Even if I had created an absurd misunderstanding until now, the reason I had kept my mouth shut and stayed still was to conceal time stop.
Except for when time stop was forcibly released due to my stamina running out, I had to conceal time stop as much as possible.
When I caught the demon, I tried to explain, but before that, they overestimated me on their own, so I missed the timing.
And honestly, that’s just how people’s hearts are.
When everyone around you is praising you, there’s no way your shoulders won’t sway. But right now, it was absolutely not allowed.
“No way! This old man becoming the commander of the Royal Knights?!”
I was so excited that even my way of speaking loosened up, but now was not the time to care about such trivial speech.
The place I was currently in was the king’s office in the royal castle.
In front of me was a throne, and in front of that throne was a shabby wooden table. And the king, sitting on an equally shabby wooden throne, stood up from his seat and bowed his head.
At this sudden situation where the king bowed his head, I was surprised and ended up shutting my mouth.
Wh-what?
The king bowed his head?
To me, a mere security guard?
“First of all, I apologize to you, Sir Hans. I’m sorry.”
“Uh, huh?”
“Due to my mistake, your opinion was not conveyed.”
“That’s true, but…”
No matter how weak his power may be, a king of a country wouldn’t bow his head so easily like this, right?
It was then that I realized the situation I was in.
I was currently causing a scene in the king’s office.
No matter how much I was recommended as the commander of the Royal Knights, this was an unforgivable rude act that couldn’t be overlooked.
Having finally realized that fact, I stopped talking for a moment and stepped back.
Then, I took a deep breath to calm my emotions.
That was close.
“Sorry. This old man was just too surprised.”
“It’s alright. It’s understandable for you to react that way.”
“…”
Was it because I let my guard down too much?
I ended up using the old man’s way of speaking.
The Time Stop Breeding Uncle really never helped me in my life.
Anyway, my thoughts remained the same.
“This old man absolutely cannot become the commander of the Royal Knights.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because I’m weak.”
It was already something I would strongly refuse just to become the commander of a regular knight order.
On top of that, you want me to become the commander of the Royal Knights?
It was something far beyond my abilities.
The position of the commander of the Royal Knights wasn’t something I could just shrug off and pass like this.
Didn’t that golden generation just get annihilated when they went on an expedition?
But look at me now.
Putting aside the Gourmet and Togui, who were at the level of demons, didn’t I struggle and barely catch the Blade Wolves? And I’m supposed to be the commander of the Royal Knights?
A passing stray dog would laugh while doing the popping dance. And most importantly, I had absolutely no confidence in leading the Royal Knights well.
It was so burdensome that I felt like going crazy!
“Certainly, from Sir Hans’ perspective, the current Royal Knights may seem like a tiger with its teeth pulled out.”
“I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about myself. This old man is absolutely not fit to be a commander.”
“You’re humble.”
I completely blocked any room for misunderstanding.
I absolutely could not back down in this situation.
Although it was true that it was hard to refuse when people around me had excessive expectations, there was a limit to what I could accept.
No matter how much I thought about it, I absolutely could not take on the position of the commander of the Royal Knights.
The king, who confirmed my firm will, nodded his head.
“I understand. If Sir Hans insists that much…”
“Phew~ That’s a relief. It’s too heavy of a burden for this old man.”
“It can’t be helped. Of course, their situation is unfortunate, but…”
“Huh?”
“Didn’t you have any doubts? Seeing the elf and dwarf, whose relationship is so strained, sticking together like that.”
Now that he mentioned it, it was a bit strange.
7 years later, I mean, if it were the original timeline, I could understand.
Because the Royal Knights were completely divided due to political reasons.
But especially the elf and dwarf, whose racial rift was deep, were getting along with each other like that?
However, I soon realized the reason.
Unless you were a fool, you couldn’t not know.
“Is it because their comrades were annihilated?”
“Yes, that’s right. No matter how deep their rift was, they were still comrades who had fought together until now.”
“…”
“Thanks to Sir Hans, they have regained some of their spirit now. But before that, the atmosphere was so dark that it was indescribable.”
Of course it would be.
Their comrades all died overnight. And you’re saying you’ll select a new commander right after the Royal Knights were annihilated not long ago?
I would have strongly opposed it too.
Seriously.
Of course, they would have understood it in their heads. But how could a person act only efficiently?
They wouldn’t be able to ignore the emotions they had been harboring until now.
Even if they were heroes.
Wait a minute.
If we just leave them alone like this, won’t they really fall into depression?
Their comrades died right in front of their eyes, But what did I say in front of them?
[Even if there are differences in what we do, in the end, we’re in the same boat.]
Ah.
[When such comrades are hurting and having a hard time, how can this old man just let it slide?]
Ah.
[If you’re having a hard time, call me anytime. This old man will gladly lend his shoulder as many times as needed.]
Noooooo!!!
Wait! There’s a serious misunderstanding here!
No, I just said a word of encouragement because they looked troubled at a glance, you know?!
Anyone can say those words!
No, no.
I’ll be really honest.
I thought I would see them this time and never see them again.
Because they are heroes.
They will be extremely busy from now on!!
I was worried.
Their comrades all died, what will they do? But they are heroes.
I vaguely thought they would somehow overcome it on their own.
But it turned out like this?
“It’s a bit better now. But they are still on the edge of a cliff. To the point of relying on each other, even though they are like mortal enemies.”
“…”
“And just when a new center has finally appeared… If Sir Hans insists on saying that, there’s no choice.”
Each word from the king stabbed me like a dagger.
Yeah, who was there to blame?
It was the retribution for me thoughtlessly opening my mouth, thinking I would never see them again.
Damn it.
* * *
The negotiation was barely established.
In exchange for Sir Hans becoming the commander of the Royal Knights, the kingdom would provide considerable support.
That much was expected.
The king was going to provide support anyway.
The currently vacant position of the commander of the Royal Knights was no different from a poisoned chalice.
If handled incorrectly, they would try to shift the previous responsibility and bite fiercely.
That’s what politics was in the end.
Avoid mistakes as much as possible and find another target to bite.
A method closer to hyenas, not even like the jungle.
However, in other words…
It also meant that it could become an opportunity.
Of course, it was a problem that he would have to apologize for someday for not intentionally giving a hint to Sir Hans.
But thanks to that, things unintentionally turned out well.
The king nodded his head.
“As expected, Sir Hans is a hero.”
Originally, he had planned to negotiate as much as possible the moment they arrived at the capital.
But to think he would encourage and control them like that as soon as he arrived.
As if he had known.
[This old man absolutely cannot become the commander of the Royal Knights.]
[Because I’m weak.]
[I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about myself. This old man is absolutely not fit to be a commander.]
That was probably him testing himself. By belittling himself, he tested the king.
In other words, he was checking whether the king would be swayed by his glib tongue or not.
“But Sir Hans, there is one fact you have overlooked.”
If a person with power belittles himself for the sake of others, it means he is no longer a good-for-nothing.
Of course, Sir Hans must have had some tremendous story behind him.
However, the current situation was extremely serious.
Wasn’t it none other than Sir Hans who had anticipated the annihilation of the Royal Knights on the expedition that Clarence had reported before?
Honestly, he had been skeptical. But the king didn’t hesitate and immediately brought up that information at the joint council.
Naturally, the reaction he recieved was jeers. But thanks to that, it greatly helped.
[What is this?]
[It’s a teleport scroll. One of the few treasures left in the kingdom.]
[Why are you giving me such a precious item?]
[There’s always a possibility of the worst case scenario happening, isn’t there?]
He was the king of humans. That’s why he believed in humans.
So he even took out the royal family’s treasure, the teleport scroll, and provided support. And that fruit had returned like this.
However, it wasn’t time to rejoice yet.
To think the Royal Knights would really be annihilated.
There were only 3 survivors left. And one of them had even deserted.
It was truly a desperate situation with no solution in sight.
But there was no wavering in the king’s heart.
He had excellently mediated the Royal Knights that had nearly fallen apart in addition to repelling the demons.
Sir Hans, who had already proven his sufficient abilities, had deepend the king’s trust.
“Now is our chance.”
Believing that an opportunity would come someday, he had forcibly banned extravagance even while facing the opposition of the nobles.
It was time to finally use the resources he had scraped together.
Opportunity could only be seized by those who were prepared.
The king knew that fact to the point of being chilling.
Even if I had created an absurd misunderstanding until now, the reason I had kept my mouth shut and stayed still was to conceal time stop.
Except for when time stop was forcibly released due to my stamina running out, I had to conceal time stop as much as possible.
When I caught the demon, I tried to explain, but before that, they overestimated me on their own, so I missed the timing.
And honestly, that’s just how people’s hearts are.
When everyone around you is praising you, there’s no way your shoulders won’t sway. But right now, it was absolutely not allowed.
“No way! This old man becoming the commander of the Royal Knights?!”
I was so excited that even my way of speaking loosened up, but now was not the time to care about such trivial speech.
The place I was currently in was the king’s office in the royal castle.
In front of me was a throne, and in front of that throne was a shabby wooden table. And the king, sitting on an equally shabby wooden throne, stood up from his seat and bowed his head.
At this sudden situation where the king bowed his head, I was surprised and ended up shutting my mouth.
Wh-what?
The king bowed his head?
To me, a mere security guard?
“First of all, I apologize to you, Sir Hans. I’m sorry.”
“Uh, huh?”
“Due to my mistake, your opinion was not conveyed.”
“That’s true, but…”
No matter how weak his power may be, a king of a country wouldn’t bow his head so easily like this, right?
It was then that I realized the situation I was in.
I was currently causing a scene in the king’s office.
No matter how much I was recommended as the commander of the Royal Knights, this was an unforgivable rude act that couldn’t be overlooked.
Having finally realized that fact, I stopped talking for a moment and stepped back.
Then, I took a deep breath to calm my emotions.
That was close.
“Sorry. This old man was just too surprised.”
“It’s alright. It’s understandable for you to react that way.”
“…”
Was it because I let my guard down too much?
I ended up using the old man’s way of speaking.
The Time Stop Breeding Uncle really never helped me in my life.
Anyway, my thoughts remained the same.
“This old man absolutely cannot become the commander of the Royal Knights.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because I’m weak.”
It was already something I would strongly refuse just to become the commander of a regular knight order.
On top of that, you want me to become the commander of the Royal Knights?
It was something far beyond my abilities.
The position of the commander of the Royal Knights wasn’t something I could just shrug off and pass like this.
Didn’t that golden generation just get annihilated when they went on an expedition?
But look at me now.
Putting aside the Gourmet and Togui, who were at the level of demons, didn’t I struggle and barely catch the Blade Wolves? And I’m supposed to be the commander of the Royal Knights?
A passing stray dog would laugh while doing the popping dance. And most importantly, I had absolutely no confidence in leading the Royal Knights well.
It was so burdensome that I felt like going crazy!
“Certainly, from Sir Hans’ perspective, the current Royal Knights may seem like a tiger with its teeth pulled out.”
“I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about myself. This old man is absolutely not fit to be a commander.”
“You’re humble.”
I completely blocked any room for misunderstanding.
I absolutely could not back down in this situation.
Although it was true that it was hard to refuse when people around me had excessive expectations, there was a limit to what I could accept.
No matter how much I thought about it, I absolutely could not take on the position of the commander of the Royal Knights.
The king, who confirmed my firm will, nodded his head.
“I understand. If Sir Hans insists that much…”
“Phew~ That’s a relief. It’s too heavy of a burden for this old man.”
“It can’t be helped. Of course, their situation is unfortunate, but…”
“Huh?”
“Didn’t you have any doubts? Seeing the elf and dwarf, whose relationship is so strained, sticking together like that.”
Now that he mentioned it, it was a bit strange.
7 years later, I mean, if it were the original timeline, I could understand.
Because the Royal Knights were completely divided due to political reasons.
But especially the elf and dwarf, whose racial rift was deep, were getting along with each other like that?
However, I soon realized the reason.
Unless you were a fool, you couldn’t not know.
“Is it because their comrades were annihilated?”
“Yes, that’s right. No matter how deep their rift was, they were still comrades who had fought together until now.”
“…”
“Thanks to Sir Hans, they have regained some of their spirit now. But before that, the atmosphere was so dark that it was indescribable.”
Of course it would be.
Their comrades all died overnight. And you’re saying you’ll select a new commander right after the Royal Knights were annihilated not long ago?
I would have strongly opposed it too.
Seriously.
Of course, they would have understood it in their heads. But how could a person act only efficiently?
They wouldn’t be able to ignore the emotions they had been harboring until now.
Even if they were heroes.
Wait a minute.
If we just leave them alone like this, won’t they really fall into depression?
Their comrades died right in front of their eyes, But what did I say in front of them?
[Even if there are differences in what we do, in the end, we’re in the same boat.]
Ah.
[When such comrades are hurting and having a hard time, how can this old man just let it slide?]
Ah.
[If you’re having a hard time, call me anytime. This old man will gladly lend his shoulder as many times as needed.]
Noooooo!!!
Wait! There’s a serious misunderstanding here!
No, I just said a word of encouragement because they looked troubled at a glance, you know?!
Anyone can say those words!
No, no.
I’ll be really honest.
I thought I would see them this time and never see them again.
Because they are heroes.
They will be extremely busy from now on!!
I was worried.
Their comrades all died, what will they do? But they are heroes.
I vaguely thought they would somehow overcome it on their own.
But it turned out like this?
“It’s a bit better now. But they are still on the edge of a cliff. To the point of relying on each other, even though they are like mortal enemies.”
“…”
“And just when a new center has finally appeared… If Sir Hans insists on saying that, there’s no choice.”
Each word from the king stabbed me like a dagger.
Yeah, who was there to blame?
It was the retribution for me thoughtlessly opening my mouth, thinking I would never see them again.
Damn it.
* * *
The negotiation was barely established.
In exchange for Sir Hans becoming the commander of the Royal Knights, the kingdom would provide considerable support.
That much was expected.
The king was going to provide support anyway.
The currently vacant position of the commander of the Royal Knights was no different from a poisoned chalice.
If handled incorrectly, they would try to shift the previous responsibility and bite fiercely.
That’s what politics was in the end.
Avoid mistakes as much as possible and find another target to bite.
A method closer to hyenas, not even like the jungle.
However, in other words…
It also meant that it could become an opportunity.
Of course, it was a problem that he would have to apologize for someday for not intentionally giving a hint to Sir Hans.
But thanks to that, things unintentionally turned out well.
The king nodded his head.
“As expected, Sir Hans is a hero.”
Originally, he had planned to negotiate as much as possible the moment they arrived at the capital.
But to think he would encourage and control them like that as soon as he arrived.
As if he had known.
[This old man absolutely cannot become the commander of the Royal Knights.]
[Because I’m weak.]
[I’m not talking about them, I’m talking about myself. This old man is absolutely not fit to be a commander.]
That was probably him testing himself. By belittling himself, he tested the king.
In other words, he was checking whether the king would be swayed by his glib tongue or not.
“But Sir Hans, there is one fact you have overlooked.”
If a person with power belittles himself for the sake of others, it means he is no longer a good-for-nothing.
Of course, Sir Hans must have had some tremendous story behind him.
However, the current situation was extremely serious.
Wasn’t it none other than Sir Hans who had anticipated the annihilation of the Royal Knights on the expedition that Clarence had reported before?
Honestly, he had been skeptical. But the king didn’t hesitate and immediately brought up that information at the joint council.
Naturally, the reaction he recieved was jeers. But thanks to that, it greatly helped.
[What is this?]
[It’s a teleport scroll. One of the few treasures left in the kingdom.]
[Why are you giving me such a precious item?]
[There’s always a possibility of the worst case scenario happening, isn’t there?]
He was the king of humans. That’s why he believed in humans.
So he even took out the royal family’s treasure, the teleport scroll, and provided support. And that fruit had returned like this.
However, it wasn’t time to rejoice yet.
To think the Royal Knights would really be annihilated.
There were only 3 survivors left. And one of them had even deserted.
It was truly a desperate situation with no solution in sight.
But there was no wavering in the king’s heart.
He had excellently mediated the Royal Knights that had nearly fallen apart in addition to repelling the demons.
Sir Hans, who had already proven his sufficient abilities, had deepend the king’s trust.
“Now is our chance.”
Believing that an opportunity would come someday, he had forcibly banned extravagance even while facing the opposition of the nobles.
It was time to finally use the resources he had scraped together.
Opportunity could only be seized by those who were prepared.
The king knew that fact to the point of being chilling.
