Iris's point of view...




So that's what I hear about your world, knight: ......

　The great hall of the Ilgafa lord's house.

　Iris, who had been asked to attend the morning tea party, was talking with the knight Galungara.

　Across the table, a short distance away, with Aine waiting in between.

　Of course, in the pocket of her maid's uniform, she has a ragged elephant rag cut for ease of use. I'm ready to stun the people around me and leave this place. Of course, it's just in case.

When it's qualification season, the ghost of a knight appears to test the thoughts of those who aspire to knighthood. ......?

　Iris mumbled as she chewed on the information she had just gotten.

''Please don't tell anyone, please don't tell anyone. If they find out about Ghost, the naive knight candidates will be intimidated!

　Galungara opened his mouth wide and laughed.

'But, Galungara-sama. According to what I heard earlier, ordinary travellers can be targets.

Rarely.

　Knight Galungara stroked his long beard.

'It is said that ghosts are attracted to the examination papers of knight candidates and the light of their loyalty.
　There is no one who is loyal enough to attract the ghosts, let alone the examination papers. If there are any, it is only slaves who are willing to give their lives to their masters.

There are no such things?

Well, at least I haven't seen it myself!

...... Goodbye.

　Iris looked over at Aine.

　Aine looked around the great hall, pretending to offer her tea. The movement of people. The arrangement of things. The 'big sister' is observing everything, trying to find the quickest course to get out of here.

　Iris made sure that Aine nodded and stepped away from the former knight Galungara.

'Really just a rumor, is it?'

　It was time to go.

''My master asked around - no, I heard from my acquaintances that there were actually some knight candidates who were severely injured and couldn't come to the exam?

I don't know. I don't know.

　Bored with the story, Galungara yawns and replies.

'Even if the story of the knight's ghost is true, it's internal to the knight. Both of us have only overcome difficulties and increased our sense of unity....... That's probably the only story of those who have been defeated....... That's probably the only story. I don't know. It's just a rumor. ......

Thank you for your valuable talk. Please enjoy your tea party.

　Iris pinches the hem of her dress and bows.

　She doesn't wait for Galungara's reply, but leaves the hall with Aine.

　I've already backed up the story. It's information from Royeld, the candidate for the next lord.

　He and former knight Galungara have been friends for a long time. Besides, Royeld is still young and polite to the 'Sea Dragon Priestess'. When Iris spoke to him, he was happy to oblige.

　From small talk to knightly talk.

　Without seeming to notice Iris's manipulations, Royeld told me everything he knew.

　Before coming to this Ilgafa town, former knights like Galungara had held some kind of ceremony.

　And that a wizard was present at the ceremony.

　That Galungara and his friends were buying up old knight's armor.

　It's not confirmed, but it's enough to support the knight's ghosting.

'But Lady Rita is the natural enemy of the Ghosts.

Rita's 'sacred power' can make it go away with just a touch.

Iris helped me the first time I met her, too.

Nay-kun's magic sword, Leggy-san, is also a magical weapon. It's effective against ghosts.

I hope you have nothing to worry about.

Yes, I am. I'm totally fine.

............

............

　Iris and Aine looked at each other.

　And then...



""──────!!!



　He ran straight out of the lord's house, regardless of what people thought.

'Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage), Revised' is still out of range. It's not enough time to summon the flying dragon Garfe.

　Besides, I've heard some strange stories from Royeld.

　The former knight Galungara had said that. We got some pretty old material this year. He said that there might be some strange things coming up.

'Let's go. Lady Aine!

'I know. Mr. Raphilia is getting the carriage ready for us!　

I made the dummies Iris and Aine in "Illusionary Space".

　I used the same excuse as last time, so they should be able to keep it until dinner.

　I'm going to the place where "consciousness sharing and modification" can be understood by all means.

　I'm coming. Brother.....

　Iris and Aine ran off to Nagi's house where Rafilia was waiting for them.









The point of view of Nagi.




It's not a ghost!　Who are you?!

　Ta-da!

　The black knight's arm caught Rita's fist.

　The knight launches his spear directly at Rita. Rita dodged it with a paperweight and this time sent a kick to the neck of the knight.

The knight only knocked down his helmet even though he received a kick that was enhanced (enchanted) by the "Divine Power Seizure 《Shinsei Rikku Shoukaku》.

　If there was a human inside, in a direction that couldn't be bent. Ugh.

'Rita, come back!　I'll cover you!

All right, master!
　Rita kicks the perverted knight's horse and flies backwards with her momentum.

　The horse keeps running like it's been rubbed down. It's wearing armor like a war horse, shaking its head and moving its legs frantically. It doesn't falter even when it's kicked by Rita.

'Good. To the smell of a potential knight ...... is this the light of loyalty!　'You are fit to be my partner!'

　The perverted knight waved his arms at the carriage.

'Nagi!　Avoid!

Activate.　"Jiu-Sui Sword Art Lv 1!

　I thrust my magic sword, Leggy, out of the carriage.

　Automatically, the sword blade whirled around and swept away the flying dagger.

'Thanks, Reggie!'

"Oh. But he's annoying. That perverted knight!

　Absolutely.

Jiu-Jui Kenjutsu can be swept aside with a sword. It doesn't matter if it's a flying tool or not. But it's the sixth time I've passed his dagger away. That's a perverted knight's flying tool, but I don't even know if there's a limit to how many there are.

　I just want him to go away for good, totally.

'──can't you shake it off? ......

　I looked behind me. While fighting Rita, the perverted knight follows the carriage perfectly.

　The speed is too different between a carriage and a horseman.

　That guy ran straight down the rocky mountain and chased the carriage. There was no question. The letter from Iris helped me to recognize him as an 'enemy'. The reason I was able to escape was because of that.

　But I can't just take him to Irgapha.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. I'm going to have to use magic to stop him.

'Yes, Mr. Nagi!　"Flaming arrows... 'Fureimu, no!'

　Leaning out of the carriage, Cecil releases his magic.

''──Mmmm!

　But the perverted knight easily dodged the Arrow of Fire.

　He was controlling the horse with one hand and chasing us while meandering. Even so, there was a chance for Rita to escape.

''Report. Master!''

　Rita comes back to the carriage and kneels down in front of me.

'He's not undead, at least he's not undead. And it's not like the living mail we fought before. There was nothing inside.

You mean the armor itself is moving on its own?

Yeah. He said, 'The light of your loyalty is great. It's worthy of my fight.'

　What's that?

He laughed and said, 'The light of loyalty that the knights of today have lost. The light of loyalty that modern knights have lost, and the unexpected happiness of being able to fight against those who have it,' he laughed.

　A modern-day knight ......?

　So, does that perverted stalker knight still have a type of knight?　Not a monster?

Mr. Cutlass. Do you have any idea who he is?

　When I ask, Cutlass-san jolts back with a jolt.

　He's hunched over, clutching his knighthood examination ticket.

I don't know, sir. I've given up on the knight's exam. It's not a good idea to be chased by a perverted knight. But ...... if it's my fault, then ...... this kind of thing──!

　Mr. Cutlass threw down the examination papers from the carriage.

　The hoof of the knight's horse, which had been chasing him, trampled it down with a bang.

'Now there will be no complaints!　I've already chosen a different path from the knight!　Please go away!

　Mr. Cutlass looked like he was about to cry and scream.

　But the perverted knight doesn't stop.

　He's galloping his horse towards us while looking straight at the carriage.

''Rita, is there any sign of other enemies around?''

No. I'm pretty sure he's working by himself.

All right. Then we'll ban the cheat. Cecil, go for it!

Yes. Nagi-sama!

　From the floor of the carriage, Cecil takes out a staff wrapped in cloth.

　The crimson staff - the "True Holy Wand Noielut" personalized for Cecil. At the same time, I take Cecil in my arms and place him on my lap.

　The position is right by the door of the carriage. I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what to expect.

......So, then ...... please ...... Nagi-sama.

Yes, sir. Let's merge. Cecil.

　I put my hand on Cecil's chest.

　Cecil's body sits perfectly in my arms. It's as if that's where she's at.

　Taking a deep breath, Cecil has his back to me. The warmth that comes through my clothes is very hot, and my heart starts to beat faster as I touch it.

　My fingers are moving in small circles on Cecil's chest.

　Cecil may not realize it, but I actually adjust the position of my hands and fingers every time we merge, and study the best way to make the best connection. Where the magic power can pass through most easily and Cecile can feel fluffy.

　This time, I'm going to place the center of my hand at the center of my palm - the center of Cecil's chest - where he pushes back a little bit - here?

　Slowly wrapping it up, he began to supply magic power - and then.

''...... n ............ is ......-uh.

　Cecil arched his eyebrows a bit impatiently and...

　Then he activated the spell he was 'double-casting'.



''I'm going!　The Ancient Language Magic Flame Arrow - A Range Expanded Version (Wide Shot) ────


　Whew!

　Crimson magicians emerged on either side of the carriage.

　Normally, there would only be one behind Cecil. But this time there were four. Two to the right of the carriage. Two to the left of the carriage.

　An optional turret on the left and right of the carriage - four magic circles are appearing on the left and right of the carriage.

　This is the power of the staff that controls compression and expansion, the True Sacred Wand Noel Root.

Ikima────s!

　Ziddo dooddooddooddo!

　The sound of firing, echoing through the streets.

　If you look straight up, it should look like the carriage has turrets on either side of it, with bullets flying out of them. Flaming arrows spread across the entire street. A ranged attack with no way to escape.

　The strategy is simple.

　If the perverted knight avoids magic with his footwork, then we can eliminate the area.

　That's all.

The True Sacred Wand Noielut expands the area of effect, and the flaming arrows are spread out all over the road. You can't possibly avoid this...

"Whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa!

　"Ggggghhhhhh!





　Do do do do do do do do do do do



　A large number of "flaming arrows" land on the perverted knight and the black horse. The enemy's movement stops.

Cecil!　Adjust the range. Focus the 'flaming arrows'!

Yes!　Nagi-sama!

　Cecil adjusted 'Neuerut'. The 'Arrow of Flame' converges.

　The flaming arrows that had been spreading like shotgun bullets concentrate on the perverted knight. A hole is opened in the horse's body, and the huge horse's body collapses. Is that a fake horse made with magic power? Then the perverted knight is...?



"Oh, I'm so glad you're here, my rival. "This is what I call a battle...!


　He just wouldn't stop moving.

　No way. The ancient language version of the "Arrow of Fire" isn't working ......?

The barrier, Mr. Nagi!　The knight is putting up a magical barrier!

　Cecil shouted.

　If you look closely, there was a translucent wall in front of the knight's body.

　That magic barrier is weakening the 'Arrow of Fire' power. The only thing hitting the armor is the aftermath?

''Fuhahahahahahaha!　Listen to me!　My rival!

　You're not a worthy opponent.

　I wanted to tell you that I'm not a good opponent, but I didn't.

　The perverted knight is holding his spear to the ground and letting go of his hand.

　It looks like they want to tell me something.

　I had to stop the flaming arrows as well. There's no point in continuing to shoot at them if they're blocked by the barriers.

　We stopped the carriage and maintained our fighting stance, waiting for the black knight to speak.

　And then──.



I challenge you to a duel!



　The perverted knight turned his chest back and declared.

''Huh!''

　What's that?

You gotta be kidding me.　You're going to slash at me without question and say that line!

'That's just flirting for a knight!　You can't be serious, can you?

　No, I was super serious about it.

　The enemies I've dealt with so far have all been dangerous if I didn't take them by surprise and defeat them.

But in the course of the battle, I recognized your power!　Let's settle this matter in a big way!　On the soul of a knight!

...... I'll be there.

　Suddenly, Mr. Cutlass stood up in the carriage.

''That guy said, 'I smell a knight candidate.' That means that he may be reacting to me.
　I am an apprentice, but I am an aspiring knight. Even though I'm a pervert, if it's something a knight does, I have to take responsibility for it!

Mr. Cutlass?

"Listen, sir!　Perverted Knight Doko!

　Before he could stop himself, Mr. Cutlass jumped down from the carriage.

'I've given up my knight ...... and if that's okay with you, I'll take the duel!　I won't complain if you kill me!　Just don't get the others involved!　They mean the world to me!　Please, please, pervert.　Perverted Knight, which one!

"It's not a weird thing: ────!

　I'm pissed.

　No, I mean, if you said that to a girl in my world, like the smell or the breath or whatever, you would have definitely spouted a line that would have been a call to arms.　And he's in the middle of a stalking spree.

"I am the armor that bears the spirit of an ancient knight. "I call my name Balluar.

'Balal?　And is there?

　Mr. Cutlass's eyes lit up.

'I have heard of it, sir. It is the sacred armor pursued by the legendary knights - said to have been made in the time of the gods.

"Yes!　'I was used by generations of honorable knights, and in time I became conscious of them.'

What's the use of your legendary armor?

　Me, Cecil and Rita also got off the carriage.

　We face the pervert who lost his horse - or rather, the Black Knight.

We're just adventurers. Mr. Cutlass has stopped wanting to be a knight too. It's not supposed to have anything to do with you at all.

"Mm. 'Yes, I know. You're not knights. I can't smell you now.

What if?

'But I feel the light of pure loyalty from you. It is the guide to a knight's soul. You are worthy of my fight!

「「「「 Chinese light? 」」」」

　...... Sorry. I have no idea what you mean.

　I think we probably looked very pale.

　The black knight thought he didn't explain enough, and after a short pause, he began to speak slowly.

''I was created in the ancient times and have been used by many knights.

　The Black Knight said.

'I came to have a will because I came to think a knight's "loyalty" is beautiful. You've got a heart that is single-mindedly devoted to and adores its master - a heart that can feel the beauty that only people have. But it was a long time ago that there was such a knight...'

　The hollow knight tapped his own knee with the tip of his spear.

　Boringly.

'I lost my owner in the last battle and was neglected. It was poorly preserved and was treated as junk. But now that it has been used in a certain ritual, it has regained consciousness.

A ritual?

"It was a ritual performed by modern-day knights. "It was a ritual done by the modern knights, where they would create the ghosts of dead knights out of old armor and have them attack anyone with a knight's exam voucher.

"".................. huh!"

　We all looked at Mr. Cutlass at once.

I don't know about that. I've never heard of such a thing: ...... Oh, really?

"My presence here is proof of that.

　The black knight disappointedly slumped his shoulders and looked up at the sky.

'What I heard during the ceremony was utterly terrible. The young ones these days have no guts. The examinations in my time were even more severe. There were even more deaths,'' he said.

...... such ...... such ...... such a knight is ...... such a thing?

　Mr. Cutlass is looking disappointed, his shoulders slumping.

　The black knight is dressed with one hand in the air and one hand wiping away tears. It doesn't look like he's telling a lie.

　Plus, there's that whole Iris warning thing.

　If it's true about the Black Knight, then it all fits the story.

"I was awakened by the ritual. I am only an ancient relic, but I have a heart that knows beauty. Hence, I desire to fight against those who possess the glorious light of loyalty!'

"...... an ancient relic with a will. ...... You don't think it's a 'divine relic (artifact)' ......?

Artifact?

'It's a magical item made in the most ancient times. If that armor is like that, I can see why the knight's will would take over and start moving. It's also too old to have been ...... neglected.

　Cecil is trembling and grabbing my arm.

　If this is the case, I should have asked the saint Delilira-san about such things.

I don't have any information on the "artifact".

　Cecil doesn't seem to know much more than this either. If there was, it would be at .......

　I looked at Cutlass-san.

　When push comes to shove........there's no choice but to ask for her help.

"Listen to me, Black Knight. You're making a mistake.

　I turn to the Black Knight and tell him.

'A misunderstanding?'

Yeah. We're not the ones you should be fighting with. You should be fighting real knights. I'm not messing with the public here!　Find a real knight and join hands with him in a big way!

I can't do that!

Why?

"Any knight in his own right who has pure loyalty is extinct!

　What about ..................?

　Did you just say ......?　Extinct?

'I realized that when I was called in for the ritual!　After that, I was convinced I had to sneak a visit!　No knight in the kingdom has a decent soul!　People who droning on about old times, people who brag about a sword wound they got by mistake, people who bully noblemen by slipping up on them, they're all of them!

...ah, ah, ah, ......

　Oh, Mr. Cutlass, you're in shock.

''So, ...... then, you can qualify for ...... knighthood?''

'I've been told by Ghost that ...... decent people leave in two years.'

Who's left?

'Two years and a month, and the light is dying in your eyes.

...... No, no, no. ......

　Mr. Cutlass fell to his knees in disappointment.

'Therefore, I desire to fight against those of pure loyalty like you.

　The black knight shouted and thrust his spear into the ground with a thud.

'I, who was used by the old knight, can see the light of loyalty. From that chariot I see three men and one beautiful light. Against such a one I want to fight!

...... three and one?

　Cecil and Rita and ...... one is Leggy? Does this guy even feel the presence of Reggie?

　If that's the case, then this guy really is a 'cheat armor'.

　So ...... the other one is - maybe.

It's a good idea. I've got a life-long belief in the idea of a "standardized" citizen.

...... eh?

　Let alone Mr. Cutlass, who is red up to his ears and looking at the wall.

　I mean, both Cecil and Rita are looking at the wall.

　I can't believe I'm making everyone look at me like this, but I knew that knight was a pervert.

　He just wants a genuine fight.

　I don't think he can't win. His combat prowess is not that great. The problem is his ironclad defense.

　It completely blocked Cecil's ancient language, the Arrow of Fire, and Rita's holy power is incomprehensible. At that level, it's impossible to use Cecil's 'Arrow of Fallen Strength' to try to run out of magic power.

　I defeated the horse, so I can get away with it. But ...

What will you do if I refuse to fight here?

"I will follow you to the end of the earth.

What are you doing, stalking me?

"I don't know, but for the sake of battle, I'll be a stooge too!

　...... The knights who summoned him, I'll complain about it later.

'Well, well, well, let's do it!

　Perhaps because he had finished speaking, the Black Knight picked up his spear.

　It's not that the plan is ...... not. But it requires Cutlass-san's - or more accurately, Fynn's cooperation. I need time.

''You know what, Black Knight?''

"What a rivalry, my rival.

Do we really have to fight here?

"How

Even if we're not ready?

"The knight shall always be in the battlefield, shall he not?

I told you we're not knights.

I was the only one who was able to fight back. There were only three men among the knights who wore the Balluwhal who were so capable of fighting.

　There were three of them?

　Koe. Ancient Knights, Koei: .......

'But hey, we fought incomplete, and that's causing problems for some of our party. I need you to wait until we get into position.

"...... lame.

Oh, yeah?　You want to fight me halfway through?　If that's the case, then what you want is a streetwise street killer?

　The knight gulped at my line and tore his helmet off.

　Okay, I got it. I got one.

It's called the soul of a knight. I thought you wanted to play nice. What is it?　You think you can just win?　You don't care how you do it?　Really?　Seriously, ...... wow.

　As I say it, I look over at Cecil and the others.

　Cecil, Rita and Mr. Cutlass nod their heads. And then...

Wow. I can't believe it. A knight in shining armor would do such a thing.

A "Paladin" who serves the Goddess will be furious. It's an infestation.

It is absolutely unbelievable, sir!　How dare you take me by surprise and not even apologize!

"My noble knight. "Poo, giggle, giggle.

　Even Reggie joins in and starts provoking them.

　I hope he'll be able to get on board.

'Eeeeeeeeeeee!　All right!　All right!　We'll do everything we can to prepare for it, but you're welcome!

　Thank you. Thank you.

Wow, that's some pretty good work.

Shut up!

'You're really going to give me time, aren't you?　Do you promise to be a knight?

You are persistent!

　Good. I took the pawn.

　This will give us time to make a plan.

　This knight isn't a puppet.

　He's a stalker and a pervert, but he's got a sense of pride and policy. When I said I'd wait for him, I figured he wouldn't take a shot at me, so it's not a no-brainer.

　Well.

　I really don't want Cecil, Rita, and Mr. Cutlass to fight that guy either. ......

　As long as we don't know how much operating time that guy has, we can't leave him alone. I mean, I don't want that stalker-like guy to know my home.

　We're going to stop him. I'm going to make sure we get out of here as sure as possible.

Ms. Cutlass.

Yes, yes, sir!

　Mr. Cutlass, who had been facing the wall, turned around with a bright red face.

''Can you tell me about 'Divine Instrumentality Aptitude'? And also whether that black knight is really an artifact or not.

Oh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh...

　Cutlass-san nods her head in disbelief.

　She must have the skill to manipulate relics of the ancient past in her. ...... I see, that was Fynn's skill, right? Cutlass-san is unrecognizable?

I'm going to have to wait a minute," he said. I'm afraid that's what Fynn is saying to me. What?　You know what?　You want to step forward?　Even if you say ...... instead. ......

'Fynn?　What?

No, he wants to swap places with me. He wants me to take the breastplate off.

Breastplate?　Why?

'Come on. I am, but I'm not sure what Fynn is thinking.

　As he said it, Cutlass-san put his hands behind his back and removed the armor that covered his chest. He untied the straps on his back and removed the silver armor from his chest and then...

　Woohoo.

"────.

　Her clothes came off.

　She wasn't wearing any underwear.

　Pure white skin, not a scratch on her. Hollow collarbones.

　From there, the rolling hills and cherry blossom-colored...

'What?　Huh?　Why do I have to?　Why are the clothes supposed to come off?

　Mr. Cutlass held his chest with a bang, steam pouring out of his head.

　If you look closely, you can see that Cutlass-san's shirt is cut at the shoulder and temporarily fastened with a thin thread. That's why it snapped when I took off my armor in a hailstorm. The shirt was split back and forth and fell down to my stomach.

　The underwear that should be underneath is nowhere to be seen.

　So, Mr. Cutlass's ample bosom was exposed. And who did this...

Fi-fi-fiend!

　I knew it.

I knew it. - You did all this just to get yourself out?　So that means ...... fyne, so ...... maybe ......

　Suddenly, Mr. Cutlass touched the skirt that covered his lower body.

　He stroked it, slapped it, and finally stuck his hand in it - and started shaking and shaking with a bright red face.

''What's the matter, Mr. Cutlass!　What happened!

It has not been there!

　What?

"In front of Arujidono ............ this kind of ............ this kind of ...... this kind of ...... ......

　Snap.

　Mr. Cutlass fell right over, just like that.

　It wasn't ............ Oh, that's what it was. You weren't wearing it. Yeah.

"Hmm. I'm finally out, Aluji.

　And when he got up, Cutlass-san's eyes turned reddish-purple.

　A personality change to Fynn.

''It's an emergency, so I've used emergency means.

...... Couldn't you have done it any other way?　Fynn.

It can't be helped. It's the only way I'd ever get out of here.

　Fynn looked at us with his hooves.

　Before I know it, Cecil and Rita are there too, blocking Fynn from my view. Yeah. Fynn doesn't like to wear clothes, you know? He looks like a nudist.

"There's no time for this. So, as it turns out. "A certain someone, the Black Knight, is probably an artifact.

　Fynn shook my hand and said.

'It's a magical item that was created in the most ancient times and became self-aware as it was used by knights.

　Fynn has the 'Divine Relic Aptitude' skill.

　It's a skill that rarely appears in those with royal blood, and it's said to be able to control and handle the most ancient items - artifacts - that were created in the most ancient times.

'All right. Can you use Fynn's skills to disable that thing?

I can do it, give me 10 minutes.

Ten minutes?

If I can keep my hands on him for 10 minutes, I'll be in control.

　Fynn said as if it was nothing.

　It's impossible. I mean, it's too dangerous.

　Even Rita couldn't completely suppress that guy.

''My 'Divine Relic Aptitude' is to pour magic power into artifacts and magical items to control them. It takes a certain amount of time.
　But that doesn't matter. Let me take responsibility for it.

　Fynn folded his hands in prayer and lowered his eyes.

　He bowed to me, Cecil, Rita, and Reggie, who was in his magic sword state, and murmured, "This is an imitation of Cutlass and my obsession with the knights.

This is the result of Cutlass and our obsession with knights. Please let me use this life to protect you and yourselves. Please let me use my life to protect you and yours. My dearest, Arujide-sama: ......

　In a voice that had no trace of hesitation - Fynn declared that.