Chapter 2

I am Alta Schweitz, and it was a few years ago that the memories of my past life returned to me.

I was given only the name Alta at the orphanage, with no surname—when I turned five, I first came into contact with magic.

At that moment, I remembered that I used to be the "Sword Saint" Raul Izalv.

I don’t know if this is what they call "reincarnation" or if it’s just the memories of a past life.

There’s no way to prove that I was Raul, and I had no intention of spreading that information.

Just gaining knowledge about swords and magic was enough for me.

Recognized for my talent, I was adopted by the local noble family, the Schweitz, and now work as a kingdom knight.

I became the youngest knight in the history of the kingdom.

Of course, I don’t publicize this to the people.

There are various ranks among knights, but I hold the position of "First-Class Officer," which allows me a fair amount of freedom and discretion.

If asked what I want to do in this reborn life, I don’t really have any specific goals.

I just want to do things I couldn’t do before, and I don’t want to go through hardships.

In my past life, I only became strong to fight.

In that sense, maybe I can do well as Alta Schweitz, who has the memories of Raul.

What I want is to work early, earn money, and live a leisurely life.

＊＊＊

“More than half of the targets have been eliminated, the main body is dead—no casualties on our side. There are multiple injuries, but almost no damage. Excellent work, First-Class Officer Alta Schweitz.”

“Thank you, Sir Remiel Ein, Knight Captain.”

I bow as I say this.

Remiel Ein, a woman, leans on her desk and checks a report.

She is the captain of the "Black Wolf Knights" to which I belong.

She has long red hair tied back and wears the knight’s uniform a bit loosely.

I can’t help but wonder if the way her chest is exposed is appropriate for a knight, but each knight order has its own characteristics.

It seems to be allowed here.

“By the way, will I get extra pay based on the number of targets I eliminated?”

“Don’t talk about money so soon. Why are you so concerned about it at such a young age? Is the Schweitz family that poor?”

“The Schweitz family is doing fine even without my earnings. My adoptive father, the current head, is an excellent man. I just happen to be greedy for money.”

I answer without much concern.

Of course, it’s nice to get paid, and the fact that it accumulates is also comforting.

The amount I need to save depends on whether I buy a house in the countryside or the city.

（I’ll have to decide on that eventually. Personally, I prefer the countryside.）

“By the way, Captain, do you prefer the city or the countryside?”

“Is this a pick-up line? Is it?”

“No, it’s about where I want to live in the future.”

“Well, if it’s a proposal, you should be more romantic. And the age difference is a problem.”

“I made a mistake asking you.”

When I say this, Remiel says, “Just kidding,” and grins.

This is her true self as the knight captain.

It’s easier to talk to her this way, even though it can be troublesome sometimes.

“Well, whether you live in the countryside or the city in the future is your choice, but let’s talk about the present while you’re young.”

As Remiel speaks, I get a bad feeling.

She pulls a piece of paper from a drawer.

A girl is depicted on it, along with some information.

“Hmm, I recognize her.”

“Of course. She is the daughter of one of the Four Great Noble Families, the Reinfield family, and is known as the strongest in the capital—Miss Ilis Reinfield.”

I take the paper she hands me.

The "Sword Saint Maiden"—that’s what she’s called.

She has shown exceptional talent as a magic swordsman, combining swords and magic, and is said to be on par with the "Sword Saint" despite being a woman and only fifteen years old.

I haven’t met her, but I’ve seen her before.

I remember her dignified demeanor.

“The Four Great Noble Families… What’s wrong with their daughter?”

“I want you to take on the task of guarding her.”

“Huh—what?”

I can’t help but ask for clarification.

My bad feeling was right.

“It’s a guard duty, guard duty. Haven’t you done it before?”

“No, I have, but… guarding the Sword Saint Maiden…?”

I shouldn’t say that she probably doesn’t need it.

Remiel sighs slightly.

“I understand what you mean. She says she doesn’t need a guard. However, there have been some suspicious movements recently.”

“Suspicious movements…?”

“Yes. We are investigating that separately, but Miss Ilis is a model noble who is widely supported in this country and is even called a candidate for the next king. We can’t leave such a person unguarded, can we?”

“I see, but why me?”

“According to Miss Ilis, ‘I have no intention of being protected by someone weaker than me.’ It’s quite brave, but it leaves us with few options. You are the only one who can be sent immediately.”

It seems I was chosen not because I was the best, but because I was the only one available right away.

Indeed, if the condition is to be stronger than the Sword Saint Maiden, it’s not easy to find someone.

The option of finding someone else had already been eliminated.

“However, Miss Ilis attends a school… Is it okay for me to wander around there?”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already arranged it.”

Remiel grins again.

Once again, a bad feeling crosses my mind.