"Eh?”

I reflectively exclaimed.

Charlotte’s brows were raised a little.

“Why would I appoint a second knight when I already have a capable knight with a lot of potential for the future? Not only is he someone I trust but he’s also stronger than you.”

Charlotte’s tone sounded fed up. Her two faced personality when dealing with people makes it so hard to know which is her real self. Just a few days ago, she was crying about missing her mother.

“That’s…”

“Speak. I do not simply appoint someone as my guards just because they are strong. What if that snake Olivia gives you an even juicier offer? Won’t you kill me then without hesitation?”

Charlotte pressed on as her eyes narrowed further.

“That won’t–“

“Miss, I’ve done this before in the past when I was naïve. That ended up becoming the third attempt at my life–“

“Princess.”

“What is it?”

Charlotte glared at me when I spoke. Her princess act is a little overwhelming.

“I trust her.”

“Clyde-sama.”

She massaged her forehead.

“People don’t usually trust others so easily, I know that. But the two days I’ve spent in her party, I’ve noticed the honest person she is. I believe she’ll be a reliable ally in the future. I don’t think she’ll just blatantly kill a person just because the bigger shark offered better prey. And if I'm wrong then I'll fight her with all my power to protect you from her."

Just like when she let out her feelings about Jered without hiding anything. Sometimes a person with an honest personality can be ruthless. They’ll tell you all your faults without knowing how you feel. I also think she’ll be useful to Charlotte in many ways.

Charlotte silently looked at me. She then sighed.

“On one condition, Miss Helen.”

Helen’s eyes sparkled.

Charlotte’s slender finger pointed to Arielle.

“If you can win against her then I will make you my knight.”

“Hey! Why must you include me in this squabble? Can’t you just accept and be over with it!?”

Arielle screamed holding two drumsticks of meat in her hands.

A few pieces flew into Charlotte’s face. I carefully wiped them off.

“As Clyde-sama said. I can trust her. Although not completely yet. But the issue is how she will protect me in the future. How strong is she compared to someone that is called a prodigy in swordsmanship?”

“I’m not...”

Arielle’s sentence blurred at the end. She was about to say I’m not a prodigy.

–“If you’re talking about a prodigy then Arthur is really the one who should be called that.”

That’s what she told me on a certain night when we strolled in the mansion garden. The two share a rivalry in swordsmanship. No matter how many times they fought, it always ends with a draw. She only manages to win with her instincts against Arthur’s superior speed.

Charlotte’s words were uncalled for it seems.

“Alright.” Arielle sighed.

“Thank you, Arielle.”

The two of them usually argue whenever the chance arises. It’s a first seeing her agree to Charlotte’s requests.

“So when will it take place? The battle, I mean.”

Miss Helen asked after dusting her knee off.

“Obviously it’ll happen now. I want to see your full power so I can prepare to improve your weaknesses should you have any.”

Charlotte wiped her mouth with the napkin and threw it on the plate.

She gracefully got up and walked to the counter.

“We’re checking out. Please look after our luggage.”

“Certainly, Ojou-sama.”

The servant bowed and accepted our keys.

We exited the Inn. Erica said she’s not interested in the result. She shows indifference to a lot of things so I’m not surprised. Why would she even watch a fight between people weaker than her anyway.

…

“Are you ready?”

Nate held up his hand as he looked at the two. He insisted on being the referee to the duel so we agreed.

We came to an open plain near the forest. Nate and I melted the snow and dried up the ground with the heat of our flames so both of them can have even footing when they fight.

Arielle had a glare on her face while Helen was calmly getting into her stance. If you compare the two, Arielle would be the berserker warrior while Helen is the graceful swordsman.

“Start!”

WHOOOSH

WOOONG

RUMBLE

Just when Nate swung down his hand, both of them immediately exerted a powerful force from their bodies. Miss Helen was glowing like she was back in the dungeon. A blue light was seeping out of her sword.

Arielle’s entire body was exuding a silver aura. Her long hair was waving as if they were silvery flames.

Both then lowered their bodies , ready to jump.

WHOOOSH

CLANK

---!

In a blink of an eye, Miss Helen appeared in front of Arielle and swung her sword. Maybe due to being used to Arthur’s inhumane speed, Arielle blocked the strike reflectively. Surprise only appeared on her face for a second before she glared at her opponent again.

CLANK

CLANG

“Haaaaah!!”

Helen went for an overhead strike. Her attack was so obvious since she shouted.

But.

“What!?”

Arielle’s sword struck air. Her silhouette faded away and then Helen appeared at Arielle’s side. A feint for the actual attack huh.

“Kuh!”

Arielle’s body released more silver aura making the ground crack underneath. But that didn’t stop Helen from going in to attack.

I activated a barrier to ward off the shockwaves. The thing is sucking my mana by the second. I looked towards my right where Charlotte is standing.

Her face is full of shock and disbelief. Her tone was so sharp and her face was cold when she was speaking with Helen. Now her entire demeanour is collapsing as she watches the two fight.

In the past, she also asked Arielle to become her knight but she refused. She wants to choose a different path for the sword instead of becoming someone’s dog. That was harsh. Was she saying I’m a dog too?

-“Many of the students in my class wants to be like the Sword King, Alucard. What’s so great about a guy that received all that power from the gods? Has he ever worked hard in order to do something? No, just a flick of his wrist could split an entire ocean. I’d rather create my own path.”

Arielle’s words were unexpected. What different path will she take, I wonder.

My future self said that Arielle will achieve great things when she gets older. That old man better fill me in on the details of the future the next time I see him.

“[Lightning Sword]!”

Miss Helen’s saber glowed purple followed by a cacophony of chirping noises. The two of them already took distance and are powering up their skills to take each other head on.

I sensed disturbance in the forest as the smaller critters moved deeper into the abyss of the shade.

Arielle’s sword also vibrated as it released condensed energy.

The two’s conflicting powers was so suffocating that I even felt it from behind the barrier.

BOOOM

BOOOM

WHOOSH

“STOP!”

A roar came from my side.

Charlotte then stepped forward with graceful steps.

Arielle and Helen both had their blades at each other’s necks.

“Didn’t you–“

“Yes. I remember what I said. But…” She looked at the two of them and then at the destruction they caused, “I think that’s enough.”

Arielle sighed and sheathed her weapons. Her body was still exuding a lot of heat.

Miss Helen’s breathing was far worse than Arielle’s.

I looked to Charlotte.

‘She knew Helen would’ve lost but still stopped the match.’

“I shall accept you as my second knight, Miss Helen.”

“Eh…?”

“Please pack your things and come to the Inn. If I succeed as queen in the future then you will be my second guardian. Do not disappoint me.”

Charlotte walked away gracefully. I followed soon after and held up the umbrella to block the snow from falling on her.

Helen had a relieved smile on her face.

“Thank you, your highness.”

◇◇◇

“So this will be what I’ll be doing for the time being? Taking care of her?”

Helen whispered to me as she came in with a bucket of water. Charlotte elegantly took off her boots.

“Yes…”

I didn’t do anything like this...

Charlotte then spoke.

“As no danger is currently near us, I believe it’s only fitting for me to enjoy my luxuries. You’ll be compensated, after all.”

She laughed with her hand on her mouth and held out her wine glass.

I poured wine into the glass. What’s so necessary about doing this damn act??

I stepped to the corner of the room as I watched Helen wash Charlotte’s feet in the bucket she brought.

“Don’t think just because I accepted you that I already trust you to protect my back. Clyde-sama saved my life so I am more than willing to compensate him handsomely when I become queen. For you to stand equal to him, you must work even harder. You must remember that you are not ordinary guards. The two of you will even accompany me to my room when I feel uneasy and protect me that way. The palace being so big is both a good thing and a bad thing.”

She held up two fingers. Her index and middle finger.

“First, there are multiple passages hidden in the walls and secret rooms that only few know about. I do not know how far my enemy’s claws has sunk into the noble circle yet. If the current acting queen managed to bring the old nobles to her side then all my secret passages can also be discovered. That would force me to move out of the palace since I could be killed from any direction.”

Secret passages are used during emergencies. For example, if there were murderers indiscriminately killing the royal family members or court nobles then the victims can escape using the tunnels. Charlotte showed me one the other day when I visited the palace. Of course the king saw it as nothing but kids playing around but Charlotte had a different goal.

She appears childish to her parents and the rest of the people outside her own faction. They would regret underestimating her.

“As for the second. The good thing. Using Clyde-sama’s genius, I asked one of the mage tower seniors for short distance teleportation scrolls. Clyde-sama learned these spells and placed about 6 runes around the Palace to outside the capital. If we had to use a last resort then that would be our best chance to escape with our lives.”

She then said “Assuming we manage to get back.”

“Wait, I need to go to the toilet.”

She then stepped out the room with her feet still soaking wet.

“Why is she holding her stomach so much?”

I sighed.

“Would you believe me if I said she had stress?”

“At this age? Didn’t the princess turn 15 a few months ago?”

“Being a princess isn’t all about buying cute dresses and having authority. It also comes with responsibilities. She may be worried about all the things she has to do to win against her siblings.”

She has been having a lot of health problems lately. We visited a doctor in this city and he said Charlotte had stress. Even he was surprised to find that out. Lack of stomach acid ,high blood pressure and less intake of food. She’s been having frequent headaches as well and can’t sleep properly without me casting [Sleep] magic on her.

Each and every time during our three meals, she’d eat at less than half the full course.

“I should–“

Helen then got up.

I stopped her.

“I think she’d want to be alone.”

Last time when I chased after her, I saw her huddled in a corner crying her eyes out. A lord should never show their weaknesses to their subjects. But that’s not something I believe in. I stayed with her in bed the entire night until she felt better.

“I know you feel worried as the eldest. But empty words would mean nothing. I’m also not an idiot to promise that I’ll get her back when I’m not strong enough. I’d rather protect us all than do something beyond my limits.”

Helen then bit her lip with a regretful face. She’s a kind person just as I said. Showing worry to a complete stranger she met today.

Charlotte was in the bathroom for a while before she came into the room again. Her face is full of sweat while her hair is a mess.

“Charlotte, are you–“

“I’m alright, Clyde-sama.”

I guess I should shut up now. When she’s irritated she has a habit of cutting people off.

“Let’s focus on the noble you mentioned, Miss Helen. Can you give me any of his or her likes and dislikes? If I know that then I can prepare suitable presents for the occasion. It’s important for general as well to have all the details before going into war.”

Helen said that the noble’s house name is Steinburg. The city we’ll be going to shares the same name. They are a Count Household that have a big role of protecting the Northern border from enemy soldiers.

Charlotte and Helen went into more detail which honestly bored me to no end. I asked if I could leave since I have no point being here.

When I got out into the hall, I saw light coming from our room.

‘Is Nate not sleeping?’

I opened the door and saw a girl sitting on my bed. Arielle. She was busy reading something.

“Huh? Arielle?”

“You’re back.”

She smiled gently and put the book down. She was wearing a night dress with a lot of exposure.

“Where’s Nate?”

‘Did he see her in this?’

“I gently asked him to leave us alone for a while.”

I doubt that but okay.

I took off my grey robe. Lately it’s been my only attire for when I go into battle. I should buy myself more clothes tomorrow.

“Anyways, did you need something?”

My back was turned on her as I took off my shirt.

“…”

I turned around since she was so silent and saw her gazing at my chest.

“Ah, sorry.”

I always have a habit of changing clothes even if someone is in the room. I’ve always been in a room with boys like Arthur and Nate so it’s become second nature to me.

“N-No, it’s okay.”

She held the ends of her night dress tightly.

She then spoke.

“I wonder if my whole family managed to survive. Chances are that they were scattered throughout the world just like we have. What if they managed to land in the Beast Zones? Father is a retired knight so I don’t think he can defend himself completely. Mother can only cast spells in the Intermediate Low tier. While we are already preparing to go home, they could be suffering somewhere.”

I approached her and sat down.

“Being pessimistic is one your bad traits, isn’t it?”

“What are you–“

“There’s a chance they could be alive and well. I feel that way about my parents. Don’t you feel the same?”

I wiped the tears that fell from her eyes. Her big slanted eyes blinked a few times.

Without her foul mouth, she could be considered as a cool beauty.

Long silky silver hair. Her rare ocean blue eyes look like blue jewels shining in the sun. The body she trained for years could be considered better than any athlete in my world.

I didn’t realize my hand that wiped her tears was holding up her chin. Her eyes widened but she didn’t pull away.

“You don’t have to feel alone, Arielle. I’m still here.”

I then let go.

“Clyde.”

“Hm…?”

And when I looked down, I saw her grabbing my hand and holding it on her breast.

“Eh?”

There’s no mistaking my eyes when I’m feeling a soft bouncy ball of flesh. Since she’s trained her muscles, her breasts don’t sag at all.

I felt a ferocious gaze on my back.

‘Is that Erica? Why is she still watching me?’

I only thought she lets that ball of light follow me to see if I fall into danger.

“When all this is over…” Arielle then averted her eyes, “Can we start a family together?” The hand holding mine against her breasts pushed it further in.

I’m not sure how wide my eyes must be.

“E-Err… A-Are you serious?”

My throat gulped audibly.

She nodded with a smile.

“Everyday I’ve been thinking of ways to tell you how much I love and want you. I’ve felt this way for a while... Mother said when I become 15 so…”

She pushed my other hand on her left breasts. Two soft mounds of flesh. And then she climbed on my lap. Her beautiful face was right in front of me while her butt was on my lap. T-This…!

My junior was rock hard. Arielle’s blush intensified.

“I-I’m not ready yet… just a little longer then we can… do it…” Her face was so red that I thought steam would come out.

“Y-Yeah. I’m sorry…”

“No, I’m happy I can make you excited.”

She then pulled my head into her bosom and stroked my head. I put my hands around her lower back. A hint of sweat came from her body but I don’t mind it at all.

“This kind of makes us like fiancées, right?”

Is it just be or does it sound like Arielle’s breathing is that of a wild beast?

“A-All we need are the rings. Hahaha…”

I laughed awkwardly as I felt her warm body on mine.

“Huh? Arielle?”

She gave me no response. I looked at her and saw her sleeping face.

‘She must have exhausted herself a lot in the battle against Miss Helen.’

“Haa… do you trust me that much?”

She’s so defenceless right now. I laid her down on the bed. She was turned to me as I gazed at her beautiful sleeping face.

‘Did I seriously just get confessed to? And by this beauty?’

I took one last look at her face and stroked her hair with a smile before also falling asleep.

‘Something I never thought would happen to the previous me happened tonight…’