I am aware of my own dejection, and I am feeling heavy-hearted that I am not a knightly woman.
　This was my first escort mission, and I was confident that my abilities would not be outdone by any ruffians. In fact, in terms of simple combat power, I had a good chance against Gillista, Exoik, and even Parshuro.
　But as it turned out, they couldn't protect him from the guards. Although he won the battle with Gilista, he had a hard time with Parshlo, and Wolfe, using his wits, decided the game.
　And again, when his life was in danger, I could do nothing, and he ended it himself. I thought he was safe, but he wasn't. He had stepped into the mindset of Pershero and the others to defuse the situation.
　It was a different depth than when he was talking to Docola. It was as if even the person had changed. If I had seen him like that when I met him, I can assure you that I would never have welcomed him into my country.
　I even thought it was too late when I saw the look on his face as he spoke to the dying Parshero. But he was able to come back on his own. As he made eye contact with me, the murkiness returned to its original glow.
　He must have come back from the deepest darkest thoughts with my presence as his guide. But it had sunk so deep that it could not come back without me.
　Trapped in the arms of a madman who could kill him without mercy, he did what he could with what he had. But I could not fulfill my duty as a knight to protect him, nor my personal determination not to let him stray from the path he was on.
　And his words reminded me of a fact I had not considered. His Majesty's anger at that time was real. He was so angry that even I, who was far ahead of him in military power, cowered. There's no guarantee that you'll assign me to guard him again when he goes to Garn. I can continue to do this for the time being, but it won't be for long. While I was thinking about this, I finished my meal and now I'm here. I think he was talking to someone, but I don't know who it was. .......

Do you want to go home?
"Oh, yeah. ......

　My depression seems to have dampened his motivation. I felt more and more sorry for him. As I walked toward the exit of the castle, I met a familiar face.

"Oh, isn't that Lord Ratzel there?
"...... Sir Léanor.

　Sir Léanor, the commander of Léanor Squadron, which leads the largest number of knights. He's the first person who doesn't like my position.

And the one beside me is-- what is it?

　Lord Reynaud's expression suddenly changed. The sarcastic look on his face has disappeared and he looks as if he's just met his best friend.

"It's been a long time, Lord Reynaud. It's the first time we've met at the castle.
"Indeed. I told you that you could come and see me at any time, but you have never shown your face.
Well, as long as you're in the castle, you're my priority.
Well, if you say so, I have nothing to say. If you have nowhere else to go, I was planning to make you useful to me, but now you are sitting in your Majesty's pocket. But it looks like I was right.

　Lord Léanor is laughing as he talks to him. I can't keep up with this unexpected turn of events. The first time he and Lord Léanor met was in the barracks, when they had a meeting about defeating the bandits. At that time, Lord Reynaud looked at him with a condescending look and tone of voice. .......

"What's with the distracted look on your face, Lord Ratzel? I've heard that you were entrusted by His Majesty to guard him, and that you were inadvertently kidnapped by these ruffians.
"......!

　Yeah, there's no way they didn't know about it. Gilista and his men were in a very public place. I'm sure the rest of the Order has heard about it.
　They hate me, so how could they just ignore such a story?

Nonsense. Even if it's true that you failed, you rescued him safely. Who the hell do you think you are to smear me? Have you become a perfect knight?
".......
I've already heard the stories about you fighting for your people. You don't regret that they should have died, do you?
No, I don't!
Then be proud. You were able to make up for your mistakes while still being chivalrous enough to protect your people. To ask for more than that in your position is beyond the pale!

　This is a ...... encouragement to me, that Sir Léanor?　But it doesn't sound like he's insulting me in any way. Rather, he sounds like a knight instructing a young man.

"It's hard to invite you to dinner with such a sullen guard, isn't it? We'll have a nice talk some other time. See you later.

　Lord Léanor smiled at him one last time as he left the room. He looked at him, let out a light sigh, and turned to me.

"Surprising?
"Oh, yes. The fact that you were so close to Lord Léanor, and what you just said .......
I'm not surprised. Lord Reynaud was always like that.
But you remember what happened, don't you?



　There's no way he wouldn't remember. He heard about me being slighted by the other Knights and he came up with a plan to deal with it.

Of course he did. It's true that Sir Léanor doesn't think well of the Iliad.
So why - well, it's not my place to ask about your closeness to Lord Léanor, but ......
Iliad, it is true that the Iliad is not well-liked by the other knights of the Order. But do you really think that all of them dislike you for the same reason?
"...... What do you mean?

　I'm sure you're right. No, I'm pretty sure it's not. In fact, the words they say are always 'you're a woman'. He scratched his head and continued.

"The reason Lord Léanor doesn't like you is because you're a woman in the prestigious Ragdoll Corps.
"Isn't it because I'm a woman, ......?
I'm saying that Lord Reynaud would treat you the same way if you weren't in the Iliad. For Sir Léanor, the Ragdolls were the ideal order of knights that had existed since he had set out to become a knight. He respected the ancient order of knights, and Sir Léanor is, at worst, a man trapped in old ideas.
"...... Really?

　The one who knows such a thing is definitely Lord Reynaud himself. I wonder if he had ever heard of such a thing.

"What Lord Reynaud has in mind is not the idea of male chauvinism, but the intention of valuing the right people in the right places, the way things should be. He is merely annoyed by the appearance of the newcomer, the female Iliad. Ilias was trying to take over the position because she was trying to unite all the knight captains over the other knight captains, as if to say, 'A woman cannot gather and lead a venerable order! As if to say, 'A woman can't gather and lead a venerable order!
"But isn't it the same with the others?
Sir Fowl is a private person. You defeated him in front of Lord Fowl's men, didn't you?

　I wonder if that ever happened to him. I was once challenged by someone who said he'd take me lightly. I gave it my all as usual, but ...... I believe I won the match.

Just as I was about to give the new guy a squeeze, he humiliated me in front of my subordinates. It's natural for people to hold grudges before men and women.
But as long as it's a formal match, you can't go ...... too far.
"I don't expect the Iliad to be able to read the atmosphere like that. But at least understand the consequences of what happened. Men are very picky creatures.
"Mm-hmm.
"There are others, too, who have had their beloved swords snapped in a duel with you. One who was told by his doting sister that the knight he looked up to was not his brother, but Sir Ratzel. The one whose nickname has stuck because he was called by the wrong name. Someone who has no history with Sir Ratzel, but has a history with Sir Russell and holds a grudge against him...

　He went on to give a litany of reasons. He went on to list the reasons.　It's shocking in so many ways, but isn't there something in the mix that has nothing to do with me?

The Iliad is not the same as a unified persecution like the Urfe. There are many reasons to dislike someone. The most common reason is 'because she's a woman,' but not all of them stick to that. There are so many of them that they all look the same in the eyes of the Iliad.
"But when did you learn all that from ......?
"On the day of the ceremony, there was a guy who was clucking his tongue when the Iliad was on duty. I did a lot of research on him while I was checking his background.
Since that day, ......?
I'm sure the Iliad doesn't know about the nobleman who was tongue-tied, as I've made him regret it.

　I'll trust that he's doing that behind your back ...... and that he's using common sense.

I'm sure he's doing it out of common sense.
"If the Iliad got angry, it would only make things worse. If the Iliad got angry, it would only make things worse. I don't mind touching him, do I?

　He smiles a nasty smile. He really can't help it. But it's not ...... bad to know that he sees me as a friend and that he's working for me.

"But ...... was I hated for so many reasons ......?
It's a good thing that you've been working out since you were a child, not making friends, not learning how to build relationships, and not paying attention to the people around you. And yet, you're so good that you're able to steal the show from everyone else, and if you're still able to draw attention to yourself...

　That's painful to hear. As it turns out, they didn't start out hating me. However, I have lived my life focusing only on improving myself rather than on my relationships with others. I was just trying to be a good knight. ...... No, it's natural for people to hate you if you do whatever you want without looking at others. I'm not sure if I'm lacking in the natural things that a person should do before aiming to be a good knight.

I lost my parents at an early age, and I continued to improve myself without much room in my heart. You don't have to blame me for that now. Just not anymore. You've made friends, right?　Take your time, you'll learn a lot.
"Well, I've got a friend now, you. Now that you've got a friend, maybe you should pay more attention to other people.
...... Oh, no, I was talking about Saira.
"...... You're the one who said I was your friend!
Did you?
I did!　Is there something wrong or embarrassing about being friends with me?
It's embarrassing to be told to your face, common sense dictates.

　I was certainly a failure. But that's not the end of the story. If you dwell on it, you will not only make up for it, but it may lead to further failures. It may be difficult to switch completely, but you have to look forward to move forward.



"Let me just say thank you for ......, thank you--mug.

　He covered my mouth with his hand. I can't talk if he does that.

"No need to thank me. I've been indebted to you, and I'm returning the favor. I haven't returned the favor yet. If you really want to thank me, wait until you've paid it back. If you have to thank me every time I do something for you, I'll never be able to repay you.
...... You're very concerned about the details, aren't you? It's not like it's going to decrease just because you say it.
It does. Saying thank you is a great way to return the favor.
Really, a man is a very particular creature.

　If he wants me to do it, I'll do it. I'll save this gratitude for when he's satisfied. I'll save this thank you for when he's satisfied. ...... But at that time, will it be enough to say thank you, or are we still being overwhelmed?　I'm sure you'll be fine.

　--------------------------------------

　It's good that Sir Léanor's appearance has cleared Ilias's mind somewhat. However, it was disconcerting to find out that he had been deepening his relationship with the other knights. Although I do not doubt Iliad's character, it is still awkward to be thought to be on good terms with someone who does not like you and is harassing you.
　In the case of the Iliad, everything is lumped together. I don't want people to think that my friendship with the Iliad is the same as my friendship with Lord Léanor. In the first place, as a person who likes to have narrow and deep friendships, it is unexpectedly difficult for me to make broad friendships. In addition, if you have a wide circle of friends, you will have a lot of troubles. As it is now.

"You are the candidate for the position of high priest who frequently meets with His Majesty, aren't you?
"Yes, well, I am.

　The person in front of me is the daughter of a nobleman who resides in the land of Tarz. I'll learn her name when I meet her in the future. When I was summoned to the nobleman's residence and asked what I wanted...

"What I want is for you to arrange for me and your Majesty to be united.

　And that's about as selfish as it gets. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's using my friendship with Marito to expand my contacts with the knights.

"Your Majesty is a very reserved man. You're a very reserved person. You show up at dinner parties, but you've never tried to meet any of the women individually.

　I'm told it's simply because no woman has ever interested him.

I come from a distinguished family, and I have honed my education and dignity to be worthy of His Majesty. Yes, I am the one who should be Your Majesty's consort!

　I hope you can share at least a percentage of that confidence with Ilias, who is waiting outside the room. And half to Lakra, so that we can both be just the right kind of ladylike women.

"I'm sure that you, being so well liked by His Majesty and able to converse with him on a daily basis, can arrange for us to be alone together.
I'm sure you could.
"Then I'm counting on you, and as soon as possible.

　I don't give a shit about your schedule.

I didn't say I'd take it.
"No, you can't refuse me. You have a commoner friend who is learning to make clothes, don't you?
Yes, well.
Do you know that he has recently been apprenticed to a tailor in my family's employ?
That's news to me.
Do you want to ruin your friend's future?

　Confident girl. That's straight-up blackmail. It's not surprising that a store that makes high-class clothing with high technology would have close ties to the nobility.
　Even if Saira is kicked out of her current place, she can ask Mr. Ban to provide her with a new place to train. But Sila said that the current place is a good place. It would be annoying for her to be stirred up by the higher-ups. And I don't want to give her a hard time.
　It's sad to see what happens to people who are so selective. First of all, the fact that she misunderstands the relationship between Marito and me is too bad. He probably doesn't even think that the common people and the king are friends. Just pointing this out would have an effect, but ...... provoking them would be troublesome.

I don't have a choice. I'll make arrangements for you and I to have dinner together this evening.

　I'll use that kind of trick on people like that. I'm sorry Marito, but I'll take advantage of the arrangement.

　I was summoned that night. The noblewoman didn't take too kindly to that. Of course she didn't. There's no way Marito can get along with a woman he doesn't like when he's suddenly invited to dinner. There's no way he can be strong with the king, and it's only natural that a blind date without any strategy would fail.

I'm afraid it didn't go well for you, sir.
No, it's only the beginning, so it's only natural that you're not very good at it!　You'll have to keep moving!
I'm afraid I can't do that.
I beg your pardon?
Why didn't you think of the fact that I, a commoner, could recommend someone else for His Majesty's dinner table?
What's the matter with that?

　You seem to have a sense of danger that allows you to sense disquiet. If you're an insensitive person who doesn't feel anything, you'll have a hard time getting through to him.



"His Majesty and I have a few agreements. "The first is that you must meet every woman I introduce you to. That's how much he trusts me.
Even if it's the second or third time!
This will get out. Then there will be people like you, won't there?　And secondly, anyone who tries to take advantage of this arrangement will be considered a threat to Marith Taze. In other words, you will not be next.
"Of course you're making this up!

　You take out a piece of parchment from your pocket. On it is written a statement of the agreement. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

He said, "His Majesty would be annoyed if we kept asking for the same woman. That's why we have this arrangement.
"Such ......
"Your Majesty and I have been trying to find a good match for each other. But the interference of a third party was a hindrance to the smooth running of that process.

　It is a prerequisite of the arrangement with Marit that you must first meet the woman you are introducing. I'm too busy to meet her. I can't meet her because I'm too busy, but I'll introduce her to you because that's not fair. However, if other people find out about this method, there will be more people who will try to contact Marito in particular.
　That is, there are people who will come out to threaten commoners who are in a weak position, as is the case now. This is the reason for the special measures. In layman's terms, it says, "We will not tolerate anyone who takes advantage of our friendship.

The lady threatened me first, so I didn't explain this part. But don't worry, it's still in effect. Oh, I'm not going to do anything about it right now. This is not to incriminate women at random, but to prevent a second time, right?
......

　If you know this, the only women who would take advantage of this arrangement would be women who are confident they can get Marito to fall for them, or assassins. Of course, the latter is not a problem since Marito has a too-good-to-be-true Dark Lord by his side. The former may not have the courage to persist if the first attempt is unsuccessful.
　If he still persists, he will just be eliminated by Marito as an eyesore.
　Incidentally, if Marito persists in introducing the same woman to you, you will be disowned. In addition, he can only introduce one girl per week at most, and can only introduce additional girls if they are mutually interested.
　It also included a statement saying, "Let's not be so clever as to poke holes in each other's agreements. We both agreed on this immediately.
　I don't think I will ever see this noble lady again. So there was no chance to learn her name.

　The next day, in Marito's office, we talked later.

"Well, it's been a long time since I've seen a girl with that much self-conceit. I think I've seen her at a dinner party a few times before.
I thought you'd remember her because of her good looks. I thought you'd remember me because of my good looks, but I'm sorry for causing you trouble.
I laughed when you said you wanted me to meet him. I hope I didn't do anything unnecessary to you.　I can't forgive you for threatening my friend, though.
"Let the naive mischievous one get away with it. I'm sure you've learned your lesson. Oh, by the way, I brought you this today.

　Then he thrusts forward a gift wrapped in a cloth. It's not a bribe, but it's a gift.

I've been wondering, what's that?
"As an apology for the inconvenience. Take it back if you don't like it. Personally, I like it.
Let's see. ......

　Marito unwraps it and exclaims in admiration. It's a potted plant I asked Luko to make for me. It's a potted plant that looks like a houseplant, like a pachira, and it's more for warmth than glamour.

It's also a ...... rare thing.
Is that so? I asked a friend of mine to get it for me in a day or two.
You say that, but I'm pretty sure this is a rare item even in the market.　Yeah, but there's a chance you can find it in the Kuro Wolf Forest, so maybe you can get it from there. But I don't know if I can raise it.
I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I'm sure they've prepared a manual on how to raise it.

　I see. When I heard that Luko had prepared an instruction manual, I wondered if it was necessary to go that far, but if it was a rare item, no wonder it was necessary. However, when I saw the manual, it was very detailed and full of information. I'm still young, but now I want reading glasses. Are you going to let me grow up with this?

You're very knowledgeable. ...... But from what I've read, it looks like you can grow it with little effort if you're careful about where you put it and the environment. I'll put it in my bedroom.
You can put it in your office, right?
No, it's supposed to be in a place where you need to calm down. But it's a really nice gift, I'm really happy!

　If this is an act, I can't believe it's human. Marito seems to like it very much. Luko's taste is very good. ...... Hmm.

I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.
I'm sorry, but I don't really know what you like. Unfortunately, I don't really know what you like. I'm thinking of introducing you to my wild sister, but she's not in the country. Can you wait until I get her?


"Women who are exhausting to be with are annoying. Well, I guess I'll join you at the next dinner party.
Really?　I'm having a hard time with the high ratio of women. It would be great if you could come.

　I brought this up because I don't feel comfortable attending such dinners in the first place. I'm sure your participation would be appreciated. Even though they have an agreement, Marito is forced to live in marriage to some extent. I want to reduce that stress.

But that won't change the fact that he'll be surrounded.
I guess so. Can I borrow you, Wolfe?

　Marito will feel better if he is with the woman we have prepared for him. Wolfe is not a bad choice. They may not be romantically involved with each other, but they are somewhat familiar with each other. And he has the excuse of interacting with the Kuro Wolves. But that's a story for another time.

It's too early for Wolfe. But if Marith doesn't get tired, we can bring her.
Really? I won't complain if he's as quiet as a cat on borrowed time.
Yeah, I'm sure he'll be fine.
Do you have a scheming look on your face?
No, I can just see the surprise on their faces.

　I'd like to think that this mischievous side of you is because you have Marito in front of you, yes.