Chapter 8

Ditz Soleil was born into a middle-ranking noble family.

Not extremely wealthy, but certainly not poor. It was a rather unremarkable noble household, and he was the third son.

Why can't I inherit the family name just because I'm the third son! It wasn't a household overflowing with wealth to the point of causing such a tantrum, and his two older brothers were smarter than Ditz, so he ended up living a carefree life, sleeping, waking up, eating, and sleeping again, with no particular ambitions or dreams. Aspirations and ambitions? He had none of those.

Occasionally, he would realize, "Hey, I'm not even related to these people, am I?" and get a bit closer to the servants. Ditz, born into such a laid-back noble life, had a surprising talent for the sword. Surprising. Who would have thought? Ditz was the most surprised. Despite taking swordsmanship lessons just for fun, like his two older brothers, his former knight instructor was breathing heavily.

Saying, "You should take the entrance exam for the knight academy!" Ditz laughed it off, thinking, "Eh, really?"

It wasn't that he was riding high on those words. Indeed, even for a laid-back noble, it would be a bit awkward for a third son to just hang around the house, so Ditz, with a sudden resolve, knocked on the door of the knight academy. He didn't say, "I'll do my best!" or anything.

Thinking, "If I fail the exam, I won't lose any honor," he took the entrance exam with a rather relaxed attitude. However, he passed with a decent score. The school was famous for its strictness, so Ditz, who never thought he would pass, panicked. "Really?!" He read the acceptance letter three times and had his family, or rather, the servants, read it too, but there was no mistake.

Ditz, who had lived such a laid-back life, was proud of himself.

"Good job enduring those seven years," he thought.

Every day, he was trained to the point of vomiting, all entertainment was forbidden, it was practically a prison. No, it was hell. If you tried to escape, you would be punished with a day of cleaning every toilet in the vast grounds and no meals. Despite this, there were escape attempts almost every day, making it a paradise in a way. Therefore, the toilets were always sparkling clean. Yay.

Even though many nobles attended the school, why was such tyranny allowed? Ditz cried many times, "Someone, tell my family and stop this!" "I can't take it anymore!"

But, it wasn't that simple.

At this royal knight academy, most graduates either take the knight corps entrance exam or become a vassal knight for a noble family. The students, with rare exceptions, were second, third, fourth sons... and so on, meaning they had no plans to inherit their family's name. While their status at home wouldn't change, there was a future to look forward to by joining the knight corps and achieving great deeds. Nobles who scouted for their own knights, especially those close to the royal family, were all high-ranking nobles. If you were a man, you wanted to dream.

That's why these dream-chasing teenagers knew.

They knew their fathers wouldn't fight the royal knight corps.

Moreover, if you said, "The teacher is bullying me!" your future would be closed off. Who would hire such a weakling who spills all the dirt? Fortunately or unfortunately, most of the students had enough sense to understand this.

Besides, if you had the guts to spit on the royal knight corps, you wouldn't come to this hell. It would be faster to ask your father at home to hand over the family name. Haha, funny.

Those who tried to escape were mostly either dim-witted or acting on impulse, or muscleheads who thought, "No one is stronger than me," and wanted to challenge someone. Ditz, being laid-back, didn't understand what they were challenging. He had no rebellious spirit. He wanted to be wrapped around the finger of the powerful and ride on anything that could be ridden. Not suited to be a knight? No, no, third, fourth, fifth sons are often like this. Probably.

Incidentally, among the past escapees, there was a brave soul who escaped and returned laughing, "I win." He was revered as a hero among the students, but for his honor, his name was not recorded. Too bad. It was a world Ditz couldn't understand at all, but he wanted to meet him someday.

Graduating from that hot and stuffy school, where fools slept and woke, with not particularly good but not particularly bad grades, Ditz, sadly, received no offers from noble families, so he had no choice but to take the knight corps entrance exam.

He didn't stand out in the exam, but he passed. From there, about 20 years? He spent his days surrounded by sweaty men, undergoing rigorous training, and being busy with missions, just like in his student days.

Now, as the leader of a team of ten, Ditz belonged to the "Next Crown Princess Radical Fan Club." What's that?

It all started with the arrival of one man.

"Alright, come out here!"

"Raaun Faii!"

Someone shouting to start a fight was not unusual.

With a bunch of healthy, bloodthirsty young men, fists would fly at the slightest provocation. But, it was more like roughhousing. Those who really wanted to hurt someone would do it secretly, not in public. No, creepy, sullen bastards.

Anyway, this knight corps, mostly composed of graduates from that school, saw fighting as a form of communication.

There was one serious guy. His eyes, they were different. Yes, they were indeed beautiful, but just the eyes. No, not in that way.

The man with long lashes and beautiful eyes was surprisingly friendly in his daily life.

Born into a prestigious family, he graduated with top grades, and even in his exams, he defeated his senior and superior opponents without a scratch. Ditz was terrified, thinking, "What kind of gorilla is coming?" He feared that if he gave an order and got a glare in return, he wouldn't be able to recover. He wanted to go home.

But, it turned out to be different.

The new recruit, assigned as his subordinate, had a dazzlingly beautiful face and a large body inherited from his father, and bowed with a smile, saying, "Please guide me."

"Hmm? So, you're cute?"

"No, no, I've heard about your strength. There's nothing I can teach you."

"I learned individual combat from my father and my brother. I learned basic teamwork at school, but I'm still immature. I would be happy if you could use me without hesitation."

Hmm? What a cute subordinate??

He was a super-large new recruit, both in ability and appearance, with a straightforward, humble, and smiling demeanor.

Livionis Warian quickly won the hearts of the older knights.

"Hey, is that Livionis? Alright, I'll teach you archery. How about magic guns?"

During breaks, everyone would take turns training him with weapons, but he remained cheerful. "This is my first time using this weapon!" "Wow!" "Thank you!" "Did you see that? I might have a talent!" His cheeks would flush. Imagine being respected and smiled at by a much more talented and larger young man. It would melt your bones.

How did he turn out like this from that father? What kind of upbringing did he have? He was so honest, bright, and refreshing, and kind to his juniors. He would rush to help his comrades in need and sweep away monsters with his father's powerful sword.

What kind of hero are you?

Livionis Warian, beloved by everyone from his superiors to his juniors, would easily become upset when he heard someone badmouthing the Crown Prince's fiancée, Sophie Lotus.

"Sophie is kind of scary, isn't she?"

"Yeah, I know. She's smiling, but she's not really smiling."

If someone said something like that,

"Alright, come out here!"

"Raaun Faii!" it would start.

"Really, you're that short-tempered?"

"Listen up. She discusses state affairs with ministers between her princess education. The recent renovation of the facilities is thanks to her. She works tirelessly for the country day and night. What did you just say? Huh?"

"Sorry, please forgive me."

"Huh? I won't forgive you. Listen, I'll talk all night."

"No, really, forgive me."

After knocking the person down at the start of the fight, he would grab their collar and talk about Sophie's achievements until they were convinced. Being a serious kid, he would follow the signal to start a task or training, but his non-stop passionate speeches before that would make someone say,

"President of the Next Crown Princess Radical Fan Club." What's that? Ditz thought, but, yeah, it fit.

Rumors said he was called that even in his student days. What's that? Ditz thought, but he could easily imagine it.

Before he knew it, influenced by his devotion, one by one, people would say with smiles, sometimes with tears, "I joined the fan club."

Because she had improved the hellish knight school and criticized the unreasonable practices of the knight corps, it made people want to cry. To stand up to the tough knights with such a small body was insane. Someone, bring a warm blanket and soup. Urgently!

The knights, trained with a "just don't die" mentality, were thoroughly accustomed to the knight corps' ways, but the greater the reward, the happier they were.

More menu options in the cafeteria, more luxurious nap rooms, new shower facilities, more days off to make their families happy. Each small change, when accumulated, made them realize, "Hmm?" and how much easier it was to breathe. Hearing that it was all thanks to Sophie, the older knights were at a loss.

You're not human if you don't feel grateful.

That's why Ditz was also a member of the "Next Crown Princess Radical Fan Club." Even his wife and children had joined. "Daddy comes home earlier because of Sophie, right? Then, Hina loves Sophie!" "Oh, then I should support Sophie too." Ditz was a loving husband and doting father.

The fan club was rather relaxed, and their main activity was proselytizing. They revered the angel who had worked hard to improve the terrifying school and the knight corps, spread her greatness to everyone, and supported her from behind the scenes to make her life a bit easier.

For example, they would punish those who spoke ill of Sophie when comparing her to her stepsister, subtly guide the Crown Prince and Sophie to avoid accidental encounters in the castle, make the carriage ride smoother by adding more cushions, and control the area to prevent anyone from approaching her when she looked tired.

The members, who couldn't easily approach and speak to her, could only do such minor things, which was frustrating, but since the president was okay with it, there was nothing they could do.

They could only watch over the girl who was compared to her stepsister and treated poorly by her fiancé, yet still smiled quietly.

Someday, she should be able to run around freely like a child.

Ditz, stroking his sleeping daughter's head, thought of her quiet smile.

Such days came to an end. They ended. They really ended! By her own hands!!

For three years, the fan club members, along with Livionis, who was rapidly advancing, had watched over Sophie. When they heard her uncharacteristic scream, they immediately understood the situation.

Alright, let's make a fuss?

While guiding the relevant people to the room where Sophie screamed, the members shed tears at the voice that came through the magic stone.

"Get a carriage for the president...!"

"What, what are you talking about?"

"It's about the guest's escort."

"Oh."

Ditz laughed back at his colleague, thinking,

No way. Who's calling the president?

The meaning of these words would never be understood by non-fan club members. Moreover, it was a message directed at the more radical members of the fan club.

Yes, Ditz too! The time has come! It's finally the time for the young to spread their wings! How can we, the older members, not get excited!! Alright, move, move, move!!

"Leader, I'm tearing up...!"

"Hold your tears for now!"

"Leader...!"

Patting his comrade on the shoulder, Ditz confirmed the situation.

It seemed that the arrangements were being made according to Livionis' instructions: preparing the carriage, sending his savings and horse to the Warian family, and assigning people to escort Sophie and Livionis to the carriage without drawing attention. As expected, they were quick.

So, Ditz and his subordinate volunteered to be the guides. They would ensure that the guests wouldn't accidentally get close to Sophie and Livionis' route, saying, "I'm sorry, the carriage is over there. Can I help you?" with a stern but apologetic attitude. Since it was a ball, there were many guests, so the more people, the better.

"What about the Lotus family's escort?"

"The 1st Battalion, 9th Squad has been assigned."

"Then, I'm relieved."

"Yes."

That squad, like Ditz and his subordinate, was composed of radical fan club members, so they wouldn't let the noisy Lotus family notice Sophie and Livionis' escape. If the family accidentally left their room, they would handle it skillfully.

We can't miss this opportunity. Ditz and his team were fired up.

Indeed, the "Next Crown Princess Radical Fan Club" had not only pure knights who simply wanted to support Sophie but also true radicals who thought, "Isn't Livionis better for Sophie?" or "Doesn't our earnest Livionis deserve happiness?" They were known as the "Livionis Support Team." Who came up with that name? Well, that's beside the point. What's not okay is this engagement.

No, no, no, who would approve of Sophie's marriage to such a scoundrel? It's not something a parent should do. Especially the fathers with daughters were furious, and the young and the old joined hands to secretly form the "Livionis Support Team."

In reality, no one knew if Livionis had any feelings for Sophie, and no one was seriously trying to change the royal marriage. No one knew Livionis' true feelings. After all, thoughts are free, right?

Just a little bit. A little.

Assigning Livionis to guard Sophie at balls and giving him more escort missions. Seeing Livionis quietly and calmly doing his job in front of Sophie made them feel warm.

Despite being such a radical fan, Livionis never showed his feelings for Sophie in his attitude or expression. This made the men cry. "Sophie, our Livionis is such a fan of noble ladies."

The surroundings couldn't bear it.

The older members almost cried, so they secretly made sure that younger members or knights who didn't know about the fan club were assigned to missions with Sophie and Livionis. Radical older members, step back. The older members shed a tear silently.

"Ditz."

Ditz, who was already nostalgic for those days, was surprised to hear his name called from behind.

"Captain!"

"Good timing. I have a favor to ask."

Ditz was guided to the shadow of a pillar, and just as he turned pale, thinking he might be in trouble or about to be hit, he was handed a leather bag.

"Can you give this to the carriage driver? I can't send him without pay."

"Hey, Chief."

"Good. Listen up."

The knight captain had a position. Even if he sympathized with Sophie or understood the struggles of a young man in love, he couldn't show it. Ditz, a laid-back noble, had lived most of his life in a strict hierarchy, so he understood. It's pointless? That's just how society works. That's just how love works.

It was enough that the captain was turning a blind eye to what Ditz and his team were secretly doing.

"Should I attach a message card?"

"Just go."

Thus, Livionis and Sophie set off safely. Watching the departure of a child, Ditz felt a mix of sadness and pride.

Thinking of his daughter who said, "When I grow up, I'll marry Father," he shed a tear.

But.

Fishing, cutting trees to improve visibility, picking acorns that his subordinate's daughter, Michelle, liked. Ditz, a member of the Livionis Support Team, was leisurely carrying out the search mission for the Crown Prince's fiancée today. Receiving the order to end the search, he was now in charge of the castle's security.

He was extremely sleepy and a bit nauseous after drinking high-quality wine with the deputy captain until morning.

Why did it come to this?

Because he drank too much.

Why didn't he stop then? No one stopped him. Everyone was drunk, and even if someone had tried to stop him, he wouldn't have listened. It's easy to think, "I'm still fine," "I can handle more," "Everyone else is drinking too." There was no basis for