Chapter 74

Holding hands with For, we arrived at a location opposite the main entrance of the castle, where the equipment and blacksmith teams were located.

There, just like the main entrance, was a large iron door.

On either side of the iron door stood two knights, who were apparently the guards and doorkeepers of the external security team. They showed a very puzzled expression as I appeared, making a clattering sound with my sandals, but they immediately bowed to For and opened the heavy door for us.

As the door slowly opened, to my surprise, a scene worthy of an arena unfolded before me. There were three massive rings where intense training battles were taking place, and a spacious surrounding area where the external security team members could move freely for warm-ups, practice swings, and form checks. In several places around the arena, which were enclosed like a viewing stand, medical team members were treating the injured.

"Wait, this is right in the middle of the castle, isn't it? I mean, I know it has an R-shaped structure."

"This arena is made of special materials developed by the equipment and blacksmith teams, which are magically reinforced, and it is also protected by a special reinforcement barrier from the magic team. Because it is located in the central part of the castle, the structure of the Northern Demon King's Castle is further reinforced. At the same time, because it is so reinforced, there is no need to worry about any part being damaged during training."

"Can't it be damaged?"

"There is a maintenance and inspection by the equipment team once a day, and during training, a higher-ranking member of the magic team always monitors the barrier. Today, Captain Sherifas is here."

I was taken aback as I looked inside, and For explained the arena to me. What, the idea that it's so over-reinforced that it's actually safe? The line between strengths and weaknesses is so thin.

Really, this place, the Northern Demon King's Castle, defies all my common sense.

Then, For pointed to a man standing a little away from the medical team's area in the front row of the viewing stand. He was tall and dressed in equipment that prioritized ease of movement, not the full metal armor like the knights. How should I describe him? He looked like a beautiful elf straight out of a fantasy blockbuster movie. He didn't have a bow, and his ears weren't pointed, but his long blonde hair was tied up, and the circlet suited him very well.

Is this Captain Sherifas of the magic team? ...Wow!

It's amazing that such a person exists in reality. It's a real treat for the eyes. I wish someone could share this excitement with me!!

"Yuri-chan?"

"Captain Sherifas, he's so shiny!"

"...Shiny?"

Unfortunately, For doesn't seem to understand. Maybe she's just too used to seeing beautiful people.

"For, Yuri-chan, you've come at a good time."

Just as I was thinking about this, Bax's voice came from nearby. I turned to where the voice came from and saw Bax treating someone while looking at us from the viewing stand above to the right.

"Deputy Captain."

"Today, there are quite a few injuries among the new members of the external security team. Can you go to the east side?"

"Understood."

"Thank you. Yuri-chan, be careful."

"Okay!"

For and I responded to Bax's instructions together.

"Let's move then. Make sure not to let go of my hand, okay?"

"Okay."

I held hands with For again and followed her as she started walking.

The clattering sound of my sandals echoed as we walked, and the clashing sounds of metal gradually became quieter. Eventually, they stopped completely.

It's... awkward...

"...Vincent!"

"What is it?"

At the same time, a roar came from the central ring, and Vincent, who was apparently in the viewing stand near the entrance, answered calmly.

"Who is that kid wearing those ridiculous sandals!"

"Starting today, she will occasionally participate in emergency treatment training. She is Yuri, who is temporarily stationed at the Northern Demon King's Castle."

"That's not what I'm asking!"

"Don't shout, Wald. After all, as you can see, she is a weak child. She could get injured just by bumping into a large man from the external security team. Isn't it better to take precautions? ...Or are you losing focus over something so trivial? External security team?"

"..."

He's angry. Super angry, that knight from the external security team. From the way he calls Vincent by his first name, he seems to be a high-ranking member of the external security team. I can understand why he's angry, but Vincent's sarcastic response is just as intense. It's like pouring oil on a fire.

And, I'm scared that his anger is directed at me! It's not just the shouting knight; the entire arena has a very unfriendly atmosphere (sweat).

"Besides, the fact that she's here means she has passed the first-level nurse examination of the medical team. She can handle disinfection. Right, For?"

"No problem."

When Vincent asked For, she answered without any hesitation.

Wait, I just took the basic training! It's not good to say it with such confidence!

"Come on, let's get to work, Yuri-chan."

For looked at me firmly and smiled.

Hold on. Her eyes are definitely saying, "You can't say you can't do it, right?" I'm being intimidated!

This is bad, some weird flags are being raised. I can feel them popping up one after another.

Help me! Dilnan-san!!

...But Dilnan-san isn't here to help.

I'm completely at a disadvantage in this arena. For, who is supposed to be my instructor, is leading the charge (crying).

But, if it comes to this, I have to do it.

If I don't work, I'll be killed. It's a real life-or-death situation.

"I can treat scrapes, cuts, and light bruises!"

I'll announce it.

"Anyone with more serious injuries, For will handle them!"

Yes, if I can't do it, I'll immediately pass it to For! If For can't do it, I'll pass it to someone who can!

I declared this with a snort, and For, who was standing next to me, let out a small laugh.

What's more, why are all the people in the arena staring at me with wide eyes?

I won't cry over this. Even if I'm a little teary-eyed and trembling, I won't cry! I have to be tough to survive here, right?

Besides, I can't run away. I can easily imagine some of the troublesome things that will happen later.

Moreover, as Elies said, all of these things will go to Dilnan-san, not me.

So, I have no choice but to stand my ground.

"Please, take care of me!"

"Good job," For said, smiling and patting my head.

Some of the medical team members in the viewing stand whistled and laughed.

Vincent's expression was blank, and Bax smiled wryly.

The external security team remained unchanged, maintaining the same hostile atmosphere.

"Let's get to work."

In this atmosphere, I was led by For again.

I won't lose, okay!