Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 11
The 4th Knight Order Captain's Vacation (2)
"Damn it!"
Bam! Ruan nervously shoved away the swords standing nearby. Seeing that appearance, no one in the 1st Knight Order training ground could approach him.
He fumed, clenching his fists tightly as if his anger hadn't subsided yet.
"The 4th Knight Order...!"
Ruan was resentful recalling the things that happened during the day.
Hearing those words, not only himself but no one in the 1st Knight Order could refute. Just looking at each other hoping someone else would step up instead. And the one who received that gaze the most was none other than Ruan himself, the Vice-Captain.
‘Can't you hear me. Get lost from there right now.’
‘Kuk!?’
Therefore, he couldn't bear it even more. Because even after suffering such humiliations, he himself couldn't say anything like a scarecrow.
‘W-Wait a minute. What is everyone doing!’
‘Captain Carmil and Vice-Captain Ruan. Both of you stop right now!’
What if another knight order hadn't come at that time? Ruan squeezed his eyes shut at that dizziness.
Originally, by now, he should have been receiving everyone's gaze in the Royal Palace. Protecting the Princess who was forced to travel with the 4th Knight Order, and intending to hold the 4th Knight Order accountable for their sins as well.
But that perfect plan was completely ruined. Because of just one person!
"..."
Ruan touched his neck recalling that time. It was truly an indelible disgrace itself. For the Vice-Captain of the 1st Knight Order, called the best in the Kingdom, to be scared in just such a situation.
Probably he was just flustered by the sudden killing intent. Otherwise, it couldn't be explained at all.
"Someone with no ability or talent dares to..."
A half-baked knight without even 'Aura'. It was bitter enough that such a person took the title of Hero, but now to suffer humiliation from such a person. Just how should I pay this back? While Ruan was worrying like that, someone entered the training ground.
"What are you all doing instead of the training you are supposed to do?"
"W-We greet the Captain!"
At the Captain's sudden appearance, everyone hurriedly bowed their heads. He approached Ruan who was still clenching his fists.
"I heard the news. That a problem occurred with Captain Carmil."
"It, it is nothing much. Just that guy running wild on his own."
As calmly as possible, he had to pretend he was indifferent to that problem. Because he had to protect at least his honor.
The Captain put his hand on Ruan's shoulder.
"You endured well. It seems the Vice-Captain of the 1st Knight Order knows when to draw a sword and when not to."
The Captain said as if wanting the knights around to hear. Ruan also answered quickly like a child who found an excuse at those words.
"No. I just thought that if one knows honor at least, one shouldn't aim a sword at an ally."
Right. Unlike that guy, he didn't draw his sword in the end. Ruan decided to focus on that fact.
Of course, Ruan was the one who picked a fight first, and in the first place, Carmil also didn't draw his sword, but such things weren't important to him now.
"If it were an honorable duel, I wouldn't have stayed still either."
"Right. That is what makes you a knight of the 1st Knight Order. Until that day comes, sharpen your sword and wait."
"Yes!"
"...Since there will be an opportunity sooner or later anyway."
He said recalling the carrier pigeon that flew to the Kingdom a while ago. Probably it will become busy for the time being.
And Ruan also exuded a faint aura, waiting only for that day to come quickly.
He swore to the Goddess recalling the things that happened today.
The streets of the city square were lively today as well.
The cool sound of water from the square fountain. The appearance of children running around and the heated scenery of the market were proofs that the Kingdom was peaceful today too.
I walked that street enjoying that atmosphere for a moment. However, as there was a commotion during the day, I was walking around wearing a mask.
"If only this peace could continue..."
Until just twenty years ago, every day was a war on the continent because of the Demon King's army. Not only the invasion of the Demon King's army, but numerous countries repeated big and small battles, staining the land with blood. That hell ended for now as the previous Heroes and brave warriors joined forces to seal the Demon King.
With that as an opportunity, each country signed a peace treaty, and we were the ones who followed right after that generation retired. Most of the current knights were those who hadn't experienced the war and the Demon King's army of those days.
And they still believe even now. That there will be no more war on this land ever again.
But having read the original work, I know. That demons are still hiding and dreaming of the Demon King's resurrection. And the things I saw in this mission were the beginning of that.
Similar things will happen in various places on the continent in the future too. However, despite that, people were still indifferent.
Because it's not their business. Because only the blue sky and warm sunlight are shining on this fortress called the Kingdom's capital today as well.
Once after joining the Knight Order. Once when I became a Captain. And once more after becoming a War Hero. I reported that demons are resurrecting the Demon King, but no one believed me. Since then, I gave up on persuading them.
'What can I do. Since they don't listen no matter how much I say. I have no choice but to move myself.'
Probably this matter will also be reported as simple retaliation by demons. Perhaps these people might believe only when they see the Demon King resurrecting with their own two eyes.
"Right. Let them do as they please. I also just have to do what I can do."
I just have to protect my people. Because that is the reason I stand on the battlefield.
Like that, finishing shopping, I stopped by a knight member's house holding a basket fuller than usual.
"Make something to eat with this. Don't fill your stomach with things like biscuits for nothing."
"Ooh, thank you. Captain."
He smiled receiving the food I gave. Bread and vegetables. I handed a handful of meat there too.
"Rest well for the time being. Next time I'll even cook for you myself."
"Hahaha. I look forward to it already. Oh right. Since you came, please take this. It's a stew my mother made, and it seems there will be leftovers just in time."
Saying that, he wrapped the bowl containing the stew well and put it in the basket.
"Captain. We are always waiting only for the Captain's orders."
I thought about giving some encouragement, but it seems there was no need to go that far. He said that as if he guessed the reason I came.
After that, I stopped by other members' houses in turn, and before I knew it, the ingredients in the basket were almost gone. Instead, it was full of things the members shared.
"...I think this became rather heavier than at first."
Thanks to that, I won't have to worry about eating for a while.
The sun is setting slowly. On the way back home like that, a familiar face caught my eye.
"Hmm?"
An exceptionally dark alleyway. A man dressed completely unsuitably for such a place was talking with people.
He was Viscount Cassel, one of the 1st Knight Order's faction.
"Come to think of it, there was a problem to address."
I put down the basket for a moment and entered the alleyway. He was chatting away without noticing my existence.
"So, isn't it that the 4th Knight Order Captain Carmil used force against the 1st Knight Order abruptly! It's fortunate that Vice-Captain Ruan knew honor. Where is the chivalry in acting so rudely to a fellow knight?"
"Hehehe. Yes. I understood."
"Hmm. Good. And not only that. Seeing how cruelly he tortured prisoners in this mission, I highly doubt if the title of Hero suits such a person..."
"If you doubt so much, how about confirming it yourself."
Step. Step.
"...Uh?"
Seeing me, he froze as he was. Other people also couldn't close their mouths at my sudden appearance.
Step.
Until I stood in front, he couldn't even utter a word.
"Why. Seeing me in person, you have nothing to say?"
"Captain Carmil!? Why, why in a place like this..."
"Isn't it just great. Just in time, our Viscount was harboring doubts about my ability."
"N-No, that is not it..."
At my words, only then did he realize I heard everything.
He couldn't even think of running away and was looking up at me with a pale face.
"So up to where did you talk? Ah! Was it up to whether the title of Hero suits me..."
"Ha, haha. Captain Carmil. I-It seems there is some misunderstanding-"
-Slap!
I slapped the cheek of him who was trying to make an excuse urgently.
He was covering his cheek with two hands with a face like he was hit for the first time in his life.
"Huk, heok!"
"Why are you like that. Do I still look lacking?"
No one could answer my question. Everyone was already trembling with their heads bowed low, and I slapped his cheek a few more times.
Slap. Slap. Slaap!
His cheeks swelled red in an instant, and before long he was shedding tears like a child.
"P-Please, please spare me! Heuk, please have mercy..."
"Making a fuss over getting slapped just a few times. Didn't you even prepare for this when talking behind my back?"
"Heuk, keuheup."
He couldn't answer further because he was sniveling. He looked busy just wiping the blood and tears on his face.
Instead of Viscount Cassel, the person behind answered my question.
"Stop around there. Captain Carmil. It's unsightly."
"Long time no see. Captain Leohar. What brings the 1st Knight Order Captain to such a shabby place."
"Like you, I was just passing by."
"Yeah. Must be."
I shrugged my shoulders lightly. Golden hair and blue eyes. He approached our side and stood in front of me instead of the Viscount.
"To think assault in an alleyway. What dishonorable behavior is this for a Hero who should be an example to other knights."
"Tell me about it. Doing such dirty things in an alleyway. One really should reflect."
"..."
"Don't you agree?"
He didn't answer my words. Judging by that appearance, as expected, this guy also knew this fact roughly. Or he is the ringleader who ordered this act.
Instead of answering my words, he stroked his chin and changed the subject.
"Hmm. More than that, I heard our Vice-Captain was indebted to you. Is it true?"
"So."
"Won't you have a formal duel with me once. With the meaning of friendship and clearing misunderstandings."
"Ha..."
I replaced it with a sneer at that shallow trick.
Does he think I don't know that inside [intention]. This is also an intention to spread rumors and make it official that I attacked the 1st Knight Order.
For example, saying I picked a fight even with the Captain, not content with the 1st Knight Order—like this.
At my answer, his eyes looking at me narrowed.
"Why are you like that. Are you perhaps scared? If you win, my title of Kingdom's Best Sword is yours."
"Really? Then if you win, is the title of Hero yours? You must have coveted the title of Hero quite a bit."
At my words, his eyebrows twitched. It seems I touched a reverse scale.
He glared at me with an expression pretending to be nonchalant.
"Your speculation is severe. Captain Carmil."
"Is that so? But actually, it doesn't matter. Even if I become a Hero no more."
"...What?"
He looked at me with a face saying it was unexpected. Because that was an honor any knight would want.
Surely that Leohar wouldn't be an exception either.
"I don't particularly have lingering attachment to this reputation of Hero."
I smiled glancing at him.
"But I can't just give it to anyone."
"You, this bastard..."
I passed him as I was and picked up the basket I left outside. Before I knew it, an orange sunset was setting in the sky.
"Hey. Let me give you one warning, Captain Leohar. Please do not think of entering my battlefield."
"...That word just now. Can you take responsibility. From this moment on, you have crossed the line."
He said with killing intent in his voice. As if showing confidence that he could kill someone like me right here anytime. Telling me to lower my tail and apologize even now.
But the answer I would give was already decided.
"Doesn't matter. Since you guys crossed the line first."
Ending with those words, I left that place without looking back.
With the thought that perhaps, my next battlefield might be right here.