A Sense of Discomfort
People, when they're asleep, only have their respiratory system, circulatory system, and nervous system active. That's why we can't sense the usual five senses or even that instinctive sixth sense. But in martial arts tales, highly advanced masters would sometimes wake up to someone's presence even in their sleep and subdue them in an instant.
I'm not saying I've reached that level, but one thing was clear: if I didn't get up right now, something bad was going to happen.
Yeah, a sense of discomfort. That was exactly it.
As I shot up from my seat, arm extended in a defensive reflex, I felt a soft texture in my palm and gripped it tight. Once I'd fully raised my upper body and opened my eyes to check...
"...Asti."
"You were coughing, Master."
Asti was holding the knife high just like before, poised to swing it down at me. Expressionless as ever! But unlike last time, I didn't feel wronged or annoyed. That big white hand I'd seen before—it was obvious Asti couldn't do anything about whatever it was connected to.
Judging by how she wasn't wielding or controlling that power but had collapsed instead, there was a high chance it wasn't her own power at all. And more than anything, those words she'd said back then.
'Still... please don't hate me.'
It could have been a clever ploy, but those forlorn eyes didn't seem like a lie. Thinking about it, if she could open a locked door anyway, why not ambush me while I was asleep? Why wait for me to wake up to attack?
It felt like some kind of show, put on to fool someone. Whatever it was, it was clearly too heavy a burden for a child like her to carry.
"Yeah, you okay?"
"...Yes."
So I smiled and patted her head. Asti, who had been holding the knife expressionlessly, lowered her arm, stared at me quietly for a moment, then closed her eyes as if focusing on the sensation of my hand.
See? How could this be the posture of someone trying to kill me?
I hadn't even said anything like "stop," and she was just sitting there, so I missed the timing to pull away and kept petting her. It was like handling a cat—totally addictive.
How nice it would be to live this leisurely, cozy life forever. Even in a dark fantasy world like this, I could just shrug and go with it.
Unfortunately, I had a lot to do today. I couldn't just lounge around like this.
"Master."
"Yeah?"
"Earlier, the one you called the Black Lion asked me to pass on a message."
"What'd he say?"
She was still keeping her eyes closed, just relaying the words, and it was so cute—like her reason and instincts were operating separately.
"He said the Vice Captain wants to see you about something regarding the Dragon Slayer you took down."
Hah. So much to do. Later.
"Sigh."
Well, what can you do? When the boss calls, you go.
I stopped my diligently petting hand, got up to prepare for washing up, and headed out to meet the Vice Captain.
Huh? What's this?
A stinging, prickling sensation in a certain spot. I looked around for the cause, and when my eyes met Asti's...
Staaare—
She was staring at me so intensely it was burdensome. What was the problem? Was she plotting her next attack?!
That's what I thought at first, but then I noticed her gaze wasn't on my face—it was drifting lower. Reflexively, I raised my hand.
Whoosh.
Hm? I swung my hand to the right.
Whoosh.
Ohhh. So that's it.
I sat back on the bed and placed my hand on top of Asti's head.
"...!"
Her eyes lit up like an exclamation mark had popped up above her head, and she closed them again. I pulled my hand away.
Staaare—
Asti stared at me intensely again. I placed my hand back on her head, and she closed her eyes once more.
Hm. This was bad. Looked like I'd have to tell the Vice Captain I overslept.
"Well, you've built up a lot of fatigue, so I understand. You've already taken down two Greater Outer Gods, after all."
"Thank you for understanding."
I hadn't expected him to actually buy it, so it threw me off when he let it slide so easily. Good things are good, I guess.
"Anyway, the agenda I have for you today is related to those Greater Outer God kills. The Observer incident got brushed under the rug with your audience with the Princess, but if we let this one slide too, it'll tarnish the knights' reputation."
Hm, that serious? If he's putting it like that, I'd happily accept.
"...I didn't accomplish that much."
"I heard from White Mask that you deserve nine out of ten for the Dragon Slayer takedown. Puff out your chest a bit at times like this."
Nine out of ten? Well, if flirting with the beautiful girl and sending her back to her world counts as achievement, then sure.
"So, per the Princess's opinion... we've decided to grant you a specific position."
"...Pardon?"
This was pretty surprising. I haven't even been in the knights for two months yet.
"No need to decline. You have that much honorable merit. Charging at the Observer to protect Rondan citizens shows a sacrificial spirit worthy of the title 'honorable knight'."
...White Mask must not have mentioned that. Probably because spreading it around wouldn't do any good. Though it'll come out eventually since I'm active in the knights.
"What position?"
"Mystic Warden. An honorary role given to those who protect Rondan from Greater Outer Gods. In some ways, it carries more authority than even me, the Vice Captain."
Just then, muffled music drifted in from outside. Was the territory holding some kind of orchestra?
"Think of it like the conductor of an orchestra."
"So that means..."
The Vice Captain gave a subtle smile.
"Yes. You'll personally select personnel from among Rondan's squires and regular knights to join you, and you'll have command over Outer God hunts. Like how an orchestra follows the composer's instructions but plays in the conductor's style, they can move by your judgment without our orders."
"...Understood."
"As you know, spoils from subjugations and all praise go solely to the Mystic Warden. It's a fitting position for a noble knight like you."
For a moment, my resolve wavered. Move without orders from the Vice Captain or Knight Commander? That alone was a huge perk.
With the Mystic Warden role, clearing this game and protecting the world would be easier for sure. And I might even safely dig up info on 'Leydan Tantun's' past.
Assuming I'd accept, the Vice Captain looked at me like a parent eyeing a kid who got into a top university.
But.
"Vice Captain, sorry, but can we put that on hold for now?"
"...Again? Don't you know how to do anything but decline?"
My 'Leydan Tantun' instincts were screaming no. And beyond that, there were plenty of reasons not to take it yet.
Secrets I needed to uncover—like Asti, the Recorder, 'her', and the Dragon Slayer's horn—would be shackled by such a position. Plus, seeing our branch chief suffer, I had no desire to climb high.
But I couldn't say that outright, so I went with a plausible excuse.
"It's not a refusal, Vice Captain."
I paused, then spoke deliberately, enunciating each word.
"It's chivalry."
Honestly, I have no idea what chivalry really is. It's so vague that whatever you pin it on becomes chivalry.
Something like, 'A true knight seeks not a seat of privilege, but one of protection' should work.
"Chivalry..."
I was ready to elaborate if he pushed back, but the conversation ended there. The Vice Captain turned his chair, showing me his back.
I swear I heard a sniffle. What? Was he crying?
"...I'm curious how your chivalry will shine in the future, Tantun. A knight fresh to our ranks already gleaming like this!"
"...No, really."
The Vice Captain spoke in a voice like he was holding back tears, then sniffed.
"...I understand your stance. On my authority as Vice Captain, I'll find a way to reward you properly, Leydan Tantun."
"You don't have to—"
"Accept it—no, allow it. Otherwise, it'll stain my name."
...His voice was all choked up. Guess he was genuinely moved. I just spouted some nonsense, though. Words can repay a thousand nyang of debt, as the saying goes.
"...Sorry for holding you up when you're busy. Go on."
"Yes, sir."
I bolted out the moment he spoke. It was embarrassing—my nerves were on edge.
After Tantun left, silence fell over the Vice Captain's office.
The Vice Captain thought: How could there be such a true knight? How did someone like that end up corrupted and thrown in the underground prison, even briefly?
Feeling somber all around, the Vice Captain approached the Logs. Soon, flames roared up, and the Princess's voice emerged. He leaned in close.
"...Yes, Princess. Leydan Tantun declined the position. ...Yes, that's right. He said he still has duties to fulfill... Pardon? ...You want to personally reward him, Princess? Ah, you'll handle it yourself... Understood."
The Vice Captain scratched the back of his head awkwardly and stepped away from the Logs. A reward straight from the Princess. Fitting for royalty, and probably more meaningful that way.
But was it his imagination? Her voice had seemed a bit excited.
He thought.
As I stepped out from the Hearth, I planned how to spend the day. Alright, what first?
For starters, hit the nearby market and library for info on that Outer God called 'her'. And then...
"Oh, Mr. Tantun!"
Lost in thought, Mu Yeon came running up with a delighted voice. Out for a walk?
"Hey, Mu Yeon."
"What brings you here?"
"Ah, the Vice Captain was talking about some reward. I turned it down and left."
"Pardon? Why?"
"Eh, what have I even done to deserve that?"
I explained briefly, and Mu Yeon looked impressed.
"...It's rare for someone to be so frugal. Truly first-rate kni—"
"Huh?"
"N-nothing!"
What was she mumbling? Lately, she muttered to herself more around me.
Oh right, I was supposed to stop by the forge with her too. Since I'm at it, maybe head to the market via the smithy.
"Mu Yeon."
"Yes?"
"Come with me."
"...Ah, the blacksmith?"
"Yeah, that's right."
She looked oddly pleased for some reason.
"Sure! We can go right now."
"Alright, let's do that. Oh, hold on a sec."
Thinking about it, there was one thing I couldn't forget, or there'd be hell to pay tomorrow morning. Yeah.
I told Mu Yeon to wait and dashed back to my branch office.