Chapter 6

"Lord Hero, I heard that Rio-sama recommended me."

Ah, that's what it is.

I nodded lightly, and the tall man with a scar on his cheek, as if cut by a blade, said in a stern tone,

"If it's not too much trouble, may I ask for the reason?"

He was a rugged, well-built man, not exactly a classic handsome man, but there was no doubt that he was a charming man, with a scar on his cheek that only added to his appeal.

A man like him shouldn't be hungry for women.

Given his various experiences, I hoped that if I placed him by Tenson's side, he could skillfully handle the other men.

But he's asking so seriously, if I say that honestly, he might get angry.

Can't help it.

I'll answer seriously.

"Knights are supposed to be shields, right? What I want as Tenson's shield is not a young, energetic man eager for glory, but a mature adult with self-control. Even if you can't win, it's not a loss as long as you don't die. I want someone who knows when to back down and can actually do it."

I bluntly called the tournament champion a "young, energetic man eager for glory," but he was only slightly surprised and silently waited for me to continue.

I don't know how many of the audience knew, but in the final match of the tournament just now, the young champion who won was actually quite seriously injured.

He avoided that injury because the person in front of me gave up the win and took the young man's reckless attack.

I judged that he was someone who could give up the win to save a life.

Since you did it, you should know, right?

Do you want me to say more?

"Hmm... Besides that... You seem good with girls?"

"...... Is that sarcasm?"

"No, I'm being serious."

He still didn't seem convinced, so to make sure he understood that I wasn't being sarcastic, I decided to explain.

"Tenson looks cute but is incredibly proactive. If you don't handle her well, you never know what she might do. I thought we needed an adult who won't be swayed by Tenson. The young champion wouldn't be able to handle it."

"Ah, I see..."

"Sorry, I have a bad mouth. ...By the way, Sir Knight, was the recommendation a bother?"

After thinking for a moment, he shook his head and a smile that could melt any woman appeared on his rugged face.

...This might be a bit dangerous.

But Tenson is extremely naive and insensitive, so it should be fine.

He seems to be unexpectedly gentlemanly and doesn't seem like the type to toy with an innocent kitten.

"No, I was thinking of accompanying Lord Hero on his journey. I am grateful to Rio-sama."

"Call me Rio. I'm just a bonus."

He smiled wryly and tilted his head at me, asking,

"My name is Vincent Lowe. ...Rio, is there anything I should know about Lord Hero?"

"Hmm... Tenson has a strong sense of self-sacrifice. When she wants to help someone, she tends to forget the value of her own life. Could you be careful about that?"

"...Understood."

He listened carefully and nodded.

I thought this person could be trusted.

So,

I straightened my posture and bowed deeply.

"Please take good care of my sister."

He looked quite surprised but quickly returned a polite bow, so the greeting was over.

I relaxed again and, tilting my head, Vincent asked,

"Is Rio not accompanying Lord Hero?"

"No, I'd just be a burden. I haven't decided what I'll do yet, but I'll wait in a safe place where I won't get in the way."

He nodded in understanding, and I waved goodbye to him.

For now, I've just made an acquaintance. Thank you to everyone who has read this. I'm glad to see that I've been added to favorites. I'll post the next part tomorrow.