Chapter 2 - Part 2

TL : Xean

ED: Shish99

Part 2

It is clear with the sparring match earlier Sharon that ended in me getting exhausted.

But it doesn’t mean I can’t do something.

“It’s my turn now, isn’t it?”

If you’re willing to ignore things like pace distribution and put all your energy into it from the start, I haven’t fallen far enough to be classified as a small fry yet .

With my grip on Galesciano’s wrist, I made a fist with my other hand–

And punched back.

A fist that is far from the top form, but still it packed a punch of power and speed.

It caught Galesciano’s chin and shook him directly to his brain–

“Guh”

Galesciano dropped the knife and was down to his knees.

“ “You did it!’ Sharon and the children shouted happily. “

But Galesciano grits his teeth and stands up–

“I’m not done yet …!”

That said, he attacked me with his empty handed fist, but I calmly avoided such a thing and hit him in the face with a counter strike.

‘’Gubu …!”

Blood spurted from Galesciano’s nose and he fell on his back.

I look down at Galesciano.

“Isn’t it enough?”

“N-no, n-not yet. …… There’s no way this could happen… There’s no way I can be defeated by a single fist in your weakened state.”

“Face it, you’ve lost.”

It was then.

A dignified voice rang through the orphanage garden.

“You are a disgrace to <<Paladin’s Garden>>, Galesciano. You are hereby suspended.”

The next thing I knew, there was a carriage parked in front of the orphanage. And from there, two people emerged.

One of them was the silver-haired girl Erza, who was the same age as me and a member of the Musketeers.

And the other was a middle-aged man with a rock-solid build. Needless to say, it was this same man who had just spoken.

Combed blond hair. Dark shadows shine in his chiseled eyes. He was wearing the same clothing as Galesciano – the uniform of the Paladin’s Garden.

“You are …… if I remember correctly. Captain of << Paladin’s Garden>>, Sir Gilseid Wagner.”

“Hoh. This is the first time we’ve met in person, but you have information about me. Well, thank goodness the Honorable << Seven Wing>> knows my name. –I’m sorry about this. My men must have inconvenienced you.”

Sir Wagner responded in a calm manner.

Captain Gilseid Wagner, commander of His Majesty’s Elite Kingsguard, Paladin’s Garden.

Head of the prestigious Count Wagner and a skilled << Seven Wing>> Muskeeteer

Lord Wagner turned his eyes on Galesciano again — his face was filled with anger.

“I’ll tell you again. Galesciano, you are hereby punished with house arrest. You were foolish enough to attack the weakened Theo Fordout to avenge a personal vendetta.

“W-wait a minute, captain!”

Galesciano opened his mouth impatiently. He couldn’t resist Lord Wagner.

“I only challenged Theo on my own. I have no intention of carrying the name of <<Paladin’s Garden>> on my back! T-this punishment is too heavy.”

”You ought to be aware that you’re carrying the sign of Paladin’s Garden when you’re acting while wearing that uniform. If you weren’t even aware of that, then you’re really unbelievable.”

Lord Wagner glared at Galesciano in a heated, stern mood.

“Do not embarrass me any more. If you understand, then get in the carriage now. Do you understand?

“I-I understand…”

The slumping Galesciano put away his knife and walked away. Meanwhile, he looked back at me just once.

“You better remember … “

“Don’t utter a single word!”

Lord Wagner’s voice immediately flew out, and Galesciano was too freaked out that he fled to the carriage with his tails on his legs. Lord Wagner, who witnessed the scene, shook his head as if to say, “Good grief!”.

“Once again, let me apologize, Theo Fordout. Sorry for the inconvenience that guy caused.”

“No, sir, I really don’t mind.”

While this exchange was going on, Erza came over to me. She suddenly grabbed my hand and started to act oddly, trying to force me to feel her b*****s, so I lightly chopped her head.

“…… Ouch . But it feels good coming from Theo.”

“You’re the same as always. What brings you here?”

“I came to escort Sir Wagner here.”

(Speaking of which ……)

…… Why did Sir Wagner come here? It’s highly unlikely that he came just to stop this man Galesciano. There’s no way that word of Galesciano’s actions could have gotten out so quickly. Sir Wagner must have something to do here and his visit just happened to be a timely coincidence?

With that in mind, I ask Sir Wagner for the reason for his visit.

“By the way, Sir Wagner, what did you come here for in such a remote location?”

“I have something to talk to you about, Theo Fordout?”

“To me, sir?”

“Yeah. That’s why I asked Erza, who was a close friend of yours, to escort me to where you might be.”

“Excuse me, but what is your relationship with Erza?”

“Her sister’s child who married a relative. That makes Erza my niece.”

“You have noble blood in your veins, Erza?”

So, she wasn’t just a pervert. She’d surely look like a noble if she just keep silent

“Ehem… are you thinking of making a baby with me Theo?”

“Stop that, please?”

I turned at Lord Wagner again while ignoring Erza’s words.

“What can I do for you sir?”

“It’s quite simple. I would like to join the <<Paladin’s Garden>>.”

“Ehh …?”

I was very suprised with the abrupt invitation.

“Of course what happened about you and Ms Samuel. For defending Ms. Samuel, you have lost all your strength through an honorable injury. Let me first commend you on your act of bravery. You are a fine Imperial soldier. I’m proud to be your countryman.”

“That’s …… thank you for your kind words.”

“Of course, I regret the loss of your power. But you still have the combat skills and experience that you have accumulated over the years. A natural talent that has made you the youngest person in history to reach the rank of the << Seven Wings>>. And as you have shown earlier, your strength is still alive by defeating Galesciano just now. Really impressive work.”

Sir Wagner glanced at the carriage.

“I’m glad that guy’s outbursts were of some use. You’re weakened, and yet you continue to reign supreme as a Musketeer, proving that you’re still on top of your game.”

Lord Wagner concluded by saying these words.

“My point is simple. If you are undecided about your future, we would like you to join us in << Paladin’s Garden>> as a special honorary advisor. We would like you to teach our men what you have learned so far. Can you do us that favor?

Sir Wagner said with his eyes closed, standing still, as if waiting for my response.

“……”

I contemplated. It really is a tempting invitation.

<<Paladin’s Garden>> is an elite Kingsguard unit that guards the Royal Family and the castle. Not all Musketeers are welcome there. To become the guardian of the royal family, one must of course be a strong man — at least of <<Fourth Wing>> rank. And only those who come from the Imperial family can join.

It is the highest honor for an Imperial citizen to be able to join such a special unit. There are many applicants each year to join this unit. I am really grateful that the Captain specially came here to invite me and even prepared a special advisor’s position.

But this invitation was not something I should have accepted.

“Sir Wagner, with all due respect, I must respectfully decline the offer.”

“I see. May I ask for the reason?”

“I’m thinking about making a full comeback to the musketeers. That’s why.”

“Was this because of your goal? The annihilation of demons?”

“Yes, and also for Instructor Miya’s sake. I must try to return to being a Musketeer.”

“To wield the sword again in the field of battle — that’s your goal,isn’t it?”

“That’s right. I am sorry that I am unable to give you a favorable answer, despite Sir Wagner’s visit here in person. But I hope you understand.”

I understand. I suppose with those circumstances, I certainly can’t just ask you to come along.”

Lord Wagner smiled somewhat primly and walked over to me. He put his thick palm on my shoulder. Then gives me an enthusiastic shout.

“Hang in there, young man. I’m sincerely praying for your return from the bottom of my heart.”

“Thank you very much.”

“But without your ability, it’s very difficult…”

“That’s true. Due to my lack of physical strength, my stamina in melee combat can only last for a short time.”

“But I believe you can overcome those concerns. If you can refuse such an invitation to come to <<Paladin’s Garden>>, make sure you return to the front lines as a Musketeer, Theo Fordout.”

“Yes sir! I swear on the <<Twin Winged Shield>> that I will definitely come back.”

“Umu. Sorry for the surprise visit. If you’ll excuse me.”

Sir Wagner saluted and walked back to the carriage.

As the carriage drove off, Sharon returned the children to the dining room and then came to my side.

“Are you sure you don’t want to accept the invitation to <<Paladin’s Garden>>?”

“It’s okay. It’s not the place I’m aiming for.”

“Really? Well, if Theo says so, then I have nothing to say. It’s kind of a waste though. So you were really pulling punches when you sparred with me. I didn’t know you were still that strong…”

Sharon looked a little sulky.

“That’s a misunderstanding. I was just trying to pace myself when I sparred with you. I wasn’t pulling punches.”

“Is that really the case …?”

“Yeah. I’ll be serious if we get the chance to spar again.”

“Promise?”

I nodded at those words, then moved my eyes to Erza.

“By the way, are you sure you’re okay not going with Sir Wagner?”

“It’s okay. He just asked for my guidance so I’m free to go.”

“Really?”

“Unn. More importantly, it’s amazing that Theo managed to beat a member of <<Paladin’s Garden>>. I’m relieved to see that Theo is still strong. I’m getting really h***y.”

“Hmm, aren’t that a mismatch of emotions?”

Erza will always be Erza. There’s nothing I can do about it.

“By the way, Theo, what are your plans for the future?”

As I yawned a bit, Sharon asked me.

“The plan for today is to go to the instructor’s house. I’m going to live there as a servant while training for a comeback starting today.

“Servant …?” Sharon looked at Elsa, who was tilting her head at him.

“W-What’s that supposed to be? You mean you’re going to be a gig*lo? A man that will be supported by Miya-san?”

“N-no! I’m not a gig*lo! Just being supported!”

“H-How did that happen!”

“Something about instructor said. She told me that if I wanted to get back to work, I had to train within her reach.”

“It doesn’t mean you have to live with Miya-san? As I thought you’re a gig*lo!”

“I’m not a gig*lo.”

I’ll accept any title besides that.

“It’s impure to live with her! Theo’s a pervert! Scoundrel!”

“Why am I a pervert? I didn’t want it to happen, you know?”

While Sharon accuses me of being a pervert—

“Question for Theo. Can I follow you to Miya’s house? I’m off duty today.”

Erza suddenly asked me that. I growled at Sharon and responded.

“W-well, I think it’s okay? She didn’t tell me not to bring anyone with me.”

“Ugh… I’d like to follow you guys if I don’t have a mission!”

“Good luck on your mission.”

“I’m not happy for your support! You pervert!”

“Even if you suck up to her, you won’t get anything. Her b*****s don’t produce milk yet.”

“What are you talking about so early in the morning? Come on, let’s get out of here. See you later, Sharon.”

Thus, I began to travel to Instructor Miya’s house together with Erza.