Chapter 82

It's a busy time of year, especially with the Comiket, but how are you all doing?

To those who have come from the book, nice to meet you!

To all the Narou readers who have been reading regularly, thank you very much.

Thanks to everyone, the second volume was released on December 27th.

I've included episodes that are different from the web version, and I'm working hard on it.

I hope you will continue to support me in the future.

After that, I returned to the room and told Izu what had happened.

"Noah did nothing wrong. What's wrong with helping a friend who is suffering right in front of you?"

"…As His Majesty said, maybe I should have left it to someone else and not gotten involved. Because of me, His Majesty and the others were put in a difficult position…"

"If Noah had been called by His Majesty, there would have been nothing he could do. I think the result would have been the same whether he did something or not."

In that case, it might have been good that he was able to help Renge. If he had withdrawn without helping her, the situation might have been even worse.

The judgment of the late king was probably not wrong.

A few days after the messenger from the Rotus Empire returned, the king explained that Noah would not be sent to the Rotus Empire immediately.

However, it was not said that he would never be taken to the Rotus Empire.

I had finished reviewing the status of the palace guards and was reorganizing the team. It turned out that about one-fifth of the guards did not meet the new standards.

Among them was Watt, whom I had met during the red and white battle with the bearded squad leader.

The standards were based on the numerical values of the status, creating an average line.

These standards were not decided by me alone.

The average line was based on the numbers collected by the guild, looking at the averages of adventurers, mercenaries, and knights, and it was decided that a palace guard should have at least this much to be suitable for protecting the palace.

Physical strength, magic power, and health were the main criteria.

Those who were extremely biased towards physical strength or magic power, and those with special skills, were left to the judgment of the royal guards like Robert.

The four-fifths who passed the standards would undergo joint training with knights, mercenaries, and adventurers.

The reorganization of the command structure was to be done more gradually.

I thought that if I interfered, it would only complicate things, but Robert asked me to tell him who I thought would be suitable for higher command.

In reality, trust can only be built among those who have fought together.

When I said this, I was told that I should tell him about those with potential, regardless of their position or lineage.

It seemed that they were relying on my judgment, which I had developed from seeing mercenaries and adventurers at the guild window.

A party is also an organization, and the ability to bring out the strengths of one's companions and lead them is something that cannot be measured by numbers alone.

Since the palace guards have little combat experience, it will be impossible to judge the qualified candidates until they undergo further training.

Some of the palace guards have resigned over this matter.

The king also said that he wanted to strengthen the troops, and it seems that new recruitment of palace guards, including the general public, would be conducted based on the new standards.

I personally am in favor of this, but I wonder if the palace will accept civilians and beastmen as palace guards.

As for the one-fifth who did not meet the standards, it depends on their own motivation.

Those who are not healthy will find it difficult to keep up with the others if there is a long expedition in the future.

However, for those who want to work in the palace, I have offered to help them find jobs.

Those who do not meet the standards for physical strength and magic power will be given three months to improve.

If they work hard, they can even surpass the qualified candidates.

I am holding an explanation session, but everyone looks gloomy.

"Three months is impossible…"

"I'm not fit to be a palace guard anyway…"

Those who are sulking are still better off.

Some say the standards are unreasonable and unfair, refusing to accept their disqualification, while others have given up and left the palace.

"Everyone, listen well. This has been recognized and decided by His Majesty. Those who leave will not be stopped. But I want you to remember the day you were welcomed as a palace guard in the palace."

Robert said this loudly to the disqualified.

"The day you swore on your sword to be the king's strength and protect the people of Albion and your family."

Everyone is gripping their swords tightly, probably remembering the day they became palace guards.

Or perhaps they are thinking of the faces of those they must protect.

Those who are here are the ones who, despite being told they lack strength and being mocked by the qualified, still want to be palace guards.

"I realized something in the battle the other day. Did you guys really train seriously? Did you run at full speed every day?"

Watt started talking, bit by bit.

"Anyway, you can't beat the strong ones. Take it easy and do it skillfully so you don't get angry from above. If there's a chance to become a knight, that's good too. That's what I thought."

But, Watt continued with a pained expression.

"But when I actually fought, it was like this. No matter how much of a failure I am, it's my responsibility that I don't have the strength. If I couldn't do it, I should have trained, but I ended up like this without changing my approach."

"We know that too. But it wasn't always like that from the beginning."

Others started to agree.

"I'm the same. So, this is a chance. Noah showed me that it's not all about lineage and strength."

"It's because strength is everything that we're disqualified, right?"

"No. If that were the case, I would have been kicked out of the palace from the beginning. Noah taught me how to use my strength. I lost, but for the first time, I had confidence in myself!"

"…Watt"

"The other day it was three days. This time we have three months. The qualified ones are definitely complacent. They think they're safe. But the ones we'll be facing are not our comrades, but the monsters of the dark period. Right, Noah?"

"…That's right. Over the next three months, I'll help you not only with physical strength and magic power, but also with how to use your strength and acquire skills. I want to make you strong to protect the country from the dark period. That's why I'm here."

It's the same as what I do at the guild. To make sure as many of them as possible return alive.

Many people seemed to have made up their minds after hearing what Watt and I said. Some still looked uncertain.

Soldiers make the choice to use their lives for others. I think that is amazing.

Robert looked around at everyone and said,

"Decide by tonight. Those who leave should pack their things and leave the castle. It may seem harsh, but those who are hesitant will be left behind. Training starts tomorrow morning. Got it?"

How many will stay?

When I showed up early at the training ground's dormitory, I was surprised to see the empty room.

"No one is here…?"

—What?

I was speechless for a moment.

Did they get their pride hurt and couldn't take it?

Did I not suit them?

Did the idea of fighting monsters make them hesitant?

"Right, where's Watt?"

He was positive about staying.

He must be somewhere.

As I stepped outside, the people from yesterday ran past me.

"Ah, Mr. Noah! Good morning!"

"O-oh, good morning, Watt. What happened to everyone?"

He looked different from when we met and from yesterday. With a bright smile, Watt said,

"Running! We have to start earlier than anyone else. We're already behind. Before we knew it, everyone had gathered naturally."

"Everyone is here?"

"Yes, everyone. All the people who were there yesterday."

2015/01/12 Revised