The Escort Knight Who Is Obsessed by the Villainess Wants to Escape - Chapter 3

“How dare you not kneel before me and look straight into my eyes. Sitting at the same eye level as me. I haven’t decided whether to kill you or let you live yet.”

The voice was emotionless, but a smile gradually spread across the face staring at me.

“What should I do?”

A clear laugh.

It was like a child expecting a compliment.

Is her true nature still the same?

Eliza calmly waited for my answer.

I quickly thought.

‘What kind of answer is she expecting?’

She’s not really asking if I want to live or die.

She definitely expects a specific reaction from me.

‘What am I to Eliza right now?’

A daring, interesting character who defied her for the first time.

Interesting, but she can kill me at any time.

In other words,

If I maintain that interest, I won’t die for now.

Is this the right approach in the long term?

To satisfy Eliza’s interest?

I don’t know.

But in the short term, it is correct.

‘Then how do I keep her interest?’

Begging for my life.

Obsequiously submitting, saying she can kill me if she wants.

Neither would be interesting.

I have to exceed her expectations.

“Lady Eliza.”

I called her calmly.

“I know it’s impolite, but may I ask you something?”

To answer a noble’s question with a question.

It’s extremely rude.

“This insolence…!”

As expected, the knight behind me was startled.

But,

“Be still.”

Eliza raised her hand slightly.

The knight quickly straightened up.

“Go ahead.”

Eliza smiled and permitted it.

It’s a rude act, but perfect for piquing her interest.

“Why did you allow only me to pass?”

“Because you are interesting and intriguing.”

“In that case, I can confidently say that it would be better to let me live.”

“Why?”

“If I live, you will get to see more interesting and intriguing sides of me.”

“Hmm.”

Eliza nodded with a subtle smile.

Her small fingers tapped the table.

I unknowingly broke out in a cold sweat.

‘She does that when she’s thinking…?

I’ve said everything I needed to.

How to make it interesting and intriguing.

I don’t know that either.

I just said it to stay alive.

‘I’ll think about it well in the future.’

That interest won’t last long.

She’s a woman who quickly tires of everything.

Later, she might even forget such a candidate existed.

“You’ve already half succeeded.”

“…Pardon?”

“I heard you were sold into slavery.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Yet, your speech is impressive. Your choice of words. Your attempt to be as considerate as possible despite knowing it is impolite. The structure and order of your words to persuade your opponent.”

“You seem like an educated noble.”

I forgot.

This world isn’t like Korea, where educational opportunities are open to everyone.

“But you don’t know the proper etiquette for holding a teacup, so you’re not a noble. It seems you weren’t actually educated.”

“…….”

“Interesting.”

Eliza smiled and tapped the teacup.

Steam still rose from the untouched tea.

“Fine. I’ll let you live.”

“…Thank you.”

“Your name?”

“Judas Defecit, Lady Eliza.”

“Judas . I’ll remember that.”

“It’s an honor.”

“You may go now. Ah, you can take the leftovers.”

I didn’t hesitate to grab the sweets.

There were too many to carry by hand.

Should I put them in my pockets?

“…Ria. Pack them for him.”

Eliza pointed to one of the maids.

The red-haired maid brought a paper bag and packed the remaining sweets.

“I look forward to seeing you again, Judas.”

Eliza waved with a bright smile.

For some reason, her waving hand felt eerie.

Despite being so young, she overlapped with the image of the villainess I knew.

Hiding my thoughts, I bowed deeply.

“I will consider it a lifelong honor.”

As soon as I returned to Dormitory No. 13, chaos ensued.

“Hey! The newbie is here!”

“Where? Oh! Hey! You! Hey!”

“Who the hell are you! What’s going on!”

“What did you talk about with the lady!”

“In over a year, this is the first time the lady came here herself!”

Eleven people gathered all at once, shouting.

It was deafening.

I first took out a paper bag from my pocket.

The best way to quiet them down was with food.

“Everyone, have this first.”

“What is this?”

Dylan received it.

As he opened the mouth of the bag, a savory and sweet smell wafted out.

“This, this, this…!

“….”

“Wow, look at how many there are. This expensive stuff…. These are cookies!”

“The newbie brought high-end cookies!”

“From now on, the newbie is a god!”

While pleased, I felt an uneasy sense of déjà vu.

This was just like that time.

Like the reaction of soldiers receiving Choco Pies.

“From today, any attack on Judas will be considered an act of hostility against Room 13!”

Richard shouted.

It was a declaration to the candidates who had flocked over from other rooms.

They must have been curious about my private conversation with Eliza.

“Everyone back off! I’ll distribute them one by one!”

Whether there was a hierarchy, Dylan distributed the cookies to the candidates.

I also received one since I brought the cookies.

“So, newbie. Why did the lady call you? What did she say?”

Someone asked while munching on a cookie.

What should I answer?

Can I be honest?

‘She was asking whether to kill me or let me live.’

Do they know Eliza’s true nature?

She will become a notorious villain that makes the world shudder in the future.

For now, she isn’t that bad yet.

It seems like they don’t see her often either.

Moreover, the Bevel family surprisingly manages their public reputation.

‘If I’m not careful, they might think I insulted their master.’

A slave insulting their noble master deserves death.

So I can’t tell the truth.

‘What excuse should I make….’

“She came because of what happened during the cadet selection ceremony.”

I decided to fabricate a reasonable story.

“Come to think of it, what happened that you were the only one who passed? And the lady personally picked you.”

“I looked the lady straight in the eyes.”

“Urgh!”

Someone made a choking sound, clutching their chest as if the cookie got stuck.

Others who were eavesdropping had similar reactions.

“I had no choice back then.”

It’s true.

At that time, I thought I would be rejected if I did that.

While preserving my life.

“I really wanted to get accepted here.”

I couldn’t be completely honest, so I wrapped it up that way.

“What a crazy guy we got….”

“I noticed you weren’t intimidated from the start, but this is beyond normal craze.”

“Thank you.”

I answered cheekily.

The goodwill earned by cookies wouldn’t last long.

This place was a strict hierarchical society, and also a competitive system.

A slight misstep and I’d be ignored immediately.

I needed to show that I wasn’t an easy target.

“First, Judas. Your spot is here.”

Dylan guided me.

It was the bottom bunk of a bunk bed closest to the door in the room.

“Basic clothes and hygiene items are in the locker, use them as needed.”

I was impressed.

Just becoming a candidate for a Escort knight guaranteed minimum necessities.

I understood why beggars and slaves applied.

Even if the family was known as villains, providing food and shelter left no reason for disloyalty.

‘Unless you knew you’d be killed by Eliza later.’

Dylan then took me around.

He explained the basic structure while we toured the dormitory building.

Each room cluster was divided into groups of five.

Each group had a dedicated knight.

Room 13 was part of group 3.

The responsible knight was Thomas.

Except for designated training and meal times, the rest was free time.

However, leaving the designated area was prohibited.

Instead, we were given time to go out on weekends.

Also, this place strictly followed seniority rules.

Absolute loyalty to seniors, regardless of skill or achievements.

Even seniors from other rooms had to be treated with utmost respect.

Because as a Escort knight, it is because of the reason that I must unconditionally obey the hierarchy.

Currently, as a 13th batch, I was the youngest of all the candidates.

‘This is going to be a headache.’

The only 13th batch.

And also, one personally approved by Eliza.

I’m in a position perfect for being disliked.

‘By the way, there are about 240 knight candidates? How much money are they spending.’

The Grand Duchy of Bevel is a place that still has money left over.

It is also a place that trains and selects knights to protect the direct line of the Bavel family.

It seems that much spending is necessary.

The training content varies depending on the rank and current skill level, but it generally proceeds together. Occasionally, we undertake missions to gain practical experience and train.

“We also receive request fees.”

“Is that so.”

“That concludes the basic explanation. There is no training today, so feel free to look around freely from now on.

“Thank you.”

When I returned to the room, a few comrades welcomed me.

It was a time when the favor gained from the cookies was still valid.

A few were playing card games or chatting.

I pretended to examine my locker and pondered.

‘What do I do from now on.’

A long-term plan is needed.

I need to escape from here, and also leave the Grand Duchy of Bevel.

‘Escort knights go through various tests.’

I do not know exactly how many tests there are and what they are.

The only thing I know is that even if you fail the test, you are given another chance to retake it.

“………”

‘I already threatened Eliza that I would show her something. If I fail here, she will kill me for deceiving her.’

So for the time being, I will live normally here.

How to escape should be thought about gradually.

‘When she lose interest, I will fail the test and leave this place.’

What if that doesn’t work?

I must always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

‘I need money to plan a separate escape route.’

Additionally, I need status and power that won’t arouse suspicion from others.

And right now, this is the past compared to the time I know.

I don’t know how valid my information will be.

‘The immediate conclusion is simple.’

First, I will live here.

I will adapt while training, and refine my escape plan in detail.

When I had organized my thoughts, someone spoke to me.

“Ah, hello.”

A somewhat timid voice.

It was a boy around my age.

“I, I’m Richard. You are Judas, right? I am using the bed above you.”

“Ah, yes. I look forward to your guidance.”

“N, no! I, I’m a 12th rank. There is not much difference between us. You can speak comfortably.”

“I cannot do that.” No, I cannot.

“Even so, it will be uncomfortable….”

Richard persistently asked me to speak comfortably for quite a while.

It was persistent enough to make the listener uncomfortable.

But I was just as stubborn.

I never spoke comfortably until the end and treated him politely.

“Sigh….”

Richard sighed.

“Ha, hahahat!”

He burst into hearty laughter.

“Hey. You noticed, didn’t you?”

His tone changed suddenly.

I calmly admitted it.

“Yes.”

“Wow. This one’s sharp.”

Someone beside us made a remark.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Richard fail.”

“Exactly. His instincts are just like a ghost’s.”

Earlier, Dylan received cookies from me and distributed them according to rank.

At that time, this Richard was the first to get one.

I made sure to observe and remember that.

And that’s not all.

Richard.

It’s the name of a man who will later be known by the alias ‘Lion Knight.’

His young appearance made me unsure, but the more I looked, the more certain I became.

He’s that Richard.

“Features include curly golden hair like a lion’s mane and a rough manner of speaking.”

Richard extended his hand for a handshake.

Unlike earlier when he was timid, he now smiled broadly.

“Richard. 5th batch.”

“…Judas, 13th batch.”

“Alright, junior. Nice to meet you. How old are you?”

“Thirteen.”

“Oh. You know your exact age? That’s impressive. I think I was fifteen… or something like that.”

Fifth batch…

I received his handshake politely while looking around.

It seemed like he was the highest rank in Room 13.

“Kid, you’re quick-witted and perceptive. I like you.”

He was fifteen, but his way of speaking was like an old man who had been through it all.

“Looking forward to working with you.”

“Yes, senior. Looking forward to it.”

“If possible, go and bring some cookies.”

Still, he’s just a kid.

“I’m going to work out. Want to join?”

It was the first time since I got here that my heart raced at a word.

‘Workout…’

I was so moved I couldn’t speak.

Richard must have thought I was hesitating.

“Don’t be scared, man. And it’s better to go with me if you’re going anyway.”

What does he mean by that?

Anyway, I had no reason to refuse, so I headed to the gym with Richard.

The reason he said that became clear right away.

As soon as we entered, a few people recognized me and gave me cold looks.

But they soon looked away when they saw Richard standing next to me.

‘Is this the power of rank?’

Richard, from the 5th batch.

As time goes by, the number of earlier batch members decreases.

So, there weren’t many who would treat Richard lightly.

Naturally, they wouldn’t treat me lightly either, since I was with him.

“That’s why I asked you to come with me.”

Richard smiled leisurely.

“Now that they’ve noticed, no one will mess with you today. It’ll be uncomfortable for them with me around. Work out properly and then come back.”

I almost said I’d serve him as my leader from now on.

Richard went off to do some warm-up exercises.

I took a moment to look around the gym.

Suddenly, a question popped into my head.

‘A vague setting somewhere between the medieval and modern eras.’

But why is the gym so clean, comparable to modern fitness centers?

‘That’s just how mass-produced works are.’

Mass production is the best.

This is fantasy.

I quickly assessed my current physical condition while recalling my past life.

‘Malnutrition. Posture imbalance. Weak core muscles. Disrupted coordination muscle balance.’

I started with light bodyweight exercises.

I can build up my body slowly.

If I over-exercise, I won’t grow taller, but my body isn’t capable of over-exercising anyway.

I started doing push-ups in a corner.

Even doing one was tough.

My bent wrist hurt, and it felt like my thin chest muscles were about to tear.

It was incredibly thrilling.

When muscles get enough stimulation, it’s commonly referred to as ‘eating well’.

That day, I exercised enough with my chest muscles.

***

The next day after enlistment.

All the personnel from sections 1 and 3 gathered on the training ground for morning training.

The training time was similar, but it was conducted separately by section.

Sometimes, there were joint training sessions, like the morning run.

There was a commotion.

The surroundings were noisy.

They should have been quiet in order, but about 100 candidate’s couldn’t manage that.

And it was understandable.

In front of them, aligned in order, was the girl who would become their future master.

Eliza was sitting on a luxurious chair, looking down at us.

A maid was holding a parasol next to her.

Thomas, the knight from section 3, spoke nervously.

“Today is an honorable day where the young lady will personally observe the training! Do your best not to disappoint her!”

Officially, it was to personally observe the candidate’s training.

But I knew the truth.

Eliza and I made eye contact.

She came to see me.

Expecting me to show her something interesting.

‘Was she this proactive…?’

Back then, I said whatever came to mind just to survive.

I don’t even know what to show her.

The morning run started.

Eliza quietly watched while nibbling on a toast.

“Hey, it looks like the young lady is looking this way.”

“Isn’t she looking at me? Ah, what should I do? Should I take my shirt off?”

“If you do that, you’ll be executed, idiot.”

Some candidates chatted while running.

Eliza’s gaze slowly scanned the candidates.

But her eyes frequently lingered on me.

As if asking to show her something.

Then, someone bumped my shoulder and passed by.

“…?”

A boy, probably around 14 years old.

He ran ahead after bumping into me, then turned back and sneered.

‘…What’s with that guy.’

I didn’t recognize his face.

After running a few more minutes, two people approached me from both sides.

“Judas, are you struggling a lot?”

Richard.

“You can take it easy.”

It was Dylan.

“Are you alright…?”

I struggled to respond.

My weak body made my lungs hurt after just a little running.

Richard and Dylan had already run several laps ahead of me.

“You shouldn’t exercise so recklessly from day one,” Richard clicked his tongue beside me.

Certainly, there was also the effect of overdoing push-ups yesterday.

“It’s good to be enthusiastic, but do it according to your level,” Dylan advised rationally.

I know that, too.

Yesterday, I just got too excited and…

I had no energy to respond, so I just kept running, and then someone bumped my shoulder again.

It was that guy from earlier.

He rudely passed between Richard and me, hitting Richard’s shoulder as well.

“That bastard…” Richard muttered through gritted teeth.

He is a 5th batch student.

In other words, being able to bump into him and pass without a care meant he was a senior ahead of him.

At that moment, I made eye contact with Eliza.

She smiled at me, as if asking if I was going to show something interesting now.

“Phew…”

A sigh escaped me unconsciously.

‘What should I do…’