We are one, moving as if dancing, wielding our swords. Yet, we don’t strike the Wardog. I like dogs, too.
The Wardog made the Hobgoblins fall with strikes and kicks, and we sent them running away with a kick to their rear. Seven Hobgoblins were defeated. This is what I want Lady Annelyse to know.
I dodged the Hobgoblin’s reckless spear thrusts with a spin and severed its head with the sword I held together with Lady Annelyse.
The sensation of flesh being sliced and bone being crushed transmitted through my hand. This indescribable feeling was proof that I had taken the Hobgoblin’s life.
We struck down the continuous spear thrusts from above and, without regard for armor, plunged our swords into the Hobgoblin’s exposed chest. The momentary twitch of its body quickly vanished as the Hobgoblin died. That was the sensation of piercing its heart.
Once, I waited until the very last moment before dodging a spear thrust aimed at Lady Annelyse’s face. I would not let even a single strand of her hair get hurt.
We killed the Hobgoblins together until the very end. I wonder if Lady Annelyse could feel the “death” that cannot be understood on a desk. Did she learn what she wanted to know through battle? As I swung my sword and took lives, Lady Annelyse did not look away.
“It’s time. Let’s withdraw.”
As I let go of her hand, she collapsed to her knees as if her body had broken. I couldn’t see her face through her long black hair, but her arms supporting her were trembling. She couldn’t even respond to my words.
I sheathed my sword and gently picked up Lady Annelyse, then ran at Godspeed to where our horses were waiting. I wondered if she might be crying, but since she was looking away, I felt hesitant to pry further.
Lady Annelyse and I mounted our horses, and I led one of them by its reins as we made our escape. When I held her to try and steady her, I could feel her whole body trembling.
Did I go too far? It might have been a steep price to pay. I wouldn’t blame her if she grew to hate fighting and ran away. The Demon Army is already close. There’s so little time to help someone grow.
We were finally able to speak during our warm meal at the night camp.
“Th-this is war, isn’t it…”
If one becomes a Duke, they’ll be in the rear, protected, giving orders at a desk. They might only have to cut someone down when their allies are annihilated and they’re in a desperate retreat.
Was my decision to make her experience that too hasty? But I wanted her to know, the exchange of lives, the preciousness of life.
“Under Lady Annelyse’s command, we fight, and we die. Those Hobgoblins probably had their own circumstances. They likely didn’t want to die, but we killed them.”
A long silence. Lady Annelyse didn’t touch her soup, which had grown cold. I hadn’t touched mine either. I was just regretting my mistake of putting vegetables I dislike in my soup.
Frankly, this is just another page of my daily life. We are mercenaries; we get paid for defeating enemies. I feel no sentimentality for killing Hobgoblins.
If anything, it’s just gratitude for surviving. Hobgoblins are not even a match for me, who possesses the world’s fastest Godspeed. If anyone could defeat me… it would probably be the White Lily Corps.
The feeling of becoming accustomed to it. The fading value of life. I don’t want that to happen to Lady Annelyse. Especially, my life feels lighter than paper, Priscilla!
“I’ve never… done anything before…”
Lady Annelyse slowly opened her mouth, her voice heavy, and hugged herself to suppress her trembling.
“Since I was little, people around me have always done things for me… and it just happens without me having to do anything… Do you think it’s an easy life? Even thinking about it, there are things I don’t want that happen…”
I’ve often wished that Priscilla was obedient, humble, and loved me. But if that were truly the case, I don’t think she would be Priscilla anymore.
Of course, being targeted by Christine’s heart-stopping move, Sophia’s Laser, getting involved in Alana’s mature romance, having my blood drained by Rufina, or being disarmed by Orietta… that’s what the White Lily Corps is all about.
“I never desired the title of Duchess. When my parents passed away, I thought my older sister would inherit the ducal house, but she left home, leaving me behind…”
Her parents died, her sisters left, and Lady Annelyse was left alone, becoming the successor whether she liked it or not. People around her must have had a hard time too.
Six hundred knights alone, plus retainers, officials, and servants. For those serving the ducal house, their jobs would disappear if there was no heir.
It’s understandable then that they would support Lady Annelyse and make her the Duchess. Even if she herself didn’t want it, the people around her wouldn’t allow it…
I sat beside Lady Annelyse and held her trembling shoulder. Even through the Plate Mail, I could feel her small body, the one that had inherited the ducal house… how endearing.
“Will I be able to get through this war…? Will I be able to give orders that might lead to death like that…? I might die too… I…”
Lady Annelyse choked on her words and buried her face. I couldn’t think of anything clever to say. They say it’s bad to tell someone who’s already been working hard to “work harder,” but a leader shouldn’t complain. It makes things harder for those below.
“Lady Annelyse, we are mercenaries. We must participate in reckless strategies under orders. Even so, we don’t think about dying. We think about defeating the enemy, living, and surviving. I will protect you, Lady Annelyse. That’s a promise.”
Lady Annelyse raised her head. A tear fell, and she closed her eyes. I brought my lips to hers, wrapped my left arm around her neck, and used a super vibration to make her lose consciousness. I picked up Lady Annelyse, removed her Plate Mail, carried her to the tent, and laid her down.
I’m such a villain, aren’t I? Taking advantage of her weakness, waiting for my chance to make her fall asleep and take off her clothes. Should I just go for it now…?
*Daaah!* That killing intent has been hurting me for a while! A prickling pain all over my body! Are you an acupuncturist?! It must be good for stiff shoulders and back pain! This is the second time! This time, I won’t hold back on that killing intent! Fleet Helm!
I left the tent and started walking back the way I came, towards the city of Shreia. It was less than a hundred meters away.
Under a tree, mounted on a horse, wearing a black robe and a wide-brimmed traveler’s hat. Fleet Helm, silhouetted against the full moon. A handsome man looks good no matter what he does.
As I approached, he dismounted, opened his robe, revealing a slender rapier at his waist that gleamed silver in the moonlight. As I took a step closer, the rising killing intent attacked me. I wonder if health insurance covers this acupuncture?
“Fleet Helm… Should I add ‘Lord’ to your name?”
“That’s fine. Well, I’m generally known as a butler…”
Is he plagiarizing something? If what he says is true, is he a Demon? But he doesn’t give off that unpleasant aura typical of Demons.
“Shall I pretend the leaking killing intent is just my imagination?”
A Demon unlike other Demons. Demons only know how to kill for pleasure or violate people for amusement. Other than that, there was that female Demon who tried to turn people into chimeras.
“Not at all. If necessary, I believe killing is unavoidable. However, if it is necessary, I also hope you will become Lady Annelyse’s strength.”
Huh? I never expected a Demon to ask for help. Could Lady Annelyse be a Demon too!? Is that mysterious charm her demonic power?
“This is a question that requires time to answer. It would be helpful if you could speak honestly, but I’m not so broad-minded as to believe a Demon’s words without question…”
If he’s a Demon, I’ll kill him. This war was started by the Demon Lord and you people. Do you know how many people have died because of it!
“I’m glad you’re reasonable. I… am a Demon who has left the Demon race.”
A shocking confession from Fleet Helm! Can you actually quit being a Demon!? Where do I submit the resignation letter? …No, the shocking part is that he confessed to being a Demon. This means we’ll be fighting until one of us dies.
“That’s amazing. It would save me a lot of trouble if you’d just die…”
I look ahead with my Mind’s Eye, unfazed by the incoming killing intent. Despite sending out killing intent as if he’s about to kill, Fleet Helm isn’t making the first move.
“Hahaha! Quite amusing. If Shin takes my place, that would be another interesting turn of events.”
What? I’m not going to die for you, you idiot! I’m planning to dive into Priscilla’s chest after this reconnaissance mission.
“You’ve passed this point. Your ability to guide the Princess is beyond doubt. Now, let’s see if you have the rumored strength…”
What is it!? The dissonance in his words. Are we not communicating properly, or are our wires crossed?
“Fleet Helm! Before you show me your strength, tell me what you can! It’s hard to read memories after you’re dead!”
“Hmm, that might be a good idea. Though it’s likely too late…”
What do you mean, too late? I haven’t even made a move yet. I just took off some of your armor.
“Shin, do you know of Lady Annelyse’s power? I too have become captivated by that power…”
Fleet Helm’s serious talk, which I had mistaken for a fight, made me lower my sword. It seems like our conversation isn’t quite connecting, and we can always fight after we talk things through.
