Episode 353: Knights’ Social Gathering
“Well then… enough with the difficult talk. Everyone, let’s have some light exercise!”
So declared Bareya Cattleya, the leader of the advance party and now commander-in-chief against the foreign tribes, as he gathered the soldiers at the training grounds within the fort.
Except for the watchmen, those resting, and the injured, the main personnel were all assembled at this place.
“For us, who make war our profession, the most terrifying thing is the ‘unknown.’ The strength of allies and enemies, equipment, terrain, the abilities of the commanding generals, and so on. ‘Not knowing’ can become a major weakness. Therefore, we must always strive to gather information and keep abreast of the latest war situation.”
Bareya glared at the group.
Some of the soldiers flinched at his sharp, murderous gaze, and swallowed nervously.
“Obtaining information about the enemy is difficult… but information about our allies can be easily obtained. You just need to see it with your own eyes and confirm it.”
“In other words… it’s a test of skill.”
Caryas Cattleya, standing next to his brother, continued, taking over the explanation.
“Well, there’s no need to be nervous. It’s like a rite of passage for new recruits. Let’s exercise lightly and deepen our friendship.”
“That’s right. It would be pointless to suffer a major injury in training unrelated to battle. Everyone, keep it to the extent that it can be healed with magic.”
(So, it’s a mock battle… I’m not really in the mood for this…)
Rest sighed deeply, listening to Bareya and Caryas’s explanation.
This event itself is not unnatural.
If you were to compare it to something… it’s like having a practice match to build camaraderie because new members have joined the sports club.
However… the problem is that I can predict what’s going to happen next. That’s why I’m so fed up.
“Alright, then let’s fight, Rest Clover-kun?”
A young man put a firm arm around my shoulder.
The young man’s name is Toya Cattleya. He is the third son of the Cattleya Marquis family.
Toya’s expression was friendly, and his attitude was familiar… but I couldn’t be mistaken about the passion seething deep within him.
“What’s wrong? You’re not scared, are you? It’s just training, right?”
“It’s not that I’m scared… it’s just that you’re a little strong.”
Rest shook off Toya’s arm.
“Also… I don’t intend to throw my weight around, but I am a Count, you know. Could you please refrain from calling me ‘-kun’?”
“Ah, my apologies. How rude of a mere third son of the Marquis family… Clover ‘Count’?”
Toya bowed respectfully… in form only, bending at the waist and lowering his head.
It was a bow that showed no respect at all. Rather, it felt like he was provoking me.
(So, I’m hated that much… Yuri-san, you’re loved, aren’t you?)
In this situation, Rest should be angry… but he was more dumbfounded, and not that angry.
After all, he could tell that they cared about Yuri.
Yuri is also an important friend to Rest. He doesn’t even know when it was decided, but she’s the woman he’s engaged to.
He has no ill feelings towards Yuri’s brothers who care about her. Although he thinks they’re being too much of a siscon.
(Come to think of it… I’m keeping their precious daughter, and I haven’t even given them a greeting. Even if you’re protecting a daughter at home, you should properly contact the family… it’s true that I’ve been lacking in courtesy.)
He’s just being resented by his future father-in-law and brothers-in-law because he hasn’t made a marriage greeting.
I was also at fault.
That’s why I should accept this situation willingly.
“Well, that’s as may be… but I don’t intend to lose at all.”
I was also at fault, but that’s as may be, Toya’s attitude is utterly rude.
Rest has no intention of apologizing.
Since he’s picking a fight, I’ll beat him down cheaply.
“I will gladly accept your challenge, Knight of the Cattleya Marquis family.”
“Hmph… stand over there, ‘Count.’ I’ll make you pay for defiling my beloved sister (My Puppy).”
“That’s what I want.”
Rest grinned fearlessly at Toya, who spat out those words hatefully, and faced him from a distance of about three meters.
He was about to engage in a mock battle with one of the Cattleya Marquis family, the Kingdom’s Shield… the strongest knight.