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The Great Demon Tribe Special Mission Knight Order is filled with individuals who seem to have lost a screw or two. Most of the members of the Special Mission Team willingly step into the Demonic Realm, teeming with filthy and violent monsters, clueless about the value of their lives as they charge into battle and yell for honor.

Originally, the most insane unit of the Count’s House was the Mid-Armored Cavalry Corps, previously commanded by Diolia. They were renowned for their synchronously battling roars as they charged head-on into the enemies, lancing them through while racing back to our lines. Their exceptional skills earned them the nickname “crazy ones who love to dance on the edge of life and death.”

But nowadays, our Special Mission Team is frequently intoxicated by the thrill of exploration and development. They are known to shout things like, “I want to take a stroll in the Demonic Realm!” whenever they get a moment with other units.

“I hear even the soldiers from the Mid-Armored Cavalry Corps are falling behind our Special Mission Team lately.”

The pride of being part of a Special Mission Team composed of the Count’s finest soldiers is evidently apparent.

And with our initial successes in that notorious Demonic Realm from the first mission, our noses have risen sky-high.

For a time, I thought nobody could dampen the spirit of our knight order.

“Where did those cheerful faces go? They’ve all frozen up.”

As I caught the charismatic gaze of the Princess sweeping across them without any prior notice…

Our knights, who hadn’t flinched even before those terrifying ogres, quickly tucked their tails between their legs.

“Well, it’s the Princess Adelhaite we’re talking about. What can you expect?”

Previously, the demeanor she bore was more like an old maid, observing everything about herself. But now, her enlightened gaze shone with a vibrant life and a distinct self-awareness that were incomparable to before.

Her innate grace and composure appeared unique enough to be unobtainable, or easily imitated.

“Is she really a born ruler?”

Or perhaps her evolution sprouted from avoiding her fatal destiny and forging a new path.

Even at her coming-of-age ceremony, Adelhaite expressed a potent presence, but her current charisma is nearly unmatchable.

With her powerful ability to captivate, she embodies the perfect profile for the next monarch of the kingdom. The kingdom’s loyal subjects would likely welcome her as a noble lady destined to become a wise ruler, as long as she doesn’t fall into depravity.

The issue is—

“Why does she keep staring at me like that…?”

Thanks to the gaze of that remarkable being lingering on me, dozens of other gazes following her seemed to gravitate towards me as well.

Furthermore, Adelhaite’s eyes, now slit like a serpent, were focused sharply upon me, almost as if she were trying to discern my very essence after a long absence.

With the Princess staring directly at me, I couldn’t just hold my head high stubbornly. I lowered my head immediately, presenting my crown as a sign of submission.

“Ainel, Count’s Warden, just as I’ve heard, the standards of the knight order for exploring the Demonic Realm are exceedingly high. They could rival even our royal Elite Guard.”

“How could a mere Count’s knight order compare to the royal Elite Guard? I am simply elated to hear such words from Your Highness.”

“There’s no need to be so humble. Count’s Warden, didn’t you volunteer to have the knight order assessed right upon arriving at the Count’s House upon my insistence?”

“No, not at all. It’s merely proper etiquette for me, as a servant to the kingdom, to introduce you to the knight order stationed at the annex prepared for Your Highness.”

“The royal family highly appreciates the efforts of the Count’s House. Although it is known as the Demonic Realm these days… that place is where the kingdom’s peak cities and war history lay to rest, is it not? Legislation to support your endeavors will soon pass through the royal family.”

As I quietly listened, it seemed our Head of the Family, Ainel, was not alone in having a keen interest in developing the Demonic Realm; the high-ranking officials discussing national matters were equally interested.

Moreover, rather than having a discussion in the main building, it seemed we’d agreed to first take a break. Following the Princess’s wishes, it appeared that we were headed toward her quarters, taking longer routes that passed near the Special Mission Team.

Consequently, our knights were put in the awkward position of being under the scrutiny of many pairs of eyes.

“By the way… I see a familiar face in this knight order. Considering I owe him a debt alongside Young Lady Shione, I believe it would be nice to exchange a short greeting.”

Now, Adelhaite even completely turned her body to face me, openly addressing me.

Behind her stood the cute, wide-eyed Shione, blinking adorably at me, appearing almost pitiable.

Beyond her—

“Count’s Warden, I apologize, but could you spare a moment?”

Looks like she’s not particularly interested in greeting our handsome captain but rather the Deputy Commander who’s lurking in the back shooting arrows.

Realizing that the Princess meant for me as she called out, Ainel gave me a quick, urging glance.

It was the Princess’s words, after all. How could I refuse?

Stepping forward, Adelhaite walked sweetly toward me.

In front of her, I made a courteous bow.

“Long time no see, Ray. You not only saved my life last time but has also become the Deputy Commander of the knight order. Congratulations.”

“I owe my rise to this position to the Count’s House and the kingdom’s excellent values regarding merit and ability.”

“I’m glad you seem to be doing well. Your formality has elevated since before; I think our conversations will now be far more interesting.”

From Adelhaite’s voice, I could sense her enjoyment.

“Together with my repayment for the academy, I’ve prepared an amusing tale for you. You may look forward to it.”

And then, I could pick up on the source of that joy.

“And… I too am looking forward to getting the answer to that question you posed the last time we spoke.”

The Princess had asked me once before.

How did I twist the fate of the world set in stone?

At the time, I had avoided answering, and she seemed to have cherished the embers of curiosity regarding that question all the while.

Meanwhile, Adelhaite suddenly raised her mana, snapping her fingers in a lively manner. In an instant, all sounds except for hers and mine faded away.

‘Is this sound-blocking magic?’

This means not just the outer noise is blocked but also the inner sounds that would escape.

Seeing her handle magic so effortlessly, it seems the legend regarding the royal bloodline inheriting the Dragon’s blood isn’t simply a story.

With a calm smile, Adelhaite began speaking.

“Also, from the very moment you came to be involved with the academy, the destiny of the North began to twist quite neatly in my sight…”

That was an answer long delayed; she clearly was not going to defer a second time.

While her smile remained, her eyes now reflected a depth of insight, zeroing in on me.

“I, Adelhaite, earnestly look forward to truly receiving that previous question.”

She said this and snapped her fingers once again, lifting the magic.

And with her parting words, the Princess and her entourage disappeared into the throngs of people.

Like the wind, she appeared with solemn ambition, leaving once more.

‘Hiding from the Princess is going to be tough from now on.’

It seems the Princess has grasped enough to suspect the quests tearing apart the world as part of this status window.

While thinking about how I would converse with her alongside Shione, Diolia approached me quietly.

“Deputy Commander, the Princess expressed her concern for you, so why the gloomy face? Did you hear some bad news? Cheer up! You’re the finest archer supported by our Head of the Family and our knight order.”

Diolia’s pat on my back was refreshing.

It was an honorable moment to have had a private conversation with none other than the Princess. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wise to show a powerless expression in front of my deputy or the knights.

With her exaggerated gestures, I put aside my heavy thoughts and opened my mouth.

“Bad news? No, it’s just about the forthcoming rewards at the academy. I was overwhelmed, you see, overwhelmed.”

“Is that so? Then, I’m glad.”

Diolia chuckled heartily.

Thus, regaining my enthusiasm to lead our knight order, even those who were worried about my serious demeanor somewhat let go of their tensions. After everyone once again dove into training.

I leaned toward Diolia and whispered so only she could hear.

“Diolia, there’s something I’d like to talk about…”

“What’s the matter? Is it something we should discuss in secret?”

In tune with the atmosphere, Diolia began to respond in a hushed tone.

“I’m talking about earlier. Would you care to share what the Princess mentioned to you?”

Suddenly, Diolia’s expression hardened, clearly establishing the boundary between us.

“No, let’s not.”

“You were curious until a moment ago—”

“I adjusted myself for the knights not to worry, but you were way too serious back there. Those soldiers might not know, but I certainly do.”

“……”

“And whenever you wear that expression, there’s always a sound reason behind it, and since it likely involves the Princess, listening won’t help, nor will it be beneficial to get involved in all this.”

Quick-witted Diolia.

Although I had initially meant to tease with this remark, her words rang true.

I couldn’t help but feel that the bond we had built was merely to this extent.

“…If I get involved in complex discussions, it could become difficult for even me.”

“Captain…?”

“Deputy Commander, or rather Ray. I haven’t even held a man’s hand yet.”

“……”

“If things get any more complicated than this, there’ll be even more to deal with. At this rate, I fear I might die as an old maid.”

With her ongoing monologue, I could only apologize profusely.

*

“Thank you for your hard work, Aheira. So, how is Young Lady Shione doing at the fort?”

At the head maid’s question, Aheira Feldart fell momentarily silent.

It was a promise she made with Shione. Keeping an eye on her movements from the closest position possible and reporting any strange happenings or unusual situations right away.

Though they had agreed to give a decent sum for every noteworthy report…

‘In the garden—’

Aheira felt a gentle sense of rejection at the thought of bringing up a time when Shione had thoroughly absorbed her.

It seems being asked to relate that to the head maid was triggering a subtle aversion in her.

“…She is merely busy preparing to welcome Your Highness, and nothing unusual has occurred.”

For the first time, she stepped back somewhat from her agreement with the head maid.

 

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