After a bit of trouble, the duel finally concluded without any issues.
Modred made a grand announcement of my existence.
Of course, he also mentioned that I was focusing on conquering the labyrinth as an adventurer, having given up my claim to the throne.
“But the reactions are a bit strange. Why does everyone seem to like Lady Lydia? Sure, we made sure no one died on purpose, but there must be quite a bit of damage here and there.”
“It’s the kind of story that the people of Historia would love. It’s only natural. And besides, we agreed to compensate for the damages.”
I had planned to pass the compensation responsibility onto Modred.
It was a huge sum of damages because we broke things without thinking.
Well, I knew that Historia was a poor nation, so I was somewhat mentally prepared to bear some of the costs.
After all, if it meant saving Lydia’s life, it was worth it.
However, just a few days later, I received a message from Elven Forest.
They said they would cover the entire restoration cost.
Honestly, I couldn’t comprehend it at first, and both Modred and I stared blankly at the communication crystal for a while.
But then came the one line that made everything clear.
“Just one thing. What was bothering me has been resolved. All the elves opened their stores with joy.”
Exactly.
It was Eve’s choice, and since I was blessed by the World Tree, no one openly opposed it. Still, it turned out many elves were bothered by the fact that I was an orphan unknown even to my parents.
Yet, with this incident, it was revealed that I was actually the prince of Historia.
With my beautiful appearance and a laid-back demeanor attributed to my long lifespan, elves have planted information sources all over the Pan Continent.
Considering I informed the Elven Forest of my status right away, it was no surprise.
Other races do the same when trying to impress a future power player.
Later, I could just ask Eve to send a thank-you letter to the Elven Forest.
So, the money issue was resolved, but… no matter what, the fact that the castle gates were wide open and that even King Modred lost to me in a duel couldn’t be ignored.
Could it be…
“Do the people of Historia have a hobby for getting beaten by sudden intruders?!”
“…No. To be precise, it’s the story of you and me, Jonah, that suits their taste.”
“Us…?”
I tilted my head to look up at Lydia.
She was wearing ordinary knightly attire instead of her usual bikini armor, and it suited her well.
Thanks to a few days of good food and rest, her complexion had improved a lot. …Although her chest didn’t seem to have fully returned yet.
Still glancing at those breasts that were still bigger than my head, I momentarily shifted my gaze to the scenery beyond the window. Lydia was looking out with a blank expression when she continued speaking.
“A knight set out to become one, an accidental encounter with a fallen prince. Unaware he was a prince, she made a knight’s vow. Yet she ended up being labeled a traitor.”
I was well aware of what followed.
Lydia had intended to end everything by sacrificing herself to protect me. But I couldn’t stand to watch that happen.
“A knight who sacrificed herself for her lord. A lord who returned home, risking everything to save such a knight. …Even I would have felt my heart tremble at that development.”
“Heart….”
“…Not that heart.”
Finally turning to face me, Lydia smirked.
“You’ll completely recover soon enough, so don’t be too disappointed.”
“Did it show that much?”
“Yeah. Every time I looked at you, it was like watching someone whose world had crumbled sigh heavily. How could I not notice? Is it really that great…?”
Raising her hands and fiddling with her chest as if lifting it from below, Lydia seemed to wear something comfortable without underwear, or perhaps with a regular-sized bra that couldn’t provide proper support given her current size.
Her chest swayed gently as if there was nothing inside. Being captivated by the sight, Lydia suddenly let out a deep sigh.
“It’s a bit funny, actually. I swore a vow on my own and headed off to die on my own accord.”
“……”
By the way, there was still that lingering issue.
The knight and lord play I occasionally joked about.
It was mostly me mimicking scenarios I’d added to the story, leading Lydia to feel like a knight.
Lydia seemed to have taken it quite seriously and had deeply sworn an oath to me.
I had been completely unaware until now.
To be honest, it was a bit surprising, but considering how Lydia hadn’t been able to speak about her feelings and quietly tried to take my place, how could I view it negatively?
I was just a little taken aback. So…
“Lady Lydia.”
“Yeah?”
“Do you regret becoming my knight?”
“……No, not at all.”
Lydia shook her head firmly. Suddenly, I was reminded of how she strained even in her weakened state to block the guard knight’s sword.
It was apparent she would eliminate any threats, even at the cost of her own life.
How could I have ignored someone like her?
After a bit of thought, I spoke up.
“I’ve been studying a bit of Historia’s history these past few days, and I came across a story about a knight who didn’t wield a sword and a lord who lost his sword, didn’t I?”
The content was a common enough episode. The fact that it was adapted into a fairy tale due to its moral lesson was the only notable point.
A noble fleeing after losing to war, casting aside his weapon, and the knight who was looked down upon for using his fists instead realized that what makes a knight isn’t their weapon or lordship, but the conviction they carry in their heart.
What’s crucial here is that both of them were without swords, and the one who had even lost his title receives an oath once more.
In other words, it’s a perfect guideline for a sort of exceptional circumstance.
And I am in that exceptional situation now.
Lydia’s knight vow was, in essence, a one-sided pledge she made freely.
Moreover, I am now quite different from that time. My status, abilities, …and feelings toward Lydia.
So if I were to pledge again, it’d be best to follow this story’s format.
Above all, it’s a story that Lydia, who was raised in Historia, should know well too.
Stepping back half a step from Lydia, I clasped my hands behind me and began to speak.
“Then let’s do it again. Since you’ve already offered your sword, this time, please offer me everything else you have, Lady Lydia.”
“What?”
“Then I will also promise you a fitting reward in return.”
“……”
Only then did Lydia’s trembling red eyes register what I meant.
After a brief moment of thought, she quietly knelt on one knee and lowered her head.
This time, understanding it was no mere game, and knowing we both meant it, the atmosphere grew solemn.
Sunlight pouring through the window illuminated Lydia’s red hair.
As the already vivid red color reflected the light, it sparkled as if it were fire.
Gazing down at her, I raised my index finger. Then, I bit it sharply.
Crack.
A bit of pain. And drops of blood fell.
As I presented my wounded finger, Lydia bowed her head even lower.
Staring at her bright red hair more vivid than blood, I recited the lines I had sneakily practiced last night.
“Lydia. My knight. Your sword is already in my possession. But I desire more than that.”
“A steadfast belief that will never break. This life, which will someday fade. I will pledge you everything that remains.”
“Therefore, I promise you the honor that will be engraved in our lives forever. The moment your head falls, mine shall fall too, and all my glory shall also belong to you. If you truly give me all of yourself, I will also promise you all of mine.”
As I spoke and extended my bleeding finger, Lydia carefully accepted it.
“I shall gladly accept.”
Then she gently took my finger into her mouth, licking and swallowing the blood continuously flowing from the wound.
The soft, warm tongue digging into the wound was a mix of slight pain and a strange betrayal of trust.
Feeling a shiver as I watched Lydia focus on taking in my blood, I nodded slowly.
“My knight. With my blood flowing through you, our destinies will run together under the same star. …Until the day we challenge the deities across a thousand miles.”
“I will accompany you even beyond that.”
“If that’s the meaning of reverence.”
With a faint smile, Lydia released my finger from her mouth.
This was the form of the vow.
It might seem barbaric, like yakuza drinking blood-bonded sake… But considering that the deity of knights originally belonged to a god of savagery, it’s not such a strange thing.
It’s likely an altered ritual from the blood oath traditions of ancient barbarian tribes.
Well, the truth doesn’t really matter.
What’s important is that Lydia and I both distinctly recognized that we pledged loyalty and the cost of life to each other.
If destiny exists in this world, at this moment, the fates of Lydia and I have intertwined deeply and become one.
Just then, as I swiped my thumb across Lydia’s cheek to wipe off some of the blood spatter, it happened.
Boom!
“Uh-oh?”
The sound of thunder echoed from within me. It wasn’t just me; Lydia was also wearing a startled expression.
Before I knew it, my body was wrapped in a transparent aura, and Lydia was igniting a fiery red aura.
Our auras puffed up until they merged at the closest contact point—my fingertip brushing against Lydia’s lips. And then.
Wham!
Lydia’s flames flowed into my aura.
My aura flared up, burning red like real fire.
However, I felt no sense of discomfort; I could only feel it instinctively.
From now on, if necessary, I can mimic Lydia’s aura. Her conviction was now mine, and her aura had also become part of me.
It genuinely felt like Lydia had become a part of me. I figured she must be experiencing a similar sensation.
My position, the rough emotions I felt, and perhaps even more.
Yet, Lydia said nothing, merely surrendering her lips to me obediently.
It might have been because she was surprised… but more than that, I hadn’t pulled away from the phenomenon, so she was likely remaining still.
I gathered back the blazing aura. Despite the change in nature, it was simply too easy to retract it.
Then, I lifted Lydia, who was still kneeling on one knee.
“Uh… Anyway, now you’re truly my knight, Lady Lydia!”
“Yes. It is an honor, Gahelis.”
“Call me by my usual name.”
“Okay. I got it, Jonah.”
Perhaps feeling somewhat uncomfortable herself, Lydia’s expression brightened considerably.
I chuckled at that sight and placed one hand on my waist, shaking my arm.
“Now, shall we go find out what just happened, Lady Lydia?”
“Escort. I will do it.”
Lydia carefully linked her arm with mine, and we walked together.
From now on, I was sure we would continue to walk in step with each other.
“By the way, Lady Lydia. Since you earn better than I do, is it okay if I have no salary for a while?”
“……Honor, where?”
Lydia puffed up her cheeks like a pufferfish caught in a scam contract.
