The Escort Knight Who Is Obsessed by the Villainess Wants to Escape - Chapter 5

I don’t even know how the first training went.

I just moved and rested as instructed.

Daily training is divided into morning and afternoon sessions.

After lunch and a short break, it wasn’t until I returned to the dormitory with my classmates that I realized what had happened today.

‘I’m living with my life on the line.’

What kind of crazy thing did I do?

Fortunately, I succeeded in fulfilling Eliza’s interest.

Thanks to that, I received some help.

“Judas, this guy… is more dangerous than I thought?”

Richard said playfully.

“If things go south later, I’ll rat you out, okay?”

“I’ll be careful.”

“Huh, you’re not saying you won’t do it? I’m several ranks ahead of you, you know.”

Despite speaking like he was annoyed, there was a smile on his face. It seemed Richard didn’t like that guy Kale either.

I’m not worried about Richard turning out like Kale.

Even though it’s been only a day, I’ve figured out what kind of person Richard is in this room.

He’s young but confident, and despite being a senior, he doesn’t treat others poorly.

He can be considered mature for his age.

“Still, thanks to you, I feel much better.”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

A roommate chimed in from the side.

Unfortunately, I haven’t memorized all their names yet.

“Who would have thought that Kale would go down in one hit like that?”

“Exactly. Hey, but how did you bring him down? He’s taller than you and has been training longer.”

“I smashed his balls.”

A short silence.

Then.

“Ah! Ahahah! Hahahah!”

“You…! You’re really crazy! Hahaha-!”

Richard held his stomach and laughed.

Some even rolled on the floor.

“Man, Judas. You’re really something else among the people I’ve met.”

“Thank you.”

“Why do you speak so well? You speak well… Where did you learn that?”

At that moment, I was so excited that I just said anything.

Indeed, they weren’t words a former slave would use.

I couldn’t keep denying it, so I made an excuse.

“I learned by watching others secretly.”

“You’re quite talented. Yeah.”

Richard patted my shoulder.

“Judas.”

Dylan called me in a serious voice from the side.

Why is he acting so serious after laughing until he cried?

“What you did… was honestly courageous, unlike me who hid cowardly.”

Why is he being so cheesy?

“But.”

Suddenly, Dylan lowered his voice.

He whispered softly.

“You should also know that you’ve made enemies by doing that.”

Those words were loaded with meaning.

It was a harsh reality.

When you eliminate an imbalance, those who thrived on that imbalance will inevitably appear.

It’s a familiar scenario.

Richard clicked his tongue from the side.

“Yeah, it’s best to be careful. Not everyone in our room is as nice as me. And other rooms are even worse.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

I suppose so.

Right away, I might seem friendly, but I’m someone who can turn on you at any moment, depending on the situation.

I’m sorry for those who show me kindness, but I couldn’t just blindly trust Dylan and Richard.

That’s just how people are.

They act like they’ll trust you even if a knife is at their throat, but when the knife comes in reality, they betray you.

It wasn’t particularly disgusting to me again.

It was just familiar.

As always.

However, at least for a few days, I didn’t need to worry about such things.

When I returned to my room, I was faced with a box full of cookies and fruit drinks.

“These were sent by Miss Eliza.”

The Steward who had brought the box explained.

It was Miguel.

“She says it’s a reward for finding and eliminating the bug that was infesting the duke’s estate. Please, accept it without any hesitation.”

As a mere candidate, it was quite a generous gesture towards me.

He left after leaving a polite greeting as he explained.

We stared blankly at the snacks in front of us for a while.

Richard raised his arm and shouted.

“Waaaah-!”

Taking that cheer as a signal, the others also started shouting.

“Judas! Judas! Judas!”

“Judas is a god!”

“Grateful for Judas for descending upon this land and providing us with daily sustenance….”

“From today, Judas is the representative of this room! Remove the incompetent leader, Dylan!”

“Remove him! Rise up in rebellion!”

“Go away! Don’t touch!”

Chaos ensued.

I was dragged along against my will and received a bath.

Eleven guys ganged up on me.

They were trying to throw me up into the sky as they pleased.

“Wait a minute…!”

“One, two-!”

“Aaaah-!”

I screamed involuntarily.

Hey, you guys are throwing me too high.

I almost hit my face on the ceiling.

“Salute to Judas!”

“Obedience!”

Pathetic.

It’s pretty pathetic to receive blind praise from kids much younger than me.

Feeling good, I became even more pathetic…

“Please, stop, you can stop now and enjoy your meal.”

“Judas has given permission!”

Then, my colleagues aggressively dismantled the box.

Some of them even brought me my share.

I awkwardly smiled and took the cookies and drinks.

And at the same time, I kept an eye on those who weren’t smiling.

‘The ones Richard warned about.’

I naturally counted and observed their characteristics while casually looking away.

‘Well-mannered. Their usual vocabulary is neat, their attitude is stiff and arrogant.’

The answer came quickly.

They must be from some noble family.

On the other hand, those who were so kind to me as if they would sacrifice their lives for me seemed to be from a similar background to mine.

‘It can’t be helped.’

The more allies you make, the more enemies you create.

Sometimes those allies turn back into enemies.

It was a familiar truth.

“Bitter thoughts were brushed away, and I enjoyed the moment for a while.

Perhaps due to the effects of my body getting tired, things sometimes became simple.

But just by eating, I felt good.

Could this be enough for now?

[Hidden Quest, ‘Stand Against injustice’ completed.]

‘…Huh?’

[Please select your reward.]

***

Flip, flip.

The girl handed over the documents with a bored look in her eyes.

Her eyes moved quickly up and down.

The documents moved just as quickly.

One might wonder if she was actually reading them, but the girl understood and judged the contents of the documents without missing a beat.

Sitting at the wooden desk with a red hue, she looked like a doll reading the documents.

Eliza opened her mouth like a sigh.

“Knight Commander Gawain of this estate.”

“…Yes.”

“Steward Miguel.”

“Yes, miss.”

In the study of Eliza’s mansion.

Gawain and Miguel stood in front of her, heads bowed deeply, carrying a sense of guilt.

Eliza called them over but remained silent for a long time.

Finally, after putting down the documents, she spoke.

“Yesterday, a candidate who had just arrived discovered a problem with the training facility publicly.”

“…………”

“What have you two been doing all this time?”

“…I apologize. It was my oversight.”

“No excuses, miss.”

Eliza tapped the desk twice.

Chin in hand, she looked at them askew.

They couldn’t even meet her eyes.

“I know they were sent to monitor me from the main house.”

“…..”

“Even though I wasn’t interested in selecting my own Escort Knight, I should have paid attention. But at the very least, shouldn’t you two have done the bare minimum, out of duty?”

Eliza smirked.

Unknowingly, the two swallowed their saliva.

She was only 13 years old now.

But whenever they stood in front of her, the two felt fear.

It wasn’t just because she was a rare Mage born in the empire.

More fundamentally, she was born with a temperament that touched people’s hearts.

It might be a natural result.

Considering the environment she was living in.

Gawain hurriedly spoke.

“We will fix it as soon as possible.”

“What’s the deadline?”

“Three days should be enough.”

“Reduce it to two days.”

“I will do that.”

“Go out.”

Gawain bowed deeply and left.

Only Miguel remained.

“I heard that the Havess family is involved in welfare projects.”

Eliza said, taking out a document.

“It was supposed to come from the Bevel family. What kind of bid was made.”

Kale Havess.

It was a document containing his personal information, including his future descendants’ plans, which Judas had lost.

“We can use this as leverage to win the hosting rights for the project.”

“Your judgment is wise.”

Looking at Kale’s document, Judas immediately came to mind.

She raised the corners of her mouth without realizing she was smiling.

He was an interesting child.

Despite trembling, boldly expressing his intentions in front of others was quite refreshing.

Most children would sit and cry in that situation.

Contrary to his trembling, he was surprisingly articulate.

Even a noble youth educated in rhetoric and eloquence would not be as good.

It was the same from their first meeting.

He was interesting, fascinating, and amusing.

About a month ago, perhaps her wish had been granted on Christmas.

No, it couldn’t be true.

Seeing Eliza’s smile, the Steward swallowed hard, feeling uneasy.

She was originally someone who couldn’t smile.

Sometimes when she smiled, it was somehow eerie.

It wasn’t a real smile.

It was a smiling mask.

However, the smile she made in front of the candidate Judas was truly cheerful.

Half of it was a mask, but at least half of it was sincere.

It was a sight he had never seen before.

As Miguel, who had watched the growth of many children, Eliza was a difficult opponent.

The perplexing reactions of difficult opponents were also difficult to interpret.

However, the chill of that smile remained the same.

Eliza learns a lot.

Philosophy, literature, mathematics, science, history, sociology, imperial studies, ethics, and morals, etc.

To be a noble, she also learns moments that should be ‘unethical’.

In those subjects, Eliza always scored top marks.

The concept of ethics was an illusion to her.

“And that candidate Judas.”

“Yes, miss.”

This time, she brought out a document containing Judas’s personal information.

“He’s a former slave, isn’t he.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Eliza didn’t care who became her Escort Knight.

In the first place, it didn’t matter.

It was just a facade for dignity.

The Bevel family also cares so much about such an image.

It was a show for that image.

So she accepted everyone regardless of their background.

With the feeling of providing equal opportunities to everyone.

So, even though Eliza didn’t pay much attention, this candidate Judas was quite interesting.

Because of that, I walked all the way to the training ground.

Leaving the island-like mansion far from home.

The outing, taken for personal reasons after a long time, was satisfying.

“Check behind. It’s a bit strange.”

Thirteen years old, right?

That was strange from the start.

Which slave knows their age clearly?

“I understand.”

Miguel thought the same way.

Why would a slave, sold after wandering the streets, speak so clearly?

The logical process that led to that result was also extraordinarily unusual.

“Was the gift delivered well?”

“Yes. I delivered the snacks and drinks you chose to the candidate.”

As a servant.

“I chose based on what you enjoyed last time, but I’m not sure if he liked it.”

He will like it.

I swallowed the rest of my words.

Judas responds to his interest.

He says as if it were for justice.

It must have been like that at first.

However, the lines he spat out from the beginning were directed at herself.

His subtle yet explicit attitude wasn’t that bad.

Isn’t it charming?

“Surely he liked it. After all, they are foods that you can’t even see casually.”

Is that so?

Eliza understood it herself.

Judas’s sudden actions were also strange deeds that she couldn’t see anywhere else.

So it could be something she likes.

Eliza chuckled softly as she looked out the window.

She had always lived being pushed by inertia.

A life like a shipwreck swept away by the currents.

She didn’t want to Study.

Power and authority she didn’t want to enjoy.

Every day, she was pressured and chased.

It was a life that was not interesting at all.

However, recently, she found something interesting and fun.

“Not bad.”

***

Late at night when everyone was asleep.

I lay in bed and checked the notification that arrived in my mind.

[Choose your reward.]

I couldn’t see it earlier because I was so busy.

[1. Spear Technique (Lv.2)]

[2. Swordsmanship (Lv.1)]

[3. Mana Release (1)]

“Hmm….”

I pondered with a low breath.

They are all useful in their own right.

‘Let’s use the chose by elimination.’

First, mana release.

Mana is an important power.

It can surpass the limits of the body, and when mastered, he can even create weapons with mana.

It is essential to become stronger than before.

However, mana is only useful when its value is high.

There’s nothing you can do with mana attribute level 1.

So, mana is a pass.

‘Spear technique and swordsmanship are left.’

They are skills related to weapons/combat.

The difference is that spear technique is level 2, and swordsmanship is level 1.

Attribute levels are quite important. Neither of them is bad. It’s a trait that is neither inherently superior nor inferior. Its effectiveness varies depending on how the user handles it.

The dilemma didn’t last long.

[Swordsmanship (Lv.1) will be added to the attribute.]

It is a technique that handles both sword and shield simultaneously. This is a hidden trait that can only be obtained by synthesizing ‘One-Handed Sword Technique’ and ‘Shield Technique’ after acquiring them.

‘It’s more versatile than spear technique.’

The spear is a weapon suitable for soldiers in phalanx formation.

It is generally inconvenient to carry.

As befitting a Escort knight, a technique that can be used flexibly in any situation is necessary.

‘If only spear and shield techniques were together. Of course, I have no intention of becoming a Escort knight.’

Today, only physical training was conducted. Tomorrow will include weapon techniques and sparring.

‘Will Eliza come out tomorrow…?’

Since her curiosity has been satisfied, would she leave me now? Or would she seek more satisfaction by staying?

‘I wish she hadn’t come out at all.’

I am grateful for the help today, but it is uncomfortable in itself.

It is also a fearful subject.

‘From a short-term perspective, it is advantageous to get closer to Eliza.’

Today’s work and the Escort knight exam are the same.

There is no choice but to do so.

She is the highest authority in this training camp and the most promising candidate to become the next head of the Bevel family.

‘But in the long run…’

She is a historical madwomen who kills her Escort Knight when she is bored, put them on display, and bathes in the blood of young mans.

If you get close, you will be assassinated without fail. The conclusion remains the same.

Let’s not get involved if possible.

***

Life doesn’t go as planned. That’s because I’m not alone. I can’t control others, not myself.

So, Eliza’s presence at today’s training is a problem that I can’t help.

It’s like a natural disaster.

Today, Eliza sat in the front row with a luxurious chair placed for her, just like yesterday.

A maid put a shawl on her, as she wore a relatively lively sky blue dress, making her look like a girl of that age.

‘She also has a childish side.’

It was amazing to see, and Eliza smiled at me and waved her hand.

I just bowed my head.

The three candidates lined up in the training ground were talking.

“Hey, did you see her waving her hand here?”

“The lady came again today… What’s going on?”

“She didn’t attend the training in other sections.”

“Are there any qualified candidates for our section?”

“There are a few. There are some who recently passed the 7th exam…”

Richard nudged my side.

“Why are you so tense? Because you’re favored by the lady.”

“………….”

I couldn’t even refute the teasing words.

Some had already noticed.

That Eliza’s visit was because of me.

“I don’t know what to do with the excessive attention I receive.”

“Oh, even the slightest interest from her makes these kittens wriggle.”

Yeah, I know too. There is not just one or two candidate trainees who want to impress Eliza if given the chance.

Richard wouldn’t be an exception either.

Well, they’re training to become Eliza’s Escort Knight.

At this point, it seems like the best career path.

‘I know it’s a rotten deal.’

Can you even have a good expression?

Eliza stared straight at me.

Ignoring all the other candidates who were trying to look taller and more imposing by clearing their throats unnecessarily.

Training began regardless of my discomfort.

***

Today, Gawain was in charge of training.

In the morning, we practiced weaponry.

Swinging weapons in the air to practice attacking and defending, while Gawain and other instructors walked around correcting us.

Thanks to my swordsmanship, I wasn’t corrected often.

I received some praise for doing well.

I got excited, then quickly calmed down.

“Sometimes, it feels like I’ve become a child…”

I occasionally checked on Eliza.

While watching, she would look over documents, write something down, or give instructions to servants and stewards.

Every time, I sighed with relief internally.

Because it meant that she wasn’t bored in real-time.

After the weapon training, we had light sparring.

To be honest, it’s not really sparring.

We paired up and repeated the movements we just learned.

In modern terms, it’s called ‘drill training.’

“Pair up with someone from the 11th or 12th batch. And… pair up with someone from the 13th batch.”

Following Gawain’s instructions, we paired up with someone of similar skill.

My partner is Lindel.

He’s a senior from the 12th batch who shares the same room as me.

He’s about 3 years older? I’m not sure. Anyway, he’s slightly taller than me.

“Approach with the shield close to your body, block, then repeat the motion of swinging the sword. Begin.”

The lightweight wooden sword and shield made a clacking sound.

Lindel and I repeated the moves without saying a word.

Block, strike.

We don’t actually exert force in either direction.

We simply repeat the movements.

“It’s about creating habits in your body.”

It was quite fun because it reminded me of my past training.

I even remembered the old days.

Of course, it’s the first time I’ve used a sword and shield.

Once again, it was my turn to be hit.

It was a moment when the instructor was looking elsewhere.

I swung the sword lightly as before.

Thunk! Lindel blocked with his shield.

Deliberately, forcefully.

I staggered from the unexpected recoil.

In that moment, Lindel rushed in and struck with his sword.

It hit my shoulder.

There was a thud, but the surroundings were too noisy for the instructors to notice.

The hit stung.

Unconsciously, I aimed at Lindel.

“Oops.”

He then smiled leisurely.

“Oops. I’m still not good at controlling my strength, sorry. Are you okay?”

I belatedly recalled this face.

Among those who didn’t smile in front of Eliza’s gift yesterday.

‘What could be so unsatisfactory….’

I didn’t do anything worth being hated for, really.

‘Then I guess I’ll have to give you a reason to hate me properly.’

I rather graciously bowed my head.

“No, it’s my incompetence. I’m sorry.”

Lindel seemed to like my pathetic look and smiled faintly.

‘Coming out like this is just cowardly.’

I do like cowardly things.

If he knew how I ended Kale’s line, he wouldn’t have done this, right?

“At first, everyone is like that. You just picked up a weapon today, right? You just have to learn gradually. Now, it’s your turn to block and strike. Let’s try it again.”

Lindel was even relaxed.

I gripped the sword and shield more firmly.

“Yes, excuse me.”

When I said that, Eliza was looking this way and smiling.