Chapter 33

Translator: True Detective

Chapter 33. Healing Part

The snowscape of Frostgard seen through the window was peaceful.

Snow-covered white castle walls. Smoke rising from chimneys. Busily moving people. Occasionally heard shouts of warriors.

'Mm-hm. Excellent.'

I nodded with satisfaction.

Let's organize the current situation.

One. Lucia called me 'My Knight-nim'.

And in an official setting at that. In front of dozens of warriors.

Isn't this virtually a confession?

Even if not a confession, at least an expression of special emotion.

It is significant progress in that she directly used the possessive 'Mine'.

If analyzed with love psychology──

Forget it. Let's analyze later. Results won't change anyway.

Two. Hero of the Holy Sword Leona joined. To our party 'voluntarily'.

Three. Future of the North, Freya is growing rapidly. Pride as a teacher fills up.

Plus public security stability. Internal affairs stability. Territory prosperity too.

Conclusion. Now is the rest period after passing through the storm.

'Finally, has the healing part arrived in my RoFan?'

The very timing to build bonds with each other and have a fling!

Of course, on the surface, Lucia seems a bit overworked, Leona seems to glare at me as if to kill, and Freya seems to call me a pervert, but that is all genre allowance.

Irony of shyness, or just affectionate grumbling.

'Spring has come.'

What is a knight's duty?

Cutting enemies with a sword? Protecting the liege with a shield?

That is merely a tiny part of a knight's duties.

A true knight does not exist only on the battlefield.

Serving the liege in daily life too. Taking care of the liege's health, checking the liege's safety, and meticulously caring so that the liege's day starts pleasantly.

If a battlefield knight is a sword, a daily life knight is an umbrella.

Umbrella ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠opened before rain comes.

That is the ideal Black Knight spirit.

I brewed coffee with sincerity in the kitchen.

Getting coffee beans in the North wasn't easy, but fortunately secured a small amount from a southern merchant. Price was considerable, but when I said it was for Lucia, somehow the merchant didn't take money.

Probably because merchants also know how much Lucia suffers. As expected, public sentiment follows if benevolent rule is bestowed.

Scent is good.

Deep but not bitter balanced extraction. Golden ratio mastered after days of trial and error.

Here, add one spoon of honey Lucia likes.

Perfect morning coffee complete.

Lifted two mugs.

One for Lucia. One for me.

The air in the office was hot today too.

Saw blonde head buried in piles of documents. Sound of quill pen scratching is heard ceaselessly.

Work from morning. The North's administrative system running is entirely thanks to those slender shoulders.

'Praiseworthy.'

Getting up before sunrise and working. Responsibility as the Leader of the North is amazing.

Maybe because I fed her well these days, her cheeks are chubby, looking good. Can't find the gaunt appearance from when we first met at all.

As expected, my rearing… no, care shone.

I approached silently with steps wrapped in aura.

Black Knight Stealth Mode.

Not having other intentions, but consideration as a knight.

If footsteps are loud, concentration will break.

Stood next to the desk. Right behind her.

I like this moment observing from close range. Because people working hard are beautiful.

How much time passed.

Flinch.

Lucia trembled her shoulders.

And slowly, very slowly turned her head.

Green eyes met mine.

"Hiiiiiiek?!"

Cute Lucia surprised like a small animal today too.

This is like a morning greeting now.

"S, S, Si, Since when…!"

Thud-

I put the steaming mug on the desk without a word.

Barista Black Knight serving hand-drenched coffee.

How sweet is this.

Cliché where the male lead appears silently and takes care of the female lead when she is exhausted from work.

Lucia looked at the coffee cup, then looked up at me again.

Pupils were trembling shiver shiver.

"Th, Thank you… Knight-nim… No, excuse me, that… M, May I ask what is inside this?"

"No poison."

I sat on the opposite chair and drank a sip of my coffee.

And looked at Lucia intently.

Profoundly. Affectionately. Containing support.

Lucia grabbed the cup with two hands with a pale face.

"I, I will drink well…!"

Lucia picked up the mug with trembling hands, face becoming tearful.

Rattle rattle rattle.

Sound of cup and saucer colliding was loud.

She squeezed her eyes shut and drank a sip of hot coffee with a grim expression.

"Sip…… Huh?"

Eyes widened slightly.

Expression saying delicious.

Sweetness of honey must have spread in her mouth.

Good.

This silence. This tranquility.

Isn't this exactly the happiness of daily life.

Now we are a relationship needing no words. Trust transmitted just by eyes.

I sat still and appreciated her handling work.

Should say a word around here.

Everyone has a desire to be acknowledged. Especially for a person like Lucia who grew up without being acknowledged in childhood, a word of sincere praise is more valuable than any treasure.

'You are doing really well these days. You are an excellent leader more than anyone. I knew since I first met you. That you could definitely do it.'

Just say like this.

Concise, sincere, warm word.

Hearing this, Lucia would blink slightly surprised. And bow her head shyly whispering 'Thank you'. Up to ear tips turning red is one set.

Good. Going.

"Gaining weight these days, good to see."

"Pffft!!"

Lucia spat coffee.

She coughed and looked at me with fear-stricken eyes.

"E, Excuse me… still far off! I, I still gained less weight! Only bones! Not tasty! And I work really well! Look at this, supply route improvement plan! I planned all this! Without me, Northern administration is paralyzed! So don't eat me yet!"

Lucia held out a bundle of documents gibbering.

That passion trying to appeal her ability.

I nodded.

'I will help by your side in the future too. I will protect the back so you only need to look forward. Good to lean when tired, good to stop when want to rest. I am here to share your burden.'

"Try until the end. I will ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠be waiting at your limit."

Voice echoed low.

"Wherever you collapse. Because I will be there."

"Hiiiek…!"

Lucia grabbed the pen again, on the verge of tears.

Scratch scratch scratch scratch──

Speed increased.

Started processing documents at twice, no three times the speed of before.

This is the scene showing how much a word of warm encouragement raises work efficiency.

Morning Coffee Operation, Great Success.

After happy tea time is fun physical education time.

Morning greeting with Lucia ended, place I headed is training ground.

Here is my best pupil.

Future of the North, Freya Grombalt. Girl with red bob hair overflowing with healthy beauty.

"Hiyaap!"

Blade flying without greeting.

Seems she left manners along with placenta when born but momentum is excellent.

I lifted the greatsword with one hand and struck that attack, thud.

Clang-!

Light metallic sound. Freya's body rotated in the air.

"Not yet!"

She kicked the ground again and rushed.

Whoosh-!

Freya rotated like a top and swung twin swords.

Whirlwind Slash.

Signature move of Northern warriors, and a special move Freya is improving independently.

Originally a technique ending after one rotation, but this guy is attempting the crazy act of rotating continuously without killing inertia.

"Die! Pitch-black bastard!"

Sword strikes fly.

One turn. Two turns. Three turns.

'Oho.'

Before seemed like just turning randomly, now seems to have realized how to load centrifugal force.

Sword tip dug in aiming for gaps in my armor.

Of course, doesn't reach.

I let the sword flow with minimal movement, and tripped her.

Balance collapsed.

Freya pitched forward.

Thud.

Face planted in snowfield.

"……Pffft!"

Spat snow and got up.

"Ughhh… Why doesn't it hit!"

Freya shouted in frustration.

"Where does it hurt if you just get hit a bit! Just once! Just get hit once, you pitch-black bastard!"

Freya huffed and shouted. Cute grumbling.

But no.

True teacher is existence showing a wall to the pupil.

Absolute barrier seeming uncrossable. Making them face that.

Only then pupil grows.

Must be frustrated to strive, must be broken to rise again.

Looking down at fallen Freya, I thought of the highest praise I can give as a teacher.

'Really improved a lot. If devote like this, you can become a swordsman within ten fingers of the continent. I am proud of you, Freya.'

Please. Cool metaphor. Teacher-like praise come out!

"Level just right for potato peeling."

"…Th, This…!"

Freya's face turned red and blue.

"Heard kitchen is short of hands."

"Th… This… I'll kill you!"

Freya pounced again.

This time no technique or anything. Just tantrum.

Swung twin swords randomly and screamed.

"Die! Die! Me, potato peeling! I am Sword Princess of the North! Potato is your head! You pitch-black potato!"

Right, that’s it. More anger. Be resentful.

And turn that into power.

Originally growth requires stimulation and stress.

I cheered inwardly.

'Cheer up, Freya. You can do it!'

"Uaaaaaa!"

Eventually Freya exhausted and sprawled out.

Tears welled up in her eyes looking at the sky panting.

"Just wait… Someday… I'll… step on you…!"

"Expecting."

I turned around coolly.

From behind, sound of Freya screaming loudly was heard.

Successful. Gave her certain motivation today too.

As expected, I am a true teacher.

Afternoon routine is territory patrol.

North is beautiful, but rough land.

Monsters appear, criminals run rampant, rough men engage in fist fights while drunk.

maintaining public order is Lord's duty.

And I, Lucia's knight, act for that duty.

Miracle happened as soon as entered market.

Swaaaaaak.

People split to both sides.

"B, Black Knight nim! You came!" "Oh my, take this please!"

Merchants stop bargaining and bow 90 degrees.

Children hide behind mom's skirt and peek out.

Sound of swallowing saliva heard every time I pass is biological reaction of awe, right?

Market corner, alley entrance.

Saw a group of thugs.

Guys with tattoos spitting ptui ptui and picking fights with passersby.

I turned my head and looked there.

Just looked.

Containing meaning 'Don't cause disturbance in public place'.

"Hu, huk…!"

Guy looking like leader inhaled breath.

Blood drained completely from his face.

Legs trembled, then collapsed thud.

"Hiiiiiiek!! Dying! Will die! Almighty Goddess of Light! Please protect me with eternal light…!"

Rest of the guys couldn't even scream, retreated then tripped over each other's feet.

Then crawled on all fours and ran away.

Situation ended in an instant.

Didn't say a word. Didn't draw sword either.

'North's public order is perfect today too.'

I moved steps again.

However.

Gaze felt from behind.

Familiar presence.

Very minute, but cannot deceive Black Knight's senses.

Hero of the Holy Sword, Leona.

She is tailing me.

Already 3rd day.

On building roof, behind tree, inside empty barrel.

Hiding places are various too.

But all visible.

Seems that unforgettable curve keeps entering eyes…

Actually the incident at the bathhouse still remains in my head.

Encountering Leona was purely coincidence. Just tried to wash off fatigue and dust accumulated from battle with Black Mammoth.

But Leona was already there when entered.

And Hero is known as man, so freaking out and leaving is weirder.

Secret should be unlocked when owner wants.

If I show sign of knowing first, it is stealing Leona's right of choice. That goes against Black Knight Way.

So sat next to her pretending nothing is wrong.

Bathing between men. Natural thing, right?

Not strange at all.

Up to there was good.

Problem was next.

Leona seen through steam was……

Amazing.

Did I say warrior's body is like a weapon.

Leona's body was an excellent weapon.

But clearly since Holy Sword Hero, must have done super tight training, yet amidst that, certain parts maintained surprisingly soft curves so….

Ahem.

Of course purely evaluation as a warrior.

Since can know skill by looking at training state.

To check power as party comrade.

Anyway currently Leona's reputation of me is rock bottom.

Saw naked body in bathhouse, accidentally touched chest during Black Mammoth battle, and lines popping out of mouth every day are all sexual harassment level.

Trust pierced underground and went to mantle.

State mathematically impossible to get worse.

But paradoxically this is also an opportunity.

Since hit rock bottom, only way is up.

In stocks, buying timing!

'Black Knight stock, cheapest now! Opportunity for low point buying!'

Right. Make her watch.

My daily life. My sincerity.

If she sees me striving as Lord's deputy, her misunderstanding will disappear like melting snow too.

'Ah, this person is really working for the territory.''Trying to protect Lucia, not harm her.''Was useless misunderstanding. Black Knight… might be quite a decent man?'

Like this.

'Look, Leona. How much residents follow me.'

Felt Leona writing something in notebook on the roof behind.

Probably recording my good deeds.

'Merchant: Gave gift shedding tears seeing Black Knight (Touch)' 'Citizen: Yielded way to Black Knight and made child greet (Etiquette)' 'Thugs: Reformed just by seeing Black Knight's eyes (Edification)'

Must be such content.

Meanwhile, on the roof.

Hero of the Holy Sword Leona was lying flat on the building roof holding breath.

Tailing Day 3.

"Definitely… will find Black Knight bastard's weakness."

Enemy's wake up time. Activity pattern. Movement path. Combat habit.

Leona opened notebook. Notebook with cute cat drawing on cover.

Leona's pen stopped.

Just now.

What did I write?

Looked down at notebook.

Clearly, certainly, without doubt.

'Handsome crazy guy' was written.

"……."

Leona's face turned red.

No. No no no.

This is objective ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠observation.

Just described enemy's external characteristics.

Describing appearance is basic when analyzing enemy.

Height, physique, muscle development degree, and face.

Black Knight's face without helmet glimmered in brain.

Features as if cut sharply. Water droplets falling from wet black hair. Purple eyes flashing through steam.

And below that.

Broad shoulders. Solid chest. Sculpted abs.

Scene where water droplets flowed down along it──

"Aaaack! Don't recall!"

Leona rolled roll roll on the roof.

Snow got on face. Desperately hoped this coldness would cool down the burning face.

'Because of anger.'

Leona told herself.

Shame suffered in bathhouse.

Anger about that imprinted memory strongly.

Kind of trauma. Mental damage by heinous criminal.

Hurriedly added and wrote.

'I won't be deceived…! Won't work on me!'

Leona followed Black Knight's back with eyes full of determination.

Today too, Frostgard's day is peaceful.