I, Reincarnate as the Leader of the Villainous Knight Order - Chapter 173: Capture

Chapter 173: Capture

“Then, on the way back after completing the subjugation, he was charged by a normal wild boar. He ended up with a bruise on his butt, unable to move.”

“Ahahaha! Truly, this Simon fellow is amusing! I would very much like to meet and speak with him!”

“Ufufu, really. That’s the first time I’ve heard that story myself. Next time, could Simon and Gaspard come along too?”

“Hahaha… In that case, I’ll consult with Sir Ernest. He is the one in charge. However, please understand that Simon and Gaspard speak in the manner of commoners. So there’s a risk they may be disrespectful to the two of you.”

Prompted by a request for a funny story from Their Highnesses Felix and Clarisse, I recalled and told them about Simon. Specifically during the subjugation in Flares, where I had been stationed.

Arnault and Marius had been with me at the time. They seemed to recall the scene as well. And they were shaking with suppressed laughter.

I had intended to guard them from a distance. But in the end, the three of us ended up attending them closely — which was unexpected.

If possible, I didn’t want Simon and Gaspard to appear before the two of them.

I hoped Ernest would oppose the idea. So I delayed giving an answer… but—

“If the two of them wish for it, I don’t see any problem. Then, Simon and Gaspard will be added to the escort unit. Let’s have them go starting tomorrow. Many of the current escorts wish to return to training after lying in bed all day, to recover their form. I’d like your cooperation for one more day.”

After that day’s guard shift ended, I went to hear Ernest tell me “No.” But it was only to be met with an unexpected answer.

“…When sending Simon and Gaspard, please make sure I accompany them as well. Arnault and Marius aside, those two — I truly have no idea what they might do.”

“Haha, if you’re worried, shall I go in Vandière’s place?”

“Please don’t!! They’ll lose their heads! …Ah, excuse me.”

I had shouted that out without thinking.

With those guys, it’s honestly terrifying — they might just blurt out something treasonous without meaning to.

Despite my anxiety, Ernest laughed. His shoulders shook.

“…That was a joke?”

When I gave him a squinting stare, Ernest smiled brightly for some reason.

“No, I just thought you were finally back to speaking like you used to.”

“I’ve reflected on my past disrespectful behavior…”

“Since I’m now officially a member of the Knight Order, I’ve said you don’t have to be formal outside official occasions. I’m the Vice Commander and Vandière is the Commander — maybe I should speak formally too?”

“Please don’t.”

I answered seriously before I realized it.

If he did that, I have no idea what those guys in the First Order would say.

“Then just talk normally.”

He’s smiling, but it’s clear he won’t back down.

“Understo—”

“Hm?”

“…Got it.”

The next day after that exchange, it ended up being me, Simon, and Gaspard heading out for the escort duty.

“Alright, you two. Keep your mouths shut as much as possible. And when you talk, use polite speech.”

“Jeez, we get it, Captain! How many times are you gonna say the same thing?”

“You really don’t trust us, huh!?”

“That’s right.”

“”That’s mean!!””

Where is there anything trustworthy about them? If there is, I’d love to hear it.

Ignoring the two who protested in unison, we headed to the palace garden as instructed.

The knights of the First Order had been guarding during the night shift. They immediately did a double take when they saw the two behind me.

Well, yeah. They’d know how these guys speak from joint training.

“We’ve been waiting. Would the two new ones like to introduce themselves?”

Felix, clearly entertained, called out to Simon and Gaspard.

Usually, people don’t ask guards for their names — he’s clearly having fun.

“I’m Simon!”

It’s “I am called Simon,” damn it!

“I’m Gaspard.”

It’s “I am Gaspard,” damn it!

I’m managing to keep my expression in check. But my stomach feels like it’s going to develop a hole!

Luckily, Felix and Clarisse are still smiling. So there shouldn’t be a problem.

Though their polite speech is sketchy, the two continued chatting. I wanted to pull them away before they made any huge blunders.

If a suspicious person showed up, I could use the confusion to move them away…

Hm? That over there… could it be…?

Felix and Clarisse are having a tea party in the garden today. So no one should be entering here — and yet, I can see a familiar hat peeking out from behind the flowers.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

Without waiting for a reply, I ran off and used body enhancement to leap over a row of flower beds.

Just as I thought — it was Aria from the Magic Tower. She was hiding behind the flowers and peeking at Felix and the others.

“Ah… Y-You noticed me, huh…”

Still crouched down, Aria looked up at me with a stiff expression.

I silently hoisted her up like a sack of rice. I then carried her off to the gazebo where Felix and Clarisse were.

“L-Let me go! Where do you think you’re touching, you pervert! Carrying a girl like this…!”

“Stop struggling, or I’ll drop you. You’re the one at fault for being here when this area is off-limits.”

“T-That’s…! Kyaa!”

She tried to say something, but we had arrived at the gazebo. So I set her down on the grass.

“Prince Felix, I captured this person peeking at us from behind the flowers. She’s from the Magic Tower, so I believe there is no issue.”

She had helped divert attention away from Simon and Gaspard. Considering that, I made sure she wouldn’t be treated too harshly — while offering my apologies and thanks in my heart.