I, Reincarnate as the Leader of the Villainous Knight Order - Chapter 133: Let's Go to the Royal Capital [SIDE Ryuka]

Chapter 133: Let’s Go to the Royal Capital [SIDE Ryuka]

(Note: If you forget, Ryuka is the son of MC’s wet nurse, Mael)

“Ryuka, you’re really leaving, aren’t you…?”

“I’ve been asked by Justin for a while now to come to the royal capital. But I kept declining because I was worried about you, Mom. Still, it would be awkward to stay in your newlywed home, even if it’s a remarriage. So it works out for me! I got permission from the lord, and I’ve already sent Justin a letter! …I’m heading off now.”

“Make sure you come back to visit sometimes. Take care! And give my regards to the young master!”

“I will!”

As I started off on my retired horse, Kiara, my mother called out to me from behind. Even though she used to be his nursemaid, it’s still funny how she refers to Justin as the “young master.”

If I laughed about it in front of him, he’d get mad. So I always held back. I waved with one hand and turned back around, urging Kiara forward along the road to the capital. It’s my first time traveling alone, so I talked to Kiara on the way.

“They said I could get there in a day if I hurry, but it’s not often I leave the Vandière Marquisate. Since I’m out here, maybe I’ll take my time and stop at different places. Besides, Kiara, you’re a bit old. I can’t push you too hard.”

Kiara was once ridden by a retired senior knight, and I inherited her. So, like me, she should be about 22 years old. She was retired as a warhorse. But when I told the lord I was going to Justin in the royal capital, he let me take her. Justin says his parents don’t care about him, but I think they still worry about him in their own way.

Half of the money I earned as a knight in the Marquisate went to my mother as a wedding gift. Her new husband is the officer in the knight order who had been kind to us since my father died from illness when I was 15. They shouldn’t have any financial troubles. But in case things don’t work out, it’s always good to have money saved up.

Since becoming a company commander, my salary went up. I knew I’d be heading to the capital someday, so I saved up carefully. Now, I’ve got a pretty decent amount! Not enough to buy a mansion like a noble, but enough to live comfortably for a few years.

“Other travelers seem to be enjoying themselves with companions. Since you never know when bandits might show up, it’s rare to travel alone. But I’m the company commander of the Vandière Marquisate’s knight order, after all. Kiara, I’ll definitely protect you!”

Though I made a bold statement, Kiara simply clopped along leisurely, her hooves echoing on the road. At this pace, it might take me two days… no, maybe three, to reach the royal capital. I’ve heard rumors that Justin, who had headed east with the saint, has already returned to the capital.

If I had met him at the regional capital, I could’ve traveled with him. But if I were riding Kiara, I might’ve slowed them down and been left behind. Well, once I join the Third Knight Order, they’ll lend me a horse when needed.

“If that happens, you’ll probably end up pulling a cart again. But even if you’re old, you’ve still got the courage and spirit of a warhorse.”

Stopping occasionally for breaks or food in villages and towns along the way, I reached the border of the territory by the time the sun began to set. The Vandière Marquisate is famous for having a strong knight order, so there’s hardly any talk of bandits. But you do hear of thieves showing up at borders and escaping into neighboring lands.

Right now, I’m dressed in traveling clothes. Aside from the sword at my waist, nothing hints that I’m a knight. Plus, since Kiara is clearly no longer young, I probably look like an easy target to any bandits.

“Hey! You there!! If you value your life, leave everything you’ve got!”

Three men jumped out from the shade of the trees lining the road, planted to provide cover. I could sense two more hiding nearby. Too few to be called a bandit gang. Still, Kiara remained calm and unbothered.

The men approaching me looked filthy even from a distance, armed with mismatched weapons like machetes and short swords. They were closing in slowly, trying to intimidate me.

“Step any closer, and I’ll take your head off.”

Another three steps, and the first man would be in my range. I rested my hand on the hilt of my sword.

“Look at him, acting all tough.”

“Heh, does he not know how many of us there are?”

“You five combined don’t seem tougher than an ogre, so you don’t stand a chance against me.”

“Damn it, quit your yapping!”

A man wielding a short sword came slashing at me from the left. But before his blade could reach me, his head had already hit the ground. Kiara, my partner and former warhorse, matched my movements perfectly. It was as if she knew exactly what to do. Thanks to her, I managed to avoid getting splattered with bl00d.

“H-Hiii!!”

“What kind of guy is this?! He kills people without even flinching!”

“Hey now, you’re not in a position to criticize me. From here… the nearest town is in the neighboring Count Staal’s territory. You guys must be from there, right? If you don’t want to get slaughtered like the rest, you better come out—both of you hiding behind those trees. If you cooperate, I’ll let you take your friend’s body and leave. Don’t even think about running.”

At my threat, two trembling figures slowly emerged from behind the trees on either side.

“You two, carry the body. And you, grab his head.”

“Hi-Hii!”

Of course, no one wants to carry their dead comrade’s body. But I can’t just leave it lying around either. Urging the four along, I headed toward the nearest town, Faol. We’ll likely have to answer some questions, so it looks like I’ll be delayed in meeting Justin.

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The next few chapters will continue Ryuka’s story.

Increasing strength before the battle with the Evil God… 

How many days will it take to reach the royal capital?!