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“What?”

Seletina asked, her eyes widening. Like carbonic acid that has lost its vigor, her voice was faint.

The sight of the huge man standing in front of her was what caused this. Full body, jet-black armor. A jade cape the same hue as the king’s eyes. A greatsword hung on his back.

It was identical to the gear Seletina had worn in her previous life no matter how she chose to view it.

The hue of the armor was the only distinction, as Orthus’ had been pure white.

Now that I look closely, it’s actually different.

Seletina was able to determine that this wasn’t her armor after carefully examining each and every scratch on the gloves and helm.

In other words, the equipment this man was wearing was a replica of Seletina’s gear before she passed away.

What’s this dude’s deal?

Loggins was struck by Seletina’s suspicious stare.

The man’s name, though, would startle Seletina even more.

“I believe this is our first time meeting. I am Loggins Bell Actoria, the Commander of the Royal Knights.”
“Huh?”

Seletina’s mouth opened to reveal a bizarre sound.

Commander of the Royal Knights? Loggins Bell Actoria? ………….

“???”

Seletina’s mind went blank.

What did he just call himself?

“Um, excuse me, I couldn’t quite understand you… Could you be kind enough to repeat…” Seletina asked politely.

Loggins then cleared his throat and spoke,

“I am Loggins Bell Actoria, the Commander of the Royal Knights.” he said proudly.
“Commander of the Royal Knights?”
“Yes.”
“Loggins Bell Actoria?”
“Correct.”
“You?”
“As it happens to be, yes.”

Loggins answered seriously.
　
Seletina, on the other hand, found the whole situation ridiculous.

“Kuku…. Kufu… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! Ahahahahah! I see, I see! So you’re saying you, Loggins, are the Commander of the Royal Knights, and you’re the one that defeated the Defiler of Pride and Wisdom?! Ahahahaha!”

Seletina laughed while hunched over.

Loggins and Eleanor, in turn, stood and watched with confused gazes.

I can’t. This is comical. The young brat who would always follow and imitate me is now the Commander of the Royal Knights and the one who saved my life.

Seletina laughed.

The boy that had been as thin as a twig now looked like a trunk.

His Orthus-inspired equipment fit him so well that he could easily pass it off as Orthus’ manifestation.

Seletina burst out laughing and, with tears in her eyes, checked Loggins once again.

Even after all this time he’s still a copycat. I can’t believe that even his armor is a perfect copy of mine.

“Um, have I done something?” Loggins asked.
“No! You have done nothing. I apologize. That was improper of me.”

I can’t, this is hilarious.

Seletina smiled softly and used her fingers to gently wipe the tears off the corner of her eyes.

Fourteen years. I guess time really does change a person.

Seletina became overcome with deep feelings after finally getting over the laughter.

Good job getting here.

Seletina’s heart warmed just as much as it would for a proud parent seeing his successful child.

“Sir Loggins, have you met Lady Seletina before?”
“No… This should be our first meeting… Am I correct, Lady Seletina?”
“Yes, yes. It is. I am deeply sorry for bursting out like that. Please accept my apologies.”
“That is fine, but why did you laugh when you saw me?”
“That’s… Um… I just remembered something… Or something along those lines. You know how you randomly begin laughing sometimes…”

Seletina began mumbling, trying to come up with some excuse to change the topic.

“That aside. I believe I still haven’t introduced myself. My name is Seletina ul Gold Aldelight. Thanks to you Sir Loggins, my life wasn’t cut short. Once again, I express my deepest gratitude.” Seletina bowed, lifting the skirt a bit.

Nevertheless, Seletina felt weird doing this towards Loggins.

“Do not mention it. It was all thanks to your efforts Lady Seletina. Despite being a duke’s daughter, your skill with the sword is unparalleled and you’re even said to rival a thousand men.”
“Rival a thousand men is a bit of a stretch… Just where did you hear that?”

As soon as she asked, Seletina noticed Eleanor with the corner of her eye. Her jade eyes were blazing as she watched Seletina.

“I see…”

Seletina sighed, finally having put the pieces together.

“Lady Seletina is beyond amazing I tell you! She shredded the Demons one after another! I truly believe that she has what it takes to be a true knight!”
“Haha. You’ve already mentioned that a hundred times, Princess Eleanor.” Loggins said with a chuckle.

During the last few days Eleanor had sung Seletina’s praises like a broken recorder.

It was clear that Loggins was starting to grow tired of it.

“Regardless, it truly is amazing that you were able to go toe-to-toe with the Defiler of Pride and Wisdom, despite its abilities. I still find it unbelievable.” Loggins said.
“Thank you for your praise.”
“But there’s one thing that I’ve been wondering about. Why do you seek such strength?”
“Because I wish to become a knight.”

The moment Seletina said that Loggins felt shivers run down his spine.

“A knight? Why?”
“A girl is free to dream, no? There is nothing wrong with a girl wanting to be a knight.”

Seletina smiled brightly.

“……”

Loggins couldn’t think of what to answer. He couldn’t figure out what the girl before him was thinking.

She wants to become a knight?

Loggins was skeptical.

I must find out if she really has some connection to the witch.

Nevertheless, Loggins was still stumped as to Seletina’s thoughts.

Behind the beaming Seletina, he kept seeing glimpses of the witch’s smile.

“That’s right! Sir Loggins!”

Unaware of Loggins’ thoughts, Eleanor clapped her hands as if she had just had a brilliant idea.

“What is it, Princess?”
“Why don’t you admit Lady Seletina into the Royal Knights? I can vouch for her ability and her purity of heart! What do you say? Isn’t it a great idea? I’m sure you’d love to welcome a talented individual?”

Eleanor spoke with excitement.

There were various types of Royal Knights. Among them were the Royal Guards. A group of knights whose responsibility was to stand by and guard their escort at all times.

Eleanor was secretly trying to get Seletina to join those Royal Guards.

“Hmph……….”

Loggins found it hard to reply. Eleanor, in turn, began to pout. Seletina, though, was quick to react and able to quickly calm Eleanor down.

“It sure is a wonderful proposal, Princess Eleanor, however, I’m afraid that it will be impossible.”
“Why? It seems totally possible to me…”
“First of all, I am not a knight, Your Highness. I cannot simply become a member of the Royal Knights like that.”
“And why not?”
“To become a knight, one must first gain a certain level of renown and then be anointed by His Majesty.” Seletina explained.
“I’m surprised you know that much.” Loggins said in a praising manner.

He then picked up after Seletina and continued to explain.

“To become a knight, one must first complete a six-month training regimen at a school for knights, followed by a Demon hunt as a final exam. The Demons slaughtered during the hunt are recognized as one’s merit, and an ordination ceremony is held. This is how becoming a knight generally works.”
“What? You’re expected to do that much? It sounds like a hassle.” Eleanor exclaimed.
“The faith of people will be impacted if a knight is not strong or educated. Although, I do admit that there are exceptions.”

Loggins explained, but Eleanor was having none of it.

“Princess, one first has to become a knight. Then, only those who have been carefully chosen through a test are allowed to join the Royal Knights. A young girl like myself would surely face criticism if she skipped all the prerequisites.”

Seletina explained further.

“Agh… Okay, I got it… I’ll bend the knee this once.”
“Thank you, Princess.” Loggins said.
“That aside, Lady Seletina. I heard you had just woken up, but you seem fairly energetic. I have to admit I’m somewhat baffled.” He added.
“What? Oh, yea. I really am. To be honest, even I’m shocked at how well I’m feeling. My body feels incredibly light. It’s really unbelievable.”
“I see…”

Loggins said, before raising his finger. He then pointed to a place on Seletina’s nape.

“Could it possibly be related to this rose-like crest?”
“What?”

The place Loggins was pointing at was the same place where The Witch of Black and White had kissed Seletina.

It was a tiny, black crest in the form of a snake coiled around a rose that was difficult to see without straining one’s eyes¹.

1. Robinxen: Oh so there was a reason!