Chapter 42

Returning from the Magic Guild.

After parting ways with Luke, I was in a carriage with Quincy, heading towards Tristan's mansion. The driver was Tom.

It seemed Tristan had sent him when he heard I was returning to the mansion.

Tom shook my hand as soon as we met in front of the Magic Guild, saying he was worried about me.

"Is it true that you're the leader of the knights in the Stern Duke's family?"

"Tristan is a good leader. He's kind."

When I said what I was thinking, Quincy snorted.

"Hah. I've never heard that before. The Knight Commander Mensis is said to be scary and cold."

"Who says that?"

"I don't know. It's just a rumor. But I guess that's the general image. There's probably some jealousy towards the rich, too."

Indeed, Tristan's iron mask might give people the wrong impression.

"An image, huh..."

The general image refers to the perception of the people in the capital.

According to Quincy, the image of the knights in the capital is not very good.

"It's not just the Mensis Knights. The people in the capital are protected by the wall, after all."

Knights in the border regions are important to the people in the surrounding towns and villages, as they protect them from monsters.

However, for the people in the capital, who are protected by the wall, the importance of knights is low.

Some even say that knights are just show-offs and a waste of tax money.

Now that I think about it, since coming to the capital, I've been going back and forth between the guild and the knights' headquarters every day.

Thanks to Quincy, I realized how the knights are perceived.

Indeed, there are people like Maroos, but many knights train every day for the sake of the country. They are all good people.

If we have more opportunities to work with the guild in the future, I'm sure that image will improve.

"...I'll do my best."

"Well, bad impressions don't change easily. Take it slow."

Quincy smiled wryly.

His casual words seemed to carry some weight.

I nodded slightly.

When we arrived at the mansion, Tristan and Alice were there to greet us.

"I'm home."

The words came out naturally, and I was surprised myself.

"Ah, you're back."

Tristan replied. That Tristan, and he even smiled, I thought.

"Welcome back, Noah."

"Welcome back, Master Noah."

Seeing my stunned face, Alice smiled and said,

Tristan's butlers and maids, who were standing behind him, also bowed quietly and greeted me.

I smiled again and said, "I'm home."

"Um, I think the late king spoke to you about this..."

"Quincy Kew, the bodyguard. I'll be in your care."

Tristan, back to his usual iron mask, nodded and glanced at the butler.

"Mr. Quincy's room is prepared next to Master Noah's. We'll show you to it shortly."

"Being a bodyguard, that's a relief. You're treating me pretty well for a punk like me."

Tristan shook his head.

"Take care of Noah."

It was a short statement, but it seemed to be enough for Quincy.

"Hah. Leave it to me."

Then, Quincy turned his gaze to Alice.

"So, who's this young lady?"

"I'm Alice Ruru. I'm here to protect Noah."

"Are you prepared to give your life for Noah?"

Quincy asked Alice sharply.

I shook my head. I didn't want Alice to be prepared to give her life.

Alice glanced at me, then turned back to Quincy.

"That's not what Noah wants. I will protect Noah while staying alive. That's my resolve."

Alice said this without hesitation.

Quincy sighed and looked at me.

"Hey, Noah. How pampered are you?"

"Ugh..."

Living to protect someone else.

I don't understand how difficult that is.

Am I being selfish and arrogant, tying Alice down with my whims?

"Well, it doesn't matter how many people are around. I'll do my own thing. Don't get in my way."

"Understood."

Quincy didn't push the matter further.

It seemed he had made peace with Alice, and I sighed in relief.

"We'll start magic training tomorrow. See you."

"Good night, Noah."

After parting ways with Alice and Quincy, I walked through the quiet mansion with Tristan.

"...I'm sorry."

Suddenly, Tristan whispered, and for a moment, I didn't understand what he said.

Seeing me at a loss for words, Tristan stopped walking and furrowed his brow.

"I really am sorry."

"Whoa, I heard you, I heard you, so please lift your head!"

When I said this in a hurry, Tristan slowly raised his face.

"Was I wrong?"

Tilting his head, Tristan looked at me, and I rubbed my temples.

Don't nobles in Albion not bow to people?

"I heard it from Baldo."

In other words, he asked the deputy commander how commoners apologize.

"As a commander and a friend."

"Tristan... I understand. Thank you for thinking and apologizing."

After a moment's thought, Tristan said,

"Does that mean you accept my apology?"

"Yes. I forgive you. Let's make up."

The wrinkles on Tristan's forehead disappeared.

That was a worried face, I guess.

I didn't think we had a fight, but it seemed I said the right thing.

"Make up..."

Tristan's voice seemed softer. I felt like I was talking to a small child.

The butler, who had been standing quietly nearby, met my eyes and smiled happily.

"Actually, I told Izu about Noah."

"About my injury?"

Tristan nodded.

I had told a sheltered young lady a gory story.

"...Izu scolded me for hurting you."

Being scolded by his beloved sister must have been tough. The wrinkles on Tristan's forehead returned.

"Sorry."

"No, it's fine."

While talking, we arrived at the room where Izu was waiting.

When I entered the room, Izu stood up from the sofa at the sight of me.

"Noah!"

"Y-Yes!"

Izu stopped right in front of me, just a step away.

"I, I was worried, so worried!"

"A, ah..."

Tears streamed down Izu's large green eyes.

Still, she looked up at me intently, as if to confirm I was safe.

Her cat ears were flat, and her thin shoulders were trembling slightly.

"I'm back safely."

"Y-Yes!"

What should I do?

She started crying even more.

I had to suppress the urge to hug her unconditionally.

"...Thank you for worrying about me."

I placed my hands on Izu's hands, which were clasped together in front of her chest, as if in prayer.

"Is your injury better now?"

"Yes, it's healed."

Hearing this, Izu finally smiled, looking relieved.

She repeated, "I'm so glad, so glad," looking happy, and I smiled happily too.

2015/01/12 Revised