The Labyrinth Allied Nations are composed of five interconnected countries.
When asked which of these five is the wealthiest, everyone would answer, “Fuziaze.”
The reason is simple: their military and financial strength are unparalleled, and they possess the oldest history. Consequently, they hold significant sway within the Allied Nations, often serving as the central hub for various countries. Strong influence over the Allied Nations’ policies naturally leads to becoming the economic center as well.
This is a very straightforward, yet irrefutable, reason.
This is how Fuziaze came to be overflowing with famous aristocrats, with a constant flow of people and money, solidifying its position as the continent’s top nation.
As if to prove this, the path I’m currently walking is bustling and offensively dazzling.
At a glance, you can tell there’s an abundance of colors.
It’s rare to see people in other countries wearing conspicuous dyes like red, blue, or green. Yet, most of the people passing before my eyes are adept at wearing brightly colored clothing. For those who know what to look for, one can easily glimpse the country’s logistics and average income.
Of course, not every part of Fuziaze is like this from end to end.
The path I’m walking now is, even among those special places, a bit more unique.
The path’s name is “Eleventh Crossroads.”
It’s an intersection located in the northern part of Fuziaze, known in other countries as a minor landmark.
Naturally, multiple “Magic Stone Lines” run through this intersection, transforming the cobblestone ground into jeweled tiles.
The road is wide enough for about twenty adults to walk hand-in-hand, and it crosses beautifully in a cruciform shape.
The intersection itself is naturally spacious enough to enjoy even on horseback—and there, a fountain, benches, and “Stone Statues” have been erected.
This knightly nation seems to love erecting symbols for every occasion, and a statue of someone or other always stands in places like this. Frankly, I always think they should be removed because they’re in the way.
I sit on a bench at the “Eleventh Crossroads” and glance at a stone statue.
It’s a statue of a young man and woman, a married couple. I believe they were aristocrats who were very active before I was born, great individuals who connected the trade routes between the mainland and the frontier. They must have made a substantial donation to the country so they could boast of their great achievements and have sculptures placed here.
Honestly, it’s a trivial story.
The people of Fuziaze walking here, just like me, probably couldn’t care less about aristocrats who successfully made a fortune by following the trends of the times.
However, this married couple statue has a small anecdote attached to it, adding a layer of value that the passersby seek.
That added value is the “baseless jinx” associated with it, stemming from the rarity of it being a married couple statue. Nowadays, that might be the statue’s only reason for existence.
Around me now, there are many aristocratic couples.
The proportion of pairs is high, the age range is young, and the atmosphere is sweet.
I don’t know how the conversation turned into this, but somehow “Eleventh Crossroads” has become famous as a romantic meeting spot, with rumors even spreading that “confessing here will absolutely succeed.”
I gnaw on the hard bread I bought for lunch while sitting on a bench at the “Eleventh Crossroads,” taking out my frustration on the rumor.
“Damn it, why am I here… And it’s all because the location of the Cathedral is terrible… The location!”
I also resent the location of my own workplace.
I am currently a knight of Fuziaze, and my direct superiors live in the Cathedral. Therefore, to do anything or report anything, I generally have to go to the Cathedral.
After finishing some kind of work at the Cathedral, I naturally have to eat lunch.
Of course, there are places to eat within the Cathedral. However… as someone who has quit and returned as a knight, it’s difficult to use them.
My position as a knight is inherently complicated. I am the youngest brother of a powerful noble family, yet my true origins are unknown. If I were to become one of the “Seven Knights of Heaven,” then a knight under the Senate, and then return to being a knight of the Cathedral again, numerous unnecessary rumors would surely arise.
Even nobles who are not seriously striving for promotion as knights would likely want to pick a fight with someone as shady as me if they saw me in the dining hall.
As a result, I lost my place and end up eating lunch in the public square closest to the Cathedral.
“Sigh…”
After finishing my meager meal, unbecoming of an aristocrat, I rise from my seat with a sigh.
As I ate alone, the couples around me kept casting glances at me. Perhaps they see me as a boy depressed because his date stood him up.
Thinking that my unfortunate master is enough to deal with such things, I move south through the streets of Fuziaze, trying to escape the surrounding gazes.
As I switch my thoughts back to work, I have a malicious thought that if I meet my master next, I’ll introduce him to the “Eleventh Crossroads” as a prank.
—I am on a mission right now.
In fact, I am treated as a knight acting under the secret orders of Rustiara Fuziaze, the head of the Fuziaze Cathedral.
The mission is to “collect the blood of Saint Tiara from a thousand years ago.”
For the past week, I’ve been working solely for this purpose.
The mission is going exceptionally well.
The “Magic Stone Humans” given the said “blood” tend to be naturally talented, making them easy to identify. However, their talent can make negotiations difficult for ordinary knights. That’s where I, with my high Level, come in.
My job is to threaten the “Magic Stone Humans,” who have become emboldened by the “blood,” and force them to talk using my strength. However, since it’s merely a contest of borrowed power, it’s a task that moderately damages my spirit.
But thanks to my efforts, the mission is nearly complete.
With only ten percent of the necessary “blood” remaining and the whereabouts of the remaining possessors already identified, it’s only natural that things are going smoothly.
I walk through the city towards the Labyrinth of the Allied Nations.
There’s information that the last “Magic Stone Human” possessing the “blood” is a labyrinth explorer there.
What’s more, I’ve apparently met this person before.
On the way, I meticulously purchase necessary items for exploration at a shop in Fuziaze.
I pack emergency provisions into the small backpack on my waist and follow the “Magic Stone Line” of the city, arriving in front of the labyrinth.
The labyrinth entrance in Fuziaze is a bit special; it’s decorated by the country and regularly cleaned. There’s a water supply nearby, and security guards are always stationed there. Not only cleanliness but public order is also perfect.
As I passed through the beautiful entrance, a guard saw the proof of being a Cathedral Knight on my shoulder and his expression tensed up. After a light bow to each other, we entered the labyrinth.
Then, a familiar scene spread before my eyes.
In the dark stone corridor, the dimly glowing “Seidō.”
We had just entered, so the dimness was not yet noticeable, but the musty smell peculiar to labyrinths tickled my nose.
This was the place where Titty and others had trapped me a week ago. I had a slight trauma, never wanting to return to the labyrinth again, but upon entering, I felt a strange sense of relief.
To be honest, this world where you don’t know when you’ll die is probably where I belong. Without much thought, I accepted that answer.
“I’m back… Alright, it’s been a while since we explored the labyrinth, but let’s finish this quickly. —《Wind Gale Dash》”
I began to construct Wind Magic.
The spell I activated was the basic magic, “Wind.”
However, it was not ordinary “Wind.”
I fully utilized the basic magic training taught by Aid, skillfully handled the magic power control taught by Titty, and put my heart into it as taught by Christ when calling out the technique’s name.
Ignoring the common knowledge learned in school that creating new magic was impossible, I activated my own new magic.
“Dash!”
I transformed the basic magic “Wind” into a running support skill and started running.
My leg strength, already inhuman due to my level up, was further amplified by the power of the wind.
As I ran, my strides gradually increased.
From one meter to two, from two to four, from four to eight meters, the word “running” was no longer fitting. It was a sprint, more aptly described as gliding.
I advanced through the “Seidō” at several times the normal speed, encountering a few explorers along the way. Since they were obstructing my path, I had no choice but to run on the walls. As long as I had wind support, I would absolutely not fall, even if I ran on the ceiling.
My wind magic had evolved to that extent.
Of course, this is not my own strength.
It is thanks to my older brother, Hairi, Rowen, Titty, and Aid.
…However, Titty and Aid are likely gone already. A week has passed since Christ departed the Allied Nations. If things have gone smoothly, the matter should have been settled on the mainland.
…………
Why is it that it feels like only those who were greatly indebted to me are disappearing?
Feeling lonely about that, I continued to construct more magic.
“—《Wind》”
It was basic magic again, but of course, for a different purpose.
I spread the wind throughout the labyrinth, expanding my magical senses, which could be called a sixth sense.
This was an application of Rowen’s teachings, not those of my magic instructors.
Perhaps it was because Christ, my role model, was always close by. I haven’t mastered Rowen’s skill “Sensation,” but I have grasped its fringes.
I sense moving objects with the wind and infer their details with my “intuition.”
What I’m looking for now is a pair of boy and girl.
I found those with appearances similar to them, confirmed their faces from a distance, and repeated mistakes, but pressed on deeper into the labyrinth.
After several hours, as I reached the vicinity of the 20th floor of the labyrinth, I found the two I was looking for.
“—Finally found them…! The information and their build match. And I can sense their ‘blood’!”
Far from the “Seidō” of the 19th floor, two explorers, likely younger than me, were fighting a Boss Monster.
Both were dressed shabbily, despite being explorers who had reached the 20th floor. While their combat gear was impressive, everyday items like their coats and shoes were cheap.
It seemed true that they were in financial distress due to extensive medical expenses.
They must be fighting a Boss Monster in a dangerous area away from this “Seidō” for the profit from rare magic stones rather than experience points. Many parts matched the information I had heard beforehand, and I felt relieved.
My opponents are young explorers in need of money.
The negotiation will likely be easier than I expected.
After all, my funding comes from the Cathedral. I heard that the amount of money Rustiara can personally mobilize is quite substantial. If worst comes to worst, I can just hit them with money.
As I watched their battle from a distance, I began to consider the negotiation strategy.
However, as I continued to watch, the battle did not seem to end—and instead, the tide turned against them.
The enemy was a Gorgon Undead, a Boss Monster.
It’s a monster I’ve heard of at the Academy. It’s a humanoid monster that has rotted, and it harbors countless snakes within its body. Its distinguishing feature was its abnormal regenerative power.
A prolonged battle against a zombie-type monster with inexhaustible stamina is disadvantageous.
Moreover, the two currently fighting are young and their bodies are not yet fully developed. If the prior information about them being “sickly” is true, it would be much harder for them than for adult explorers.
“Haa…”
With a sigh, I found it bothersome to just watch.
I decided to intervene forcefully.
Even if they complained, I could just pass it off as being on duty.
I immediately ran down the corridor and leaped in front of the two.
Leaving the surprised pair behind, I unleashed magic at the Gorgon Undead.
“—Tauszschs Wind!!”
I generated multiple giant wind spears in the air and launched them at the Gorgon Undead from all directions.
It’s best to wipe out zombie-type monsters with maximum firepower.
Though the magic Titty taught me consumes a lot of magic power, it’s invaluable in situations like this.
As a result, the enemy was crushed by the great wind magic and turned into light particles, dropping a magic stone. I picked it up, tossed it to the boy of the pair, and spoke to them.
“I apologize for the intervention. However, I needed to speak with you urgently… And don’t worry, the magic stone is yours.”
As I am still on duty as a knight, I maintain polite language even when speaking to those younger than me.
The boy took the magic stone and, without letting down his guard, replied while staring at me.
“…No, you saved us. We were having more trouble than we expected. Are you… a knight?”
“I am a high-ranking knight of Fuziaze. See my armlet and sword, right here.”
It’s helpful when working as a knight, as it earns a certain level of trust.
Of course, there are those who impersonate knights in the Allied Nations, but it’s a serious crime, so they aren’t very numerous.
The boy observes my appearance, noting the details.
The chevron on my shoulder, the sword provided by Fuziaze in my right hand, and the remaining three swords sheathed at my waist. He seems to focus on the swords.
Right now, I’m holding a total of four swords.
There’s the “Knight’s Sword” that was provided, the “Helvirshine family’s Holy Twin Swords,” and the “Sylph Ruf Bringer.”
Confirming that all of them looked expensive, he must have judged that I was at least a person of high status. The boy’s wariness eased slightly.
Seeing this, I introduce myself.
“My name is Rainer Helvirshine. I am a direct knight of the Living God Rustiara of the Cathedral. Are you Al and Emily by any chance?”
The boy and girl—Al, a former slave, and Emily, a “Magic Stone Human”—respond.
“Yes. No mistake.”
“I’m Emily. But how do you know our names…?”
Perplexed by the fact that their names were known, the two of them step back slightly.
“It seems we’ve met before, do you remember me? I don’t remember, as I had lost consciousness…”
If I gather information, it seems I’ve already encountered the two of them. However, at that time, I was suffering from hunger so intense that I lost consciousness, so I’m not confident.
“Ah! You’re from that time!? You’re that person who was dying! You were a party member of Senpai!”
Even if I didn’t recognize them, Al seemed to recall me with a brighter look.
“Yes, that’s right. I’m glad you remember me.”
This will speed things up. Moreover, thanks to him admiring Christ as Senpai, the negotiation seems even easier.
“You’re the one from… truly…!”
Emily was also surprised, just like Al.
However, her surprise was greater than the boy next to her, and more importantly, she seemed like a “different being.” I don’t know why… but there’s a strange sense of discomfort.
“Yes, I am the one from… that. Why are you so surprised?”
“N-no, it’s just that you were stronger than I imagined…”
“You saw the power of those two in the labyrinth, right? Compared to that, I don’t think I’m that strong…”
“Well… for us, Rainer-san was someone who was being carried by Senpai…”
Emily claims to be surprised that I, who had a pathetic image, easily defeated the boss.
The sense of unease hasn’t gone away, but I can’t question my negotiation partner unnecessarily, so I decide to let it slide.
” …Sorry for surprising you. I’ll intervene with quieter magic next time.”
“Oh, no, I wasn’t complaining. We were truly saved. Thank you very much.”
Emily hastily bows her head. I wave my hand in response, saying “It’s fine,” and end the questioning.
Then, Al brings up the main subject.
“So, you said earlier that you wanted to talk quickly, what was it about…?”
“It’s not bad news. However, strictly speaking, it’s not a conversation for the two of you, but rather a ‘deal’ with you there.”
I turn to Emily, not Al.
“Me?”
Emily is surprised and places her hand on her chest, her eyes wide.
“Yes. I’ve come to buy the ‘blood of Saint Tiara’ that you possess.”
I say it frankly.
However, perhaps Al and Emily couldn’t follow such a straightforward negotiation, so they tilted their heads and waited for my next words.
It can’t be helped.
I’ll explain the details after I take them to the Cathedral.
“It’s not convenient to discuss here, so let’s have detailed price negotiations outside. Fuziaze Cathedral will welcome you.”
I invite the two of them to the Cathedral and lead the way on the “Seidō” path.
They follow, albeit with a slight sense of wonder.
Ah, the position of a knight is truly easy.
Even such a sloppy abduction can be easily accomplished.
Thus, I succeeded in capturing the two young boys and girls in the labyrinth.
I’ll let them eat delicious food at the Cathedral’s expense, and then negotiate slowly.
Making plans like that, I leave the labyrinth with the two of them, a smug smile on my face.
***
A corridor lined with expensive furnishings, whether you look right or left.
I walk through the luxurious Fuziaze Cathedral, bringing along Al and Emily, whom I picked up in the labyrinth.
We’re heading to the room where Rustiara is waiting.
And on the way, I’ve been answering their questions.
“—So, you mean Emily is not in danger? On the contrary, you’re saying the danger will disappear, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. Al, you’re quick to understand, which is helpful. Of course, not only will we pay you, but we’ll also fully support the treatment of your illnesses. My superior has a nature that can’t leave children like you alone… rather, they are the type to look for excuses to help.”
Above all, Al confirmed the safety of his companion, Emily.
I explain this without any lies. If she continues to possess the ‘blood of Saint Tiara,’ she’s highly likely to be attacked by something malevolent, and ‘blood removal’ is definitely safer.
Of course, some of her talent will be lost due to the ‘blood removal,’ but Rustiara will likely compensate for it more than necessary.
Although I intended to explain carefully, Emily’s face behind Al remained gloomy.
“Emily-san, is something wrong?”
“Wh-what…? Well, I just thought… it was too lucky…”
Surprised by being suddenly addressed, Emily is flustered.
Perhaps she is wary of such a conveniently good turn of events.
“Yes, it is too lucky. But such things do happen in the world. There is much unreasonable misfortune in the world, but there are also unreasonably lucky events like this. It would be helpful if you could accept it honestly…”
Speaking of unreasonable luck, the good deeds that Lord Christ is performing in various places are a prime example… As I spoke, I thought that I myself would never believe it. It’s understandable that Emily continues to be wary.
Al seems likely to believe my words, but Emily’s face remains stiff.
Reluctantly, I shift to a slightly less guarded, darker approach.
“If you don’t like troublesome matters, I can arrange it so that it ends purely as a financial transaction. I can make arrangements so that we have as little connection and obligation as possible. If you’re truly anxious, perhaps we shouldn’t accept any money at all?”
I will present as many options as possible before stating the most unreasonable part of this matter.
“—However, I absolutely cannot refuse the transaction.
This is an order from the country, and as commoners, neither of you has any means to refuse it. If necessary, I am prepared to knock you both unconscious and bring you to my master. I apologize.”
I openly admit that I am threatening them with power and violence.
Upon hearing this, Al’s face turned a little pale, while Emily, conversely, looked relieved.
It’s clear from their reactions that the two have been supporting each other well until today.
Perhaps it’s because I’ve matured that I feel a slight urge to cheer them on… Come to think of it, this is just like Mr. Hein.
“Of course, what I just said is a last resort. Before it comes to that, we intend to show our sincerity to the best of our ability. You can hear the details of the story, or even hear firsthand experiences from our companions who have become ‘Magic Stone Humans.’ You can see for yourselves what happens to ‘Magic Stone Humans’ after their ‘blood’ has been removed. We intend to provide ample time for negotiation.”
Saying this, I let my gaze drift towards the corridor window.
Just outside the window, in the garden, a young girl can be seen working.
She is one of the ‘Magic Stone Humans’ who cooperated with the ‘blood collection.’ Previously, she was forced to work under extremely poor conditions in a place too dreadful to mention. Rustiara bought her and now she works here as a maid.
I let the two of them see that girl.
However, to be honest, it’s not something I can be proud of. To put it bluntly, it’s human trafficking.
But by hinting at this dark side just a little, Emily seems to have regained her composure and makes a request before Al does.
“Then… could you increase the money you offered a little more—”
“W-wait, Emily! What are you saying!”
Al tries to stop his partner, who has started to haggle.
Emily replies with a serious expression.
“Because… after all, money is the most important thing…”
“That’s true, but still!”
If this continues, the matter will be settled with just money, but Al is about to stop it.
I immediately step in.
“Al, negotiating the price is your inherent right. However, the matter of money is not my responsibility, so please discuss it with those above me…”
While I possess the minimum etiquette of a noble, I am an amateur when it comes to financial negotiations. I cannot make hasty promises, so I will leave everything to the person I will introduce next.
“The people above Mr. Rainer…?”
“Yes. ‘Rustiara Fuziaze’ will meet with you directly and negotiate one-on-one.”
Since we are already close to Rustiara’s room, I mention her name.
The name of the girl rumored to be the most popular in the Allied Nations, and to possess unparalleled sanctity and nobility in the world.
Hmm, that rumor still doesn’t sit right with me…
“R-Rustiara Fuziaze?”
“Are you talking about… the Living God? The highest person in the Cathedral…?”
“Yes, that Rustiara.”
The two of them open their eyes wide.
It’s understandable.
Rustiara is the most famous person in the Allied Nations. Historically, she is on a level where it’s difficult to find someone to compare her to.
While slightly amused by their expressions, I toss in a joke.
“Moreover… perhaps Rustiara might even heal both of your bodies on the spot. Our princess is like a living magic library.”
It’s not an impossible scenario.
Our master—the one with ‘idiot’ attached to her name—is trying to save all the ‘Magic Stone Humans’ in the world.
I heard that to save as many ‘Magic Stone Humans’ in the world as possible, she even negotiated with Aid of the adversarial ‘Northern Alliance’ behind the scenes.
I only recently learned that the reason the ‘blood’ was collected within a year was because Aid was also cooperating with the ‘blood removal’ from ‘Magic Stone Humans’ and secretly supplying it to Rustiara.
When I heard that, I couldn’t help but smile wryly, realizing that the enemy, Aid, still had some of the teacher-like qualities I knew.
“B-but, why would Rustiara go to such lengths for us…?”
“You’ll understand when you meet her. …Or rather, she’s already coming.”
We have arrived in front of Rustiara’s private room in the Cathedral.
I sense with the wind that Rustiara has noticed our arrival and is about to come out of her room.
The moment I finish speaking, the door of the nearest room is flung open, and Rustiara, considered the most noble in this country, appears.
“—Welcome to the Cathedral! Welcome, my little sister!”
The Living God, in her usual casual attire, with her long golden hair disheveled, and a beaming smile, welcomed us.
Both Al and Emily were stunned. Emily, barely able to, managed to utter a sound.
“L-little sister…?”
“Yes, little sister. I’m a ‘Magic Stone Human’ too. Aren’t we like family?”
“Eh? Eeh…?”
Suddenly treated like family, Emily was in utter confusion.
“Come on, over here. Let’s talk in my room. I’ve prepared some snacks and such.”
Then, Rustiara beckons, urging us to enter her room. However, neither of them seems able to move easily.
Emily turns back to me, seeking confirmation of whether what the girl in front of her is saying is true.
“Rustiara, you’re also a ‘Magic Stone Human’ like me…?”
“That’s right. Do you understand a little better now, given this connection of origin, about the story of your sudden good luck?”
I try to assert that it’s not unnatural luck due to this connection.
Still, Emily’s expression doesn’t change. However, Rustiara forcefully takes her hand and tries to lead her into the room. Along the way, she beckons Al, who is behind them.
“Come on, boyfriend, over here too.”
Al is just as confused as Emily. He looks to me for help, wondering if it’s alright to accept such casual hospitality that doesn’t suit his position.
“Al, please come too. Please listen to our conversation together.”
With a forced smile, I wave my hand.
Perhaps reassured by this, Al bows his head. For some reason, he seems to trust me remarkably well.
“W-well, Mr. Rainer, thank you very much for everything…!!”
“I merely did my job… but I will accept this gift as a token of your appreciation.”
Even though I didn’t know what would happen if I were taken to her room, I was given elaborate thanks. After giving a polite, social reply, I watched the two disappear into Rustiara’s room.
Once again, two promising young individuals have been absorbed by Fuziaze. They will surely agree to the exceptional terms Rustiara offers. Despite her demeanor, that fool of a master has a certain charm for deceiving people. With that strange persuasiveness, she will likely captivate the innocent pair.
While contemplating such potentially blasphemous thoughts, I tried to distance myself from Rustiara’s room. Just then, I spotted a familiar face in the distance.
Two knights emerged from the end of the corridor. It was senior knights Sera and Ragune.
“I saw you. Good work. I’m glad I left it to you. I might have intimidated the two youngsters.”
“Good job!”
These two, among the top-ranked knights of the “Seven Knights of Heaven,” were rarely seen together. This meant something significant was happening soon. And that significant event was likely…
“Good work. The fact that you two are together means it’s almost time, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it’s almost time. The ‘blood collection’ from that girl will likely be the final ritual. We’ll also perform Rustiara’s ‘blood collection’ simultaneously and transfer it to the girl in the underground.”
Ragune is now part of our plan. Sera seems to have selected reliable and strong companions as the end of the ritual approaches.
“However, there is one concern. We don’t know what Fedelt will do…”
Fedelt, the former acting Chancellor of the country of Fuziaze. At this point, he’s showing some unsettling movements. Sera suspects he might still be clinging to the hope of obtaining Saint Tiara’s power.
“The Cathedral is on high alert! The target of our vigilance is internal strife!”
Ragune saluted and reported the results of her work. Lacking any special magic or skills, her role is primarily patrolling and information gathering.
Frankly, the quality of the knights serving Rustiara is excellent. It’s a bit of a point of pride, but the three of us knights—myself, Sera, and Ragune—are among the highest caliber in the Cathedral’s history.
Still, to be completely thorough, I made a suggestion.
“If there’s any trouble on the day, I will go out first. You two should stay as close to our lord as possible.”
“…Hmm. Are you worried about my body?”
“Certainly not. I merely considered it based on our respective strengths.”
That’s out of the question. A knight sacrificing themselves for their lord is the noblest of endeavors. I simply believe Sera’s “Demonization” is better suited for defense than offense. Moreover, I can handle any ordinary opponent alone.
“I am best suited to deal with a large group with my Wind Magic. Sera, given your large build and speed, please protect Rustiara and that girl, even at the cost of your own well-being. If you fail to protect Rustiara, I will resent you for life.”
“Hmph, you certainly have a way with words. Rest assured, I will protect our lady, even at the cost of my life.”
As she said, Sera would likely die for Rustiara. She has that level of resolve, which is why I can trust her. My only concern is…
“Ugh, Rainer, you’ve gotten so foul-mouthed! I didn’t know you were like this a year ago.”
“This is my true nature. Besides, knights are generally like this. Once they get a little stronger or more important, they immediately become condescending.”
“Ah, that meek Rainer! You’ve become so jaded.”
“I was like this from the start.”
…this knight, Ragune Kaikuola. I have a slight “hunch,” but I find her somewhat unsettling. I don’t trust her as much as Sera. Then again, I don’t fully trust Rustiara or Sera either, so it’s natural that I don’t trust Ragune.
While I am cooperating with the “Revival of Saint Tiara,” my primary order from Christ was to “Protect Rustiara Fuziaze.” I must always be vigilant to handle any unforeseen circumstances.
I especially need to keep an eye on this girl, Ragune Kaikuola…
As my expression hardened, Sera spoke to me.
“Then leave the protection of Emily, whom you brought today, to us. You should rest until the day of the ritual. You are crucial for the escort on that day.”
“…Understood.”
Believe it or not, Sera is used to commanding troops. Without hesitation, she ordered me to rest, considering my fatigue after a week of continuous work. Although my HP and MP are not an issue, I will comply to avoid losing concentration on the day of the ritual.
“Then I will rest at the Helvirshine family villa.”
“Yes, you should do that. I believe Franryure is also there now. I heard you haven’t met your sister even once…?”
“…It’s not just my sister. I haven’t met most of my family. Well, since I have some free time, I suppose I should at least greet them.”
“That would be good. Family is important, you know.”
“Yes…”
Ideally, I would have preferred never to see them again, but I couldn’t refuse Sera’s kindness, so I decided to visit my family home. Family is important… I truly believe that. Seeing Christ, who dotes on his sister, and Titty, who dotes on his younger brother, has only strengthened that conviction.
However, in this world, there are people who are forbidden from interacting as “family” even though they have one. I—”Rainer Helvirshine”—have no “hometown” or “family,” nothing at all. The only place this worthless life of mine belongs is by my lord’s side. As for anywhere else, I don’t care. That’s how I feel.
Still, social obligations exist in the world. In aristocratic society, they are especially important. For the sake of fulfilling these obligations, after bidding farewell to the two senior knights, I headed towards my family home, treating it as a duty.
It will be my first return to the Helvirshine family in about a year. Thus, having completed all my “blood collection” missions, I am returning to the villa where my sister awaits.
Apologies for the structural error, but this is a continuation of chapters 237 and 238.
This is an example of the protagonist being neglected in favor of other perspectives, which is common in long-running series.
I’ll await my scolding while sitting in seiza.
