Kamshin had done something. I instinctively understood that, but I didn’t have the time to check what it was now.
“This is bad!”
“Cut him down quickly!”
One man fell under Kamshin's attack, and the remaining enemies steadied their swords and came at me. However, the situation had changed from before. One of them was chasing Kamshin, but there was some distance between them. The other two should be manageable— Kamshin and I could probably buy some time.
“I’m surprised. Even two kids are tough.”
“Don’t point your swords at Lord Van!”
The moment we broke free from our immediate danger, I couldn’t help but lighten the mood with some banter. Kamshin, ever serious, remained focused as we deflected the men’s swords. Kamushin’s sword was impressive, but it seemed difficult for him to break through the men’s weapons.
On the other hand, my magnificent orichalcum blade would cleave an assassin’s sword in two.
“They might be carrying hidden weapons! Be careful!”
“Y-yes!”
Instead of chasing after the man who had lost his sword, I kept my distance and gave Kamshin a quick piece of advice. Kamshin swiftly wielded both his sword and his other blade with his hands, using the sword as a shield to deflect the enemy’s blow. He immediately followed up with a swing of the second sword, slashing at the enemy’s arm. It didn’t sever it, but it rendered the arm useless.
I raised my face, determined not to lose, but just then, I saw something move behind the men.
“Kamshin, dodge!”
I yelled, dropping to the ground and rolling sideways. A high-speed object whizzed past overhead, followed by a series of sharp impacts on the ground. As I looked up and turned my head, I saw several blocks of ice embedded in the ground. These ice blocks had sharp, spear-like tips.
I glanced to my side and saw that Kamshin had also managed to avoid the ice by collapsing to the ground in time.
“Someone’s using magic to attack us from the back!”
Kamshin immediately adjusted his focus, slashing with his sword as he stood up, shouting to warn me. I stood up slowly, still struggling to think of a strategy. With this, there was no way we could escape together. Running backward would only guarantee death from the magic.
What should I do?
As I racked my brain, a voice suddenly boomed from behind us.
“There! Protect Lord Van!”
Following the low voice, several battle cries rang out. Even without turning around, I knew it was Stradale’s voice.
“…Dammit!”
“We’ve come this far! Retreat!”
Amidst the three assassins hesitating, the same woman’s voice spoke. At her command, the three men abruptly turned and ran away. Kamshin seemed ready to chase them but paused when I called out to him.
“Kamshin. Let’s leave it to Captain Stradale.”
At my words, Kamshin stopped in his tracks and turned to look at me. I confirmed his decision and sat down where I stood. Knights from our side rushed past us.
“Lord Van! Are you alright?”
Stradale, appearing a moment later, stood beside me, his sword drawn, scanning the surroundings with caution.
“Yeah, everyone’s been caught up with the repairs on the walls. I might need to take five guards with me next time, just to be safe.”
“You must do so. Where did Lu and Lord Van’s knights go?”
Stradale spoke in a stern tone. If I joked now, he might just misunderstand and end up hitting Lou. The atmosphere was thick with seriousness.
“Ah, I had Lou and the Ceat Village knights help with the ballista units on the walls. Some of them were destroyed, so if the numbers drop, we have to increase accuracy.”
I said that to avoid Lou getting scolded, but Stradale shot me a sharp look.
“…Even though it was Lord Van’s orders, Lou still has the duty to advise on the protection.”
His voice was tinged with anger, and then his gaze shifted to Kamshin, who was holding both the enemy’s sword and the one I had made.
“…Right, this is the boy you bought as a slave, correct? He has done a great job. Though he cannot receive the title of knight due to his origins, I recognize him as a knight in my heart.”
Stradale spoke with authority, and Kamshin nodded, bowing slightly in response.
“Thank you.”
Kamshin, a former slave, had been recognized by the captain of the formidable Feltiot Marquis knights. It was an honor that would mean everything to him, regardless of his past.
“That’s great, Kamshin.”
I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, as if I were the one being praised, and smiled at Kamshin. However, Stradale narrowed his eyes at me and tilted his head.
“Lord Van, Kamshin’s actions have been exceptional. Not only did he protect you, but he ended up saving Centena as well. I will personally recommend that he be given an appropriate reward from your father and His Majesty.”
Stradale’s words made Kamushin straighten up with a stiff back. Looking closely, I could see his eyes glistening, as if on the verge of tears. It was rare for Stradale to speak so highly of someone, and that alone showed how much he valued Kamshin’s contributions.
“That’s right. Kamshin, if there’s anything you want, think about it. His Majesty might provide whatever you wish.”
I said with a smile, turning to Kamshin, but he gently shook his head.
“…I don’t need anything, as long as Lord Van is safe.”
Kamshin’s words were firm and resolute, and Stradale fell silent in the face of his loyalty.
I, too, couldn’t find anything to say. Kamshin… you’re making me want to cry too. I didn’t know he was this sentimental.
That day, the knights of the Yelinetta Kingdom and the Shelvia Allied Forces, realizing that they could not capture Centena, decided to retreat. There was also a report from the lookout on the wall that a dragon had appeared, but it seemed that the dragon was held back by the threat of Arte’s puppets, Panamera’s magic, and the ballistae. Eventually, the dragon was not used, and the enemy forces withdrew.
I had been running around, supervising the repairs and the addition of ballistae, but as soon as I heard the report of the enemy retreating, I moved quickly into the fortress and collapsed onto the bed in the room they had prepared for me. I was so exhausted that I could think of nothing.
“I’m done for…”
There were still many things I had to consider, but I soon passed out, unable to keep my eyes open.
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