Chapter 78

That night, the young knights of the Prussian castle were about to go to sleep.

"Well, what a relaxing day."

It had been several weeks since the attack by the Dungeon Master. Their work was limited to combat training and patrols around the town and the castle. The rest of the time was spent drinking with their comrades.

"Yeah, I'm grateful that it's just simple duties every day."

"I haven't used my combat gear for days. It's a real relief to have such peaceful days. ...I can even drink until late at night and still get a good rest."

"Haha, you're right. Well, good night then."

With that, the young knights relaxed and got into bed. Just then—

"――!?"

Everyone present felt a chilling, oppressive pressure.

"What the...!?"

Some fell out of their beds, while others froze as if paralyzed.

"I... can't move... What is this...?"

"Is it... a wave of magic...?"

As the young knights gasped for breath, a loud voice boomed from outside the room.

"Everyone! Prepare your equipment! Be on alert!"

Hearing the senior knight's command, the young knights snapped to attention and quickly began to prepare their gear.

"Um, where's my equipment again?"

"Wait! Turn on the light first!"

Despite the chaos in the dark room, they managed to get their equipment ready.

"We're coming out now!"

They burst out of the room to find the senior knight standing there.

"Five minutes. You were taking your time, weren't you? Or were you paralyzed by the magic?"

"Um... yes."

Embarrassed, they nodded, and the senior knight nodded in agreement.

"Hey, what's going on here!?"

"Well, it's a surprise alert drill, but it's your first time, right?"

The young knights looked at each other and nodded. They were new recruits, having joined just two months ago.

"We do this occasionally. Even though things are peaceful, there are still the monster-infested Mystic Forest and the armed city's dungeon. The Knight Commander's policy is to never let our guard down."

"Is that so? Do you usually feel such terrifying magic?"

"No, usually it's the princess's immense magic power that wakes us up. ...Today's was exceptionally strong, so it's special."

The senior knight's face was covered in sweat, and he looked a bit pale.

"I felt more fear than when I saw the Dragon King. I almost wet myself. Are you all okay?"

"Um, I think so..."

A few of them looked suspicious, but the young knight thought that about half of them managed to hold on.

"Well, this doesn't happen often. You can still drink and rest normally, but when it's time to be on alert, you must be alert. Let's do our best."

"Yes, sir!"

"Alright, let's continue the drill. We're going to patrol the castle."

"Understood!"

And so, the knights continued to move around the castle.

---

"...Hey, there's a lot of noise coming from inside the castle. Is everything okay?"

When I went to meet Dianeya, who was standing right next to the castle, I heard a loud noise coming from inside. It seemed to be quite a commotion, even from outside.

"Haha, don't worry about it."

Dianeya laughed without a care.

"The combat knights sensed your magic and woke up."

"Is that okay?"

I was worried it might just be disrupting their sleep.

"No, it was planned. I asked Anne to release a bit of magic."

"Yes, I thought it would be good to have such a sense of crisis occasionally, so I agreed to help."

"And I just happened to arrive, making it perfect."

It was a fortunate coincidence. Or rather, I realized that with Hestia's coating, the amount of magic needed to wake the knights was detectable.

"Was it okay for me to come to town in this state?"

"Well, it's only noticeable to those who are used to sensing magic. Remember, you were fine when you came without the coating last time?"

That's right. I didn't have the coating then.

"As long as you don't confront me, you should be fine. I hope you come to town more often!"

"Sure, I'll try to manage."

I can't help but prefer staying at home, but...

"So, um, Anne came to give you items, right?"

"Ah, yes. Here are the medicines and magical texts you requested."

"Great, I'll read them with gratitude."

Texts? I must be doing some research.

"It's just a bit of research. Also, I want to become stronger as a mage, so I'm studying dragon knowledge."

"You're so serious, you are."

"It's my only strength. By the way, why did you come to see me, Daichi? Not... not for a night visit, right...?"

"No, I just had a question."

"Oh... I see..."

She looked visibly disappointed, but if it were a night visit, Anne wouldn't have come with me.

"Well, talking here isn't ideal. Let's move to a more comfortable place. Do you have any preferences?"

"I don't mind where. My business is almost done, so wherever you feel comfortable is fine."

The only places I feel comfortable talking are my house or my shop.

"Well, if it's just talking, we can use the living space in my shop."

Hestia is there, and it's a good place to hear about the mysterious rockfall. Even if it doesn't make sense to come all this way, I'll just think of it as a nice walk.

"Ah, really? Actually, I wanted to see inside your shop!"

"Then, Daichi, let's go. Is it okay to teleport there?"

"Sure, I'll leave it to you."

And with Dianeya's teleportation, we returned to the shop.