Back at the inn, I explained the current situation to Iris and Aria again.
The 《Kenshakusha》 originally consisted of ten members, but six of them were already dead. I took care of four of them, and Ruino took care of two of them.
　Of the remaining four, one attacked the headquarters of the Kuro Wolf Knights in King's Landing, where Ruino and the Knights became cooperative.
　One of them, Zenas Ladei, has escaped, but is probably in town - and Ruino himself is after me.

As for Luino, he may not come after me as long as the Swordsmen are around. When you were with Iris, she disappeared, right?
Yes. When I came to, she was gone.
So, this Luino is a man of his word, right? From what I've heard, he doesn't seem like the type.
Yes, he is. Well, there's nothing wrong with being cautious.

　I nodded in response to Aria's words.
In addition to the swordsmen who are after me, there is a girl named Luino who is an irregularity. She has already buried two swordsmen on her own and defeated one of them, albeit with the help of Remyll.
　From what Iris told me, I can tell that she is a very capable person.
　It would be a great help if Rui No was a pure ally,......, but I've already heard the story from Remyil as well.
In the event that you're not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.
　Remyil told me this with an unusually apologetic expression on his face.
　Remyil probably didn't want me, his subordinate, to meet Ruino, who was nothing but a danger to him.
　That's the woman Remyll is as a Knight Commander. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure I'll be able to do it. ...... But because she's a Knight Commander, she has to make the best choice.
　She concluded that working with Luino and putting me in danger was the only way to turn the situation around.
　I generally agree with that conclusion.
　If the target was Iris, I would blame Remyll, but if the target was only me, that's a completely different story. --But if it's just me, that's a whole different story. I've already doubled my salary this month.

I've told you both what's going on, but I'm the one who's after the ...... swordsmen, and I'm the one who's after Luino. I won't ask you for any more help than I have to.
I don't want any more help than I have to give you.　I'm sure you're not the only one.

　Aria raised her eyebrows in disapproval.
　At the beach, I promised Aria that I would cooperate with her - that's true.
　But the situation is changing all the time.

The enemy was still unclear at the time. But now, the swordsmen and Rui No ...... enemies are completely clear. But now the enemy is completely clear. The only ones to watch out for are the swordsmen.
I think I can compete with him then.

　This time, Iris answered my words.
　Both of them show their willingness to fight for me as a matter of course. ...... Thank you very much for that.
　I think they see me as more of an 'object to be protected' than they think I am.
　That's true for me, too.

Of course, I think the two of them are capable of fighting. But ...... as I keep saying, you're students.
I know that. But you're just a kid.
I am indeed a child, but I am also a teacher at the school and a knight. A lot of knights have already come to this town, including the Commander. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.
".......

　I'm not sure what to say. --I'm sure it hurts Iris to be told that she doesn't need it.
　It's not just Iris. Although she doesn't show it on her face, Aria may also be hurt by my words. But for me, it's still a fact of life.

So, if the enemy attacks, I will take care of everything. Don't worry about that. Okay?
...... I understand.
Are you okay with that, Aria?
No, I don't. But if you say so, I'll do it.
That's very kind of you. But I'm not saying that you should do nothing to the two of you.
No!　That's .......
The situation is an emergency, no doubt about it. So, for example, if a situation arises where I have to leave my students - in an emergency, I will need your help.
You mean me and Iris can protect the other children?
I know you'll be able to do that. Of course, it's my job and the knights' job to make sure you're safe. However, I would like to ask you to help us in this way as well. Will you accept it?

　It was Iris whose expression brightened at my question.
　She nodded without hesitation, with a determined expression on her face.

Of course. I will protect you all even if it costs me my life.
"Haha, not at the cost of my life, but at the cost of yours as well, right?
"Then I'll protect Iris with my life.


Then I'll protect you and Aria, too.
"Then so am I.

　For some reason, the two of them started to fight over such things.
　The thing I'm entrusting you with is something that can be deadly in some cases, but both Iris and Aria are willing to do it.
　I'm asking them to do this because I trust in their abilities.
　Basically, I think it's fine if I can solve the problem on my own.
　However, there are multiple opponents at the moment, and I really don't know what will happen.

(...... It would have been safer if I had kept my distance from the students--that would have been nice.

　The swordsmen named Lustre used Iris as a hostage to try to get to me.
　There are people who are not afraid to do that.
　If you think about it, the best choice would be to have Iris and Aria be prepared for any eventuality.
　In this way, we became cooperative again against the swordsmen.

　　　　...

　In his later years, Raoul Isarulf lived a life far from home.
　In some countries, he is treated like a hero, in others, he is an object of awe.
In some countries, he is treated like a hero, while in others, he is an object of awe. When the Sage of Swords is on your side, your country wins. --But for every victory, there is always someone who is defeated.
　But for every victory, there is always a defeat.

"Huh. ......

　Deep in the forest, I finish chopping wood outside the hut and breathe a small sigh.
　I don't know who I'm going to meet, but I trim my gray hair and brush it back. Even his beard had turned white.
　This is the appearance of a late age sword saint. Raoul is already well aware of the decline of his own body.
　He fought and fought and fought, and even in his old age, he continued to fight.
　And all he has left is the title of "Swordsman", the "Strongest".
　All sword wielders aspire to reach that peak.
　However, once he reached that ultimate point, Raul had nothing more to gain.
　He has no family to protect and no one to care for him.

So, this is my life .......
Hey, you look like you've got a lot of free time on your hands.
What do you want with ......?

　The old man who appeared in front of the sentimental Raoul was also old.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your time.

"Hey, hey, what's with the attitude toward a friend you haven't seen in a while?　What kind of attitude is that?
I don't consider you a friend. I don't consider you a friend, but it hasn't been that long. You were here about a month ago.
That's what people call a long time!　I brought you a drink. Let's have a drink.

　The old man, Souki Tomura, showed off the bottle in his hand and said.
　Souki is a swordsman and a mercenary who has been active since his youth.
　He and Raul had often met on the battlefield.
　Fortunately for Souki, he and Raul never met as enemies, but only as friends and collaborators.
　Raul had never been particularly friendly with anyone, but ...... Souki was the only man who had come to Raul's side, even in his old age.
　Although Raul does not approve of him, ...... he is the only connection he has with the old man.
　Souki always talks about the most trivial things.

Why don't you live in the city?　It's not so convenient here.
No, it's not that. It's easier to be alone.
Don't say that. So you're saying you prefer living in the country to the city?
I'll say it again, I'm more comfortable alone. I don't mind either. Is that what you came here to talk about?
You're not interested in the state of the country, are you?
No.
Of course not. ....... Actually, there's gonna be another war soon.
Oh, yeah. So?
...... I'm thinking of moving away with my family.
I see.

　Raul nodded at Souki's words without changing his attitude.
　Raul's nonchalant attitude made Souki shrug.

"Oh, come on, is that it?
If you're not going to fight, it's probably for the best.
...... Well, you know. You might not even be able to come here. So if there's a war and there's damage here...
Do you think I'd lose?
"......." That's none of my business. Well, I'm not just talking about that. ......
What is it?
I don't mean to say goodbye, but if you ever see my family again, I'd appreciate it.
You're here, you're gonna take care of them. Do I have to do anything?
Ha, you're right. But, you know, it's you and me, right?　Come on!



　Says Souki with a smile on his face. That was the last time I saw the man who took the liberty of calling Raul a friend.