Chapter 232: The Appeal of the Royal Guard
「Wait, so we can’t just go straight to Louise-sama? The mainland is practically right there!」
I found myself stuck between Clementine and Berenice, both of them complaining with exaggerated pouts. To be fair, from the harbor in Avana, you could practically see the mainland if you squinted.
So, yeah, I get why they’d be impatient about not being able to head to the battlefield immediately.
「Look, even if we’re close, there are logistical issues with the ships, you know? They can’t just set sail on a whim.」
「But what about the dragon knights? Can’t we just get one of them to fly us over?」
The young dragon knight, who had been asked to take a horse-bound knight as a passenger, grimaced with clear reluctance. Even the wyvern, obediently waiting in the town square in front of the town hall, looked unhappy about the suggestion. It was hard not to chuckle at the sight.
I doubt wyverns actually understand human speech, but maybe they’re perceptive enough to sense when they’re being asked to do something unreasonable. Wyverns that have been tamed lose their ability to breathe fire but become loyal to humans. In moments like these, they almost seem cute.
「Yeah, there’s no way that thing could carry two people and two horses. Even if it could, there’s still the issue of staying covert. Using dragon knights would risk drawing the enemy’s attention, so that’s out of the question.」
After all the chaos Ria and the others stirred up in Baal Province, the need for total secrecy had lessened somewhat. But using a conspicuous dragon to transport us to the mainland? That was a different story.
The demon army still believed that Damons and the other demon generals were steadily conquering the Antil Island. If they realized that our forces had crossed over from Antil, it would ruin everything. Seeing me getting overwhelmed by the two, Lyle-sensei, who had been giving detailed instructions to the scout-spies, decided to step in.
「The dragon knights are going to be used for reconnaissance in Baal Province, so I’m afraid we can’t spare them. You two will be crossing over with the spy-scout unit on tomorrow’s ferry. Besides, you’ll need time to adjust to the situation on the mainland. Please, take tonight to rest and regain your strength.」
Lyle-sensei’s words carried weight, and it seemed that even Clementine and Berenice couldn’t argue with him. They finally accepted that we would leave early the next morning.
That didn’t stop them from grumbling under their breath, though.
「We’re supposed to be out there making a name for ourselves already…」
「Don’t worry about it, Clementine. Why don’t you focus on that other mission Captain Marina gave you?」
「Huh? What other mission?」
「Don’t play dumb! You know, the one you’re especially good at—using that body of yours.」
Berenice teasingly wrapped her arms around Clementine from behind, her tone mischievous as she toyed with her companion. They were practically wrestling now, in a weirdly playful way.
I’ve fought alongside the militia often enough, but my interactions with the Royal Guard from Silesie have been rare. Most of the surviving officers, including Captain Marina, are women, and I’ve long had my suspicions about the atmosphere around them.
Turns out, I wasn’t imagining things—this group definitely gives off a… yuri vibe. Not that I’m complaining. If growing closer to each other boosts their morale, then that’s all for the better. Still, watching them get all touchy-feely does make me feel a bit awkward.
「I’m really not that good at it…」
「Oh really? Your body seems to know exactly what it’s doing, though.」
「Stop it, Berenice, cut it out!」
「Hehe, Clementine, you’re built like a dream. I’m jealous. With an asset like this, why aren’t you using it to your advantage with men?」
Berenice, the dark fairy dwarf who was groping Clementine’s body from behind, looked like a party girl on the outside but acted like a complete old man on the inside. It’s always the same—when women group up, there’s always one person like this, isn’t there?
「Use it…?」
「Come on, Clementine. Even the captain said that you should let King-sama use you. It’s all part of the job, so you get what I’m saying, right?」
I can’t follow this whole yuri atmosphere at all. After some whispering and muttering between the two of them, it seemed they finally reached an agreement, so I just let it go.
Louise, being a former knight commander, knows how to handle these kinds of knights, so even though these two seem a bit out of place, she’ll probably find a way to make them useful.
Since we had finalized the plans, I decided to leave. As I walked out of the town hall, Sherry, who had been giving out orders from under one of the tents, came running over and hugged me.
「Oniisama, are you done with work?」
「Yeah, the reports are all finished. Now, I was thinking of whipping up something to eat.」
Lyle-sensei seemed to be stuck in a rut and hadn’t been eating properly, so I thought I’d make something light but nourishing for him.
As Sherry and I were talking, Berenice and Clementine caught up from behind and called out to me.
「King-sama! King-sama!」
「What now? Didn’t we just settle everything?」
「No, no, not about that. We’re… huge fans of yours, King-sama!」
「What’s with this all of a sudden…?」
Berenice’s tone suddenly became cutesy as she started trying to flatter me. But nothing’s coming your way just because you butter me up.
Besides, until recently, you didn’t even know what I looked like.
「No, no, it’s not like that! We’re huge fans of your cooking, King-sama! We’ve heard that all the new dishes being served in the capital were invented by you. Since we’re here, I was hoping to try your food for myself!」
Even though Berenice kept calling me ‘King-sama’, I knew there was no point in correcting her, so I just let it slide and thought about her request for a moment.
I hadn’t called these two here, but they had traveled all the way to Abyss Continent and were risking their lives for the cause. Now that they were staying for the day, I figured the least I could do was cook them something they wanted to eat.
「Hmm… Berenice, what’s your favorite dish?」
「Strawberry crepes, apple crepes, raspberry crepes!」
「Crepes, huh. All crepes.」
So as long as I make crepes, she’ll be happy. While I was processing this, Clementine, who had been hiding behind Berenice, shyly spoke up.
「I-I like fluffy omelets…」
「Interesting. So you both like egg-based dishes.」
Taking their preferences into account, I went to the kitchen and decided to make guava crepes. Instead of the usual crepes, I added a generous amount of potato starch, along with eggs, sugar, and milk to make the batter thick and chewy.
I then filled the crepes with whipped cream and fresh guava from the island, and they were ready to serve.
「How is it?」
「It’s amazing, King-sama! The texture is so chewy and delicious!」
Berenice gushed as she took a huge bite, her face covered in cream.
Glad to hear it.
「The crepe’s texture is so smooth, and the balance between sweetness and tartness is perfect.」
Clementine said. She was elegantly cutting small pieces with her knife and fork, but her enthusiasm showed that she was enjoying it just as much.
Both of them seemed pleased with the meal, so I guess I did alright.
While I was feeding Berenice and Clementine their crepes, I couldn’t help but notice that the slave girls were in a bit of a huff. Sherry, in particular, puffed up her cheeks and complained.
「What’s with those two? They’re new here, and yet they’re acting all cozy with you, oniisama. We were the ones who helped you make the crepes, you know?」
「They’re just guests for today, so try not to hold it against them. Besides, I made sure there’s plenty for you as well.」
Despite their grumbling, Sherry and the others happily devoured their portions. After a few rounds of making crepes, I was finally getting the hang of it.
The sweet aroma was irresistible, and after tasting one myself, I knew it was good enough to serve to Lyle-sensei. What Berenice and the others had been eating were actually test batches. It takes a few tries to get the proportions just right. My plan was to have them taste the samples and then bring the perfected version to Lyle-sensei. Of course, I wasn’t going to mention that part.
「Colette, can I leave the rest to you?」
「Of course! I’ll continue making the omelets, right?」
As expected of Colette, she understood exactly what was needed. Clementine had requested them, after all. Leaving Colette in charge in the kitchen, I packed up Lyle-sensei’s portion and left the inn.
「You guys can take your time and enjoy your food. I’m just going to deliver some to sensei.」
Carrying the guava crepes, I headed back to the town hall. As expected, sensei was still deep in her work, scribbling away at some documents. Though she was engrossed in her task, she paused when she saw the plate of crepes I brought with me.
「Ah, if Takeru-dono himself has gone to the trouble of bringing this, I suppose I have no choice but to indulge.」
「What do you think? I made the crepes using potato starch, the same ingredient used in kudzu. I heard you’re fond of chewy textures, so I thought this might suit your tastes.」
After taking a small bite, sensei chuckled.
「The texture is delightful—nice and chewy. Sweet treats like this are perfect for restoring energy.」
I was relieved. For someone who uses their brain as much as Lyle-sensei does, a bit of sweetness should be just what the doctor ordered. The gentle acidity of the guava would also help with fatigue.
Sensing that sensei might want a drink to go with his snack, I brewed him some tea and took a seat, joining him for a short break.
「Is this upcoming battle really that complicated, sensei?」
「Hmm, so you’ve noticed my unease?」
Lyle-sensei always projects an air of confidence, as if he has every move perfectly calculated. But that’s part of being a strategist—showing uncertainty can cause others to lose confidence. Even though he tries to hide it, I can tell when something is bothering him. His intense focus on gathering and analyzing information is usually a sign that he’s concerned about something.
「We’ve known each other a long time, after all.」
「You’re quite perceptive, Takeru-dono.」
「I may not be able to provide answers, but I can at least lend an ear if you need to talk.」
「Very well. My greatest concern right now is that we have no clear understanding of the enemy’s intentions.」
「Their intentions?」
Sensei nodded gravely.
「I’ve gathered every scrap of intelligence and reviewed the actions of the demonic army up until now, but I can’t seem to grasp the mindset of their leader, the Great Demon King Ifriil. His strategy appears to be simple: empower his subordinates with mighty beasts and send them off to conquer. That’s it.」
To demonstrate, Lyle-sensei tossed a few game pieces onto the map of the Abyss Continent spread before him, showing the randomness of Ifriil’s tactics. It was a very haphazard, almost careless approach.
「Sounds like he might just be lazy.」
「It’s hard to say, given that we know little about demons. But this is the first time in a thousand years that anyone has attempted to conquer the Abyss Continent. Can such a monumental task really be undertaken with such a lackadaisical approach? Even his officer, Demon General Damons, hasn’t received any reports from Ifriil regarding the conquest of Antil Island. His leadership is shockingly hands-off.」
「That’s convenient for us, but it makes me suspicious.」
「Exactly. It’s as if he’s deliberately lowering our guard, which makes me question what’s truly going on behind the scenes.」
The Great Demon King Ifriil shows no sign of his intentions, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
It’s no wonder that sensei is growing suspicious.
「Is he truly a mastermind beyond our comprehension, or just a child wielding immense power carelessly? I can’t grasp what he’s thinking at all. Takeru-dono, what do you think?」
「Hmm, maybe… Ifriil doesn’t actually care about conquering the Abyss Continent?」
Sensei looked startled by my words.
「Conquering doesn’t matter to him…? No, if we say that, it wouldn’t explain why the Great Demon King started this massive war in the first place.」
「Well, what if conquering isn’t his real goal? Maybe this war has another purpose entirely. That would explain why he’s so hands-off about it.」
The Demon Army seems focused on the complete domination of the Abyss Continent, but perhaps the Great Demon King has something far more important on his mind.
According to Damons and the others, Great Demon King Ifriil has spoken about destroying the goddess Asama and returning this harsh fantasy world to its original form, before the Holy Creation.
It seems like the goal of conquering the Abyss Continent aligns with that, but maybe it doesn’t really connect. I’ve seen this kind of pattern in stories before.
「So, what could be his real goal?」
「Perhaps creating stronger monsters to defeat Asama is the true objective. The invasions of other nations could just be necessary steps to create new beasts.」
Though honestly, I can’t imagine a beast powerful enough to defeat Asama, who can only appear through a saintess. Maybe if he summoned hordes of ancient beings or manifested the Mother of Chaos herself… but even then, I doubt it.
If something like that were possible, it would bring about the world’s end. And if that happened, the demon race, with power only on par with humans, would be wiped out in an instant.
I don’t really understand the conditions for how Great Demon King Ifriil creates these beasts, but it feels like there’s a hidden reason behind the sudden expansion of the warfront.
「So, creating monsters is the real goal… That’s one way to look at it.」
「You mentioned before, sensei, that the rapid evolution of these monsters is a real threat. You said we need to defeat them as soon as possible, right?」
「Indeed, I did say that. But if your theory holds, the cause and effect may be reversed. As always, Takeru-dono, you have a broad perspective.」
「Broad perspective, huh?」
Sensei says that to me sometimes, but I’m never really sure what he means.
「Yes… I may have been too focused on the immediate war to see the bigger picture. Even within the Demon Army, very few know how these beasts are being created.」
「So it’s a secret, even within the Demon Army?」
「Yes, there must be something more to it. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind as I reassess the enemy’s intentions.」
Sensei looked a bit more at ease after finishing the tea I brewed. It felt good to know I’d helped lighten his burden.
I’m still curious though—what exactly is the elusive Great Demon King Ifriil planning?
※※※
「King-sama, King-sama!」
「What is it, Berenice?」
This black-skinned gyaru—or rather, this dark fairy dwarf—really is overly familiar. Even after we finished eating, she kept sticking close and talking to me.
「I heard there’s a huge bath with a waterfall on this island, isn’t there?」
「Yeah, there is.」
In the evening and into the night, Roll always makes sure that the bath is ready whenever we need it.
However, despite both being dark fairy dwarves, Roll—who’s innocent and adorable—and Berenice, who’s more bubbly and gyaru-like, are completely different.
As she presses her rather ample chest against my arm, I can’t help but wonder what she’s up to.
「We want to bathe too. Would you guide us?」
「Well, alright.」
At this time, the bath should be ready. As Berenice pulls me along eagerly, I find myself being led to the bathhouse.
Following behind us quietly is Clementine. These two act like they don’t know where the bathhouse is, but I’m sure they do.
「King-sama, King-sama! Why don’t we all bathe together? We can wash your back for you.」
「What’s gotten into you, Berenice?」
This sudden closeness feels strange. Not long ago, you were both embarrassed and shy about this kind of thing.
「Well, to be honest, this is part of our mission.」
「Mission?」
「Our main task is to assist Louise-sama, but we’ve also been told by Captain Marina and Commander Jill to ‘show the king how great the royal guards are’.」
「That… doesn’t seem like the right way to do it.」
「It’s not entirely wrong! They said the best way to bond with the king is to bathe together. By washing your back, we can get closer and have more relaxed conversations with you.」
「…It’s sad how that’s not entirely untrue.」
I see now. They’re just trying to carry out their orders, which is why they’ve been so eager to serve me.
It makes sense why they’ve been acting so clingy and flattering.
「It would’ve been ideal to go straight to assist Louise-sama, but since we can’t, we’ve got to fulfill this mission instead.」
「Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s really what they meant by ‘mission’, but okay…」
Given that they’ve been stuck on this island at my request, it’s hard to refuse Berenice’s suggestion. And so, I reluctantly let them wash my back.
I’ve done this before, so it’s not like it bothers me anymore. I’ll let them get it over with and say I’m satisfied.
I haven’t intentionally favored the volunteer army over the knights, but it’s possible it ended up that way because the volunteer forces I personally trained are easier to command.
Even though it feels odd to do this in the bathhouse, this might be a good chance to get closer to the knights too.
「Now, King-sama. Please feel free to use us as you wish.」
「Even if you say that…」
Though we’re bathing together, both of them have towels wrapped around their bodies, of course.
Thanks to Kaara’s thoughtful preparation, the changing rooms are separated by gender, which is a relief.
However, for some reason, the bath itself is mixed, despite the separated changing areas. That’s one of the peculiar mysteries of this bathhouse.
「Clementine, come on. You should serve King-sama too.」
「Huh? Kyaaah!」
In an instant, Berenice snatched away Clementine’s towel. Both Clementine and I were left stunned.
「Haha, Clementine, don’t be rude to King-sama! You have to do your duty!」
「Stop joking around, Berenice! If you want to serve, do it yourself. Now give me my towel back!」
Clementine, her pale skin flushed all the way to her shoulders, desperately tries to cover her chest with her hands while begging for her towel. But Berenice, being mischievous, teasingly waves it around, refusing to return it.
「Why would King-sama be interested in my scrawny body anyway? Clementine, on the other hand, has those big assets. You might as well make good use of them—they won’t disappear or anything!」
「Disappear? They will disappear! Please don’t stare at me, my chances of marriage will be ruined!」
No, I’m not staring. I’m just worried about Berenice doing something reckless.
Isn’t it dangerous to be this rowdy in a bathhouse? Compared to the slow-moving Clementine, Berenice is quick and agile, taunting her with the white towel, darting from left to right.
Clementine’s golden drills and curvy figure bounce all over the place. It’s like watching a bullfight…
Oh, wait—Clementine has a mole on her butt. I’d better not mention it; she’d probably die of embarrassment.
Now, what am I supposed to do here? I guess I’ll just wash up and get into the bath.
「Hey! King-sama! Why are you trying to wash yourself on your own?」
「Do I need permission to wash?」
I’ve been left out of whatever ‘service’ this is supposed to be. Finally, Clementine snatches back her towel.
「I’ll never be able to get married now…」
「Oops, I guess I went a bit too far since Clementine’s so incompetent. Don’t worry, King. I’ll wash your back for you!」
I don’t mind, but…
Clementine, sitting down in shock, mutters to herself, ‘Incompetent… Me, from the prestigious Mancine family… Incompetent…’
Is she going to be alright?
「What kind of service is this supposed to be?」
「Why, it’s a bonding experience with you, King-sama! I heard that Suzanne and Claudia, the captains of the volunteer cavalry, rose to their ranks through naked bonding like this.」
As Berenice lathers soap onto her hands and begins washing my back, she casually brings this up.
「That has nothing to do with their promotions. How do you know about Suzanne and the others?」
Have stories about my former slave girls spread around like that?
「The Royal Guard and the Volunteer Cavalry often train together. Those two are so full of themselves, even though they’re younger. Elite b*tches.」
「So you see them as rivals, huh?」
Those two, once just daughters of soldiers, have now risen so far that they’re called elites by knights.
「If I were by Louise-sama’s side and served as your guard, I’d be a captain in no time… Oh, I just had a great idea, King-sama! How about you promote Clementine and me to your personal guard knights?」
「No way. What about your mission to assist Louise?」
The last thing I need is these two as my personal guards.
They must be skilled enough if Jill endorsed them so strongly, so they don’t need to suck up to me to get promoted.
「That’s a separate matter. Come on, King-sama, wouldn’t it be nice? I’ve got way more adult appeal than those newly grown-up brats. You haven’t tried a dark fairy dwarf woman yet, have you?」
「T-Tried? What do you mean by tried?」
Her whisper in my ear sends my heart racing.
「Oh, King-sama, don’t think anything lewd! I meant trying us out as guard knights!」
She laughs loudly and playfully slaps my back.
You’re the one with the dirty mind, Berenice. You’re practically an old man on the inside.
「You’re really difficult to deal with.」
「Well, if King-sama is seeking something more erotic, I wouldn’t be opposed… though I’m not that confident in my body or experience. But as royal guards, we’ve sworn to dedicate ourselves to the kingdom.」
「I feel like that’s not the right kind of dedication…」
I’m starting to understand Berenice’s character—she’s just messing around most of the time.
After finishing washing my back, I was about to get into the bath when Clementine suddenly stood up in front of us, feet planted like a statue.
「I am a proud member of the Royal Guard. The Mancine Viscount family, since its founder, the one known as the ‘Holy Lance’, Rodriguez Vienne Mancine, has upheld the honor of our kingdom for eighteen generations. As such, I too have pledged my body to the Holy Lance.」
Her golden drills shimmered, damp from the bathwater, and her eyes, like burning gold, pierced me with intense determination. She stood there, radiating noble dignity, as if ready to challenge me to a duel.
What is she planning?
「Clementine, what’s gotten into you?」
「Yeah, Clementine, what are you doing?」
Without warning, Clementine tore off her towel. Her face turned beet red, and her thighs trembled as she exposed her healthy, well-formed body to us.
「I am a daughter of the Mancine family! This is nothing! Forgive me, Father, for bringing disgrace upon our name! I have resigned myself to never marrying!」
Is she insane?!
Upon closer inspection, I realized her body was covered in soapy bubbles. When did she hide all that under her towel?
This girl… she’s crafty!
Before I knew it, Clementine threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace. No, it wasn’t an embrace—it was a chokehold! Way too intense! I tried to break free, but the slippery soap made her grip impossible to shake off.
My spine groaned in protest.
「Urgh!」
「Clementine! It was a joke! A joke!」
Berenice, did you teach her some kind of wrestling move or what? What is this chokehold?!
No matter how hard I tried to free my arm, the soap made everything slippery, and instead of escaping, her grip tightened. What is this? Turkish oil wrestling?
Even with all my strength as a hero, I couldn’t break free. Clementine, you’re seriously impressive.
「Clementine Mancine, First Lance of the Royal Guard, stands ready! Prepare yourself, my King…」
「Prepare myself for what?!」
「Clementine, let go of King-sama! Oh no! Stay with us, King-sama!」
Apparently, teasing overly serious people too much is a bad idea. Having misinterpreted the situation completely, Clementine showed me her overwhelming strength firsthand.
※※※
The next morning, I stood at the docks to see Clementine and Berenice off as they boarded the ship headed for the mainland. Clementine had been apologizing profusely since yesterday.
「King-sama, I sincerely apologize for my grave misunderstanding and the disrespect I showed you… I just want to disappear.」
「Don’t worry too much about it. If anyone’s at fault, it’s Berenice.」
Honestly, Clementine was more of a victim here, so I sympathized with her. It was all because of Berenice’s dumb jokes that we ended up in that mess.
「I’m really sorry! I didn’t think Clementine would take things that far… she’s such a fool.」
「As long as you’ve learned your lesson, Berenice. Don’t tease people too much, okay? And try not to cause too much trouble for Louise.」
Despite this duo’s oddities, they’re skilled cavalrywomen. If they can serve Louise well, I’ll be satisfied. They’re just not the most adaptable pair, though.
Honestly, I’m relieved they’re heading off to Louise. I’ve done all I can by having them change into less conspicuous outfits for the journey. Now, it’s up to Louise, their commander on-site, to manage them.