Chapter 9

86th place overall! I've reached 21st place in the High Fantasy category. Thank you so much!

I will work hard to reach the top 10, so I would be very grateful if you could support me with bookmarks, especially ratings!

I can understand why he is so strong. At the same time, feelings of respect and pity arose.

(He really is amazing...)

How many times did I regret being born into this family as a child? The pain of training with all my might every day, every day. On top of that, I couldn't make friends my age. I hated that situation. But I think Rad had it even harder. I still have my dad and mom, and Ruvia is close by. But what about Rad? Given that his father was a surviving member of the royal family, it's likely that his family is already dead. On top of that, the people he could trust might have been killed.

If I were in Rad's situation... Just thinking about it makes me shudder. I probably would have been filled with sadness, hatred, and resentment. Yet, Rad came to my house and is trying to move forward.

"Noah. I don't know what you think of the hero party now, but maybe you can move forward without looking back, just like Rad?"

"Yeah."

"Also, no one else knows about this story except for your mother, you, me, and the Laurilai family, so don't tell anyone."

"Got it."

If this information were to leak, it could put the country in danger. Rad might also be in danger. It's that important.

"That's all I wanted to talk about today."

"Yeah."

It had been a long time since I had such a conversation with my dad. My dad is a quiet person who works methodically, so we didn't talk much when I was a child.

"Also, try your best tomorrow. I believe in you."

"Yeah."

It was the first time my dad praised me and acknowledged me, so I was happy.

And then the day of the mock battle arrived. When I entered the palace, Route was there to guide me.

"I heard that this is the test to become Ruvia's bodyguard, right?"

"Yes."

"That's why you said you would work together from now on yesterday, right?"

"Yes, but it's not decided yet."

After that, we didn't talk much. When we arrived at the royal chamber, Route said,

"Don't worry. I know Noah's abilities. I'm not worried at all. I expect good news."

"Yes, I'll do my best."

After bowing to Route, I opened the door to the royal chamber. Inside, the Laurilai family, a few bodyguards, and an unfamiliar uncle were standing.

"Noah! Good morning~"

"Good morning."

It feels uncomfortable to speak informally in the royal chamber, but I can't break my promise with Ruvia. Then the king said,

"Let's start the test now. The content is a mock battle. Your opponent is the Holy Knight—Tony Brown."

Why is he here...? Tony Brown. Everyone has heard of him at least once. He is one of the figures who achieved great merit when the peace treaty between the demon race and the human race was signed, and he is one of the 12 knights known as the strongest in the world.

I felt a bit of despair, but I decided to keep my promise with Ruvia. No matter who the opponent is, I can't give up.

"Understood."

"Yes."

And so, we headed to the mock battle venue, and the test began.