Chapter 4

Caria Bardonic, a brilliant member of the future knights and a proud knight herself.

However, the knights she speaks of are not quite, or rather, vastly different from the chivalrous figures revered in plays and on stages.

To Caria Bardonic, a knight is nothing more than a strong individual. Even if they have the heart to lend a hand to the weak or the will to sacrifice their life for justice, if they are weak, they are not recognized as knights in her eyes.

Therefore, the strength she values is not for protecting the weak. To her, strength is a means to break through something even stronger. She once said that whether it is military might or financial power, the strong are those who have worked hard, and the weak are those who have not. Caria Bardonic believes this from the bottom of her heart, with absolute certainty.

The theory of the strong. The arrogance of the talented. Ah, how nostalgic. She told me directly, didn't she? That my weak life is utterly worthless.

——Gaaan——Giiin——.

Her cheek twitched as she peered down. Caria Bardonic, wielding her sword, was battling a boar-like magical beast several times her size. The sight of the girl with her silver hair swaying as she fought was almost fantastical.

Caria Bardonic was allowed her violent and aggressive behavior for two reasons: her talent and her beauty. She was undeniably beautiful. When she began to rise in the ranks of the knights, it was often whispered that many women and girls were inspired by her appearance to aspire to become knights. Whether the rumors were true or not, it was certain that she was both strong and beautiful, which is why she was allowed to behave as she did, even in her contemptuous treatment of the weak.

Ah, I hate it. I really hate it. I only wanted to see Alieno. Why do I have to meet this person I don't even want to face first?

Caria Bardonic was someone who constantly saw me as an enemy during our journey to save the world. The reason was simple: I was the weakest in the party. Therefore, she discriminated against me, held prejudices, and persecuted me. Her straightforwardness and lack of tolerance for anything that didn't meet her standards made me despise her.

*

"That's strange... Didn't you defeat it before? Why are you taking so long?"

From atop a tree, I observed Caria Bardonic's sword skills and the brute strength of the magical beast. I couldn't help but frown.

I vaguely remember the time I came here in the past. Back then, I still had a conscience and tried to stop Caria Bardonic from fighting the magical beast.

But I received a backhand punch in return. She hit me in the face with all her might, breaking my nose and causing me to faint on the spot. I only regained consciousness after everything was over and it was night.

Yes, that's right. I remember that this battle in the forest was the first event that made Caria Bardonic's name known to the world. Though I didn't see it myself, I heard that she defeated the magical beast magnificently.

On the other hand, I was in a terrible state. The reconnaissance mission was a failure, and as a result, my already non-existent credibility plummeted even further. For a long time, I couldn't even get simple jobs, let alone work for old Richard. I was given the nickname "Gutter Cleaner" and had a miserable youth.

Ah, the more I think about it, the angrier I get.

However, it is a fact that Caria Bardonic defeated that magical beast here. But, it's strange that she's taking so long. No, that's not right. She is clearly being overpowered.

She skillfully deflects the magical beast's attacks with her sword, but that's all she's doing. She clearly lacks the decisiveness to finish the fight. She's probably waiting for an opening, but she doesn't have the leeway to make that move.

"What are you doing?"

I grind my teeth. What is her skill level? Is that really Caria Bardonic? The Caria I know wouldn't fight so clumsily. She wouldn't make such wasteful movements. Her sword skills were refined to the smallest detail, calculated, and unmistakably talented.

I hate her. I really, really hate her. But her strength was undeniably real. So, I despised her but acknowledged her. But what is this? Inexperienced, incomplete, and without a plan. Is she really trying to fight a large magical beast with that level of skill?

I don't understand why I'm angry. I don't understand why I'm clenching my teeth and glaring. I don't understand anything. My feelings are extremely complex.

The stalemate that had been maintained so far is breaking down. Caria Bardonic, unable to withstand the magical beast's violence, is slightly off balance.

The magical beast growled loudly. Her stance hasn't recovered. It's clear that she's reaching her physical limits. And when that kind of magical beast growls, it means it no longer sees its opponent as an enemy but as mere prey.

——Giiiiin.

Her sword is deflected by the magical beast's fangs, leaving a resonant sound. She takes a step back to avoid the attack, but it's not enough. At that distance, she will be perfectly caught by the magical beast's charge.

I suddenly remembered. Her shoulder had a large wound. When I saw it, my cheekbone was broken.

"Ah, damn it...! What are you doing, you idiot!"

I hate it. I really can't watch this.

I hate her. That's why I hate her so much. I kicked off my perch, shaking the green ragged cloth. In my hands were two knives. Cheap ones with loose grips. But they are enough. All I have to do is fall. Set a direction and aim straight for the magical beast's forehead.

Fortunately, the magical beast is fixated on the now defenseless Caria Bardonic. There should be no mistake.

Jump, jump and kill. Straight ahead. Pierce through.

Leaving a silver trail, my body collided with the magical beast's weakest point, its forehead.

The resounding cry and the sound of flesh tearing.

"Gu...aaaaaah!"

The knives, fueled by the impact of the fall, were embedded deep into the magical beast's forehead, tearing through flesh and nerves, causing blood to gush out.