Chapter 100

2/4

"…So, Master. Why do we have to go along with this?"

I said to Master without hiding my dissatisfaction.

Lyle, unusually, didn't comment on my attitude.

Honestly, I owe a lot to Master, and there's no special occasion for the young lady to go out today… With Tanya around, it should be fine, so I could say it's okay.

"Well, don't say that. I, too, want to leave the noisy capital and relax in my territory!"

Master is a serving general.

However, this position is also given to him as a honorary role, recognizing his status as a hero.

He is at an age where it wouldn't be strange for him to have retired. …That said, I haven't seen anyone surpass Master yet.

His strength may have diminished with age, but his technique has become even more refined.

Even if his strength has waned, he can still compete with Lyle in sparring, so he shouldn't be considered the same as an ordinary old man.

There are only a handful of people in the military and the knights who can match Lyle.

In other words, even though Master's strength has diminished, it hasn't declined to the point of being negligible.

Let's get back to the topic.

To be honest, Master doesn't actually do much practical work as a general. Part of the reason is that there haven't been any large-scale conflicts in recent years…

If I had to say, his main roles are mediating between the military and the knights and nurturing the next generation.

Because of this background, Master, as a general, acts with a surprising amount of freedom.

Sometimes he's in his own territory, and just the other day he was in the Arminian Marquisate. Occasionally, he goes to inspect the border, but that's mostly driven by his own desire to wander around.

However, he rarely stays in the palace.

Master often says he dislikes stuffy environments.

Recently, though, Master has been spending a lot of time in the capital, particularly in the palace.

The reason is that a proposal to dissolve the military has been put forward.

"…Master, how are things going with the higher-ups?"

"Hmm… They're being quiet for now. But, who knows what will happen if we're gone."

Master had a face like he had just crushed a bitter bug.

…Master's presence is something that can't be ignored by the lords and those serving in the palace.

He has built up a significant track record and is highly popular among the people.

Just his presence can exert pressure.

Therefore, Master is constantly keeping an eye on the palace to ensure there are no suspicious movements.

"I don't particularly want to go to war, but I'm not so naive as to think we can be completely at peace without any defenses. If the military is dismantled, who will protect this country? The people in Edward's camp don't see this. …If the country falls into chaos, it could engulf even those who are just hiding in their territories. The nobles who supported the proposal in that meeting either don't understand this or are underestimating it… or both."

"The princess is already considering the possibility of conflict, Master."

"Is that so…"

Master smiled a little sadly at my words.

"…If my presence as an old man can serve as a deterrent, I must do my best so that her resolve doesn't turn out to be in vain."

"…Well, if it's for the princess, I guess it can't be helped."

"What are you saying? You and Lyle aren't well-connected enough to be a deterrent… You're just here to help me vent my frustrations."

"Yeah, Master… I'm not really motivated anymore."

"Hey, Dida. …If this ultimately benefits the young lady, we must do our best. Of course, protecting the young lady is our top priority."

I sighed, "There's no choice…" and followed Master with Lyle.

Character Introduction

http://ncode.syosetu.com/n9261cp/