She had a dream.
It seemed to be a stage somewhere.
She was always sitting in the audience, watching the scene. And shortly after, the curtain on the stage opened, and the actors revealed themselves.
The actors all had familiar faces.
A lizardman wielding a greatsword and a rat boy fought each other to mutual destruction.
A dwarf woman and a veteran elf took each other’s lives.
And the end of that play always ended with a giant dragon appearing and devouring the actors.
At the same time, Bayard woke up from her sleep.
The terrible nightmare repeated itself.
“…Where is this?”
Bayard blankly looked around.
Not a crude one made by breaking wood and vines, but a properly sturdy room made by stacking stones and a comfortable bed supporting her.
Was that just a dream?
Or… something else?
She didn’t know.
She couldn’t tell in her current state.
If only she could openly say it to someone else, but for some reason, she couldn’t utter it out loud.
As if a heavy rock was blocking her mouth.
That suffocation made her unconsciously avert her gaze without even realizing it.
From that day when she barely returned from that hell until now.
It hurt.
Her head hurt.
It felt like a piece of a knife was digging into her stomach.
If she died, would she be free from this pain?
What was the point of living when she couldn’t protect anyone?
[It’s okay. You can prove it with your own strength.]
[Commander…]
[If you prove it yourself, everyone will look at you again.]
[…Thank you, Commander. I’ll do my best.]
The commander who told her it was okay was no longer here.
All that was left was a piece of trash who couldn’t prove her own worth.
The guilt of not being able to protect her boiled up hotly.
[First, the Dwarf Republic will officially sponsor the Royal Knights.]
[Not only the top-grade equipment prepared by the Dwarf Republic but also this fortress will be made into an even stronger fortress.]
[In exchange, hand over Bayard]
[That’s right. Just one person, if you hand over just one person, that will be all.]
The hearing of beastmen was much better than other races.
Especially Bayard’s hearing was far superior to ordinary beastmen.
So she could hear the conversation taking place upstairs.
The Dwarf Republic, come to think of it.
Before going on the expedition, she had heard that the Dwarf Republic was acting strange.
But to think they were plotting such a scheme.
She couldn’t run away.
If she ran away again, it was clear that this time, the Royal Knights would suffer damage.
Rather, if she could help everyone this way…
[Of course I refuse.]
[A wise choice… Pardon?]
“…Huh?”
Even she thought they were excellent conditions.
Unless it was an extreme case of caring for her comrades like Commander Yuren.
Yes, a commander under normal circumstances would have no choice but to accept it.
The current situation of the Royal Knights was not that good.
There were many problems, but the biggest one was probably that most of the forces supporting the Royal Knights had turned their backs.
But what if the Dwarf Republic officially sponsored them?
Then, not only would their situation improve significantly, but other forces would also start moving to keep the Dwarf Republic in check.
Even if it were Commander Yuren, in this situation, she would have had no choice but to accept it.
That’s what the position of a commander was.
One who knows to willingly cut off even a sore finger.
“For a long time, people who acted like you were always scheming something behind the scenes.”
The elf’s words were right.
Those who acted overly friendly beyond necessity had ulterior motives.
Therefore, even Bayard was rather suspicious of the current commander.
“How can I sell my family for money?”
“Family…”
A shock like being struck by lightning shook her.
Was it because of that?
She remembered the memory she had forgotten. Before coming here, when she went berserk and attacked.
Despite having the skills to easily subdue her, he deliberately chose to embrace her.
Even though his fragile body could be torn apart and killed.
How could he do that?
That question was finally resolved now.
He genuinely thought of them as family.
Everyone gathered here.
Can I reach out my hand to that warm warmth?
Someone like me who was even rejected by my own flesh and blood.
[It’s okay. It’s alright now.]
[There are no more enemies to torment you.]
[I can take in all those emotions.]
[Let it all out, and cry.]
She had already heard that answer directly from the commander himself.
And Bayard let it all out, just as he said.
The agony she had been suppressing until now.
The guilt and sorrow of losing her comrades.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I unknowingly had a chilling thought.
Above all else, I had vowed never to act like the Time Stop Breeding Uncle.
But without realizing it, I thought I could just steal things.
This shouldn’t happen.
If I’m not careful, I might end up corrupted like the Time Stop Breeding Uncle too.
Just imagining it was too terrible.
I hit my head with my fist several times.
I was wearing a helmet, so it didn’t hurt.
But thanks to that shock, I was barely able to come to my senses.
I could accept anything else, but becoming like the Time Stop Breeding Uncle was out of the question.
I smacked my lips.
I had refused without properly listening, but upon reflection, the Dwarf Republic’s proposal was much better than I thought.
“Since you refused the Dwarf Republic’s proposal, it seems the diplomatic relations between the kingdom and the republic will be quite complicated.”
“It’s none of my business. We’re knights, not politicians.”
“You’re a unique person, Commander.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, even Commander Yuren prioritized her own race.”
“It’s natural for arms to bend inward.”
In this worldview where races were grouped together under the name of species, it was understandable to take care of one’s own race.
In fact, even though we were somehow holding hands now…
Originally, different races were in a relationship where they checked each other and even went to war if things got serious.
But that was a story when there was room for it.
Now that we had been completely wrecked like this.
Involving politics here was a completely insane act.
In a way, this was an opportunity.
Everything had been completely shattered.
Thanks to that, we had a chance to lay the foundation.
But that was all I could do.
A knight order that completely excluded politics and made everyone rely on each other.
Literally becoming a family-like knight order.
“But there’s no place for me here.”
“Teacher?”
Ah, fuck, you startled me.
“…Helia? When did you arrive?”
“I just came to find you, but about what you just said…”
“It’s nothing. Let’s hurry up and train.”
I naturally brushed it off.
After sending back the envoy from the Dwarf Republic, I immediately proceeded with the next training session.
However, with my current skills, I couldn’t teach the Royal Knights.
So I entrusted their training entirely to Cluna.
She had lived for a long time and therefore had plenty of experience.
Above all, she was a member of the original hero party.
In terms of skills and experience, I could trust and leave it to her.
In fact, Cluna was instructing much better than I thought.
Clara and Ruby were also gritting their teeth and following the training well.
But the problem was, as expected, Helia.
“Y-you’re deflecting all my attacks?!”
“Even I find it difficult to deflect that dwarf’s attacks.”
“…”
Helia was only 13 years old now.
Nevertheless, she was holding her own in a spar against Ruby.
Of course, if it went all the way, Ruby would eventually win.
The fact that she could rival an official member of the Royal Knights at the mere age of 13 was already proof of Helia’s talent.
The problem was this.
Helia ran up to me with a smile.
“Teacher! Teacher! I still did my best! I did well, right?”
“Y-yeah. You worked hard. Good job.”
“Then praise me! Pat my head!”
Yeah, this was the problem.
She kept coming to me and asking for praise.
Naturally, the members would mistakenly think that Helia was my disciple.
I absolutely couldn’t stand this.
“Let me make it clear. This is because Helia is outstanding. I didn’t do anything at all.”
“No, it’s all thanks to Teacher teaching me well.”
“A good teacher and a good disciple. That’s why the sprout grows well.”
“I also want to learn from the commander someday.”
“No, that’s not it…”
To avoid further misunderstandings, I swallowed my embarrassment and spoke without being asked.
And I inadvertently became a humble teacher promoting his disciple.
However, I couldn’t finish my words.
Because someone had set foot in the training ground in the fortress courtyard.
I turned my head.
There stood a familiar face.
On top of reddish-brown hair were beast ears resembling bear ears.
She wore the red armor of the Royal Knights and was very large, about 2 meters tall.
“Commander, c-can I also participate in the training?”
“Of course.”
This was an unexpected gain.
I don’t know why, but she had overcome her trauma to some extent and decided to participate in the training.
Did Ruby separately encourage her?
Well, why does it matter?
In the end, what’s good is good.
She had a dream.
It seemed to be a stage somewhere.
She was always sitting in the audience, watching the scene. And shortly after, the curtain on the stage opened, and the actors revealed themselves.
The actors all had familiar faces.
A lizardman wielding a greatsword and a rat boy fought each other to mutual destruction.
A dwarf woman and a veteran elf took each other’s lives.
And the end of that play always ended with a giant dragon appearing and devouring the actors.
At the same time, Bayard woke up from her sleep.
The terrible nightmare repeated itself.
“…Where is this?”
Bayard blankly looked around.
Not a crude one made by breaking wood and vines, but a properly sturdy room made by stacking stones and a comfortable bed supporting her.
Was that just a dream?
Or… something else?
She didn’t know.
She couldn’t tell in her current state.
If only she could openly say it to someone else, but for some reason, she couldn’t utter it out loud.
As if a heavy rock was blocking her mouth.
That suffocation made her unconsciously avert her gaze without even realizing it.
From that day when she barely returned from that hell until now.
It hurt.
Her head hurt.
It felt like a piece of a knife was digging into her stomach.
If she died, would she be free from this pain?
What was the point of living when she couldn’t protect anyone?
[It’s okay. You can prove it with your own strength.]
[Commander…]
[If you prove it yourself, everyone will look at you again.]
[…Thank you, Commander. I’ll do my best.]
The commander who told her it was okay was no longer here.
All that was left was a piece of trash who couldn’t prove her own worth.
The guilt of not being able to protect her boiled up hotly.
[First, the Dwarf Republic will officially sponsor the Royal Knights.]
[Not only the top-grade equipment prepared by the Dwarf Republic but also this fortress will be made into an even stronger fortress.]
[In exchange, hand over Bayard]
[That’s right. Just one person, if you hand over just one person, that will be all.]
The hearing of beastmen was much better than other races.
Especially Bayard’s hearing was far superior to ordinary beastmen.
So she could hear the conversation taking place upstairs.
The Dwarf Republic, come to think of it.
Before going on the expedition, she had heard that the Dwarf Republic was acting strange.
But to think they were plotting such a scheme.
She couldn’t run away.
If she ran away again, it was clear that this time, the Royal Knights would suffer damage.
Rather, if she could help everyone this way…
[Of course I refuse.]
[A wise choice… Pardon?]
“…Huh?”
Even she thought they were excellent conditions.
Unless it was an extreme case of caring for her comrades like Commander Yuren.
Yes, a commander under normal circumstances would have no choice but to accept it.
The current situation of the Royal Knights was not that good.
There were many problems, but the biggest one was probably that most of the forces supporting the Royal Knights had turned their backs.
But what if the Dwarf Republic officially sponsored them?
Then, not only would their situation improve significantly, but other forces would also start moving to keep the Dwarf Republic in check.
Even if it were Commander Yuren, in this situation, she would have had no choice but to accept it.
That’s what the position of a commander was.
One who knows to willingly cut off even a sore finger.
“For a long time, people who acted like you were always scheming something behind the scenes.”
The elf’s words were right.
Those who acted overly friendly beyond necessity had ulterior motives.
Therefore, even Bayard was rather suspicious of the current commander.
“How can I sell my family for money?”
“Family…”
A shock like being struck by lightning shook her.
Was it because of that?
She remembered the memory she had forgotten. Before coming here, when she went berserk and attacked.
Despite having the skills to easily subdue her, he deliberately chose to embrace her.
Even though his fragile body could be torn apart and killed.
How could he do that?
That question was finally resolved now.
He genuinely thought of them as family.
Everyone gathered here.
Can I reach out my hand to that warm warmth?
Someone like me who was even rejected by my own flesh and blood.
[It’s okay. It’s alright now.]
[There are no more enemies to torment you.]
[I can take in all those emotions.]
[Let it all out, and cry.]
She had already heard that answer directly from the commander himself.
And Bayard let it all out, just as he said.
The agony she had been suppressing until now.
The guilt and sorrow of losing her comrades.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
I unknowingly had a chilling thought.
Above all else, I had vowed never to act like the Time Stop Breeding Uncle.
But without realizing it, I thought I could just steal things.
This shouldn’t happen.
If I’m not careful, I might end up corrupted like the Time Stop Breeding Uncle too.
Just imagining it was too terrible.
I hit my head with my fist several times.
I was wearing a helmet, so it didn’t hurt.
But thanks to that shock, I was barely able to come to my senses.
I could accept anything else, but becoming like the Time Stop Breeding Uncle was out of the question.
I smacked my lips.
I had refused without properly listening, but upon reflection, the Dwarf Republic’s proposal was much better than I thought.
“Since you refused the Dwarf Republic’s proposal, it seems the diplomatic relations between the kingdom and the republic will be quite complicated.”
“It’s none of my business. We’re knights, not politicians.”
“You’re a unique person, Commander.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, even Commander Yuren prioritized her own race.”
“It’s natural for arms to bend inward.”
In this worldview where races were grouped together under the name of species, it was understandable to take care of one’s own race.
In fact, even though we were somehow holding hands now…
Originally, different races were in a relationship where they checked each other and even went to war if things got serious.
But that was a story when there was room for it.
Now that we had been completely wrecked like this.
Involving politics here was a completely insane act.
In a way, this was an opportunity.
Everything had been completely shattered.
Thanks to that, we had a chance to lay the foundation.
But that was all I could do.
A knight order that completely excluded politics and made everyone rely on each other.
Literally becoming a family-like knight order.
“But there’s no place for me here.”
“Teacher?”
Ah, fuck, you startled me.
“…Helia? When did you arrive?”
“I just came to find you, but about what you just said…”
“It’s nothing. Let’s hurry up and train.”
I naturally brushed it off.
After sending back the envoy from the Dwarf Republic, I immediately proceeded with the next training session.
However, with my current skills, I couldn’t teach the Royal Knights.
So I entrusted their training entirely to Cluna.
She had lived for a long time and therefore had plenty of experience.
Above all, she was a member of the original hero party.
In terms of skills and experience, I could trust and leave it to her.
In fact, Cluna was instructing much better than I thought.
Clara and Ruby were also gritting their teeth and following the training well.
But the problem was, as expected, Helia.
“Y-you’re deflecting all my attacks?!”
“Even I find it difficult to deflect that dwarf’s attacks.”
“…”
Helia was only 13 years old now.
Nevertheless, she was holding her own in a spar against Ruby.
Of course, if it went all the way, Ruby would eventually win.
The fact that she could rival an official member of the Royal Knights at the mere age of 13 was already proof of Helia’s talent.
The problem was this.
Helia ran up to me with a smile.
“Teacher! Teacher! I still did my best! I did well, right?”
“Y-yeah. You worked hard. Good job.”
“Then praise me! Pat my head!”
Yeah, this was the problem.
She kept coming to me and asking for praise.
Naturally, the members would mistakenly think that Helia was my disciple.
I absolutely couldn’t stand this.
“Let me make it clear. This is because Helia is outstanding. I didn’t do anything at all.”
“No, it’s all thanks to Teacher teaching me well.”
“A good teacher and a good disciple. That’s why the sprout grows well.”
“I also want to learn from the commander someday.”
“No, that’s not it…”
To avoid further misunderstandings, I swallowed my embarrassment and spoke without being asked.
And I inadvertently became a humble teacher promoting his disciple.
However, I couldn’t finish my words.
Because someone had set foot in the training ground in the fortress courtyard.
I turned my head.
There stood a familiar face.
On top of reddish-brown hair were beast ears resembling bear ears.
She wore the red armor of the Royal Knights and was very large, about 2 meters tall.
“Commander, c-can I also participate in the training?”
“Of course.”
This was an unexpected gain.
I don’t know why, but she had overcome her trauma to some extent and decided to participate in the training.
Did Ruby separately encourage her?
Well, why does it matter?
In the end, what’s good is good.
