The expression of longing mixed with longing from earlier disappears from the Auguid Knights.
　Instead, what comes to mind is confusion and quiet anger.
　What they were looking for from me, the holy knight, was not a word of rejection.

''Let's fight together.''
I'm counting on you.

It's around here.
　If I hadn't wanted to make waves, I would have said so.
　But I didn't.
　I didn't want to let them, and above all, my friend Neusch, die.

"Ha ha, the joke's on you. See, the rogue must have blasted us.

Noish smiles at me to mend the situation.

''No, I mean it. I've fought against the demon tribe, and my impression is that that was only a slightly skilled knight, but that was only a hindrance. I can't afford to fight in front of a demon tribe while protecting you.

It reminds me of the fight against the Kabubushi demon tribe.
　In the battle against that guy, Tart became the vanguard and fought.
　Tarto used the power of [Knights Following Me] to raise his abilities to the bottom of the table and even used his S-rank skill [Beastification]. Even though it wasn't enough and even doping was not enough, he was pushed to buy time as best he could.

The S-rank skill was originally a heroic power that only one in a hundred million people possessed.
　Even if that hero's power was doubly raised to the bottom, it still couldn't reach them. That is the demon race.
　A knight of their level would not be able to take a bite out of them.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.　In the report you filed, it says they did a great job. I'm aware of the excellence of Tart and Dia. But I'm proud to say that I'm capable of matching or even surpassing them, and the Auguid Knights are all fierce people I've recognized.

If we're talking about grades during their school days, Noish is better than Tart and Dia.
　However, they didn't show any seriousness when they were at the school, and they've become even stronger since the school was closed.

''Then let's hear it. First of all, is there anyone here who can use [Demon Slayer]?

It's a magic developed by me and Dia, ostensibly given to me by the goddess.
　It's something that is already well known both at home and abroad.
　And if it's a knight group that wants to make a name for itself by defeating the demon race, such as the Auguid Knights, then they would certainly have tried it.

''There is no one in my Order who can use it.''
So how do you intend to defeat the demons?　If you've read my report, you know that. We had Tart slowing down the demon tribe, Dia invoked [Demon Slayer] and I put the finishing touches to it. In short, if we can't use [Demon Slayer] at the very least, we can't talk about it.
No, but. ... well, why don't we take over the stalling. Next time, we'll do what the Tart did. It's a lot more efficient than the Tart taking over on his own.

I shake my head.

I told you. This is a last-ditch fight against demons. I don't have time to protect the weakest link.
'We'll hold you back. Let's get you corrected!　Or do you think that me and the Order are less powerful than a single Tart!
That's what I'm saying.

As you can imagine, that comment hurt Noish's pride badly.
　Neusch throws his gloves.
　On the other end of it, there was a tart.

''........If you don't correct me, I want to ask for a duel. I have my own pride as a knight.
Oh, God, I mean, is that me?
If I win the duel with the Tart, you will correct your earlier words and work with us to challenge the demon race.

Tart looks at me, confused.

'We have no reason to take it over here, though.
'If I lose, you can say whatever you want, and we'll make it happen with the power of House Geffis.

The power of the dukes.
　Most of the recklessness is passable, but that doesn't make it too appealing.
　However, I have to accept it to keep this place in check.

"Tart, please. I'm sure you'll be able to find it. Of course I'll do my best.
Ha, yes, I'll do my best. But I don't know if it's a good idea to, you know, put your mind to it.

No offense to Tart.
　However, that line too was unforgivable to Noish.
　Tart's full strength is [Beastification] included and cannot be tamed.
　There is a possibility of inflicting serious injuries.
　It was a line from worrying about that, but to Noish, he could only think that he was being licked.

'....Tart. You seem to underestimate me quite a bit, don't you? I didn't want you to be the only one to think so.
Oh, um, I'm sorry. It's not like that.
Okay. That's enough. I'll prove my strength in a duel.

Noish said just that and went up to the ring in the garden and one of the knights handed him a wooden sword.
　Tart seemed to be fuming and teary-eyed for a while, but when I nodded, he started walking and climbed up to the ring.
　Seeing such a tart, Noosh made a pouty face.

I'm sorry. I didn't think things through. I'm sorry I didn't think it through, but I don't think you can fight dressed like that. Please go ahead and change.

Neusch wears a ceremonial dress, but the Gephis family prides itself on its military prowess, so even a ceremonial dress is designed for combat.

However, what Tart is wearing is a maid's uniform.

''No, it's fine. The clothes made by Lug-sama may look like this, but they are much sturdier than that armor.

And it's the same with Tart's maid outfit.
　Tart is often waiting by my side in this form, that's why I'm giving her combat power.

I use demonic materials and strengthen it with magic, making it both easy to move and defensive.
　........The only problem is that it's a skirt.
　Since it is considered indecent in this country to have a woman wear trousers in public, she was forced to choose a skirt while taking combat into consideration.
　With the presence of blade proof high socks, there was no need to worry about their defenses, but they would roll up if they moved too hard.
　I don't want my tart underwear to be seen by the faces here. Let's manipulate the wind to provide cover without being seen.

I didn't think those clothes were armor. Then I'm going to take it to heart.

Noish lets out a breath of relief.
　How could he still be worried about the tart after having his pride hurt so much? No, it's not surprising or anything.
　........As a matter of fact, Noish was attracted to Tart for some reason from the first sight.

However, what was bothering him was a little different from what he directed at the opposite s*x.
　Yes, that was more of a child seeking a mother.
　Maybe Tart is like Neusch's mother.
　I'm looking into Neusch.
　He was born to Duke Gephis and his servants. ........Oh, I see that being a servant is one of the reasons why he's superimposed on his mother.

''Tart, decide with all your might with a single blow.
Hi, Mr. Roog.
Everywhere you go, Rouges make fun of me.
You'll know if you're being foolish if you fight.

Tart takes the wooden spear.
　Then he takes a deep breath and concentrates.

''Um, Noish-sama. I'm going to destroy the pause with a single step as soon as the match starts and aim for the body with a cleave to the middle of the body from a position where the spear can just barely reach it. So please take it........well, I don't want to kill you.

Noish's face is tinted with rage.
　It seems that he was quite a bit closer than before, but now he seems to have snapped.

''Well I don't need to have any more conversations with you. With the outcome of the duel, I will regain my pride.

Then he readies his sword.
　Orthodox straight-eyed stance, no gaps.
　The two men face each other, facing each other.

It appears that one of the Knights will serve as the judge.
　Raise the flag.
　Lower it, and the match begins.
　I nod as Tart gives me a look.

Then ... fox ears and a tail appear.
　I heard someone say it was cute.
　It seems that fox ears, fox tail and tart go hand in hand when such an impression can be made even in this situation.
　I'm sure you'll find that Neusch is deeply focused and not disturbed.
　The normally frightened tart's eyes become lecherous and hunter's.
The side effects of [Beastification] make him rabid and excited.
　The usual Tart would be too hesitant to give his all, but the current Tart would unleash his best blow without any mercy.

''Begin!''

The flag is waved down.
　At that moment, the tart disappears and a delayed sound is heard.
　A godspeed step.
　If it wasn't for Touahade's eyes, he couldn't follow it.
　Although it is divine speed, it is extremely precise. I'm stepping into the distance just barely within the reach of the spear unilaterally.

From there, the cleave to the middle level as declared.
　Neusch is just barely able to defend with his sword in time.
　It's the high skill of Neusch, and most importantly, he was able to make it in time because he heard that he was going to do so from Tart beforehand.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Before it shatters, the wooden spear blows Noish away with the entire wooden sword.
　With both the shattered pieces, Noish is flung out of the ring and bounces back and forth as it is and then hits the warehouse that had been prepared in the garden.

I won. Rouge-sama, you did what I told you to do properly and scored a blow, praise me!

Even with his bright, innocent voice, he is wagging his fluffy fox tail.
　What's on the faces of the knights looking at such a tart is astonishment, and then fear.
　Even their servants, let alone the Holy Knights, don't even take a bite out of Noish, the strongest among them.
　While holding his side, Noish comes back to us with a limp.
　Probably a broken rib.

''Noish, this is the power of the tart now. And even such a tart was overwhelmed by the demon race, and if he fought any more than a few dozen seconds of stalling, he would have died. Do you know what that means?

What comes to the faces of the knights is despair.
　Even though they knew that the demon race was strong, they had misunderstood the degree of strength.

Even Tart, who kicks Neusch, the strongest of their own, is no match for him if he fights properly.
　The reality of their strength is crushed by the concrete appearance of their strength.
　No one thinks about taking credit for defeating the demon race any longer.
　With empty eyes, Noish returns to the ring and grabs Tart's hand.

'Tell me!　How did you get that power, I, I have the power!

That was the last thing I heard before I passed out.

"Quick, get a healer.
I'll get a doctor as soon as possible.
Stretcher, do you have a stretcher!

The faces of the Knights finally went to call for something that could use healing magic.
　Tart is in the midst of [Beastification], yet he is frightened.
　Neusch's expression was not so demonic.
　The fox ears and tail disappeared and came back to me.

''Um, Rougu-sama, is this right?''
''Yeah, you should know the reality.

It was shock therapy, but it was the only way I could get rid of it.
　If he only lost to me, then the Holy Knight could be discounted as something special. But if I lose to a tart, there's no excuse.
　I hope this is enough to make you feel better about yourself.

''I feel a little sorry for you.''
The tart is kind.

I stroked her head and tickled her and spoiled her.
　We should go home.
　I'm not in the air to stay here any longer.
　I have to follow up with Noish later.
　And.....

"Why are you here?

I must fulfill my purpose for coming here.
　He heads to Meena, the snake demon tribe, who has lost her cronies and is unavailable due to the gathering of the Knights in Noish's direction.

Hmm, it's a hobby. If it's for practical purposes, I'd rather be playing with my greasy uncles, but after all, I'm more intrigued by the young and passionate lord... And that last expression on her face, despairing, almost crying, and yet, her thirst for power and ambition, strong to all intents and purposes, is very delicious. It's so very, very delicious. It made me cringe.
That's my friend. If he's going to hurt you, I'm going to need you to prepare yourself.
You have no business being so intrusive. It's not part of the deal. Besides, I didn't do anything wrong.

I'm not going to do anything bad.
　So you're gonna do something.

Well, that's not part of the deal. But I'm off the books and I'll do what I have to do.
Yeah, heh, this is going to be fun.

...let's use Irg Balor's intelligence network to keep an eye on Neusch for a while, not as a rogue.
　We don't want to give this snake monster any chance to take advantage of us.
　Then we will have another precautionary measure.
　I'm going to find that guy in the Order who's panicking.

'When Noish wakes up, tell him. All I ask for as a prize for the duel is that from now on Neusch and the Auguid Knights stay away from Countess Grunfeldt.
Oh, that's not fair.
You said it yourself. It's not part of the deal. You have no right to interfere with my word to Neusch.
Well, yes. I thought we could play. I'm going to pull an open book this time.

With this, the goal of protecting Noish and his friends from Meena's poisonous fangs has been fulfilled.
　Noish will keep his oath as a knight.
　If Neusch rejects Meena, no mistakes will be made.
　Of course, I'll have him keep an eye on them.

"Tart, Dia, let's go home.
Hi, Mr. Roog.
Let's get out of here and get some rest. I don't feel like having a meal.

The three of us leave Gephis's villa.
　What will happen to Noish and his knights now?
　You've nailed it.
　Still, if you're going to be reckless, there's nothing I can do about it.
　This is as far as I can go.
　Hopefully, my friend won't go off the rails.