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The knights of this world tend to express their intentions more through sparring and physical confrontation than through words.

Hot passion, equal blows landing on each other’s faces, split lips, and the tangy saltiness seeping through. It’s the kind of camaraderie that thrives in such scenarios.

However, Diolia was a knight who could communicate beyond just the sweaty body language. In a corner of the training hall, she found a quiet management room to have a seat.

The facilities weren’t particularly tidy, but the tranquil atmosphere and the sparse crowd made it just perfect for a short conversation.

On the table was a cute little flowerpot with a wildflower blooming. And with only four chairs alongside, it was an unremarkable place. Still, Shione was captivated by the flower’s presence just before Diolia was about to speak up.

“It seems it’s my turn to answer your question. Now, where should I begin…?”

“You can speak freely, Your Grace. Honestly, aside from shooting arrows and wandering the garden today, I have nothing else to share.”

“If Lady Piana hears this, she’ll cry.”

“Well, she can cry if she wants. Lady Piana is one of those retainers from my childhood who has stuck in my mind from then until now.”

“See, you said that a bit too strongly.”

“…Did you know?”

Taking advantage of the atmosphere, I vaguely caught on. There were retainers who had cold reactions and harsh words towards Shione when she didn’t display any special talents in the past. It seemed Piana was one of those retainers who had isolated Shione, disregarding her ignorance and opportunistic tendencies.

Perhaps I should remember this and take a little revenge next time an opportunity arises. As I pondered this, Diolia was repeatedly apologizing to Shione.

“I did know. Back then, I claimed to be her swordsmanship master but couldn’t prevent those rumors at all. I apologize, Your Highness.”

“Lift your head. It’s all in the past now.”

“Back then, I wasn’t the same as I am now, and now I can keep those false rumors at bay on my own.”

“Lack of talent… lack of will… Those rumors shouldn’t circulate anymore, should they?”

“Ah, I did arrive a bit late to this realization…”

The formerly gloomy atmosphere brightened again.

With her bow in hand, Shione playfully boasted, and Diolia echoed with an exaggerated tone. Given how they had journeyed together for a long time, their bond resembled a level higher than when they had first practiced archery.

“Before I answer, may I ask you something, Your Highness?”

“Feel free to speak.”

“It pertains to the future.”

It’s challenging to support those who don’t share your vision on a path that traverses together without hesitation.

Diolia’s response would depend on Shione’s answer this time.

“Do you, Your Highness, dream of owning land and cultivating a new territory with your own people? Or do you wish to remain in the Count’s House and strive for prosperity as a second daughter?”

Shione pondered seriously.

Suddenly mentioning forming factions made me wonder just how far she was looking. Shione’s answer would undoubtedly be crucial for me as well.

‘I need to crush demons first; staying solely in the political arena would be troublesome.’

Between acquiring land and gaining trust, if I end up chasing all around and fail to capture the most critical demons, that would be more than troublesome.

Only Shione could slay the most grotesque demons. Regrettably, while I think it would be better for her to be a lord and handle internal affairs, the truth is that entering the battlefield with her to hunt demons and hone our skills feels much closer to the right answer.

“I do have a dream of becoming a lord of a small territory someday… But that’s not my current wish.”

Thus, I was glad to hear Shione’s words.

“For now… Isn’t it the time when demons are rising again? Hence, I desire to have enough strength so that there won’t be any hindrance in my dedication to the Count’s House and the kingdom as a second daughter.”

Those were words of pride.

Declaring to crush demons for the sake of the Count’s House and the kingdom was something indeed to be joyful about.

When I return, I’ll pet her like crazy and focus on the continuing conversation.

“And if I have that power—”

“…”

“Then I won’t have to see others around me being insulted like Herrel anymore.”

Shione, saying that, stole a glance at me.

Though she had said she would let me know soon, it seemed she hadn’t expected to reveal it so quickly.

Nevertheless, she likely felt it essential to say this in front of Diolia.

“…Did you learn about Herrel’s situation?”

“Not entirely, but seeing your reaction, I became confident. We will discuss this in detail next time.”

Diolia silently nodded.

Her brown hair fluttered gently, veiling her eyes. It seemed the wind intended to obscure her worries, laments, and regrets. Meanwhile, Shione wore a gentle smile as she observed the emotions that she couldn’t fully conceal.

“How about it? Was that a good answer?”

“It suffices.”

After Shione and Diolia finished organizing their thoughts, Diolia smoothly conveyed her intentions.

“Your Highness, do you know why I have left the Royal Knights Order to serve the Count’s House?”

“I don’t know the details. Just that there’s a slight connection to your mother.”

“It might seem like a trivial reason. After losing my parents to demons, I practiced my sword fueled by resentment. During that time, I accidentally received kindness from Ainel Shianella.”

“From your mother?”

“Yes, she recognized my talent and supported my admission to the Academy. There was more, but even when the Royal Knights Order extended an invitation to me, I was more drawn to the Count’s House knights, who protect the kingdom from demons and monsters beyond the western border.”

Diolia had been saved by Ainel.

Beyond just receiving support to attend the Academy, they would have helped each other a lot while attending the Academy together.

“So, I joined the Count’s House. And I’m still a knight of the Count’s House. Though I hadn’t had a suitable position for a while, I am now the commander of the elite heavy cavalry.”

“……”

“You mentioned your intent to dedicate yourself to the Count’s House and the kingdom. Does that mean you will hunt the demons like a hero?”

“Exactly.”

“Then I believe the answer has already presented itself.”

With a gentle smile, Diolia revealed her intent.

“May I walk the same path behind you, Your Highness?”

Asking if she could accompany Shione on her journey of hunting demons.

Without hesitation, Shione nodded.

“Welcome aboard.”

“The acting commander is holding the position for too long, so I’m not sure if I can enlist my squad. Everyone is exceptional, so I’ll need to negotiate a bit.”

One of the greatest achievements.

A knight who reached the pinnacle of sword expertise may be lacking in academics, but with that overwhelming martial prowess, she wields considerable influence. Being one of the key figures in the Count’s House, related to the head of the family. If not in peaceful times but in battle-related situations, her presence would surely amplify our voices considerably.

I think the faction Shione mentioned seems to have a vibe similar to regional feudal lord armies increasing in sensitivity, but as long as we feel secure, that’s what matters. If the Count’s House displeases us later, we could always revolt like the Goryeo Dynasty and overhaul everything.

Having passed through such heavy discussions, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, and Diolia’s attention began to rest on me.

“By the way, Ray, you look a bit worn out. Things will only get tougher from here.”

“Are you talking about me?”

“Who else could it be? There’s no other Ray here. The head of the family asked me to help as he’s about to hold your knighthood ceremony.”

“Your Grace, I haven’t heard anything from my mother yet. Could you let me know a bit more?”

“Of course.”

As expected, it seems my mother-in-law was secretly plotting to elevate my status from a commoner.

Since my eyes lit up more than mine, Shione leaned in closer, and Diolia chuckled as she willingly began to explain.

“Along with the restructuring of the troops, you’ll be joining this newly established knight order and serve as the deputy commander. She’s been thinking about how to decorate the knight order’s founding ceremony and the deputy commander’s appointment to make it as splendid as possible.”

“…I’m going to instantly become a deputy commander?”

“Why not? You’re already capable of piercing demons with a single arrow. Although I haven’t heard anything concerning your status, if it’s a title that cannot be inherited, they might just grant it to you.”

Jumping from being Shione’s servant to the deputy commander of the knight order?

This sudden promotion left me quite astonished.

“Although it’s not confirmed yet, unless something unusual occurs, it should proceed that way.”

Diolia then poked my side, trying to draw my attention.

─…Ray, the Deputy Commander?

With a face that mouthed those words just for my eyes, there was a hint of creepiness.

As if finding amusement in that title of deputy commander, covering her mouth and smirking. It seemed like I had fervently sparked some kind of fantasy for her.

On the contrary, the boisterous single Diolia could only laugh heartily and tease.

“By the way, I had quite a bit of influence over the knight appointment ceremony. Ray, being a servant, shouldn’t you introduce me to some male acquaintances?”

“Male acquaintances? I don’t have many close male friends…”

As I racked my brain, only one person came to mind.

A rugged mustache, packed with masculine charm and a humming tune. There was only one man who could be deemed the epitome of what women in this world desired.

“How about a servant named Bronte?”

“…Isn’t that the direct servant of Lady Siabel?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Upon hearing that, Diolia made a face as if she had just been hit hard, then quickly regained her composure and laughed helplessly.

“…Deputy Commander, do you perhaps hold some sort of grudge against me?”

One point Mr. Bronte initially tallied.

I couldn’t help but feel that Diolia’s preferences were very far from Bronte’s. Seeing her this distressed about it was telling enough.

 

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