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The first command from the Special Mission Team has officially been issued. Led by Shione, the mission involves dividing the kingdom’s territory along the western boundary. A straightforward task of scouting beyond that, checking if Shione’s magic will work there and assessing the concentration of mana.

However, it’s common knowledge how many monsters are lurking beyond that line, so the uncertainty of the first mission’s danger level was palpable. Thanks to Ainel’s consideration, Sion and I were given the opportunity to prepare for the mission without any distractions from our retainers.

As for the details about the first mission, only Shione, Diolia, and I were in the know. Dressed in our Knights’ Order uniforms, Shione and I made our way to familiarize ourselves and assess the Knights’ capabilities.

“Princess Shione.”

“What’s the matter, Deputy Commander? Feel free to speak up.”

Perhaps it was the excitement of being part of the Knights. Shione’s tone shifted back to an older style, her chin held high in a posture that radiated authority. Yet, considering her usual demeanor, she resembled a harmless little creature, much like a playful puppy.

There was nothing more than a playful thought that brushed through my mind, so I brushed it off lightly.

“Could you tell me a bit about the Royal Academy?”

“The Academy? I haven’t been there myself, so I’m not too sure…”

The Royal Academy.

I had heard about its prestigious reputation but knew little about it. Even if Shione hadn’t attended due to her reclusive lifestyle, as the daughter of a Count, she should know more than I do.

“The Royal Academy is often referred to as the cradle of the kingdom’s wizards, right?”

“Well, knights and priests enroll there as well.”

“That’s true, but unlike the Empire, the kingdom has far fewer wizards and supporting infrastructure. Especially the prominent wizards, nobles and commoners alike all flock to the Royal Academy… Although the rules claim there’s no discrimination based on status, I’ve heard the magic department is fiercely merit-based to the point where unspoken distinctions of status don’t matter at all.”

“Ah.”

“Of course, the knight and divine power departments are also top-notch in the kingdom, but the magic department is the most renowned.”

So, if a wizard who is head of the magic department, evaluated Shione’s magic, I could only assume they must be quite an eccentric scholar obsessed with magic.

‘The magic nerds I’ve encountered so far have all been sticklers to an absurd degree.’

I wondered what kind of bizarre personality the wizard who was supposed to evaluate her would have. I could already feel a hint of weariness creeping in.

“Anyway, it’s not like we’re enrolling in the Academy. We’re just going to ask them to assist with some magic research for a bit before we go. I’ll check with Siabel before we leave, and after that, Sion will help with just about everything.”

Siabel had been busy lately with her upcoming succession to the head of the family. Whether she’d have time was a concern for later.

Sion Shianella.

While I was busy challenging the concentration of divine power at the Academy, my sister was off becoming a full-blown hero. As her reaction during Shione’s training clearly came to mind, I was quite curious what she’d think this time around.

“By the way, Deputy Commander… why are you suddenly asking about the Academy?”

“Eh?”

“Are you perhaps looking forward to seeing me in the Academy uniform?”

“Oh.”

“…What do you mean by ‘oh’?”

Shione’s unexpected reaction got her elbow jabbing me lightly.

As we bantered, we finally arrived at the designated training ground for the Special Mission Team.

“Princess Shione, you’ve finally made it. Just as we were about to begin our training, it’s a great time for you to assess the Knights’ level. Come on, Deputy Commander.”

In the training ground, various individuals showcased their martial prowess through duels. Some groups were praying or engaging in unique training exercises. Clearly, while this was called a Knights’ Order, it appeared that the Special Mission Team consisted of not just knights but individuals from other professions too.

Explaining the setup was Diolia, who seemed to have adapted to the Knights fairly well. Maintaining focus as not to interrupt their training, she outlined the strengths of the Knights before us.

“Over here are the knights and wizards, while in that area are the rangers and battle priests. Generally, they train in different ways, but we plan to implement more integrated training sessions to enhance unity within the Knights’ Order.”

“Battle priests, not regular priests, right?”

“There are ordinary priests, but given that the Special Mission Team will be stepping into the Demonic Realm right from our first mission, Ainel likely assigned primarily battle priests considering this aspect.”

Battle priests.

Previously during conflicts with the Count’s House, they were the ones healing allies while smashing monsters into a pulp with their bludgeoning skills.

Their impressive healing and simple yet powerful blunt techniques, combined with the courage required to wield them, certainly made battle priests reassuring allies.

Thus, we surveyed the training grounds led by the battle priests.

“Indeed, the largest groups are the knights and rangers, followed by the wizards, with the priests being the fewest. They’ve been assembled from particularly promising or skilled members of the Count’s House, so their individual abilities are more than sufficient.”

“It seems the power concentrated solely in the Knights is rather overwhelming. Diolia, has anyone voiced concerns regarding the selection of the Knights’ members?”

The gathering of these human weapons, surpassing even Shione and me, certainly held enough power to exert significant pressure on most barons and viscounts.

Although Siabel, as the newly designated head, might be able to manage, delegating authority to Shione amid such a formidable group still felt a bit off.

However, Diolia shook her head without hesitation.

“No, there hasn’t been any. They couldn’t possibly voice anything. The retainers who discussed the creation of the Knights must have informed the head of the family regarding the purpose behind establishing this Knights’ Order.”

The purpose of creation.

For the Count’s House to venture into the western expanse, they must spare no support.

Time slipped by, and as training concluded, everyone finally noticed Shione and me.

Boom─!

As they stamped their feet in unison and saluted, Shione and I accepted the salute. Even during what should have been a blissful break, they remained stiffly watching us with disciplined gazes.

“Princess Shione. Please stand before them and announce our first mission.”

Following Diolia’s suggestion, Shione slowly stepped forward, while I, as the commander and deputy, followed behind her.

“Mother has tasked the Knights’ Order with our first mission.”

All eyes fell on us. The first mission. It was a matter of determining the Knights’ first success and their image.

“There is but one reason for the establishment of the Knights’ Order. To pioneer the cursed lands of mana. Our first mission is to scout and explore the entrance to the western Demonic Realm, which will become the cornerstone for this objective.”

While some knights were fueled with excitement over this unforeseen task, others exhibited signs of confusion and unease.

“There’s no need to be fearful. Those who will stand by your side include not just me, but also the commander who has been thwarting demons alongside me until now and the deputy commander. I assume the commander has already spoken with you. I will introduce you to your deputy commander from now on.”

Seeing their reactions, Shione deftly passed the baton to me.

Just when I thought it would only be at times like this that I’d get called.

Feeling Diolia nudging me from behind, as I stepped forward, all the knights’ eyes were on me.

“Deputy Commander of the Special Mission Team, Reid.”

I still lacked a surname. It’s unfortunate, but as I had not been granted lands or a title yet.

However, there was no one in the kingdom who wouldn’t recognize me at this point.

To make it easier for them to accept my position as deputy commander, I decided to summon two spirits.

“Tania, Elvis. Hide your appearances and apply some pressure on those knights for me.”

While I could use my mana directly, nothing compared to the overwhelming pressure exerted by high-ranking spirits. Now that I had sufficient mana for summoning spirits and it was more efficient, I summoned them without hesitation.

Even if I concealed the spirits, I couldn’t hide the summoning reaction. A swirl of small flames and winds erupted around me, drawing everyone’s focus to my next words.

─Can we do it right now?

─Yeah, please.

─Got it!

The unique pressure of the spirits started to weigh down on the audience.

“……!”

“Moral…!”

Unless they were elves or rare spirit mages, they would be inexperienced in handling the essence of spirits.

Feeling the pressure stronger than expected, I watched as their faces contorted in surprise and shock while continuing my speech.

“If you don’t believe I’m fit for the position of deputy commander, feel free to challenge me anytime.”

Knights are like that.

Full of youthful vigor, swinging their swords with passion.

With a simple challenge honorably presented, establishing a friendly relationship shouldn’t be too difficult.

But for some reason—

“……?”

The knights were merely bowing their heads with expressions of respect and reverence.

After a somewhat awkward self-introduction, as Shione continued to rally their spirits regarding our first mission, I quietly backed away, confused. Diolia approached me.

“Deputy Commander, you don’t seem to have the best expression right now. What’s up?”

“I thought we could do some friendly duels and elevate the atmosphere, but their reaction was surprisingly unenthusiastic.”

“…I can’t tell what you’re thinking sometimes.”

Diolia let out a hearty laugh.

“Everyone here has seen you slaying demons from the castle walls. Who would challenge you for the deputy commander position?”

“Ah.”

“Don’t you see those knights looking tense? One wrong shot from your arrow means they’re finished. I was honestly worried I might lose the command position just now.”

Regardless, thanks to Diolia, I reflected on the earlier reaction and my approach to connecting with the knights, leading me to speak to the commander more casually.

“Then how about the atmosphere get lifted too? Would you like to face me in a duel on behalf of them, Commander?”

Diolia’s kind smile vanished in an instant. What remained were feelings of grievance, tension, and absurdity.

“Deputy Commander, you don’t really have a grudge against me, do you?”

“No, it’s just—”

“As tempting as the position of commander is…”

Diolia’s glum expression didn’t lift until the knights resumed their training, and she managed to get a little wind from Orna I summoned to cheer her up.

*

After the internal revelation about the Special Mission Team’s first mission was disclosed, Diolia and Ray became quite busy.

For the most part, Shione remained in a position of approval as she was updated on the progression, making things somewhat manageable. Recently, Ray, who had been at Shione’s side all the time, found himself often working separately.

With the Academy visit looming, there wouldn’t be much time to rest.

‘Ray looks rather tired lately—’

Shione sat alone, perched on her bed, swinging her legs deep in thought.

What could she do to relieve Ray’s fatigue? Deeply contemplating, Shione eventually trotted over to the bookshelf, giggling to herself, and suddenly flushed red as she dove back into her blanket, disappearing within it repeatedly.

“Ray did say he likes cute things. Hmm….”

Afterward, her face resurfaced from beneath the blankets, filled with a small resolution.

“Should I ask my sister to lend me her Academy uniform?”

 

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