I Have been Reincarnated As a Lazy, Arrogant Noble, but When I Destroyed The Scenario Through Effort, I Became The Most Powerful With Extraordinary Magical Power - 139

Chapter 139 Princess Sophia

“Squad, take formation as practiced. Don’t underestimate them, they’re strong.”

I thought they might underestimate me, but these are indeed the escort knights. The one who spoke was likely the captain. It seems it won’t be so easy.

However, I’m not that tall, and even if they are soldiers, it’s unlikely they would go all out from the start.

That’s where I strike.

The problem is that I can’t use Devi to hide my identity. I can’t cause injuries, and being defeated is out of the question.

Ha, interesting.

Adverse situations like this, they really make your blood boil, huh?

“Unnatural Wall Annatural.”

In the next moment, I soared high. Escort knights vary. According to Milch Sensei, many can use magic, but without war, they deteriorate rapidly.

“First and second, forward; third and fourth, left and right; fifth, follow me.”

Responding to my movements, the knight presumed to be the captain gave instructions. Precise and efficient.

Alright, first, it’s your turn!

“Thief!”

I swung my sword from above, aiming for one of the knights.

But with that level of effort, don’t think it can withstand my accumulated efforts.

“Corroding Echolocation.”

I filled the sword tip with darkness and destroyed their weapon with a single strike. The second knight swung his sword from the side, but I intercepted it with Unnatural Wall.

The knight has a good build. We fought with a similar height difference in training.

That’s why I’ll fight low, low.

I squatted down, rolled up my back, and charged straight toward the presumed captain.

Duke, my fight with you might be the most useful right now.

“What the hell is this!?”

However, the knight in front was in the way.

I rotated using my arm as a pivot, delivered a kick, disrupted their stance, and while they fell, I knocked them out with a magic-infused strike.

Armor excels in defense, but it has the disadvantage of poor visibility.

All of this I learned from Milch Sensei.

First one, then the second, crushed in the same way.

The other knights seemed to understand, moving forward to protect.

“Permission to use magic! Don’t think about life and death!”

Watching them, I smiled smugly.

I see, there was probably a bothersome regulation manual.

But it’s too late now.

“Fire Slash Firesonic.”

I slipped through the fiery sword and put the third one to sleep.

The fourth deployed a large defense barrier.

But thanks to Flash Timelapse, I could clearly see the opening. It’s a clumsy move compared to Duke’s.

The fifth one too.

In the end, only the captain remained.

“What’s your purpose?”

But I remained silent.

A few seconds later, Milch Sensei fainted.

I quietly regulated my breathing and carefully observed the surroundings.

The castle is nearby, but the screams are minimal.

No one should have seen us.

Approaching the carriage silently, the door opened.

And there she was, Princess Sophia herself, whom I had seen in the original work.

Her crimson dress shimmered beautifully, even with the flames attached to the carriage. Her skin was white and radiant.

Eyes like the most beautiful red crystal in the world.

And a nice bit of slack.

Just the same.

“You’re quite skilled. Where… are you from?”

“…………”

“Do you mean there’s no need to answer? Nevertheless, it’s convenient. Please, kill me. I’m tired already.”

Princess Sophia was dignified.

Her resolute attitude seemed fitting for royalty.

She’s been worn out by being entangled in political disputes.

I had heard about it since my time at the mansion, and I knew it from the original work.

She probably thinks I’m some pawn for someone.

But ironically, due to Flash Timelapse, I can see the small tremors she’s trying to suppress.

To that determination and pride, I kneeled.

I was planning to quickly make her sleep and abduct her. However, that would be unacceptable.

“I apologize for the rough behavior. It may be hard to believe, but I’m not a thief. I came here to protect you.”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s someone targeting your life. It’s not certain, but please hide with me. At least until this full moon disappears.”

“Do you expect me to believe such words? If you’re saying that much, you should reveal yourself boldly.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”

At that moment, I sensed magic power near the gate. It was faint, so it was probably an ordinary citizen.

However, being seen is still not good.

I hurriedly lifted the princess.

“W-What are you doing?”

“Sorry, just hopping a bit.”

“Hop—wha-a-a-a-at!?”

At that moment, I used Unnatural Wall to soar into the sky.

I want to regroup with Alan and the others, but first, I need to move to a safe place.

I fly to a nearby rock shelter and gently lower the princess.

“Sorry about the dirt, please bear with it.”

“…You’re a surprisingly polite assassin.”

“That’s not it. Now then.”

“Cecil, can you hear me? The operation was a success for now.”

However, there is no response. Probably, I moved a bit too far. Nevertheless, my voice during the attack on the carriage should have reached her. The situation should be clear.

The full moon is shining red.

I’ll move closer to where Cecil’s voice can be heard after a bit of time—

“Heave-ho!”

At that moment, my mask is forcefully pulled.

I let my guard down.

But—

“…Cheater.”

“Stop, please.”

Yet, I’m a perfectionist. Anticipating such a situation, I wear multiple masks.

She looks more childish than I thought.

“Heave-ho! Heave-ho!”

Ignoring my words, she tears off the third and fourth masks.

I was cautious about the princess, but gradually, irritation builds up.

This is not a game.

“Please stop.”

“Fifth one—”

“…Enough already.”

Before I knew it, I had my hand on the princess’s face to stop her.

Did I go too far?

Well, whatever.

“Huh, disrespectful!”

“It’s not a game. I’ll return you to the castle properly after the full moon. Until then, behave yourself.”

Jeez, in the original work, it was mentioned that she’s tomboyish, but it seems that’s really true. Whether she has nerves of steel or genuinely wants to die, I don’t know.

“I don’t mind being killed. I don’t want to go back anyway.”

…Jeez.

Speaking politely is also troublesome.

“What’s bothering you so much? With just a word, you can move a large number of people and rise to a position of influence. You shouldn’t have any dissatisfaction.”

“Oh, that’s your true way of speaking, huh? Quite casual and impressive.”

“That’s how it seems.”

“…Indeed, it may look that way. But you don’t understand. I never had freedom from the moment I was born. The future is already determined for me.”

She was involved in a political marriage, parted with her true love. Even now, she probably doesn’t have time for herself. Perhaps that’s the reason for today’s ball.

Well, only I know about that. Most likely, the details of such matters have been told to her since she was a child.

However, it shouldn’t be like that. In the original work, she dies. Well, I won’t let that happen.

“Indeed, I don’t understand the royal family’s situation. But the future is uncertain. Everything that could happen from now on can be changed depending on oneself. I came here to prove that, and I’ve been doing that until now.”

“No, you don’t understand. Even if you don’t know your purpose, you live freely like this. It’s different from me—”

“It’s different. I’m acting to overturn the predetermined future. To save you.”

With my strong words, Princess Sophia trembled slightly. After that, she averted her gaze with sad eyes.

“…Living doesn’t bring anything good.”

…Watching her like that made me quite troubled.

If she has a desire to die even after I save her, maybe the future can’t be changed.

That’s… troublesome.

Now, what should I do…

…Jeez.

“Next year, in the western country, a certain thing becomes popular. It’s a cake using your favorite strawberries. It becomes a worldwide sensation with abundant use of chocolate and melon. You won’t be able to eat it if you die.”

“…What’s that? How do you know? Are you a time traveler?”

“I wonder. Do you want to live? It’s your favorite, right?”

“…A bit more.”

“You’re quite selfish…”

I revealed a bit of knowledge from the story in advance.

All of them are harmless, but I hope the princess can feel a bit better with them.

Little by little, she seems to be getting better, but it seems she’s still not quite there.

But with the last words, her cheek twitches. It was an event that I really didn’t care much about.

“…Is that true?”

“…Yeah. It’s true.”

“Absolutely? Absolutely?”

“Yeah, no doubt.”

“…Then, I’ll live.”

“Huh, what’s with that? ――Is it bothering you that much? The seven-colored pig rampaging in the capital.”

“I want to see it. I’ve never heard of a seven-colored pig.”

“…Well, that might be the case. ――But now is better.”

“Now?”

“Yeah, the way you laugh is more natural.”

Upon hearing this, the princess blushed. Looking at her like this, she’s just a girl.

Until now, I had intended to protect game characters. It was like a mere escort mission.

But it’s different. I thought of this as a major sin. But that’s not the case.

This is a mission to protect her life.

Thinking that, I became even more determined.

“…Thank you.”

“Yeah, no problem.”

And then, she stared at my face—once again, she took off my mask.

This guy…

“Seventh one…”

“Don’t underestimate me. I’m Vi―Eh, ah, oh!?”

“Eh, Vi?”

“Nevermind.”

“…I feel like I’ve heard that somewhere.”

“Don’t think about it. Stop thinking.”

Phew. That was close. I almost revealed my name. But it seems I managed to divert her attention with a smile.

“You’re a good assassin. I like you.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“…Are those who aim for me really that strong?”

“They’re strong. But don’t worry. ――I’ll protect you.”

“Hehehe, I’ll count on you.”

And then, before I knew it, time had passed.

I was trying to contact Cecil, but there was more coming in and out near the gate than I had thought.

But if the operation succeeds, there shouldn’t be a problem.

It might have been unnecessary worry from the beginning. The scenario might have been altered.

…But this was fine. I would end without my true identity being exposed.

“It’s almost time. Sorry for not being able to attend the ball.”

“I don’t mind. It’s boring anyway. More importantly, when can we meet again?”

“…Huh?”

“I’ve never had such an exciting day. You want me to live, right? Then, we’ll meet again. Otherwise, I’ll die.”

“That’s different…”

“Didn’t you say? With just a word, you can move people. I’m asking for a favor now.”

“You’re cunning.”

“Hehehe, it’s your fault. Protect me until I see the seven-colored pig.”

“Hah!”

I inadvertently laughed. And, for some reason, I―took off the mask again.

And once again, I knelt down.

Because, I thought it was a courtesy to her.

“――I am Weiss, the eldest son of the Fancent family. I deeply apologize for this. There was information that demons were targeting you, so I took rough measures, but I had the honor of serving as your guard.”

“…You’re Fancent? That guy?”

Oh, right. My infamous reputation hasn’t disappeared yet, it seems.

Well, it can’t be helped—

“That amazing guy, huh? I’ve heard of him. So, you’re… Then, you really were protecting me. Thank you, Weiss Fancent. I won’t hold it against you, and I won’t tell anyone. I appreciate it.”

I opened my eyes wide, surprised. She didn’t know my infamous reputation but… she knew about me.

The future can undoubtedly be changed. I was convinced.

From now on, too, and—

“By the way, you’re cooler than I thought.”

“What are you talking about—”

But at that moment, a strange sound was heard from the sky.

It was a familiar and despair-inducing sound.

――Ji-ji—

――Ji-ji—

――Calamity has arrived.