Basically, we followed the plan of the inspection and traveled by carriage.
　There were no major problems, and the day's objectives were coming to an end.
　The last place we were going to visit today was the arena where the "sword fighting tournament" was held.
　There are several of these places in the capital, and they are also used for major events.
　It is usually open to the public, and once a month, a large market is held here.
　Since today was just such a day, there were still many people around the arena.

Hmm, the market itself is over.

　Aena muttered, a little disappointed.
　Perhaps she was looking forward to observing such events. ...... That's how it is.

You can find some places that do it now.
"Mmm, I see. ......

　When I followed up, he looked a bit pleased, but then quickly returned to his original intimidating expression.
　I almost smiled back at him, but he was a guest of honor.

(Haha, that's difficult. A lot of things ......)

　It wasn't exhausting, but it was a hassle.
　I'm always on the lookout for people around me, and I intend to protect not only Aena, but Iris and Mercier as well.
　The duty of a 《knight》 is not an easy one.
　While I was thinking about that.

"Melche, can you go see if the market is still open?
Yes, sir.
"Oh, well, then I'll...
No, I'll go with Mr. Mercier. Alta with Aena.

　Iris glanced at me and said.
　In her own way, she's thinking about my placement.
　It's not that I can't protect you if you're not by my side, but .......

I'm sure you'll agree, Iris.

　I accept her proposal, even though Iris has a higher rank in the nobility.
　Iris and Mercier got off the carriage and headed towards the arena.
　If you go in through the entrance, you can easily see what's inside. ...... It won't take them long to come back.

(It's a little awkward, though.)

　(But it's a little awkward.) In the carriage, Aena and I are sitting on opposite sides.
　I'm looking at her, and she's looking out of the carriage.
　She has her legs crossed and her elbows on the ground, as if she is not interested in me.

(Well, I don't mind if she does...)
"Alta Schweiz, you say?

　Suddenly, Aena opens her mouth.
　I was a little taken aback and surprised.
　But I immediately nodded and answered.

"Yes, Miss Aena. Can I help you?
"No, I'm not here for anything. ......

　She doesn't look at me, but she moves quickly to the front of me.
　Then she peeked out of the carriage.
　I see Iris and Mercier in front of me. Of course, there's no sign of them coming back yet.
　After confirming this, Aena finally turned to face me. This is the first time that's happened today, I guess.

"Hmm, I see. ...... You're just a kid.
I'm twelve.
Twelve. You're young, three years younger than me.


　Three is almost the same as ......, or rather, from my point of view, Aena is much younger.
　I don't think you can tell that.
　It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life.
　Occasionally, she would mutter something meaningful like "I'm ...... this ......? and other meaningful things.

(I wonder what the situation is, this is ......)

　Even I did not expect this situation.
　I thought she didn't like me, but as soon as they were gone, Aena suddenly closed the distance between us.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
　I'm not sure what to make of this. ...... I wonder if they know that I'm a knight of the guard.

(It's a pain in the ass when people say, "You're letting a kid be your escort,.......")

　It's a trustworthy arrangement on the kingdom's side, and the empire's side will think that they are being licked.
　That's why it's better if they don't find out that I'm an escort as much as possible.

"Um, ......?

　I look at Aena as if I'm trying to figure out what's going on.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

"Do you mind if I give you a hand?
"Your hand?
Yeah, just a touch.
No problem. ......
(No, really, what's the situation? ......)

　(No, really, what's the situation? ) As if to confirm something, this time Aena touches my hand.
　Then she lets out a small breath.

I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm not so sure about that.
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm sorry. I just wanted to check something. It's just that I've been ......... I guess I got a little carried away. Don't worry about it.



　I wonder if there's something going on between these two, like the conversation with Mercier.
　It may not be enough to confirm it, but maybe it's worth asking.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to do this, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it.
"Mmm, that Mercier guy. That's not true. ....... No, no, no, no. The other day...!

　When Aena was about to answer. She looked around as if she noticed something.
　I moved faster than that.
　I took up a position beside Aena as if to protect her.
　The carriage shook with a thud, as if someone was watching us from the periphery.

"Enemy?
"Maybe. Master Aena is here.
"Mm, you ......
It's a good idea to take a look at the website to see if there is anything you can do to help.

　I've already changed my mind and am on the warpath.
　...... I hope it goes off without a hitch. I was hoping that this would be the case, but it seems that this is not the case.