first job as a bodyguard. I was confident that they wouldn't get the
better of me with my strength. The reality was that I had a winning
chance against Girista, Ekdoik, and Pashuro if it were solely on battle
power.
But what was the result? I couldn't protect him despite that being my
one job. I did win a 1 on 1 against Girista, but I had a hard time against
Pashuro, and Wolfe settled the fight with the granted knowledge of that
man.
And then, when that man was once again exposed to danger, I couldn't
do anything and he himself settled things. I thought he would be fine if
it was him, but that wasn't the case. He stepped into the thoughts of
Pashuro and the others in order to get out of that situation.
The depth compared to the time when he fought Dokora was different.
He even looked like he was a whole other person entirely. If that was his
form when I met him by chance, I can say for sure that I wouldn't have
welcomed him in the country.
Seeing his face when he was talking with Pashuro who was on the verge
of death, I even thought it was already too late. But he managed to
return by his own power. That muddiness had returned to its previous
light in the time he was making eye contact with me.
He must have used my way of life as a landmark to return from the deep
darkness in him. But that also means that he was sunk so deeply that he
couldn't have returned without my presence.
Lunatics that would kill their surroundings without hesitation; he
probably would have been able to manage something while captured by
doing anything regardless of means. But I couldn't fulfill my mission to
protect him as a knight, and I couldn't even achieve my own personal
objective of not letting him walk the wrong path.
Also, I was once again reminded by him of the reality I tried to not think
about. The anger of His Majesty at that time was the real deal. He
directed anger at me so strong that it made even me falter despite being
far superior to him in physical strength.
There's no guarantee His Majesty will assign me as his bodyguard again
when he heads to Gahne. I may be able to continue right now
temporarily, but it most likely won't last long.
While I was worrying about this, we finished our meals, bringing us to
the present. I feel like he was talking to someone, but who was it…?
"—Let's go back."
"Y-Yeah…" (Ilias)
Looks like I have dampened his mood too. I feel even more bad now.
We meet a familiar face as we head to the exit of the castle.
"Oh, isn't that Lady Ratzel?"
"…Lord Leano." (Ilias)
The Leano Division that leads the most knights, and their Knight
Captain, Lord Leano. The top of the people that don't think fondly of my
position.
"And the one by your side is… oh, it is you!" (Leano)
The expression of Lord Leano changed suddenly. Just where did his
disgruntled face towards me even go? He is making a face as if he just
met his best friend.
"It has been a while, Lord Leano. This is the first time we meet in the
castle."
"You said it. Even though I have told you to come meet me whenever,
you haven't shown yourself once. What a cold man." (Leano)
"His Majesty is the priority when I come to the castle after all."
"I can't say anything against that response. I was thinking about taking
care of you if you didn't have a place to go to, and yet, you managed to
get right by the bosom of His Majesty. You really are one man that can't
be underestimated. It seems like my eyes didn't deceive me though."
(Leano)
Lord Leano is laughing while talking with him.
I couldn't follow this unexpected development.
His first meeting with Lord Leano should have been in the barracks,
when the first meeting for the bandit subjugation was held.
At that time, Lord Leano was directing a belittling gaze and tone at
him…
"What's with that dumbstruck face you have there, Lady Ratzel? I heard
about it, you know. Even though you were left with the job of protecting
him, you allowed him to get kidnapped by outlaws." (Leano)
"—!"
Aah, there's no way he wouldn't know. Girista rampaged at such a
public place after all. It must have gotten to other knight divisions too.
There's no way he would let that topic pass by when he hates me.
"So stupid. Even if it is true that you failed, you safely rescued him.
What are they thinking about despite you having redeemed yourself?
Do they think you have already become a perfect knight or something?"
(Leano)
"…Eh?" (Ilias)
"I have heard about how you wanted to protect the citizens. You are not
telling me that those people should have died, right?" (Leano)
"N-No way!!" (Ilias)
"Then, stand tall. You managed to fix your mistake while protecting the
people as the chivalric code deems. Seeking more than that in your
standing would be presumptuous!" (Leano)
This… is Lord Leano encouraging me here? But it only sounds as if he is
insulting me. It is the very picture of a knight instructing a novice.
"Good grief. With such a tightfisted bodyguard with you, it is hard to
invite you to a meal. Let's find a different occasion to have a lengthy
talk. See you later." (Leano)
Lord Leano smiled at him at the end and left.
He saw that and sighed before turning my way.
"Surprised?"
"Y-Yeah. How you are close to Lord Leano and those words just now…"
(Ilias)
"It is not really that weird though. Lord Leano is that kind of person to
begin with."
"No, but… you remember that time too, right?" (Ilias)
There's no way he doesn't remember. He was the one who planned
countermeasures after hearing about how I was being looked down by
the other knight divisions.
"It is true that Lord Leano doesn't think positively of you."
"Then why…? No, I am not in a position to ask you about how you are
close to Lord Leano though…" (Ilias)
"Ilias, it is the undeniable truth that you are being hated by the other
knight divisions. But do you think every single one of them hates you
for the same reason?"
"…What do you mean?" (Ilias)
Their reason for hating me… isn't it because I am a woman? No, there
should be no mistake in that. The reality is that they would always say
'even though you are a woman'.
He scratched his head and continued speaking.
"The reason why Lord Leano hates you is because a woman is in the
highly respected Ragudo Division."
"…So because I am a woman." (Ilias)
"I am saying Lord Leano would have treated someone the same even if
it wasn't you, Ilias. The Ragudo Division was the ideal knight division
Lord Leano aimed for when he was trying to become a knight. Lord
Leano respects the knight divisions that have kept on since time
immemorial; putting it in a bad way, he is a person trapped in the old
thinking."
"…I see." (Ilias)
Lord Leano himself would be the one to know that. Did he hear that
from him?
"What's in the heart of Lord Leano isn't male superiority, but the idea of
'the man for the right job'. He wants to keep the historical form of
generations.
A newcomer girl showed up there, so he is simply feeling awkward. It is
because you tried to take everyone under your lead while ignoring the
other Knight Captains that he tried to steal your position. As if saying 'it
is too presumptuous of a woman to gather the venerable knight
divisions and try to command them!'."
"But isn't that the same for the others?" (Ilias)
"Lord Fohl is self-interest. You apparently defeated him in front of his
subordinates."
Now that he mentions it, something like that might have happened. He
challenged me, saying something like 'I will be your opponent for a bit'.
I just fought with everything I had like usual… I did get a hit on him at
that time if I remember correctly.
"He was thinking about testing out a new face, and yet, was shamed in
front of his subordinates. Of course he would hold a grudge on you
regardless of gender."
"But it was an official match, so holding back is…" (Ilias)
"I am not expecting you to read the atmosphere in those kinds of
scenarios. However, understand the results of it. Men are creatures that
care a lot about face."
"Mumuuh." (Ilias)
"There's a lot of other things. Some who had their beloved weapons
broken in duels against you; ones told by their cherished little sisters
the person they admire isn't their brother who is a knight but Lady
Ratzel; people who had their names spoken wrong and got that
nickname set in stone; people who don't really have any grudge
towards Lady Ratzel, but are riding the mood…"
He was speaking out one reason after the other.
I was being hated by so many varied reasons? This is shocking in a lot
of meanings. Or more like, isn't there stuff unrelated to me mixed in
there?
"Yours is not the same as the united persecution of Wolfe. There's a
variety of reasons why someone hates others. However, you being a
woman is being used as the front. But it is not like it is all simply that. It
is because the numbers have increased too much that they began
looking the same to you."
"But when did you do all this…?" (Ilias)
"At the ceremony, there was a guy that clicked his tongue at you, you
see. I investigated a variety of things while I was checking the details of
that person."
"Since then…?" (Ilias)
"Don't worry. I have already made the noble that clicked his tongue
regret it, so just act as if you don't know."
He was doing something like that in the shadows… Well, let's just
believe that he has done it within reason.
"Even though you told me to change the anger to power, you were
punching back…? What do I do with you?" (Ilias)
"It would only make things more complicated if you were to do the
punching with anger clouding you. But here, a friend of mine was made
fun of. Gotta get a hit or two in, right?"
He made a mischievous smile. I really don't know what to do with this
guy. However, learning that he sees me as a friend and that he moved
for my sake… isn't bad.
"But… I was being hated by so many varied reasons…?" (Ilias)
"That's a given. You didn't make any friends since childhood,
concentrated the whole time in training, didn't learn how to form
human relations, and didn't spare a glance to your surroundings.
Despite that, your skills were high and would take the position of
others, pulling so many eyes."
Stabbed right to the heart.
Now that he mentions it, it is not like they hated me from the very
beginning. But I have lived my life prioritizing polishing myself rather
than my relationships with others. Trying to become a better knight…
No, it is obvious that I would be hated if I did as I pleased without
looking at others.
Was I missing something crucial as a person as I aimed to become a
good knight?
"You lost your parents at a young age and continued polishing yourself
while there was still no leeway in your heart. There's no need to blame
yourself at this point. But it is different now. You even managed to get a
friend, right? You can just learn a variety of things without getting
impatient."
"—Right. I have gotten a friend like you. It might be better for me to
look at others more." (Ilias)
"…Aah, no, I was referring to Saira."
"…You called me a friend though!" (Ilias)
"Did I?"
"You did! Is there any inconvenience or is it embarrassing to be my
friend?!" (Ilias)
"It is just embarrassing to be told that to the face. Think about it with
common sense."
I certainly did mess up. But it is not like that's the end of everything. If I
keep worrying about everything, I might not only fail to get them back
but link them to even more failures. It may be difficult to switch
completely here, but I can't progress if I don't face forward.
"Good grief… Anyways, let me show my gratitude. Thank y—Mgh."
(Ilias)
He covered my mouth with his hand. If you do that, I can't talk, you
know.
"No need to thank me. I am the one being helped out and I am in the
middle of paying you back. It is not like I have paid you back completely
yet. If you want to thank me, do so when I have finished. If you thank
me at each instance I help you, I wouldn't be able to pay you back
completely."
"…You are worried about the smallest of things. It is not like it would
lessen anything just from thanking you." (Ilias)
"It does. Thanking is also a veritable way to pay back a debt after all."
"—Seriously, men are creatures that care a lot about face, huh." (Ilias)
If he wants me to do that, I will do so. Let's keep this feeling of
appreciation for when he has been satisfied… But when that time
comes, will a single thank you be enough? Am I not already being
completely indebted here? I-Is it okay?
———
It is fine that her mood seems to have improved to a certain degree with
the arrival of Lord Leano. But I got flustered when she noticed that I
had deepened my connections with other knight divisions.
It is not like I doubt the personality of Ilias, but there really is an
awkward feeling to learning that I am getting friendly with people that
don't think fondly of her and harass her.
Ilias wraps it all in the same mantle. It would be troubling if she were to
see my friendship with her and my friendship with Lord Leano as the
same.
As someone who likes deep but narrow personal relationships, creating
widespread personal relationships unexpectedly has a lot of hardships.
Also, trouble comes walking to you when your face is spread wide -just
like now.
"You are the Counselor Candidate that frequently meets His Majesty,
right?"
"Well, yeah, that's right."
The one in front of me is the daughter of a Taizu noble. Her name is… if
I ever meet her again, I will try to memorize it.
I was called to the residence of the noble, and when I asked what their
business was…
"I would like you to arrange it so that I am tied with His Majesty."
And well, it is a request smeared with self-interest. Can't really say
much myself as someone who is using my closeness with Marito to
expand my connections with the knights though.
"His Majesty is a really late-bloomer. Even when he shows himself at
banquets, he wouldn't try to meet a girl in particular."
I have heard that's because he simply didn't find any girls he was
interested in.
"I am from a distinguished family, cultured and elegant, and have been
polished to be worthy of His Majesty. That's right, I am the one who
should become the princess of His Majesty!"
I would like you to share 10% of that confidence you have to Ilias who
is on standby outside the room. Also, about half to Rakura. I think that
would make them into nice and graceful ladies.
"If it is you who His Majesty has taken a liking to and speaks to him on
the daily, you should be able to arrange a moment for the two of us to
be alone."
"I think I would be able to."
"Then, please do. As soon as possible."
She is not caring about my own convenience at all.
"I didn't say I accepted."
"No, you can't refuse. You have a peasant friend that is learning
tailoring, right?"
"Yeah."
"Do you know that she has been practicing at a tailor that is under the
influence of my house?"
"That's a first."
"Do you want to crush the future of your friend?"
This is one confident lady. Quite the straight threat. It wouldn't be
strange for a store that makes high class clothing to have deep
connections with nobles.
Even if Saira is driven away from her current place, a new place could
be provided to her if we rely on Ban-san. But Saira said the place she
had right now was a good one. It would be a pain if it were to be stirred
up by the ones above. Also, I would not like Saira to suffer like that.
She may look pretty enough to make it understandable how she would
be confident about it, but the fate of people who have deluded
themselves to be the chosen ones is sad.
First of all, the fact that she has mistook my relationship with Marito
already makes her completely hopeless. She probably doesn't even have
an inkling of a thought that the king is friends with a commoner. I feel
like it would be effective just by pointing that out, but… it would be a
pain to just stimulate her blindly.
"It can't be helped. Then, I will try to arrange for you and His Majesty to
have dinner today alone."
If you are coming at me as such, I will answer in kind. I feel bad for
Marito, but I will be using that agreement we had before.
I was called that night soon after.
The noble daughter is not making too good of a face. Of course she
wouldn't. There's no way Marito would be able to get along with a girl
she doesn't even like after suddenly being arranged to have a meal with
her. She can't come out strongly with a king, so it is natural that she
would fail an arranged date without any plans.
"Judging from your look, it doesn't seem like it was a good result."
"No, it is just the first time, so it is natural that His Majesty is not
receptive yet! I will have you continue moving for me!"
"—Sadly to say, I can't."
"What did you just say?"
"Young lady, have you thought about why a commoner like me can
recommend someone else to have dinner with His Majesty?"
"That's—what are you trying to say here?!"
It seems like she does have the ability to feel a bad atmosphere. It
would be a lot of work to make someone understand if they are
completely insensitive after all.
"I have made a number of agreements with His Majesty. 'We will
definitely meet the girl that we are recommended to'; this is the first
one. That's how much His Majesty trusts me."
"In that case, a second and third should be—!"
"This will spread. When that happens, people like you will show up.
That's where the second one comes. 'People who try to take advantage
of this agreement will be judged as people who bring harm to Marito
Taizu'. There's no next time for you."
"Wa?! That's obviously a lie!!"
I take out a single parchment from my pocket.
The details of the agreement I mentioned before were written there. At
the place for the signature, there's the name of Marito and a seal which
only royalty can use. There's no way you wouldn't know about it if you
are a noble.
"It would be a bother for His Majesty too if the same girl were to be
persistently pushed at him. Therefore, we have made these
agreements."
"No way…"
"His Majesty and I are trying to find a good partner for each other, you
see. However, a 3rd party would be a hindrance if we want to perform
this smoothly."
As per the agreement between me and His Majesty, the prerequisite is
to meet the girl you are introducing. It wouldn't d be fair for me if he
won't meet them because he is busy. However, if others were to learn
about this, there will be more people who would want to make contact
with Marito.
Especially ones who will try to threaten a commoner like me with a
weak standing. This is the special measure implemented for the sake of
that.
Putting it bluntly, it is the agreement of 'we won't forgive anyone who
tries to take advantage of our friendship'.
"You were the one who threatened me first here, so I omitted this
explanation. However, it has properly been applied, so don't worry. Aah,
it is not like we will do something at once. This is not a trap set to make
the women into criminals, but a prevention for second timers."
"…"
If others knew about these agreements, the only ones who would try to
use this would be women who are sure they would be able to seduce
Marito, or assassins. Of course, there's a way too competent Anbu-kun
by the side of Marito, so there's no issue with the latter. As for the
former, if the first one fails, they wouldn't have the courage to keep on.
If they try to cling on despite that, Marito will simply get rid of them as
a nuisance.
By the way, when it is the opposite, if Marito tries to persistently
introduce me to the same woman, it is written that I will be cutting off
my relations with him.
As for other conditions, there's also that we can only introduce them to
1 a week, and we can only add more when we both have an interest.
Next would be: 'Let's not try to poke at the holes of the agreements,
okay?'. We both agreed immediately to this.
I most likely won't be meeting this noble lady again. And so, there won't
be a chance to remember your name.
The next day, I had a conversation with Marito at his office.
"Man, it has been a while since I have seen a woman that conceited.
Speaking of which, I think I have seen her a number of times at
banquets." (Marito)
"I did think you would at least remember her since she has a good face.
That said, sorry to trouble you."
"'It is a miss, but meet her please' -that one made me laugh though. She
hasn't done anything unnecessary to you, right? I personally find it
unforgivable with just the fact that she threatened you with your friend
though." (Marito)
"Forgive the first attempt of an ignorant recluse. It must have been a
good learning experience. Ah, right. I brought this today."
Saying this, I bring out the gift wrapped in cloth. The bribe—I mean, the
thing mentioned before. How's this?
"I was curious about it, but what is it?" (Marito)
"As an apology for the troubles. If you don't like it, I will take it back
with me. I personally like it after all."
"Let's see, let's see…" (Marito)
Marito unwrapped it and let out his voice in surprise.
It is the potted plant that I requested Ruko to prepare. It is a foliage
plant that looks like a pachira. It is an interior decoration that goes for
warmth more than flashiness.
"This is… quite the rare one." (Marito)
"Really? I requested this from an acquaintance and she readied it for me
in a day or two."
"So you say, but this is something that rarely goes around the market,
you know? Aah, but you might be able to find it in the Black Wolfkin
forest, so maybe there? But can I raise it?" (Marito)
"Aah, we considered that possibility, so we readied a manual on how to
raise it."
I see. When Ruko told me she would prepare an instruction manual, I
wondered if there was the need to go that far, but I can understand the
need of it if it is a rare one.
But that instruction manual, I checked it out and it was written in
extreme detail. I am still young and I wanted a monocle for it, you
know? Would he want to raise something like this?
"They are very well informed… But from what I have read, as long as I
am careful about where I place it and its environment, it looks like I will
be able to raise it in my spare time. I shall leave it in my room." (Marito)
"Isn't your office fine?"
"No, I would like to leave these ones in a place where I want to calm
myself. But this is a really good present. I am truly happy!" (Marito)
He is so excited that I wouldn't be able to believe humans if this is an
act. Marito seems to like it a lot. Looks like Ruko's eye is pretty good…
Fumu.
"Marito, I have used my turn for an introduction. Is there any lady you
want to introduce to me as of now?"
"Unfortunately, I am still unable to get a grasp of your likes at all. I am
thinking about introducing you to my unknown little sister or
something, but she is not in the country. Can you wait until I catch her?"
(Marito)
"A woman that would be tiring to be together with would be troubling.
Well then, maybe I should participate with you at the next banquet."
"Really? I am actually having it rough with the ratio of women being so
high. It would be a great help if you were to come." (Marito)
It is something that I brought up because he said he didn't like
participating in such banquets. My participation must be a happy
proposal. Even if we have our agreement, Marito is pretty much forced
to search for a marriage partner. I would like to reduce his stress.
"But that won't change the fact that you will be surrounded though."
"Yeah. Can you let me borrow Wolfe-chan?" (Marito)
Marito would be able to relax more if he is together with a girl I have
prepared.
The personnel selection of Wolfe is not bad either. It is far from a
romance target and she is a familiar face for us both. We could also use
the excuse that it is an interaction with the black wolfkins.
"It is too soon for Wolfe. But I can bring someone who will not tire
Marito."
"Really? If they are as docile as a borrowed cat, I won't complain."
(Marito)
"I am sure they will be pretty docile."
"Aren't you making a scheming face?" (Marito)
"Don't worry. I was just thinking about the shocked face of the person."
I want to think this mischievous side of me is because I am in front of
Marito, yup.