Here it is! Please let me know of any grammar errors and the like.

Chapter 23

“Good afternoon to you Sir Gilbert. My name is Roxiliarez Ordinuz Elseria, daughter to the house of Ordinuz, the count of Margueth. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir.”

While placing my right hand on my chest, I bowed politely, my cape swirled as I moved. According to our knightly conduct, this is how I should treat a superior officer.

“No need to be so formal, you may raise your head.”

I followed his instructions. Sir Gilbert smiled and I smiled in return.

Baptized under the church of light, he’s rumored to have mastered the arcane blade, light spear, at the age of twenty-four. From the many other rumors surrounding him, a handsome looking man is one of them. And standing in front of him now, I would say that rumor is a fact.

His looks are younger than his age, in a knight armor with our gryphon embedded on his chest. He boast a pair of silver eyes as sharp as a wolf and his curling hair bluer than the morning sky.

Somehow I never expected him to have this sort of carefree attitude.

“How was your trip from the academy?” Sir Gilbert went back to his table and gestured me to occupy a seat across.

Dragging my luggage with me, I took a deep breath and inhaled incredible amounts of air for confidence. Exhaling, I sat on the chair that he directed me to.

As expected of a town near the borders, the facilities are less fancier than one would expect. This chair would seem like it’ll fall apart as soon as I pressed my butt on it.

“I have never traveled so far from the capital, not to mention, in a merchants wagon.”

While saying that, I gaze all over this room.

There’s a pair of bookshelves that generated dust through the years on both ends. And add the set of equipment that adorned his wall, this office is quite humble for a knight commander.

He chuckled. “Haha, I was the same. Part of my luck even led me to encounter bandits along the way.”

I nodded at his joke. “I agree. These two months of travel were the longest days of my life. Although I assumed the academy has a hidden agenda for sending us out like that?”

“What do you think it is?” He asked with amusement in his voice.

I sat stiff. It’s a question I should’ve have thought of before even coming here, yet I can’t seem to find any valuable reason.

“Let me rephrase my question, have you killed before?”

“Killed? Monsters yes, but as far as human life goes……… no.”

“I see… This question might be too much for you since you just got here, so by all means, forget what I said.”

“No… not at all. I was merely confused.”

At first I couldn’t comprehend the meaning behind his words but, after musing about it for a short while, everything else started to make sense in my head.

Yes, anytime soon, there’s a chance that a nearby fort could deploy us. In turn, the academy wants us to build experience about the real world along the way—as fast as we can.

Sir Gilbert looks at my eyes. Like his gaze could almost read my thoughts; that my expression told him exactly what would’ve came out of my lips.

And the first to break the silence was him.

“So, Ms. Ordinuz, I apologize for being straight but, as you’ve seen before you got here, we’re in dire need of staff, so I would have you do your assigned duties as immediate as tomorrow. For now, you can spend the rest of the day to familiarize yourself in our barracks.”

I stood up from my chair and saluted him. “Yes sir!”

Leaving that suffocating space behind me, I pressed a palm on my chest and sighed.

“That was nerve-wracking. He didn’t notice “it”, right?”

Pulling out the small map they handed me beforehand and clutching my luggage on the other, I started walking down the stone corridor.

At this time of the day, most knights stationed in this place are out patrolling the town. Tomorrow, that would be part of my duties as well.

“According to this map, I should make a right on this intersection, then at the farthest end should be my room?”

I pondered with the map on my hand. Even something as trivial as locating my room could be disastrous if I do not have a map. That’s how bad I am when it comes to directions.

Following what this piece of paper had told me, I resumed my walk. These hallways are small enough that it could barely fit two people walking side by side.

“Ah, good afternoon.”

“A pleasant afternoon to you as well.”

I bowed to the senior knight that I came across to and he returned my greeting courteously. And as soon as I raised my head, more men flock to greet me?

Have I done something worthy of their concern?

“I am very sorry, but I still haven’t located my room. If you’ll excuse me.”

I swiftly left the building crowd with a smile. Continuing on, the corridor led me to a vast courtyard, with a few knights swinging their swords—men and women alike.

“Hap!”

“Swei!”

Just like in the academy, the knights stationed here never stopped their training. Seeing this gave me a nostalgic feeling in my chest. A ticklish sensation that made me want to join them as well.

I, once again, lowered my head and offered my greeting to them. They all look at my way for a moment and smiled, and after my slight disturbance, they resumed their training once more.

Garnering good impressions on your first day is a must. Since I’ll be working along them, I would prefer to have a friendly relationship rather than a hostile environment.

And finally, after passing through wooden doors left and right, I found my room at the end of this tight hallway. I held the door knob and twist it. Pushing my way inside, I sagged to my back as I locked the door behind me.

Again, I pressed a hand on my chest and sighed deeply.

“They didn’t notice, right?”

That pretty much wrapped my affairs for the day. Because I just transferred in this station today, I need to pretty much finish moving in first.

Looking inside my room, warms hues colored my walls and the simplicity of its arrangement makes me want to spend an eternity moving things around. The furnitures are of the basic necessities, but for a knight far on the countryside, it’s more than adequate.

I set my belongings on top of the wooden table. Dyed by the pleasant warmth of the setting sun, the view outside the window gives me a clear understanding of what’s happening around town.

“Well, let’s get started.”

What would seem like an endless endeavor finally came to its end. It not for me nitpicking the tiniest details, I’m sure I would’ve finished a lot earlier. But at the back of my head, it would annoy me to no end just thinking about what I left.

I rolled around my bed, my hair slightly damp and styled up in a loose bun. Fortunately, this technique that I’ve learned shortens the time that I needed to care for my hair or else I would be waking up before dawn every morning just to give me the look that I needed.

“Tomorrow, I shall try my best as well.”

While thinking about the exciting things that will soon occur, I closed my eyes and turned myself to sleep.

The next day, just right after I finished my morning routine, a knocking sound repeated behind my door.

*tok, tok*

It made me wonder; who would visit me this time of the day, so I reached for my sword and hurried towards the door.

“Haha, good morning.”

A smiling figure greeted me like the morning sun. After I had returned his greeting and introduced myself, he introduced himself as “Larc Arstein”, and just what you’d expect, he’s my senior.

“From today onwards, we’ll be working together.”

After saying that, he smiled again. His naturally slitted eyes makes it hard for me to discern what he’s thinking, but it doesn’t seem like he’s the worst person to be stuck on a job with.

“I see…”

According to what he said, knights that patrol the city moved in a group of two. So in a case that something troublesome transpired, the other can act as a form of back-up.

“Are you done preparing? I shall escort you to the cafeteria if you’d like to get something to eat first.”

“By all means, I would appreciate it if you could lead the way.”

He scratched his nose and his cheeks flushed, as if he’s embarrassed?

Wait, was it because of what I just said? Should I be more careful on what I say or is it something else entirely?

Ignoring the irregularity in his behavior, I followed him down the corridor with the cafeteria as our destination in mind. Like yesterday, I passed through the courtyard, which seemed to be a lot more packed than recently.

Larc waved at them, so I followed his example.

“So, how would you like me to call you?” Larc spoke at my side. “Since we’ll be working together from now on, it wouldn’t be good if I call you Ms. Ordinuz all the time, isn’t it?”

“Oh, haha, just Roxis is fine. Actually, I would prefer it if you keep it that way.”

“So… Roxis?”

“Yes, Sir Larc?”

“Ermm, it’s nothing.”

He turned his face away and I felt more confused.

Is he hiding something from me or is it simply my imagination?

We walked a little more. On an entirely separate building is the dining hall.

Lit by the morning sunshine flowing from the arch windows on both sides, the dining hall is equipped with two rectangular tables that can accommodate to a good sixty people at least. As for now, there’s a line forming to what I would’ve guess the window where they’ll hand us our food.

“Well, you could find us a place to sit and I’ll grab your share with me.” Larc said while eyeing the long line.

“Do we have a menu?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“Muu…”

I suddenly groaned in disappointment.

I know it wasn’t Larc’s fault and maybe it’s due to my long four years in the capital that I’ve expected living a life full of leisure. But the real world is quite harsh indeed.

“If you’d rather prefer it, we can eat outside?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“If you say so…”

While Larc stood on the line for us both, I looked for an isolated place where we could enjoy our meal. I pulled a chair out for him and seated right across the table myself.

After a short while, Larc walked to our table carrying two metal trays in his hand.

I stood up. “Welcome back.”

He smiled and placed my tray alongside his. I returned to my chair at the same time he occupied the seat I pulled out for him.

My plate consists of sausages and fresh bread. It’s not too bad at the very least, but the presentation makes it less appetizing than what it really is.

“How do I describe this… it’s a little… oily?”

“Try it~”

Larc insisted. So in regards to his generosity, I stabbed it with my fork and lifted it to my lips anyways. With one gulp, I took a hearty masculine swallow.

“Mmph!”

I nearly spat it back. Because the sausage is too big, I had a hard time forcing it inside my mouth. Now, the long end of this sausage is covered in my spit, dripping wet.

“Omf!”

I pressed the meat stick on my lips again. This time, I nibbled slowly, little by little, through it’s tough and chewy skin. After tearing through that rough edges, it’s actually sweet and savory inside.

“?!”

It was for the briefest moment but, while I was enjoying my sausage, I met his eyes, as if he’s ogling me in a certain way. Larc averted his gaze immediately, as if I caught him peeping.

“Sir Larc?”

“N…Nothing… Please…continue.”

He stole another glance at my direction before he a pressed a palm on his face again. He was clearly flustered.

How rude. Is this first time watching people eat their meal?

Wishing that everything will go smoothly on my first day, I left our barracks together with Larc. The stone paved streets were marching with people—both travelers and locals and the like.

“Roxis… take a look, over there”

“Mhm?”

Larc pointed to my right. Our next door neighbor, the adventurer’s guild, was already picking up onlookers the moment we got out.

Curious as to what’s happening, I walked through the circle of people myself.

Over there, was a guy, who’s shamelessly prostrating himself on the ground.

“Umm…”

Just when I thought of intervening, Larc grabbed me by the arm. I tilted my head and looked back, he shook his head.

He pulled me away from the crowd. “I’m sorry. It doesn’t seem too serious for us to get involve.”

Larc kept a smile on his face and tried to act casual. I don’t know if he found it amusing or not, but I will stand idly by while something like this happens on my watch.

I shrugged my arm away. “I appreciate your concern but…… A knight’s duty is to dedicate themselves to their responsibilities—”

“That’s it everyone! I hope you enjoyed our fine show!”

—As I place my hand on my trustee sword, something fast split through the crowd of people, like a breeze. And a smaller figure swiftly followed behind his back.

What in the world??

“See what I told you?”

Larc’s voice blew behind me. He tap my shoulder and gave me a sarcastic hiss. The crowd quickly dispersed like moths drawn to a fire that’s extinguished.

“But the public order is well protected thanks to knights like you. So don’t feel too bad.”

“Mhm… I’ll keep it in mind.”

Larc walked ahead without even looking back, leaving me no choice but to run after him. He’s not the most proactive man, but maybe he’s more suited to this type of work than I thought.

It made me laugh and he inquired me about it.

“What was that laugh for?”

“Hehe, nothing. I just thought you’re a lot more reliable than you look.”

His poker face twitch as if he couldn’t believe those unexpected words of praise were for him.

“Umm, Roxis… don’t tease me too much. How should I say this… It’s bad for my heart?”

It seems like he’s aware at least that he gets embarrassed a lot. I chuckled as I walked alongside him.

Time swirled like a thunderstorm. By the time Larc finished showing me around town, the day is almost over. He’s currently discussing some private matters with the guard at the east gate.

“Hmm, I see.”

“Yep, unless you’re part of a big group, we don’t allow people to travel outside the town walls at this time of the day.”

While their busy talking, I started walking to a nearby stall.

As much as I try to deny it, my stomach was producing a faint rumbling sound. We’ve been all over town most of the day after all. And besides, I’ve only eaten as much as a sausage and a piece of bread.

I’m also a growing lady you know~

My body needs nutrients~

You couldn’t see much of the town at night but a few shops are still open for business. Thanks to these streetlights fueled by “Karu Light Stones”, the dismal streets are more than bright. Although, from what Larc had told me, the mines to obtain those stones had long gone through the years.

Still, despite all my fears, life near the countryside isn’t exactly too bad. It’s a little bit more demanding compared to what I’ve grown up to, but the simplicity of the life here makes up for that.

“—H.Help!”

As I trudged on the quiet streets, the sound of conflict erupted in my ears. I looked around me; there’s but a single soul. Yet I’m certainly positive that I heard something.

“……De-Demon!!”

What was that? S-Swords?!

It’s definitely not my imagination. I haven’t got a clue as to what’s going on, but there’s some type of battle taking place nearby.

Should I turn around?

But what if we don’t make it?

I followed my instincts and rushed through the sound of battle. As I drew closer, the smell of blood and metal filled the air. Following this stench eventually led me to a secluded area.

I pressed my back against the wall and sneak stealthily. Suddenly, something rolled to my side. Like a ball. That ball left a crimson trail. Or no, my mistake.

It wasn’t a ball………… It’s a HEAD!

“Ummph!”

I tried my hardest to ignore, yet vomit still exploded from my mouth. But no matter how disgusting it is, I must see what’s going on.

Blood. Blood and internal organs splattered around her. Limbs chopped. Heads split. Human corpses treated as if they’re some sort of animals. Butchered without mercy.

In the midst of this slaughter was a girl… no a demon… those horns sporting out of her forehead are the proof of that.

My stomach cramped, recoiled, heaved, as if I would vomit again. Half of me want to run away this very moment, but the other half want to deliver justice.

Can I do it?

No, even I was baptized under the Church of Light. If I run away now, I would be running away from my oath.

A buzz sounded inside my spinning ears. I reached to my sword with my numbed fingers and pulled it out slowly.

Good, she hasn’t notice me yet.

I raised my hand, concentrating the mana deep inside my body, through my sword, feeling the surges of power rushing through my hands like a visible light flowing down my blade.

My sword started to glow, like its own sunlight, and lifting it with both hands, I felt the surge of power connecting it through my body like a circuit.

Light spear was a skill that the predecessor hero developed with the sole purpose of harming demon kin. Originally, because of his large mana pool, he was able to use this technique conveniently.

With my current control, I can only use it once. I only have one shot.

After that……

No, I will bring her down with this.

“ISSEN!”

Advancing with my right foot, I thrust my sword forward, releasing the light energy that rose around me. But the girl dodged that fatal blow by tilting her head.

She avoided death without even breaking a sweat.

Drip Drip……

No, I scratched her, and that’s more than enough. Soon, she’ll feel the effects. All I need to do is hold out until then.

She moved her head and glance at me sideways. I felt defeated already. Every part of my body is telling me to run, but fear has already taken a hold of me and my body refuses to listen.

But despite the fear that had invaded my body like a flood, I gripped my sword and took a defensive stance.

She smiled at me and at that very instant, I knew I will die. There’s no mistaking it. She’ll butcher me like the rest of these corpse scattered on the floor. I’ll suffer the same fate.

A sweat passed my brow.

“I do not know what happened as to what have caused this carnage, but I will not let you get away for killing on our soil.”

“Try and stop me, if you can.”

I focused my gaze at her breathing, taking every ounce of me to survive a single clash. And without a word of warning, she lunges at me. Fast, her speed is too fast for my eyes to follow!

I flashed my sword in the air and prepared myself for the worst……… but all of a sudden, she tumbled on her own.

She lay on the ground, unmoving.

“………Did I perhaps…win?”

Don't hate Roxis, okay?