The Escort Knight Who Is Obsessed by the Villainess Wants to Escape - Chapter 86

Eliza brought her face close and spoke.

“Stay still before I tie you up.”

She grabbed my face and came closer.

‘Why, why is she doing this…! What should I do? Should I do something?’

Though I was confused, I stayed still for now.

She stopped right in front of my nose.

So close I could feel her breath.

Her eyes, stained with a mad fire, stared directly into mine.

Then, she spoke.

“…Your eyes have really changed.”

What the heck.

Did she just use my eyes as a mirror?

Sure enough, if I look straight, I can see it too.

My reflection in Eliza’s eyes.

Distorted strangely by the flickering colors.

‘…Ugh. Idiot.’

I cursed myself over and over inside.

What was I even thinking… No, let’s not think about it again.

Eliza took a step back and spoke in a rather serious voice.

“Did I look angry?”

“Um… a little?”

“Is that so….”

Eliza pondered seriously.

She stroked her chin, her downcast eyes shifting side to side.

Then, she looked at me.

Suddenly, she took my hand.

Slowly, the color in her eyes returned.

Back to the usual shade of red.

“…I don’t understand.”

“Understand what?”

“Why I looked angry. If I really wasn’t angry. And if I was, why….”

As she spoke, she looked down, then looked back at me by the end.

“I don’t understand.”

A face tinged with a mysterious emotion.

Eliza is always expressionless.

Her emotions don’t show easily.

After being together for a long time, I’ve come to distinguish subtle differences in her blank expression.

But right now, I couldn’t understand Eliza’s expression.

And whatever she didn’t understand, I couldn’t grasp either.

In the end, she couldn’t find an answer.

Neither could I.

“But why is your face red?”

“…It’s probably not.”

“What are you talking about? It’s bright red. Are you denying it just because you can’t see it?”

“That’s… I mean….”

“Why are you… Ah?”

Just as she was about to say something, Eliza clamped her mouth shut.

Her gaze slowly traveled downward.

And as it did, her face flushed too.

It seemed she recalled her actions, coming to some sort of realization.

And then.

“…My Lady?”

She disappeared.

She fled through teleportation.

It was curious, knowing she realized it was an embarrassing act….

‘…How could she just leave with so many people watching!’

Eliza left me in this difficult situation, and I felt a pang of annoyance.

***

With various things piling up, I finally chose my reward.

The quest completed by defeating Achan.

The perfect noble hunt.

There were three rewards to choose from.

Soul Binding.

Magic Barrier.

Enhanced Revelation Discovery.

Lying on the bed, I checked one last time and made my decision.

[You have chosen ‘Enhanced Revelation Discovery.’]

[Revelation Discovery]

-When taking magical damage, gain complete immunity to all magic for 3 seconds.

-Cooldown: 24 hours.

The second tragedy.

Eliza used fire magic on me.

With an angry expression.

Containing obvious hostility.

I avoided the first tragedy.

In my opinion.

Just like back then, this time will be no different.

I’ll make an effort.

‘…Though, to be honest, I’m not really sure how to avoid tragedy, no matter how much effort I put in.’

I don’t even know exactly how I overcame the first tragedy.

After all, it wasn’t like I encouraged it.

Just by naturally spending time with Eliza, it turned out that way.

Anyway, choosing this attribute is also part of that effort.

So even if that situation comes, I won’t fall victim to magic.

‘Though, if possible, I’d rather the tragedy itself didn’t come….’

But that’s not something I can control.

Just as it’s always been.

I’ll just get along with Eliza, as usual, and that should be fine.

‘…It should be fine, right?’

***

Since the duel with Achan, nothing much had happened.

That incident where he got in my face passed as if it had never happened.

‘It wasn’t like it was supposed to be a big deal in the first place, so looking back seriously would be weird. Hmm….’

All I had to do was stay by Eliza’s side.

I followed her around as she talked with nobles, rested, or ate.

Occasionally, a noble would seek me out.

It seemed they wanted to build a connection with Eliza.

Well, I don’t know much about politics, nor am I interested.

I sent them away firmly.

Besides, I spent so much time with Eliza that I barely had the chance to talk to a few.

I also paid attention to Eliza’s reactions.

‘Every time someone approached, she’d stare at them like a watchful cat… there’s not much I can do.’

Then, one day.

She, seated on the throne, gestured toward Lia.

Lia, who was nearby, trotted over.

“Go fetch Gawain.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Lia soon returned with Gawain.

“My lady, you called for me.”

“Yes. I’m going to dismantle the training center.”

…What?

“Prepare an assessment of the instructors’ competencies within a week and submit it. I’ll handle the restructuring myself. Let the candidates go. As for honors, the grand duke will take care of it.”

Eliza spoke casually.

After hesitating for a moment, Gawain nodded.

“As you command.”

“Go on.”

“W-w-wait, hold on. Just a moment!”

I hurriedly stepped between them.

“My lady? Dismantling the training center… Are you saying you’re going to expel all the candidates?”

“Yes. Is that a problem?”

“…….”

I was at a loss for words in the face of her unassailable logic.

It’s my training center; I’ll dismantle it if I want. Why would you have an issue with that?

Her expression practically said the same thing.

It’s not wrong, but still….

“May I ask why you suddenly made such a decision?”

“It wasn’t a sudden decision. I planned it long ago.”

“Long ago?”

“Yes. When you became a guard knight, I intended to dismantle it.”

“…….”

Eliza looked up at me steadily.

Her calm gaze held no malice or ulterior motives.

“I don’t need any guard knight other than you.”

“…….”

“Isn’t it fine as long as I have just you?”

She doesn’t understand romantic love or desire.

That’s why Eliza can say things like this so nonchalantly.

‘I’m different, though…!’

When I hear things like that, well, it’s… kind of unsettling!

It feels strange!

Neither Eliza nor I are little kids anymore.

The days when we could laugh off words like that have long passed.

‘Of course, I know she doesn’t mean it that way…!’

Honestly, at this age, with her still feeding me and us sometimes sharing the same bed to sleep, it’s already a bit questionable.

“Your face is red.”

“T-this is…! I had a drink from the wine being served for the banquet….”

“I haven’t seen you drink anything?”

“…….”

I hurriedly changed the subject.

There’s no way I can handle Eliza in a verbal exchange.

“But, miss. With only one escort, it’s difficult to fully protect you.”

“I don’t really need anyone else’s protection, anyway.”

A mage said to possess the greatest talent in history.

Eliza.

Everything she says is completely true.

“So, you’re enough on your own.”

“But….”

It’s not just because of my workload.

I thought of my comrades in Room 13 at the training center.

Friends who sincerely congratulated me on becoming an escort knight.

They all have the same goal.

To become Eliza’s escort knights.

To make a living out of it and build their own futures.

I recalled Richard’s words before coming to the ordination ceremony.

He said he’d come soon too, so to wait just a little longer.

It’s not right for Eliza to dictate the fate of the training center and the candidates as she pleases.

They’re hers, after all.

Still, I can’t just stand by and watch them be dismissed like this.

Couldn’t I at least make a suggestion?

“Miss, I humbly ask that you reconsider just once.”

I spoke in an exceptionally polite tone.

“No amount of power is ever enough. I know a bit about the number of enemies you have.”

Eliza blinked slowly, as if encouraging me to continue.

“So, even if it’s not as an escort right by your side, how about using them as a personal guard? Although I understand it would cost quite a bit to maintain such a force….”

Eliza has a considerable number of allies as well.

But they’re people who could turn their backs on her at any moment.

Forces brought in from elsewhere.

Borrowed loyalty, temporary.

On the other hand, the trainees at the center are more loyal than that.

It’s both my desire and Eliza’s need.

Right now, she needs a dedicated force she can fully utilize.

Something like a covert squad used by other powers.

I’m not shamelessly asking her to pick Room 13.

I just want to ask if she can give them one last chance.

Even if a few from Room 13 fall short in that opportunity, I’m prepared to accept it humbly.

Eliza didn’t ponder for long.

“Alright. It doesn’t sound bad.”

“Thank you.”

“But selecting individuals one by one will take too much time. So, let’s conduct a final test at the room level.”

Room level?

“I’ll set a common goal, and I’ll use the members of the room that accomplishes it as my personal guard. And if there are some who need to be filtered out, then they will be.”

This is an opportunity.

A chance to bring Room 13 along.

It’s not just because they’re my friends and because I find them eligible.

Room 13 currently has the top combat power in the training center.

There hasn’t been any personnel change for five years.

Thanks to that, not only is each individual’s skill outstanding, but their teamwork is excellent.

They especially shine in missions requiring group efforts.

“You join, too.”

“Yes, what?”

“If you don’t join, it’ll be eleven of them.”

…Oh, right.

If they compete in a group event without me, Room 13 would be disadvantaged in numbers.

“Is that okay? In terms of fairness….”

Eliza looked at me calmly and nodded nonchalantly.

“I’ve given permission, so it’s fine.”

…What is this?

Reassuring.

An indescribable sense of dependability.

Is it okay to feel this way about someone I’m supposed to protect?

‘Well, it’s not like I’ve never felt reassured before…’

Eliza gave me a small smile as she looked at me.

“Is this enough?”

“Ah, yes… thank you.”

“I’m the one who’s grateful.”

Then, as she looked ahead, she added casually.

“You’re the only one who thinks about me like this.”

“…….”

***

The coming-of-age ceremony ended successfully.

Eliza has now become an adult.

And I have become her escort knight.

***

Only the final test remains for the candidates.

A test that partially involves me.

Eliza’s Escort Knight selection.

I came to the training grounds to inform the candidates about it.

Since I’d been away for five days due to the knighting ceremony, it’s been a while.

‘When I first came here, I was a beggar and an orphan.’

Now, I’ve returned as Eliza’s escort knight.

And I’m not alone.

Beside me are Eliza and Lia.

Eliza led the way, with Lia and I following closely behind.

As previously announced, all the candidates were lined up in the training grounds.

Standing before them, Gawain maintained order as he surveyed the candidates.

The candidates looked at me.

The weight of all their gazes felt burdensome yet oddly gratifying.

‘Yes, guys. It’s me.’

I wanted to boast a little, but restrained myself in front of Eliza.

A few familiar faces smiled warmly, nodding as if congratulating me.

Especially the members of Room 13.

They looked like they could’ve been my parents.

‘Well, we are practically family, aren’t we? Family is just who stands by you.’

If the roles were reversed, I would’ve genuinely congratulated a comrade from the same room.

Their reactions pleased me, so I gave a slight smile in return.

Eliza stopped.

A little to the side, at the center front of the gathered candidates.

I stood beside her.

Gawain glanced over the candidates and spoke.

“Listen. As you all know, Judas, a former candidate from Room 13, has become the first escort knight.”

…Huh?

Why is he bringing that up all of a sudden?

This wasn’t part of the agreed speech.

“As comrades who trained together, it’s a reason to celebrate.”

Unlike the brazenly composed Gawain, I felt a bit embarrassed.

Why is this guy being so upfront?

Eliza appeared indifferent, not reacting as if she’d expected this deviation from the script.

“But, the lady only requires one escort knight. I’ll make clear what was previously announced, here and now. This training ground will be disbanded as of today.”

The candidates fell silent.

A tense, awkward silence hung in the air.

Gawain continued speaking.

“You will disband and return to your respective places. However, the lady has mercifully granted a final opportunity.”

This was likely news to the candidates.

Surprised, they glanced around or tilted their heads in confusion.

Some members of Room 13 even looked at me.

I shrugged, feigning ignorance.

“This will be the test to choose Lady Eliza’s sword and shield—the Escort knight selection. It won’t be easy. It will be more dangerous than any test you’ve faced before. You might even die.”

Come to think of it…

I don’t actually know what the Escort knight selection test entails.

I was only told there’d be a chance but wasn’t informed of the specific details.

“So, I will grant you the chance to withdraw from the test. Depending on the contents, anyone who wishes to leave may do so here and now.”

Gawain unfolded a piece of paper.

“The test will proceed with teams of twelve. If there aren’t enough participants due to withdrawals, we’ll allow merging with other groups. Also, this is purely a test of skill. Current knights serving Lady Eliza will participate in teams of twelve.”

This part, I’d heard of.

Some knights currently serving Eliza desire to ascend to the elite ranks.

The candidates will have to compete against them solely on skill.

“The objective of the test is simple. To hunt down a dark mage designated by the lady.”

A dark mage.

That term alone denotes danger beyond that of a regular mage.

While a mage is relatively ordinary, a dark mage is always a lunatic with a twisted mind.

They don’t just trivialize human life; they only think in their warped way.

And dark mages usually reside near the Demon Realm.

In other words, even their dwelling places are perilous.

“Once more, I’ll say this. This mission comes with the risk of death. Those who wish to leave should do so now.”

After a moment of hesitation, several candidates began to leave en masse.

‘Wait. Does that magic-nullifying effect apply to dark magic too?’

…If so, this mission could be very advantageous for me.

“But, a dark mage?”

I found that objective puzzling.

Why would Eliza be after a dark mage?

Which dark mage?

Suddenly, a certain possibility crossed my mind.

“Could it be…?”

The one Eliza found, the one I subdued, and the one the Temple Knights took away.

After that, I had no idea how he was dealt with.

“The dark mage who approached during the coming-of-age ceremony?”

Dark magic is one of the gravest crimes.

At minimum, it’s a death sentence.

Yet, Eliza is pursuing that dark mage.

Though it’s just a hypothesis.

“If that’s the case, did he escape? Is it even possible to escape from the Temple Knights?”

Leaving feasibility aside, assuming it could happen.

Then another question arises.

Why would Eliza want to pursue this target personally?

While I pondered, the departing candidates had already left.

Less than half remained.

Room 13 hadn’t lost a single member.

Gawain looked around at them and asked,

“Are you prepared to die?”

A response came immediately.

“Yes!”

“Good. Fill in the lacking members and report to me. I’ll distribute the maps.”

I subtly asked Eliza,

“May I ask something?”

“Are you asking who this dark mage is?”

“Yes.”

“It’s that guy we caught at the temple.”

“As expected…”

“I’ll tell you more details when we return. It’s a long story.”

“Understood.”

She carefully wrapped her arms around my waist.

Small and warm.

I couldn’t bring myself to hug her back and simply stood still.

‘I should be used to these hugs by now, but in a place with so many people… Ugh…’

Eliza raised her head while holding me.

Her red eyes gazed at me silently for a long moment.

As she lowered her gaze, she said in passing,

“…Do well.”

Eliza can’t come along.

It’s only natural.

If she joined, it wouldn’t be fair.

Thinking she might be worried about me as her escort, I smiled to reassure her.

“Don’t worry.”

“……”

Eliza didn’t respond to my words.

She blinked rapidly, looking at me as if surprised.

“Milady? Is something wrong?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Lowering her head, she took a step back.

She fidgeted with my hand, murmuring softly,

“…Don’t get hurt.”

“Of course.”

I carefully stepped back.

Her hand slowly drifted away.

When our hands finally parted, I gave a small nod and turned around.

The members of Room 13 were watching us.

Their faces flushed, unable to look directly.

Their anxious gazes darted around.

“…Is this some kind of spectacle?”

“Oh dear…”

Among them, Richard clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“It’s enough to make anyone watching anxious to death. It’s nerve-wracking, really.”

I ignored him and walked forward.

Now was the time to focus on the Imperial Guard selection exam.