When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 167

Episode 167

Jez and Seraphina dashed through the streets of Capricia, hand in hand, with several suspicious figures in pursuit. Though the summer sky was still bright, street lamps were beginning to flicker on as the streets filled with people returning home from work. Jez led Seraphina through narrow alleys, zigzagging right and left, occasionally leaping onto rooftops and continuing to run. Seraphina struggled to keep up with Jez’s unpredictable and free movements but managed to hold on.

Despite his seemingly composed demeanor, Jez was full of spontaneity and unpredictability, which made Seraphina feel a sense of joy amidst the chase. This was the very Jez Wist she admired—someone who, despite sharing similar hardships, never let it show. His strength and flexibility were what she had always looked up to.

Their escape felt like a fierce dance, with Jez catching Seraphina whenever she stumbled, supporting her by the waist. He even scooped her into a princess carry when they landed from high jumps. Although they were being chased by dangerous individuals, the situation oddly felt exhilarating. Both Jez and Seraphina couldn’t help but smile as they ran through the twilight of the port city.

People in the streets were startled by the sight of the fleeing pair and wondered if they were witnessing some sort of film shoot, given the energy in the air.

Jez and Seraphina kept up their fast-paced escape, eventually reaching a secluded park on a hill. The spot, slightly removed from the city’s bustling center, was a popular tourist destination during the day for its view of the entire port city, and at night for its beautiful city lights. However, during this twilight hour, the view was less impressive due to the backlighting. The park was deserted.

As they arrived at the park, Seraphina panted heavily while Jez remained calm, not even breaking a sweat. Seraphina shot a slightly annoyed glare at Jez, who appeared as carefree as ever.

“…They’re here,” 

Jez muttered. At the same moment, about ten suspicious figures surrounded them. Their faces were hidden behind featureless masks, and their clothes were plain and unremarkable—outfits that wouldn’t stand out in a crowd. However, the killing intent emanating from them was unmistakable.

Jez kept Seraphina behind him, his eyes scanning the surroundings while he guarded her. 

“Hey, you’ve got the wrong person, don’t you?” 

He called out, attempting to find an opening.

“Seraphina Lorentzi. You’ll die here,” 

One of the masked figures responded. Jez, slightly surprised that they replied, inwardly sighed. He realized he was caught in a much more complicated situation than he had anticipated. Resigning himself to the fight, he readied himself for combat, as did Seraphina.

Just as the tension reached its peak and the enemy was about to make their move—

“All three of you, now,” 

Jez suddenly called out. From beyond the suspicious figures surrounding them, three people suddenly charged in, attacking all at once. At the same moment, Seraphina activated her holy magic, casting supportive spells on herself and Jez. The attackers, caught off guard, found their formation breaking.

The three who had come to their aid were close allies of the Norman family—Linnea Haugen, Ida Niemi, and Ole Halvorsen. With their surprise attack, the assailants were thrown into disarray, and Jez and Seraphina wasted no time in taking advantage of the situation.

The three northerners coordinated with Jez to subdue the suspicious figures. As if things couldn’t get worse for their attackers, priests of the Solennis faction from the Divinia Church also joined the fray. These priests had been assigned by Edelmar to protect Seraphina. In an instant, the tables turned completely.

“Now then, how about you start talking?” 

Seraphina, still smiling, addressed the subdued attackers.

・　・　・

The suspicious figures had been swiftly overpowered. Jez and Seraphina’s dramatic run through the streets of Capricia had been part of a larger plan—to buy time for their allies to prepare and to draw out all of their enemies.

In fact, since the moment it was announced that Seraphina would be leaving the Tashman Kingdom, attacks like this had been anticipated. The Solennis faction within the Divinia Church had already taken steps to protect her. Additionally, Linnea and the other northerners had been invited by Jez to join the cruise on the Queen Amentis III as part of a separate arrangement.

It was impossible to send the son of a margrave on a trip abroad without any protection, even if only out of obligation. So, Jez had taken steps to ensure Linnea and the others were there to watch over him. Moreover, unbeknownst to both Jez and Seraphina, the Tashman Kingdom’s 0th Legion was also on the move. The park had already been discreetly sealed off by the 0th Legion. As a guest of honor akin to a state guest, the kingdom of Tashman would never have allowed a candidate for sainthood like Seraphina to be left unguarded. For this reason, the attack was, in a sense, doomed to fail from the start.

“…!? Seraphina, get away!!”

Suddenly, an overwhelming surge of magical power erupted from the bodies of the fallen attackers. Just before this, Jez noticed that they had crushed something in their mouths and swallowed it. 

“Huh?”

Seraphina had been trying to interrogate one of the attackers up close. She was unaware of the situation. In an instant, the attacker sprang back to life, slashing at her. At this distance, it was already too late. Everyone around her widened their eyes in shock and screamed as the sudden turn of events unfolded.

Time seemed to slow down for Seraphina, everything moving at a crawl. She thought, almost absently, that this must be one of those “life-flashing-before-your-eyes” moments. The Solennis priests, Linnea, and others all rushed to protect her, but Seraphina calmly realized they wouldn’t make it in time. It all felt strangely detached, like it was happening to someone else. The approaching blade seemed like it would hurt. She wondered if it would finally bring her peace. 

She reflected that her life, though short, had been one where she had done her best. Perhaps she could have done better, but it hadn’t been a bad life. If there was one regret, it was that she never experienced true love.

Then, in the blink of an eye, there was the dull sound of flesh being cut, a splash of bright red blood, the weight of a body pressing against her, and the warmth of blood on her cheek.

“…Why?”

“…I told you I’d be your strength, didn’t I?”

Jez had shielded Seraphina by switching places with her and holding her close. Slashed across the back, he coughed up blood but still managed to protect Seraphina and, with sheer force, kicked the attacker away.

A moment later, Linnea and the others wore panicked expressions while subduing the attackers once more, ensuring they wouldn’t move again. Seraphina, still in Jez’s arms, looked on in stunned silence. She felt something warm on her hand and glanced down.

It was bright red blood.

Suddenly snapping back to reality, Seraphina looked at Jez.

“Jez!? Hey, Jez!? Are you okay!?”

Seeing that Seraphina was safe, Jez smiled gently. But as he did, the strength drained from his body. He collapsed to the ground, still holding her.