Chapter 42 Meeting

The seventh day of training.

Yesterday, after finishing things to do, Haru spent her time practicing the new magics she learned. People rarely come around my house, so she can release the poisonous fog to her hearts content. Even if Canon unluckily came, well, I could just recover him before he dies. It was night when it took shape, and the training for the day was over. I ate dinner as usual and went to bed with Haru. Thanks to my regular life, I woke up early in the morning.

The expedition is tomorrow so there is still time. Lets do our best again in todays training is what I thought, but Nell called me to the magic knight headquarters in the royal castle. It was sudden, you know? You should make an appointment beforehand!

I wonder what does she want

I mutter to myself before the suspension bridge while looking at the towering castle. Well, its not the one Im heading to, but the knights barracks.

Isnt it a meeting for tomorrow? Shish, this way.

Ah, right. Haru was in the royal castle before, so she roughly knows the way. After getting permission from the soldiers on guard, we walked through the castle gate to the knights barracks. On the way, we could see men who seem to be knights were training. Their levels are low as always, huh? No, Im just too familiar with Haru. The knights around here are pitiable if I compare them with her.

Oh, youre here. Morning.

Morning. Whats up with the sudden call?

I scratched my head and said it as if complaining. Nell is lightly dressed, and lining up behind her are her subordinate knights. There are three people, an old soldier who has a veteran atmosphere, a young man who has a manly expression, and Canon who is shrinking away. In contrast to Nell, they are fully armed.

Im thinking of introducing ourselves before tomorrows expedition.

We can just do that tomorrow, right?

More or less, Im in a position to lead. Ill be troubled if someone dies against the small fry, so Im thinking of understanding each ability of those Im going to take along.

N-Nell-danchou. You said small fry, but I heard that the target of this subjugation is a Demon King, though

The depressed Canon asks Nell anxiously.

Dont worry, its a self-proclaimed Demon King.

Nell replies with a smile. A very nice smile. To the extent that it absorbs Canons smile.

Well, whatever. So, is that everyone? Thats not much for a knights expedition.

Its an elite group, you know, an elite group. If I take many people, the movement will be slow, and in the end, Ill be the one to beat the enemies. Also, Im going to introduce my disciple. Chinatsu, Chinatsu~!

Nell screams toward the barracks. Her expression is like a child who wants to share a newly found toy, and looks somewhat sparkling.

Hey, you just want to brag about your disciple by using this meeting as an excuse, dont you?

Chinatsu?

Haru muttered so. Could it be

Then, I heard footsteps of someone running down the stairs in one go from the barracks. And then, the door is opened. The one who appeared was a girl with long black hair, wearing lightweight equipment. She was Japanese

Y-Yes, Shishou. What Haruna!?

Waah! Its Chinatsu-chan!

The two run up to each other as if it was arranged beforehand. Apparently, Nells disciple was Harus classmate who was transported too. Moreover, they seem to be quite close to each other. Nell, did you know about this?

Oh, did Haruna and Chinatsu know each other? What a coincidence.

Oh, it was a coincidence, huh? I see.

Haruna, were you okay? Did they do anything weird?

Ehehe, Im fine. Chinatsu-chan, were you doing well at the castle?

I was too busy worrying about you!

I-Im sorry

If Im not wrong, Haru was separated from her classmates as soon as she got transported to this world. Well, its no wonder for her close friend to be worried. Shes a beautiful girl who looks like an honor student, but considering that she is Harus friend, she is probably a weirdo too. After all, she is that Nells disciple.

Let me introduce her again. She is my disciple, Chinatsu. Come on, greet them.

Ah, yes! Im Rokusai Chinatsu. Erm, this person is?

Hes my master.

Harunas? Um.

Chinatsu is gazing at me as if evaluating me. Well, its a normal reaction. Anyone would be worried if their best friends master who suddenly appeared was such a thirty-year-old man. If it was her parent, a fist would come to me if Im not lucky.

Chinatsu, Deris is my companion when I was an adventurer. I can guarantee his ability. As for his personality, well, I cant guarantee it.

Eh

Hey, wait there. Dont invite misunderstanding.

At least, I dont want to be told by you. No matter how bad I am, I dont want to be told by you.

Ahaha, its okay. Shish is a very sincere and good person!

I-Is that so? Well, I guess its okay if Haruna says so

Umu, as expected of my disciple. You are different from Nell whos making a Ew, what is she talking about? face over there. Even I can be sincere and good to the people I choose.

Ah, well, nice to meet you. So, is this everyone?

Thats right. Ah, Ill introduce my subordinates. From the left, Daganov. He is the knight commanding officer, a level 4 magician. In the middle is the newcomer Muno, a level 3 magician. And on the right, as you know, is Canon. He is also a level 3 magician.

Except for Daganov, whos appointed as a knight commanding officer despite his age, they are level 3 just like Haru. They are excellent for their ages, but Im a little worried. Muno seems to be a noble. Hes glaring at me and Haru, whose backgrounds are unknown hm? He is also glaring at Chinatsu, eh? It seems that he doesnt like the three of us. Canon is being Canon, he is scared of Nell. They dont seem to be useful in combat. Will this be okay?

Nell, what was your intention when picking them?

To beat Muno and Canon into shape, though? Ill be in the front line, so Daganov will be their guardian at that time.

Ah, it is the usual thing, huh? The moment I thought so, Muno opened his mouth as if he couldnt stand it anymore.

Nell-danchou! I cant accept this! Why are you taking girls to the expedition of noble knights! Its obvious that they will get in the way!

Chinatsu is my disciple and Haruna is Deriss disciple. Isnt that enough?

Thats not enough at all! To begin with, that mans ability is also questionable!

Hmm.

Ohh, he rebelled against that Nell. You are amazing, Muno. Your likability in me has skyrocketed. Apart from being unable to read the mood, I want to acknowledge your courage and guts. Looking at Nell smiling while having a vein, the two people on both sides are scared and are about to blow bubbles.

Im sorry, Danchou. Muno just joined this month and doesnt know about Deris-dono. I beg your tolerance.

Old man Daganov stepped forward and said so. Hes desperately appealing to her while sweating over the scars he got from many battles. On the other hand, Canon remains frozen.

Fufu, theres no need for that since Muno has a point, right? Besides, I said it in the beginning, didnt I? We are going to check each others abilities.

She shows an innocent smile that can fascinate others. However, the aura that she lets out is evil. Old man Daganov said nothing more and retreated. Yeah, thats the correct answer. As expected of someone who has been in this position for many years and survived. Whether it is okay to step further or not, he can see the borderline between life and death properly. By the way, at this time, Canon was actually blowing bubbles.

Lets have a mock battle for a bit. Ill measure Harunas strength, so Muno will fight against Deris. If you are saying that far, you can check his strength yourself.

Oi.

Nell is giving me eye contact. Send him flying. Give him some instruction. At worst, its okay to kill him. No, thats not good, you know?

Understood! This Muno will splendidly live up to your expectations!

You will die if you do that, Muno-kun.

Eh, I can fight against Nell-san? Im honored!

And here, Haru is purely looking forward to the mock battle. Im worried about the future