Chapter 63
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Aslan
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Noble families with vast territories in the Empire invariably maintained private soldiers.
These private troops were primarily responsible for maintaining order within the territory and suppressing peasant uprisings, and their strength was directly proportional to the family's power.
Among them, the Ruelverta family's private soldiers, the Steel Lion Knights known as Aslan, were in a league of their own.
They boasted the largest force among all private armies in the Empire in terms of scale.
While their numbers alone were fewer than the Imperial Army's, their influence extended far beyond that.
In particular, Aslan's prestige was exceptionally high among the small neighboring nations adjacent to the Meikahel Empire.
Unlike the peaceful Empire, the small countries scattered along the borders had not known a single day of quiet due to constant monster attacks for ages.
The small nations continually pleaded for aid from the Empire, but the Empire turned a blind eye.
This stemmed partly from the Empire's isolationist policy, insisting on minimal interaction with foreign powers, but the main reason was that most Imperials opposed dispatching troops.
After long years of peace, an atmosphere of aversion to war had spread throughout the Meikahel Empire.
No one wanted unnecessary sacrifices for other countries.
In that context, it was unexpectedly the Ruelverta family that extended a helping hand to the small nations.
The Ruelverta family had dispatched their private soldiers, Aslan, abroad to exterminate monsters.
Thanks to this, the Ruelverta name and Aslan held high status overseas, fostering friendly exchanges.
And sure enough, I figured it was about time they appeared before me.
I greeted them in front of the mansion.
The Aslan knights approaching on horseback spotted me and dismounted.
They were all clad in black military coats and wore iron lion masks.
Approaching with disciplined steps, they removed their masks and saluted me.
Among them, a burly man who appeared to be the leader placed his fist over his chest and bellowed.
Aslan's Captain, Wylie Bibes! We have just returned from exterminating monsters in Oriol on the family head's orders!
His voice boomed.
I calmly praised their efforts.
You've worked hard, going all the way out there.
No, sir! We are the Empire's strongest Steel Lion Knights! What hardship is that to us!
...How were the casualties.
Yes, sir. A few injured, but all returned alive!
I see... Have the injured treated by my exclusive healers.
We are deeply honored!
The Aslan captain, Wylie Bibes, who bowed his head to me matched the original work's description perfectly.
True to his nickname Beast, he had dark skin, a curly mane-like head of hair, and a patchy beard that left a strong impression.
His feral aura emanated from his entire body, exuding the dignity befitting the one who led the Aslan knights.
Under Wylie's command, Aslan had achieved feats often compared to the Imperial Palace's elite guard.
Unlike the Imperial Army, Aslan had grown tremendously through extensive real combat experience.
At this point, no group in the nation could rival Aslan except the Imperial Army itself.
With the loyal knight captain Wylie before me, I said.
But with injuries, it seems they weren't easy opponents.
Ah...
At my words, Wylie scratched his head.
No... not at all. We encountered a wyvern pack as expected, but... unfortunately, it was a wild griffon's territory, so we got ambushed. Hm... my fault.
No. That's not true...
As Wylie began to lower his head, an unexpected voice interjected.
It wasn't the captain's fault. It's my responsibility for failing to scout properly beforehand.
The first emotion I felt upon recognizing the voice's owner was delight.
Well, now that I'm Tristan, maybe I should call it fear.
The woman who had been hidden behind the massive Wylie stepped forward.
A resolute woman with one eye covered by an eyepatchI murmured her name.
Helga...
All the mishaps on this journey are my responsibility as vice-captain.
She, holding the position of Aslan's vice-captain, bowed her head.
I had no intention of blaming anyone from the start, so I shook my head.
Enough. I didn't ask to punish anyone. As long as everyone returned alive, that's what matters.
...My apologies.
Helga bowed deeply.
Her flawless posture was befitting of Aslan's vice-captain.
Wylie, standing beside her, tried to lighten the mood.
But family head... I haven't seen you in a while, and you've slimmed down a lot?
...I've had some circumstances.
Having survived a near-death experience and pushing my limits with daily training, it was only natural I'd lose weight.
Oblivious to the situation, Wylie laughed heartily.
Hah! That's good news! At this rate, you might return to your old self soon!
...Spare the flattery. You've all worked hard, so go rest.
Yes, sir!
Wylie withdrew crisply.
He was sharp in every way.
He bantered without dragging things out unnecessarily.
From my position, he was one of the easiest and most comfortable people to deal with.
Then we'll take our leave! We'll visit again once we're sorted!
Understood.
Wylie saluted me and mounted up with the Aslan knights.
Their figures exuded the majestic dignity of the mighty Steel Lion Knights, Aslan.
As the mounted knights disappeared from view, I spoke.
So why haven't you gone back?
Aslan's vice-captain, Helga Wolfbert, had remained by my side until the others left.
Moreover, it was telling that no one objected to her staying.
Helga spoke.
Hm? What do you mean? I just finished my vice-captain duties and returned to my main job...?
Helga spoke with feigned innocence.
Ah, indeed... No wonder Tristan hated her.
The original Tristan probably would have retorted just like this.
...Main job?
Yes. Vice-captain is just my side gig. My true role is as the Count's bodyguard knight, isn't it? Hehe.
Helga looked positively gleeful as she said it.
She was Helga Wolfbert, Tristan's loyal retainer in the game.
The one character who stood by Tristan from beginning to end, utterly incapable of betrayal.
Yet I couldn't help but feel uneasy about her.
How long do you plan to call yourself my bodyguard knight?
Call myself? That's unfair. In this world, I'm the only one qualified to protect the Count.
There wasn't a shred of deceit in Helga's words.
She was the type who couldn't lie to Tristan.
That very trait highlighted her overbearing nature.
Have you forgotten? On that childhood day, didn't you promise this concubine... no, this girl that she'd be your knight?
I don't remember at all.
Hehe. It's fine if you don't remember. Now that you've heard it, it's as good as remembering.
......
.....
........
Helga smiled shyly, like a blushing bride.
She was the youngest daughter of the renowned noble house Wolfbert. In a word, a noble lady.
This young miss had abandoned all that status with the sole determination to become Tristan's bodyguard knight.
She wasn't your average lunatic.
Tristan must have felt uncomfortable with Helga's blind devotion.
Though she was a villain on Tristan's side, I didn't dislike her.
In the original work, Helga protected Tristan until the very end and met her demise. I liked her loyalty. Her pure, unwavering heart that believed in and followed Tristan even in death was endearing.
But Helga's blind love was far too precarious.
There were endings where Tristan died by Helga's hand.
And her intense possessiveness could lead me to a tragic fate.
Perhaps foreseeing such ruinous conclusions, the original Tristan frequently dispatched Helga abroad to keep her at a distance.
But I intended to make full use of her.
Depending on how I used her, Helga could become the ultimate character.
I said to Helga.
...I've never accepted you as my bodyguard knight. I merely recognized your skills and made you an Aslan knight.
You wound me saying that. I rushed back from afar just to see you again, Count. Please don't hold back on the praise for this girl. Hehe...
Helga covered her face shyly and smiled.
It was a beautiful smile befitting a girl her age.
She was stoic as vice-captain, but claiming her role as bodyguard knight brought out this side.
However...
...What are you doing right now?
Helga was circling me, sniffing intently.
It was an utterly absurd situation, but Helga's expression was deadly serious.
A bit... of a dangerous scent... seems to be coming from you.
Ah, definitely... Probably because I'd been sweating from training until moments ago.
A little embarrassed, but I kept my composure and said.
It's from training. Back off.
No... it's not that kind of smell. This is... not a fragrant scent... Could it be... Count, have you been close to some female... no, a woman closer than me?
Helga's uncovered eye gazed up at me from beneath the eyepatch.
Her abyss-like pupil, devoid of any light, stared as if to devour me whole.
It was a danger signal.
As I pondered how to respond, my brow furrowed.
Of all times... I spotted two figures approaching from the direction of the training hall.
And Helga, who had noticed them too, froze with a rigid expression.
Hoo...?
The worst timing possible.