Underground ruins are the target of adventurers' attacks. They are scattered all over the empire, but they are especially common in the eastern part of the empire.

　That's why the Knights of St. Sophia also have their headquarters in the eastern port city.
　It takes quite some time to get back to the imperial capital from here, even by carriage.

　Because he's a member of a famous knight's order, no, he's a former member, but it's troublesome if his identity is exposed.
　In addition, they were expelled, so it's not a very cool position to be in.

　It's true that I'm known as "Soron the Magic Swordsman", but not many people have seen me in person.
　So you wouldn't know if I kept quiet.
　I hid my identity, paid the fee, and got into a large boarding carriage.

　There are plenty of passengers here and there. There are also two bodyguards. The roads around here are safe, but there is no danger of attack.

　It's been a while since the carriage started running.
　I was biting down on a yawn when I noticed a female guest sitting in front of me glancing at me.

　She was probably a girl about Sofia's age. Her fluffy skirt looks like a new one and she's wearing clothes that are carefully tailored throughout.

　In other words, this girl is wealthy.

　However, the fact that she rides in a carriage does not mean that she is a nobleman or a wealthy merchant's daughter. She has a short and neat hairstyle, but she's probably trying not to get in the way of her work.

　I think she's like a servant of a nobleman in the imperial capital.
　Why is this girl bothering me?
　By the way, I'm wearing worn-out, cheap adventurer's clothing.
　I don't think it's a subject of interest, though.

Are you curious about something?

I asked, and the girl shook with a jolt.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry for staring at you. It's rude, isn't it?

　The girl blushed in embarrassment. Even though she says it's rude, the girl's big eyes are still turned to me.
　She has a kind of small animal-like atmosphere.

''My name is Clarice. I'm a maid in the imperial palace.''

That's great.

　I was pleased that my prediction of Clarice as a servant was correct.
　But I didn't understand what it means to serve in the imperial palace. Even if you are a maid, you will still be respected if you work in a place where the imperial family is involved. It should not be easy to get hired.

'It's not that I'm proud of it, though.

　While saying that, Clarice laughs, huffing and puffing.
　I guess I'm proud of him after all.
　I chuckle and ask, "What do you need around here?

''Did you have something to do around here?

'I have a family home. I have a family home. I'm younger than you, so you don't have to use honorific titles.

Thanks for that. Why did you talk to me?

It's said that a journey is a journey, right?　I wanted someone to talk to. He's the oldest guy in my clientele, and he looks like he's about my age.

　That being said, aside from my bodyguard, it looked like me and Clarice were indeed the only young men on the ride.
　I couldn't tell you my real name, so I changed my name to Davido.
　Clarice stared at the sword I carried on my hip.

'It's a magic sword, isn't it?'

You know what I mean.

'Oh, you're a magician, aren't you, brother?

That's true, though?

　In addition, this magic sword is the legendary treasure sword Tetracord. However, to those who don't know it, it looks just like an old sword.
　There aren't many magic swordsmen, but they aren't very rare either. Just because they are magic swordsmen, it shouldn't be obvious that they are 'Solon of the Order of St. Sophia'.
　However, Clarice said with a happy face.

''When it comes to magic swordsmen, you're Solon-sama!

"So, Master Solon?

　I cough involuntarily after saying it.
　Calm down, I tell myself.
　I'm not saying that because I realized it was me.
　Clarice was just talking about a celebrity who wasn't here.

''I knew your brother admired Solon-sama so much that he became a magic swordsman too?

　Of course not. Because Solon is my own person.
　In general, it wasn't that long ago that our Order became famous.
　But before I could utter a word of denial, Clarice continued.

''That's good, Solon-sama!　I'm a big fan. Saving Saint Sophia-sama, fighting the demons in the ruins, and not backing down from any strong enemy!　I hear he's a lovely, chivalrous man!

　I swallow the word "not so much,
　Clarice is going to be in a foul mood if I say something to deny Solon.
　Well, that's just me. I'm not such a great guy.

'And I'm from a commoner's background, just like you and me!　You were once a servant of a nobleman like me, weren't you?　That's what I admire about it.

I see.

　Because he is from a commoner's background, "Soron the Magic Swordsman" is very popular. He is more powerful than the nobles and has created the strongest knights as a companion of the saints.
　An ideal being who has fulfilled a commoner's dream. That's what people think of me.

　But the reality is that I'm not.

　In the end, I was outclassed by the nobleman's excellent friends and kicked out of the party.

　The thought of someone like Clarice looking up to me makes me feel heavy.
　The world doesn't know that I've been kicked out of the Order yet.

'It's only thanks to adventurers like Solon-sama and your brother that the ruins are freed that we commoners are able to live.

　Clarice said, smiling softly.

　Suddenly, the carriage lurched to a halt.
　There was a strange feeling.
　I looked at Clarice and saw her eyes. Her eyes were shaking uneasily.

　I murmured.

'It's a raid.'