Episode 13: I Tried Going to the Battlefield.
<
The wind whipped up dust as we advanced along the mountain path.
Our target was the stronghold of a notorious bandit gang within the Aegrid Territory. They were a group of several dozen, not only terrorizing the populace but also blockading trade routes and continuously attacking merchants.
I’d wanted to corner them for a long time, and having finally gathered intelligence, we’ve launched this large-scale operation.
According to reports, their base is an Abandoned Village in the mountainous region ahead.
It’s like a fortress, utilizing the natural terrain. As the Knights Order advanced, wary of ambushes, Kanon, the Knights Commander, was by my side as my guard.
“Are you nervous, Kanon?”
When I spoke, she gave a small nod, her expression impassive.
“Is that something you, the Lord, should be saying? You’re the younger one, just a kid.”
“That’s true. I’m counting on you.”
“Yeah, the enemy’s numbers are troublesome, but as long as we don’t let our guard down, it won’t be a problem.”
When I first recruited her, she used polite language, but since we started sharing battlefields, Kanon’s way of speaking has become quite informal.
Even as Kanon said that, she was observing the terrain ahead with a sharp gaze.
Tall and with a dignified presence, she truly exuded the air of a Knights Commander. Possessing experience and skill honed during her past as a mercenary, she issues commands calmly and swiftly on the battlefield.
Her abilities are outstanding, and I place immense trust in her.
Just as the Abandoned Village came into view, an urgent report arrived from the scout unit.
“Lord Serios, the enemy has spotted us! It seems they’re preparing to intercept!”
“Hmm, earlier than expected.”
Gripping the hilt of my Sword, I issued a command to the Knights Order.
“All units, advance! We attack before the enemy can solidify their formation!”
Kanon followed up with her own shout.
“First squad, shields up! Second squad, circle to the flanks! Third squad, prepare for rear support!”
The knights swiftly moved into position according to their roles. Seizing that opening, we began our charge towards the enemy’s front line.
The bandits, relying on their numbers, surged towards us like an avalanche. But there was no way such a brute-force attack would work against us.
The Knights Order dealt with the attacks we had trained for and anticipated countless times.
I drew my Sword and slashed at the bandit before me. The sharp strike resounded with a high-pitched metallic clang, sending his weapon flying. Not missing the opening as he faltered, I aimed for a gap and cut him down.
“Next.”
Glancing sideways at Kanon, I saw her calmly handling multiple bandits. Her fluid swordsmanship, felling one enemy after another, earned her respect even from the other knights.
However, the enemy wasn’t about to let us break through easily. Archers, using the buildings of the Abandoned Village, were taking aim at us.
“Archers in the rear! Advance while protecting yourselves with shields!”
As Kanon gave orders and the knights moved swiftly, I was facing a large bandit up ahead. He swung his Greatsword, trying to push me back all at once.
“What’s a brat like you doing on a battlefield like this?!”
“Silence! I won’t forgive you for ravaging my territory!”
I raised my Sword and parried his strike.
A heavy impact coursed through my body, but I endured it, searching for an opening. Aiming for the slightest gap, I unleashed a flash. I sent the enemy’s Greatsword flying and, with the same momentum, slashed through his torso.
“Next?!”
The battle intensified, and the bandits’ formation gradually began to crumble. But just then, I heard Kanon’s cry.
“Guh…!”
She had been slashed by a bandit who attacked her from behind. Although she immediately counterattacked and defeated him, her armor had been pierced through a gap, and blood was flowing from her shoulder.
“Kanon!”
I immediately rushed to her side. She was clutching her shoulder, yet calmly looking down at the fallen bandit.
“I’m alright, Lord Serios. I can’t let a wound like this hold you back.”
As she said that, Kanon tried to use her sword as a cane to stand up, but it was clear she was forcing herself.
“Silence! You will fall back now!”
I snapped sharply, then took her hand to support her. Kanon looked surprised, but she quickly averted her gaze and gave a wry smile.
“…How pathetic of me. A woman, yet covered in wounds. I’m not beautiful at all, am I?”
For a moment, I was at a loss for words.
It was the first time I’d ever seen her show such weakness. But in the next instant, I answered her clearly.
“What are you talking about? You are very beautiful, and a fine woman. Being wounded doesn’t diminish that in the slightest. Knights of the Order! Scars are medals of honor! Be proud. But do not lose your lives! This is an order!!”
I took over for Kanon and rallied the Knights Order.
Kanon’s eyes widened in surprise.
“…Lord Serios, those words… Are you serious?”
Cheers erupted, and the Knights Order swiftly cornered the bandits.
“I know better than anyone what you’ve done up until now, how many people you’ve protected, and how much you’ve helped me. Just because you’re wounded doesn’t change a thing. Hold your head high.”
I gently placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her earnestly in the eyes.
“Kanon, you are one of the people I trust. So don’t say things that belittle yourself.”
She was speechless for a while, just staring back at me. But eventually, she seemed to relax and said in a small voice,
“…Thank you, Lord Serios. If you say that, I feel like I can forgive myself a little.”
We cleared the battlefield and hunted down the remnants of the bandit gang.
The battle ended in victory for the Knights Order, and another threat within the territory was eliminated.
In the carriage on our way back, Kanon, her shoulder bandaged, gazed quietly out the window. Her profile was somehow serene, showing no trace of the battlefield’s tension.
“Lord Serios.”
Suddenly, she turned to look at me. There was a hint of softness in her expression.
“Your words today… I won’t forget them. I want to be a knight worthy of your recognition.”
I gave a light nod.
“As long as you’re by my side, I believe we can win any battle. I’m counting on you from now on too, Kanon.”
“Yes, of course. …But, I’ll become a little stronger. Next time, I’ll be the one to protect you.”
Faced with her strong determination, I chuckled softly.
I was certain that Kanon was a knight I could trust in any situation, and that she would continue to fight alongside me.
The large-scale bandit gang subjugation ended in success, and a worry for the Aegrid Territory was removed.
“For now, I guess the territory is secure, huh?”
I managed to take care of my worries before heading to the academy.
Author’s Note
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today!!!
I wonder if I’m having a bit of trouble keeping up, lol.
I’ll continue writing while being grateful to everyone who supports me!!!!
Thank you for your continued support!!