To Me, Who Was Single-Handedly Holding The Front Line, You Call Me A "Useless Piece of Trash"? Fine. I'll Live as I Please And Set Out On A Journey To Find A Cute Wife. - This time, I'll Become A Hero In The Enemy Country And Bare My Fangs At My Homeland - Episode 21

“Understood! Now, I’ll count! 10! 9!”

Dualos-kun, or rather Megane-kun, will read out the count.

No, is this reversed? Well, whatever.

There are a few people around who seem to be knight candidates.

Everyone has an expression that seems to be convinced that Elina will win.

But Fern is behind me.

Sorry, but I can’t afford to lose.

That said, as Fern mentioned, we are guests.

I wouldn’t say to behave perfectly, but rather, enjoy it more.

“Zero!”

However, the next moment, Elina in front of me “vanished” without a trace.

Right after that, feeling a sharp magical energy from behind, I crouched down and heard the sound of a wooden sword slicing through the air. Whoa, that’s amazing. How did they do that?

“—Amazing. I didn’t think you could dodge it perfectly on the first try.”

I can’t see her face, but I can hear Elena’s voice from behind.

Is it just me, or do they seem more happy than frustrated?

I didn’t look back and swung the wooden sword to the right while spinning.

If Elena is “behind,” this is the end.

However, my attack missed, and the next voice I heard was from above.

“Haaah!!!”

Looking up at the sky, Elena had her right hand fully extended.

A full-force thrust with all my weight and gravity behind it.

Ha, this is the best.

Elena’s own disappearance cannot be explained by magic.

It is probably due to her gifted abilities.

“—How about this?!”

In the next moment, Elina’s thrust comes not from above, but from the front.

Did you move again?

I turned my body sideways to dodge.

“Deputy Commander Elina’s attacks haven’t hit even once!?”

“How can you avoid it?”

“……Amazing”

After that, I launch several attacks. Elena is on the defensive.

You probably have pretty good eyesight.

Ah, this is fun. — It’s the best.

“――Ugh”

Elena looks like she’s in pain.

You’re probably looking for a way to win, but I’ve found an opening instead. If this were my giant sword buddy, I might have been able to smash it along with the sword, but with a wooden sword, that’s not possible.

Aim for Elena’s heart.

If this were serious, it would definitely be a thrust at a speed that would surely pierce.

And with a near-touch, this is victory――.

“That’s enough！！！！！」

At that moment, a loud voice echoed.

It’s solidly low, but somehow it feels reassuring.

“……Commander of the Land Knights…… Ha! All personnel, salute!”

At that moment, Elena straightened her posture.

Megane-kun also reacted and is saluting as well.

“I heard you were inviting guests, but I haven’t given permission for a mock battle. Deputy Commander Elina, Dualos.”

“Ex-excuse me!?”

“…I am deeply sorry. Dualos acted on my orders. If there is to be punishment, it should be me.”

The one who stepped into the arena was a really… cool-looking guy.

A stern-looking face, short and neatly arranged hair with some gray strands.

I want to eat like this at my age too.

So, this is the rumored captain of the knights?

His name is Rand. It’s kind of cute.

“In any country, it is natural to follow the orders of superiors. However, merely following orders is not the Verdian way. I always say that it is also the subordinate’s job to correct wrong orders.”

…Cool. I don’t understand anything they’re saying, but it’s cool.

Huh? Upon closer inspection, Fern is back there, mouthing something.

Huh, what? I wonder what it is. Are they asking to be let down?

“So, why are you saluting me?”

“Huh?”

At that moment, I realized that my right hand was moving on its own. Yes, I was saluting.

Habits are terrifying. Well, it’s also because the atmosphere of the Land Knight Commander was too commanding.

But what kind of excuse should I make? This… is bad, right?

It feels like he’s saying he’s a former soldier, right? Wouldn’t people think he’s a spy?

So that’s why Fern was shouting. Sorry!

“The Land Knight Commander was such a cool guy that my right hand just… couldn’t help itself…”

Will this somehow work out…?

Then the place fell silent.

Huh, did I mess up?

“…heh”

“……Hah……Hah……”

I feel like air is leaking from the mouths of Elena and Megane-kun.

I was serious about it, but did you say something funny?

“……heh”

Did the Land Knight Commander faintly smile too…? Huh, am I imagining things?

“Elena, disperse the gathered knight candidates. Dualos, today’s duel hasn’t been settled. Understood?”

“Huh? Y-Yes!”

“N-no, Commander, I finally have my heart set on it—”

“Besides disobeying orders, do you have anything else to say?”

“……No.”

Elena lowered her voice quietly, and the commander of the Land Knights turned to face me.

“You said your name is Yamagishi. I’ve also heard about Fern. You saved Elena’s life, didn’t you?”

“Um, yes. Also, I’m sorry, but I was really into this duel too, so could you please forgive me?”

“You are an honest person. — Elena, once you calm down, please show them to my room.”

Saying that, the commander of the Land Knights quickly turned around and disappeared.

The ears are normal. They look human, not mixed.

“Earlier, Vice-Captain Elina got taken down… right?”

“Well, the game was stopped just in time, so we don’t know, do we?”

“……But that was amazing. Who is that person?”

Megane-kun is sending the knight candidates home. Among them, hey, isn’t that person someone I’ve seen before? Isn’t that Mr. Bory?

After waiting for the right moment, Fern will come running over.

“Why were you saluting?”

“I don’t know.”

Yes

Yes

Fern, I’m sorry!

“Just to be safe, I’ll check for any injuries. Yamagishi-san, Elena-san, excuse me for the intrusion.”

Saying that, Fern placed her hands on the backs of Elena and me.

Somehow, it got warm, and I immediately realized it was healing magic.

You can use it for anything, huh? Amazing.

After confirming that neither of us is injured, I walk down the hallway guided by Elena.

“Sorry, it ended up in a strange way.”

“Yeah, it was fun. And I was surprised. Was that a skill?”

“It’s called Shukuchi Teleportation. There is a limit to the number of times it can be used in a day, but it allows you to move through space for a few meters.”

“Wow… that’s really cool.”

“Thank you very much. However, this is the first time I’ve been completely avoided without even taking a hit on the first try. I… have been completely defeated.”

“Ah, but you still didn’t know, right? The matter isn’t settled yet.”

Then Elena said, “Mr. Yamagishi is bad at lying.”

“I know it better than anyone. If it were a real sword, I would have been stabbed in the heart and died. Even the commander of the Land Knights is aware of this. That’s why he stopped me.”

“Hmm, is that so?”

“I suppose they judged that if the vice-captain like me lost without being able to do anything even with the ability Gifted, it could have a negative impact on the knight candidates. But I think the main consideration was for Yamagishi-san.”

“Me?”

“……Mr. Yamagishi’s movements were beyond my imagination. No, they were too strong. Even those who were observing wouldn’t believe it if they only heard about it. They must have avoided it.”

I see, you had thought that far ahead.

If you trace it back, Elena was quietly trying to have a duel. Yet, I ended up shouting and gathering people. I regret it.

“But I really think you didn’t understand. Fighting is just like that, right?”

“No, it’s my loss. If you don’t acknowledge defeat, you can’t move forward.”

Elena smiled sweetly. But I really don’t think she understands yet.

Because even if you get stabbed in the heart, you can still move and cut the opponent’s neck, and if anything, you can stab them back in the heart.

Anyone can do it, right?

“I think the outcome should be based on how you both feel. But Yamagishi-san, you were really cool.”

“Oh, thanks a lot, Fern!”

Thanks to Fern’s final words, all the lingering doubts were blown away.

――Knock knock knock.

“This is Elena. I brought Yamagishi-san and Fern-san with me. Excuse me.”

I was guided to the front of the Land Knight Commander’s room and entered.

It’s a beautiful reception room. There are so many books. Wow, you can read such complicated ones.

“Thank you for your hard work. Elena, please step back.”

“Hah, well then, see you later. I’ll prepare the meal for you.”

In the end, Elena smiled and said that.

He’s really a good person.

Also, the Land Knight Commander really does have an intimidating presence, doesn’t he?

What are we going to talk about? I’m not good with words, so I hope it’s okay.

“First of all, let me express my gratitude. Thank you for helping Elina. Yamagishi-kun, Fern-kun.”

“Wh-what do you mean by that!? No, no, it was you, Elina-san, who has been so kind to me.”

“Same here!”

Let’s follow Fern without saying anything foolish.

This is indeed the same grand strategy.

“Don’t be so stiff. I am grateful to you.”

“Gratitude, is it?”

“Same here!”

Crap, I might have messed up. Both of them are giving me a “What are you talking about?” kind of look.

Let’s also stop the same grand strategy.

“I actually saw Yamagishi-kun’s earlier martial arts and sword techniques from quite early on.”

“Really, is that so?”

“And, I have a favor to ask.”

A request? What could it be?

Maybe you should join the knight order? No, that might be a bit much.

“…………”

Then, for some reason, the Land Knight Commander started to fidget a little.

Huh, aren’t your cheeks a bit red? You’re acting a bit like a maiden, aren’t you?

Is it just my imagination?

“Are you not interested in taking on an apprentice?”

“…Who?”

“Me.”

At first, it was just a land.

I wanted to become like my father, so I started wielding a sword.

Eventually, it came to be called the Land of the Sword, became the Land Knight, and then the Land Knight Commander.

It wasn’t that I wanted status or honor.

I tormented myself and honed my skills for the power that would come as a result.

To prove my strength. That’s the only reason I lived.

I defeated strong enemies, defeated arch-rivals, and continued to defeat the strongest.

However, what I found upon arrival was emptiness.

I realized it. The proof of strength cannot be achieved alone.

“Lord Rand’s swordsmanship was incredible!”

“Lord Rand! So cool!”

“Commander Land, please teach me swordsmanship.”

Since when?

It started when I became satisfied with being the one yearning.

“What is your name?”

“I’m Elena Pros.”

“Well, that’s some fine swordsmanship. How about becoming a knight under my tutelage?”

Since when?

Finding joy in discovering rough gems.

Everyone says I’m still active, but time is equal for everyone.

The peak has long since passed. Even so, I continue to hone my skills because I can’t bring myself to give up.

I want it.

I want someone who can measure how strong I really am.

How far have I come in terms of strength?

At that moment, they appeared.

“……Arne, were those words just now true?”

“Yes. Our Genocide Squad was completely helpless against the Berserker Frenzy.”

A formidable opponent who seems capable of handling everything, even if I use all my strength.

However… it was too late.

Status and position did not allow it.

“Don’t stop me, Elina, let me go.”

“It’s no good. If something happens to the commander of the Land Knights… the Kingdom of Verdi… still needs you.”

“…………”

What is the point of having strength if it’s just to give orders?

Life is a challenge. It’s only natural to lose everything if you lose.

However, it was also me who raised subordinates to the point where they couldn’t be forgiven…

One must take responsibility.

Deceive one’s own heart and fulfill the duty.

That’s what we should be doing now.

I thought so…

“—Whoa, what was that move!?”

“Who is that person!?”

“They say you’re Elena’s lifesaver.”

When I heard the loud voices coming from the knight training hall and went to check, Elina’s attacks looked like those of a baby.

Because the martial arts and sword techniques of the man he faced were like those of a god.

What was I being arrogant about?

Not only in the frenzied berserker frenzy, but strong individuals exist everywhere.

And then I realized. I had been smiling.

And then I realized. This is not the warrior’s shiver.

When people meet a true strong person, they all feel the same way.

――I long for it.

The feeling of childlike wonder I had when I first saw swordsmanship came rushing back.

However, ironically, I realized it.

I might have overdone it with the training.

I can’t measure up to him. I can’t defeat him. I can’t satisfy him.

“…Lord Knight Commander”

“Bory. Can you see that movement?”

“……Will there ever come a day when I can reach that level?”

“I don’t understand. But I can aim for it.”

“……As expected of the Land Knight Commander. I can’t see or hear such a future.”

“Hmph, but it feels good. This longing! It’s been a long time since I felt this way! — Bory, keep what we’ve talked about here a secret for life.”

“Hah!”

I stopped the match for Elena, but mostly for myself.

Because I wanted to talk to him.

After that, I was waiting in the room.

Pounding heart. Trembling hands and feet.

Yes, this is just like love.

I have fallen in love.

“Excuse me.”

I couldn’t suppress my rising feelings upon seeing Lord Yamagishi.

I can’t hold back.

“Are you not interested in taking on a disciple?”

“……Huh?”

My heart is racing. My chest feels uneasy.

My cheeks are flushed.

Ah, love! Is this love?

I am in love with you! I am longing for you!!!

I will throw away all my pride and beg you to let me rise to the point where I can satisfy you, just to become stronger!

“Um… who are you referring to?”

“Me.”

Not the one who yearns, but the one who can yearn.

There is nothing this wonderful.

“Uh, well… that’s impossible…”

“Why?”

“Well, if you think about it normally… taking the captain of the knights as an apprentice… right? It’s impossible.”

“Uh, no, um…”

Well… now that I think about it, that’s true too.

What was I thinking? I was only thinking about myself.

Well then…

“I’m quitting as captain of the knights.”

“Huh?”

“I’m quitting as the captain of the knights. I’ll leave everything to Elena. Elena will become the captain of the knights. How about that?”

“Well, even if you say that all of a sudden…”

“Then, what should I do!?”

W-What about me! Even though I’m so deeply in love…!?

“Uh, no, even if you tell me… Fern, what should I do?”

“You’re just being teased. Yamagishi-san, there’s no way the captain would say something like that.”

“Oh, I see, so that’s how it is.”

“Eh, no, really… I want to become your disciple… I’ve been longing for it…”

“You’re surprisingly playful, aren’t you, Commander of the Land Knights?”

“As expected of Elina’s superior. I was surprised too.”

After that, no matter how many times I asked, all I got was “It’s interesting.”

So, I tried changing the way I said it in various ways.

“Lord Yamagishi, I want to become your disciple.”

“Haha, you’re really an interesting person.”

“Yamagishi, aren’t you taking on any apprentices?”

“It’s interesting.”

“Yama-chan, how’s your apprentice?”

You’re teasing me too much.

Sniffle…

No, is this also part of my training?

Don’t give up and keep looking forward. That’s the first step for a disciple.

I see, so that’s how it is.

Keep challenging yourself. That’s not bad either.

But after all, love is a wonderful thing.

So this is what unrequited love feels like.

That’s not bad either.