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–––Simon’s viewpoint

Quite a long time had passed since Milady picked me up, a mere commoner. It was only thanks to her that a lanky kid whose only good trait was being diligent became a knight. In name I was under the Count’s command, but my loyalty was sworn to her only. I was ready to cast my life aside for her if she ordered that. But intent alone is not enough in this world. I had vowed to protect her with my life, but a group of mere kobolds had been enough to corner me.

“Simon! Good luck!”
“Leave it to me! Try to hide!”

I had diligently practiced for years, but this was my first real fight, so I could hardly land any hits. The dog-faced kobolds seemed to understand the level of my skill. They had started toying with me, throwing stones into my sword’s path, or kicking my back while I turned around. Me and Milady’s bodies would already be cold on the ground if the monsters had wished for it.

“Hahh..! Hahh..!”

My breath was heavy and I could no longer move. I kept trying to swing my sword with willpower alone, but there was no weight behind it and the monsters easily deflected it. This was impossible, I was going to die here. No matter what I tried, there was no way to overturn this situation. I wanted Milady to escape at least, but the kobolds would not allow that either.

“Kyaahh!!”
“Get away from her you monsters!”

I heard her screaming behind me. I remained in front, protecting her with my body, and ready to lay down my life for a last attack, when an arrow pierced through the heads of the kobolds in front of me. Four of them fell simultaneously. I watched in a daze, trying to understand what had happened, and then the remaining monsters fell. That was skillfully executed, who had done that… I looked around and saw someone approaching on a horse, so I hastily held my sword ready. I could not afford to lower my guard yet.

“Oh come on now! Is that how you treat the person who just saved you?”

She was an exceedingly beautiful elf. She seemed to be around the same age as me, but it was hard to tell as elves have long lifespans, so she was probably much older than she appeared to be. She did not seem to be a bad person, but looked slightly out of place. Could I really trust someone like that? I was still debating that, but Milady seemed to trust her right away. Milady always had a good eye for people. Her personality was really sensitive to those who meant harm to her, so if she felt safe with the elf, I would trust her.

Not much later we found out that surprisingly enough the elf, Diaria, was Zelvis’ hero. She was rather well known in Bordaule. She was not quite as popular as Princess Luvias, who discarded her privileged position to become a hero and help the country as a whole, and some people even believed Diaria was merely a political pawn sent from another country to force an alliance. The reason why she was loitering in the middle of nowhere was a mystery, but I could accept she was strong. I could not hold a candle against her.

We ended up traveling together, and she ended up being more social than I imagined. She did not sound arrogant whatsoever, and was more than willing to talk with Milady and me, she was really friendly. With her strength, we quickly became dependent on her.

As friendly as she was, from time to time her eyes would turn sharp and terrifying. Eventually she told us that happened whenever she thought of Stied’s acts. She truly was a hero, not willing to overlook any form of injustice.

When we arrived in our city, she told us to remain hidden. She meant to exterminate Stied’s men that had invaded the city. Luckily my house was still safe, and I could trust my family with keeping Milady hidden. It was the perfect hiding place for her. Now we just had to wait for things to blow over outside, and everything would be resolved. But I still felt complex emotions.

(I know Diaria is strong, but maybe I can also do something to help?)

I had become a knight to protect Milady, to protect people. I wanted to be a knight that helped those important to me, and those in need. Yet here I was offloading that duty onto someone else, while I hid away. I felt like such a coward, but I could not leave Milady alone. I constantly reached for my sword, only to let it go, over and over. Eventually Milady spoke to me, seeing me pace around restlessly.

“Simon, do you wish to go?”
“Milady! No, I’m…”
“I understand your feelings. Even if you realize you won’t be of any help, you want to be there. I’m less capable than you and I feel that way as well. The desire must be much stronger in you, as a knight devoted to your duty.”

She was right, everything she said was true. My skill with the sword might be subpar, but Diaria was not invincible either. I wanted to be there in case she got into a tricky situation. I wanted to be there just in case.

“Go, Simon. I’ll be fine.”
“Milady…”
“I should be concealed from them here. Maybe you can learn something by watching Diaria fight, go, follow your heart.”
“…Thank you very much, Milady. I’ll be on my way.”

She smiled softly as I bowed and rushed out of my home.

§　§　§

–––Diaria’s viewpoint

“They’re finally starting to make a commotion.”

I took out all the lookouts, and killed anyone I saw come into view instantly. It did not take much longer for them to realize something was wrong. They held heavy shields and walked carefully making sure not to step on their fallen comrades. But even they fell one after another. My arrows pierced through their shield, easily reaching their bodies. They had probably never expected arrows to be able to pierce through shields, so their desperation was almost palpable from this distance. Their desperation was almost comedic, and it made them even easier targets.

But after dozens of their men had fallen, they finally managed to figure out where the arrows were coming from. The castle’s gates opened wide and knights in full armor rushed out.

“Horses…it seems they’re wearing lightweight armor too.”

If armor made no difference, it was best to discard it. That sounded a bit unconventional, but it was the correct response to a situation like this… Unless they were dealing with me.

“Sol, do it.”
“For how long?”