Quest: Security Mission Around Dakia
Reward: Basic Pay for Security Mission + Individual Subjugation Reward
Deadline: By the 1st of the Month of Clear Water
Requester: Lord of Dakia, Christon Dakia
Request Details: This winter, numerous herds of herbivorous beasts have descended from the Galahad Mountain Range to the foothills. It is anticipated that many ferocious carnivorous monsters will appear following them. We ask for your assistance in securing the area facing the northern Galahad Mountain Range, centered around Dak Village.
This will be our Dark Knight Corps’ first quest.
Though it is not particularly advantageous, considering factors such as our scale being able to participate, proximity to Spada, and the danger level not being excessively high, it seemed the most suitable quest.
The deadline is set for the 1st of the Month of Clear Water, but there is no obligation to wait until the deadline to take on the quest. For now, we plan to complete it within a month after accepting it.
“Well then, we will prepare for departure.”
“I feel bad for leaving it all to you so suddenly.”
That evening, while relaxing in the living room, I discuss this with Fiona.
Only Fiona and I are seated on the sofa, while the butler and maid quietly stay back, each trying to conceal their presence; however, the members of the Mercenary Corps are also staying at the mansion as much as possible.
All members are originally from Spada and are actively involved in their own endeavors, so they naturally secure their own sleeping quarters. However, since we’ll be solely focusing on mercenary work from now on, it’s better if we all stay together as much as possible.
As such, we have crammed about thirty people into the mansion, which is at full capacity… but it’s surprisingly quiet, to an extent that makes one doubt there are that many people around.
Are they quietly considering our well-being, or is it that homunculi remain silent regardless of their number?
Typically, mercenaries have a lively and boisterous image, often laughing heartily while throwing around crass jokes during their downtime, but it seems ours won’t be like that.
“No, keeping friendships is important. After all, they are royal nobles.”
“That’s true, I have various reports and consultations to make with Wil.”
Tomorrow, I plan to meet Wil, my soul ally. I contacted him to make an appointment on the day I returned.
Now that Wil is working at the royal castle, it’s not as easy to meet him.
I also want to see Kai and Falkius. They helped me out during the incident with Lily. I owe them both, and they are comrades with whom I fought. Meeting them now that I’ve just returned from Karamala is the best timing.
“I don’t particularly have friends in Spada.”
“Don’t say such sad things…”
“I don’t mind. With Chrono and Lily around, having a romantic partner and a best friend is more than enough. Plus, there’s Sariel as well.”
Knowing Fiona, she is probably speaking sincerely.
Everyone has their own comfort level when it comes to social connections. There’s no point in forcing it.
“From now on, you’ll have many subordinates, so get along with them.”
“…”
“Why are you silent?”
“I have a principle of not making promises I can’t keep.”
“Do what you can. They’re all good kids who listen to what you say.”
“I’m relieved about that. Homunculi are much easier to deal with than normal people.”
Fiona said this with a serious face, displaying her severe communication difficulties.
I think back to how I became so close to a girl like her… and it feels odd to realize this now.
—
A little earlier, shortly after Chrono set off toward Karamala.
Nel, who had devised a confession plan in collusion with Wilhart, visited a friend at Spada.
“————Hey, it’s unusual for you to come here alone, Nel. Is this your first time?”
Sinking comfortably into a heavy leather sofa, the eldest son of the Galblaze family, Kai, speaks casually in front of Avalon’s first princess.
For him, the sense of camaraderie as a member of the same party called “Wingroad” is much stronger than any consideration of their backgrounds or titles. As adventurers relying on each other’s lives, any strange reservations were long discarded at the time of forming their party.
“Yes, I usually come with my brother. It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Kai? I believe this is the first time since we met at the God-Destruction Domain Avalon.”
“Oh, right, the Sky Battleship Shangri-La, wasn’t it? It was amazing; moving ancient ruins like that were a first for me too.”
After Chrono had stopped the queen of jealousy, Lily, who had gone on a rampage, Nel was rescued, and badly injured Kai was treated at Shangri-La.
Although they are in the same party, it is a strange situation that they are confronting the same opponent for completely different reasons.
“Are your injuries all healed now?”
“That time was rough. My abdomen was all messed up, both my arms were torn off, and if it weren’t for the blessing of Suvaldias, I would have easily died.”
He laughs off injuries that weren’t a laughing matter with a hearty laugh.
Having his heart pierced by Sariel and being left in tatters by Lily, Kai is a combat veteran whose experience surpasses that of a typical knight or adventurer.
Yet, the genuine laughter he shares without fear or regret may be the true strength of Kai.
“It seems you’ve fully recovered. There don’t appear to be any scars; it might indeed be thanks to the ancient treatment facilities.”
“Oh, I see, a Rank 5 Healer. You finished your diagnosis just by glancing.”
“I used to be a priest. Plus, I’m quite used to seeing your injuries, Kai.”
“Hahaha, no doubt about it!”
Kai, who often charges recklessly as a front-line swordsman, is, of course, a man who is always covered in fresh wounds.
Healing him is a crucial role for Nel… rather, it’s because the other members rarely get injured that Nel’s healing skills have been honed significantly thanks to Kai’s contributions.
“So what brings you here today? It’s not like you’re old folks or anything, and I doubt you just want to reminisce about old times?”
“Originally, I thought we should have become close enough to see each other just for the sake of it.”
I acknowledge that I had a slight sense of apprehension towards Kai, who has a rugged and free-spirited demeanor, back in the day. While my brother and Kai were definitely friends, I lacked confidence in being able to deepen our bond beyond that as party members.
Now, I feel embarrassed at having drawn an arbitrary line.
Opening up as a friend is nothing compared to the challenge of approaching someone I truly like.
“Well, I have one request for you today, Kai.”
“Well, just say anything. If the princess Nel is acting spoiled, then I’ll have to listen.”
With an expression that suggests he finds it quite amusing, Kai turns to face Nel.
“I like Chrono-kun.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Huh!? What!? No way!”
“Why are you so surprised?”
“How did you know!?”
“With the attitude you displayed, it would be unreasonable not to notice. I’m not particularly sharp when it comes to women’s hearts, but anyone could see that.”
Despite Chrono being the kind of guy who wouldn’t pick up on that obvious attitude, Kai doesn’t mind romantic entanglements, but he is not particularly interested in diving deep into such topics.
While it was easy for him to imagine Nel’s feelings for Chrono just by observing their interactions, he had avoided bringing it up himself. It was his own way of being considerate to prevent any unnecessary complications.
“Is that so…”
“Of course it is. That’s why Nero is flustered; he probably feels like his cute little sister is at risk of being taken away.”
It’s about time for him to let go of his sister, a joke which no Avalon person would dare to utter made Kai laugh.
“Since you’re aware of my feelings, we can get straight to the point. Kai, please cooperate with me.”
“Hey, don’t start saying something like those academy girls would say.”
Kai has been attending the School of the Gods since childhood.
In a co-ed environment, discussions about romance tend to become lively as students surpass the age of ten. He recalls how the girls in his class would chatter excitedly about who they liked, who they disliked, and engaging in various plots of romance…
“I’m serious. Therefore, I won’t hesitate to use any means necessary.”
“Hey, this might not be something for me to say, but… are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure! If I can’t be with Chrono-kun, I’ll turn the Avalon royal family upside down!”
“Whoa, this girl’s eyes are serious.”
There is no falsehood in her earnest words.
Nel’s radical statement is enough to give even Kai pause.
“Ah, alright, I get it. If you’re going to say it that strongly, I’ll cooperate in any way I can. That said, I may not be able to do anything substantial.”
After all, I don’t always hang out with Chrono.
Chrono has already graduated from the School of the Gods while Kai continues to attend. Their respective circumstances have changed, making it harder for them to connect in daily life.
And this applies to Nel as well.
Currently, Nel is back to studying abroad at Spada. This arrangement is more convenient for deepening her bond with her fiancé candidate, Wilhart, the second prince.
For Nel, it’s also better to be in Spada where Chrono would return.
While both their familial expectations differ, their desired actions are the same, resulting in a remarkably smooth decision for Nel’s study abroad to resume.
“For now, I don’t intend to ask for anything too grand. I just want you to tell me whatever you can about what you talked about when you meet Chrono, no matter how trivial it may be.”
“Hmm, so it’s a matter of diligent information gathering. How admirable.”
“The opponent is incredibly formidable. I should do what I can, even if it’s little.”
“Formidable? In what way?”
“In both ways.”
The target is none other than the thick-headed Chrono.
And on either side of him already stands Lily and Fiona.
The fairy and the witch could hardly be called weak or insignificant if they were posed as rivals.
“There’s no way to deal with those two. Even I, at this point, wouldn’t want to take them on again.”
“Yeah, I have also suffered a disgraceful defeat at their hands.”
Targeting them for elimination is not a viable strategy.
The risks are too high, and moreover, Chrono needs both of them.
This is exemplified by how Chrono literally risked his life to stop Lily from going mad with jealousy.
“Therefore, I must begin by standing alongside them. Even if I am third or fourth.”
“Well, Chrono is strong and a good guy, but claiming that the princess of Avalon wouldn’t mind being a concubine is something else. If Nero and Miriard heard that, they’d probably faint.”
“Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I think it’s pathetic to worry about romance while considering your family’s gaze.”
“It would be the end if a royal said that. Worst comes to worst, if Nel says she plans to elope with Chrono, I wouldn’t stop her. She should feel free to do as she pleases. The country can manage just fine with Nero around.”
“Yes, as long as my brother, the first prince of Avalon, takes responsibility for the succession…”
“It’s nothing. You wouldn’t do something as petty as expecting your sister’s political marriage, would you, brother?”
“Hey, Nero, your sister has completely separated from you already.”
For the sake of the man she loves, she would abandon everything and follow him—such is a common development in romance stories, but it wouldn’t be surprising for Nel to make that a reality now.
Nel is a princess, but at the same time, she is also a Rank 5 adventurer. Even if worst comes to worst and she is thrown out with nothing, she possesses enough strength to manage anywhere. Especially with Chrono as her partner, they could form a party and make a fortune quickly with high-paying quests.
It seems unlikely that they would end up in the common conclusion of struggling in life, growing tired of each other, or having a passionate love escape end in betrayal.
“I am serious about this. So, Kai, please take care of me.”
“I got it. Of course, I’ll support the love of an important party member.”
While Nero might not take it as a joke, Kai acknowledges Chrono as a good man. He would likely be able to genuinely bless their union.
“Oh, by the way, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask you, Kai.”
“Oh? What’s that?”
“I don’t mind whenever you have some free time, but could you please spar with me?”
“Eh…?”
Kai, who had been laughing cheerfully like a boy, suddenly gave off an intense gaze like a beast locking onto its prey.
“There’s hardly anyone in the student body of the school that can match me, but you, Kai, are one of them.”
Nel received that with a calm gaze, like the surface of a lake reflecting the moon.
The strong greatsword user, Kai. The soft martial artist, Nel.
The outcome of which one is stronger still remains undecided.
“Alright, I’m all for it! After all, my fight in the knight selection finals had quite the interruption.”
“Now that you mention it, that did happen.”
Kai laughed heartily, and Nel smiled gently.
“Never would I have imagined the day would come when Nel would say something like that.”
“Right now, I can truly understand how you feel, Kai. It’s incredibly frustrating to have no one my age to train with.”
“Exactly! My only sparring partner since forever has been Nero.”
How could two individuals with such opposite personalities, who seemed completely incompatible, have managed to stay friends and form a party for so long? Now that Nel has become stronger, she can truly comprehend the reason behind it.
For both Kai and Nero, unless they had someone of equal strength, they wouldn’t have truly been able to become equal friends.
Of course, friendship isn’t built solely on strength, nor does it dictate a hierarchical relationship.
However, having someone during their formative years who could naturally match their power was something that allowed for great trust to blossom.
When he first arrived at the Royal Spada Academy, the duel rising chaos between Kai and Nero erupted almost immediately. Even when beaten badly by Nero, Kai still wore a joyful smile on his face.
Why is this boy able to smile so happily even after losing badly and being injured? Nel couldn’t understand as a child, but now she gets it.
Kai had finally found a friend of the same age with whom he could interact freely.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a match right now. I feel like my skills might dull if I don’t fight soon.”
“Nel, until now, I thought of you as just Nero’s little sister and treated you that way, but… Now, it feels like I could become a true friend with you.”
“What a coincidence. I feel the same way.”
It was the moment that friendship between a boy and girl was established through their fists.
From then on, Nel and Kai began to spar often at the academy.
They would win and lose against each other repeatedly, and their sparring as Rank 5 adventurers far surpassed that of mere students, becoming almost a trademark of the academy… And just as rumors began to spread that Nel and Kai were actually dating, Chrono finally returned.
Time turned back to the 20th of Dawn Moon.
After reuniting and rekindling old memories with Chrono, who had specially come to visit him,
Kai, unusually, took a pen and sat down at his desk.
“Leading the mercenary corps for security quests in Dakia, huh… Well, I guess it’s time to cooperate during times like these.”
Kai wrote a letter addressed to Nel.
The content was simple: Chrono is going to Dakia, so let’s go together. It’s fine to just take on quests around Dakia and say we happened to meet there.
“If all goes well, I might even get to meet Shal again.”
Charlotte, the Third Princess, just like Wilhart, has graduated from the academy and is currently serving in the Spada Army’s Second Unit, “Tempest,” going around Spada and engaging in monster subjugation.
Kai knew from the latest information that a large swarm of monsters had appeared in the region around Dakia Village, and the “Tempest” was on its way there.
“With Nel and Shal, it’s been a while since all three of us from ‘Wingroad’ have gathered. This is going to feel like a nostalgic reunion.”
Though Kai thought he wasn’t that old, he handed the letter to the waiting maid.
That same day, the letter was delivered to Nel,
“Kai, you did well! That proposal is approved!!”
The sly romantic strategy of pretending to create an opportunity for a chance meeting satisfied Nel, and she immediately began preparing for an expedition to Dakia Village.
As Dawn Moon was about to reach its end,
A guest arrived at the Hydras House of the four noble families of Spada without any prior notice.
Normally, they would be turned away at the gate, but this guest was given deep bows from the gatekeepers and servants and led into the mansion.
“————Long time no see.”
Waiting in the reception room was not the head of the household, but his daughter, Safi Maya Hydra.
She welcomed the visitor with a rare smile on her sharp-featured face.
“Oh, it’s been a while, Safi.”
“You sure know how to just drop in without warning, don’t you, Nero?”
The guest’s true identity was Nero Julius Elroad, the First Prince of Avalon.
Since returning home after the 5th Galahad War, he had not returned to study at Spada. As of now, he was just a student of the Avalon Imperial Academy.
“From the looks of it, you must have snuck out of the country again without permission.”
“I did get permission. But I didn’t want to stand out.”
“So that’s why you brought a servant along, how unusual… Oh, who is this?”
Safi’s gaze turned to a quiet servant standing behind Nero, sitting on the sofa.
“It’s been a while, Celis. Should I call you Lord Arclight now that you’re on prince bodyguard duty?”
“It’s been since the knight selection, Safi. You can call me by name; I’m still just a student.”
Celis replied quietly, being the only person Nero had brought with him from Avalon.
Celis is the daughter of one of the three noble houses known for their exceptional status among the twelve aristocrats of Avalon. She was too high-status to be merely a bodyguard or servant.
However, Celis chose to take a submissive, servant-like attitude.
Therefore, even when Safi urged Celis to take a seat, she politely declined.
“So, what brings you to Spada undercover?”
“Where are Nel and Shal right now?”
“You came all this way just to ask me that?”
“Safi, it’s the quickest way to find out.”
While Safi generally showed little interest in anything other than her exploration of spirit magic and creating golems, she always kept track of the whereabouts of each member.
Even if she wasn’t interested, keeping information at the ready was the way of Safi, or rather, the Hydra household.
“Well, okay, but neither of them are in the capital.”
“Nel isn’t here either?”
Kai had already heard that the Third Princess, Charlotte, now a graduate of the academy, was part of the Spada Army’s Second Unit, “Tempest,” and was currently active around the Spada territory.
Though she occasionally returned to the capital, it was common knowledge that she would most often be riding around somewhere in the vast Spada territory.
However, Nel remained a student who had resumed her studies at Spada and, with “Wingroad” effectively disbanded, it seemed unlikely that she would have many reasons to leave the capital.
“She went on a quest with Kai.”
“She went with him? Why would Nel do such a thing?”
“The two have been getting along quite well lately. They actually seem to match pretty well.”
“Kai would be impossible.”
“You didn’t see the knight selection finals, did you? If there hadn’t been interruptions, it would have become a legendary match in the selection history.”
While Nero was aware that Nel was diligently training in a martial arts style, the thought that she could suddenly grow closer with Kai felt completely unfathomable to him.
“They are technically taking the quest as ‘Wingroad.'”
“Weren’t you supposed to go with them?”
“With Nero not around, there’s no point in going.”
Safi casually stated, her expression showing genuine disinterest in Nel and Kai.
“What quest did they take?”
“The seasonal Dakia area security quest.”
“…Why something as mundane as that?”
“Because Chrono is there.”
With that single phrase, Nero’s eyebrows shot up.
In the next moment, he seemed ready to unleash a furious shout… But he firmly closed his eyes for a moment, and the fury seemed to get pushed deep within.
“So it seems both Nel and Kai have gotten quite close to Chrono. Apparently, they went on quite a hard quest together.”
In reality, it was also true that Kai was wounded more severely than ever before.
What kind of monster had he fought that left the sturdy Kai missing both arms and with a gaping hole in his torso?
“And the ‘Tempest’ with Shal has headed towards the Dakia area as well.”
“What? Is it really that bad in Dakia?”
“Not long ago, a large swarm of monsters was confirmed. Several, in fact. By now, at least one nearby village might have been devastated.”
The main daily duties of the Spada Army’s Second Unit, “Tempest,” were to rapidly respond to monsters appearing within their territory, leveraging their mobility centered around cavalry.
Monsters can appear suddenly from any dungeon, in large swarms or as powerful rogue individuals, or as a result of chaotic behavior. This risk is ever-present not just in Spada, but in any country.
The “Tempest” serves as the immediate response team to monsters that emerge unexpectedly, disregarding the country’s circumstances.
Thus, the dispatch of this army signifies that that region is in crisis.
“I understand. Thanks, Safi, this has been a big help.”
“Are you going, Nero?”
“Yeah, I’m going right away.”
“Could you wait a moment?”
“Sorry, but I don’t have time to relax right now.”
“At least wait for a woman to get ready.”
Nero returned a slightly puzzled expression to Safi’s reply.
Seeing Nero’s dull response, she smiled faintly and said,
“I’ll be going with you. It seems like it’s been a while since all of ‘Wingroad’ has gathered together.”