Chapter 6

On the way back.

After carrying me to the carriage, Rias quickly mounted his own horse.

He must really love horses.

Eidan, looking tired, was sleeping in the nursemaid's arms.

I need to pull myself together.

—Now, this is the important part.

I was tense, my body stiff.

The return trip also took an hour.

I had memorized the route on the way there, so I had a general idea.

We were past the halfway point.

The temple was on the outskirts of town, so the carriage was circling along the edge of the town.

I wasn't sure if Rias was following, but in the novel, he had left halfway through, so he might not be there.

But I had arranged for the knights to be positioned as much as possible.

Ten knights were surrounding the carriage.

I really wanted to bring fifty, but it seems that moving more than ten knights involves a lot of complicated paperwork. Well, they are an armed force, after all.

Eidan was still sleeping.

If we could just get back without any trouble...

Suddenly, the carriage stopped with a strong jolt.

They're here—!?

An alarm sounded. This was the one I had entrusted to be sounded in case of an attack. A knight who was following at a distance spurred his horse to call for reinforcements at the mansion.

I didn't think that would be enough, though.

"—Lady Orenzia, Eidan—"

"Understood."

Lady Orenzia took Eidan from the trembling nursemaid and peered out the window.

"How is it?"

"The number of enemies... is about the same, or slightly more. They seem to be bandits, but they are quite skilled."

If we are at a disadvantage, I need her to run immediately.

"I don't know much about fighting, so I'll leave the judgment to you. You know what to prioritize, as we discussed."

Lady Orenzia looked troubled.

The same expression she had when I told her.

—I will protect the lady as well.

I had emphasized this to Lady Orenzia.

—I will be protected by other knights. I chose you to be Eidan's knight this time. You understand the meaning, right?

She had nodded firmly then, so I was sure she understood my true intentions.

"It's taking longer than I thought."

At Lady Orenzia's words, I swallowed hard.

"By the way, where is my husband?"

"…He doesn't seem to be here."

Ah, right.

"Nursemaid, secure Eidan to Lady Orenzia."

"Y-Yes."

The nursemaid tied Eidan with the rope she had prepared.

At least if one hand is tied, he can't draw his sword. We had practiced this many times with weights.

"I didn't think your concerns would become reality."

"Heh. Really. It's a shame. —Please follow the plan."

"Understood. I will ensure your safety. —And the lady's."

I nodded slowly.

Lady Orenzia timed her exit from the carriage and mounted the prepared horse, which I confirmed from the carriage window.

I had gathered the best knights for the escort, so it wasn't as if we were being attacked without resistance. We might be able to escape.

I felt a thud and immediately smelled burning.

—Fire.

"Nursemaid! We're getting out!"

"But, it's dangerous outside..."

"Better than burning to death."

We got out and crouched low to escape the burning carriage.

The knights surrounded us to protect us, but the smell was terrible.

The sound of metal clashing, shouts, things falling, and dust.

"Lady, this way...!"

I followed the knight, stumbling.

Knights lined up in front of me.

Their white uniforms were stained with blood.

There was no time to think.

I raised my hands and started healing them one by one. I had to do this to keep them in the fight.

"—Lady, you can't do this, please—"

"Can you still fight now? You are my only hope. Please."

These are the knights of Pencilia, they should be quite skilled, yet they are struggling more than I thought.

Using too much healing power made my head spin.

—Oh, this is bad.

"Lady—! Ah, hold on!"

I felt my consciousness fading.

I heard the sound of many hooves.

Reinforcements must have arrived.

Sooner than I thought...

I apparently lost consciousness.

When I came to, I was being carried, on a horse—.

"Ah—!"

I tried to sit up but was held down firmly.

"It's dangerous. Please bear with it."

Oh, it's really shaking. I bit down to keep from biting my tongue.

Thanks to being held tightly, I managed to keep my balance, but it was still shaking, shaking.

I clung on with all my might.

Fortunately, it didn't take long, and the horse stopped.

I was so weak that I couldn't stand, so the person carrying me got off the horse skillfully while still holding me.

—It's Rias.

He carried me in his arms and started walking.

The mansion. I felt relieved to see the familiar scenery, and my strength drained away.

"I... I lost consciousness. —Right! Eidan!"

"He's safe. A knight brought him back, and I went to meet him after hearing the situation."

That's good...

I must have met Rias, who had returned home ahead of us.

He had left his family behind and returned home quickly.

"That's terrible."

I met Rias's eyes.

"To leave us behind like that."

Thanks to that, we had a terrible experience. For someone known as the kingdom's sword, it's meaningless if he can't protect his family.

Rias froze, standing still.

His expression was also frozen.

What, what? Don't freeze up just because I complained a little.

"Rias...?"

What if he drops me in anger.

I called his name hesitantly, and Rias tightened his grip on me and started walking again.

He carried me straight to a room and set me down on the sofa.

I probably couldn't have walked, so I was glad.

After setting me down, Rias knelt in front of me.

"—No matter what you say, it's my fault. Please forgive me."

"Huh?"

"Such a failure... It's all my responsibility."

He apologized. His face was scary, but his expression was frozen, maybe from regret.

Well, he does have a lot of responsibility.

But right now, I was in no state to think about that.

I felt seasick, and my head was spinning. I had a lot of concerns, but my head was heavy, and I felt terrible, reaching my limit.

"—Ugh."

I held my mouth, feeling sick.

"Lady!!"

Meia rushed in, saw me, and let out a cry.

Was I that bad?

"You, Sir, are too much—"

She supported my nearly collapsing shoulder. Her plump body gave me a bit of comfort.

"Lady, you could barely walk! This, this... ugh, ugh."

Meia's crying made me choke out a voice.

"Meia, don't cry."

"I will—"

Eh, you're leaving already?

Surprised, I watched as Rias stood up smoothly and bowed deeply.

"You probably don't want to see my face."

Saying that, he really left.

Eh, what was that?

Sarcasm? Serious?

"Ah, I can't take it anymore."

I was too exhausted.

I lay down on the sofa.