Chapter 44 Reality Is Always Cruel

Im stunned and just standing still. Deris is coming. That means he knows Ive been working behind the scene. My best friend, Canon, also looked very nervous after receiving those words from Nell-danch. This may be really bad.

And then, Deris arrived here.

Oh, youre here. Morning.

Morning. Whats up with the sudden call?

Whats up with the sudden call? he said? What a shameless guy. Im sure he saw this coming and then pulled the strings behind the scene. Still, this is bad. At worst, I might be erased here. No, its fine if its just me. What I want to avoid is if the sparks fall on Canon, who cooperated with me, and Nell-danch, who will be held responsible for it. That must be avoided at all costs.

But, it seems that this Deris bastard is quite good. That Nell-danch is talking differently than when I saw her at the graduation festival. How should I put it theres no sharpness, or perhaps hostility? Now that I think about it, even though its a holiday, its strange that she comes to the barracks wearing casual clothes. As a leader, setting a good example is important even in normal times. Ah! I see, shes appealing to Deris with that fascinating appearance and attitude that she has no intention of opposing him!

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.

Shes thinking about us even at a time like this! It seems that the anecdote about the drastic decrease in casualties after she became the leader was true. Are there any other superiors who cares about the lives of their subordinates so much? Nope. I can assert that!

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

Dont worry, its a self-proclaimed Demon King.

To think that she soothed Canons nervousness with a smart joke. I didnt know that Nell-danch has such a unique side. Shes also beautiful inside, what a flawless person.

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~!

I-I see, in for a penny, in for a pound. Shes taking along the fake disciple that was sent by Deris! This is a surprise move that I could never think of. Im sure shes currently thinking of the next bold move in her mind. Damn it! Is there anything I can do to help her?

Y-Yes, Shishou. What Haruna!?

Waah! Its Chinatsu-chan!

How should I put it I dont know how to react when they are so blatantly acting as if its a coincidence. The fact that this disciple is connected to Deris is well known. I wont get fooled, but Im overwhelmed by their acting abilities. Its as if Im witnessing girls rejoicing over a truly unexpected reunion, and my tears suddenly

Ugh, not good! I was about to be deceived. As expected of the spy sent by Deris, she has extraordinary skills. I wont be fooled, I wont be fooled anymore! Harden my heart, wrinkle my eyebrows and stare at them. Alright, with this, Im now perfect both physically and mentally.

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

Ne-Nell-danch has been put in check! I have to go on the offensive here, no, I have to draw Deris attention even a little and keep away his attention from everyone. at least, I might die alone. Ah, thats right. Thats the only thing I can do. I hope that someday Nell-danch will be freed from Deriss binding spell.

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

I feel sorry for those girls, but I abuse them so that the hostility will be directed toward me. Deris is staring at me blankly, he must be surprised by my remarks. I cant read his mind from that gaze, but I guess he didnt expect it. Still, what will come next is great anger. Yes, you can take that anger out on me!

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.

Nell-danch puts tremendous pressure on me as if to stop me. Kuh, what a pressure! Im barely standing in front of her and I feel as if Im about to be crushed. However, this heavy pressure, which at first glance seems to be a mass of murderous intent, is the kindness of thinking of the members when turned inside out. Danch, Im sorry. Although Im a young bird who has just joined, I will rebel against your will.

Mu-Muno? What are you doing? C-Come on, apologize to her now! You can apologize to Deris-san later, but you have to apologize to her for now! Theres a limit to being clueless, you know!?

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

Canon whispered so, he must be worried about me. Commander Daganov is also defending me. Ah, after all, the Magic Knight Order is a noble and warm place. Ill be going ahead, please forgive me.

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. 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.

T-This is a joint mission with Nell-danch!? I unexpectedly received support from her. Leave that Haruna girl to me and keep that Deris bastard in check! Thats what she meant, right!? Yes, I understand. I understand!

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

I feel like Deris is looking at me while looking somewhat displeased. Yes, a man who has resolved himself is strong. Im sure Deris understands that.

Just when the opportunity to win opened up slightly

We can just let Haru do it instead of me, right? If the disciple can prove her strength, so can the master.

Ehh, no way! Shish, my opponent is Nell-sa

It seems that Deris caught my intentions. Perhaps he was afraid of me, he tried to get the girl to fight me instead. Look, the girl is awfully shaken. If its the kind-hearted Nell-danch, Im sure she can hold back her power. But, Ive hardened my heart. I cant hold back even if my opponent is a girl. What a cowardly guy!

Well, I guess thats okay. Haruna, Muno. You can have a match here. Do it seriously, okay?

Ne-Nell-danch, to think that she trusts me that much! Kuh, understood. This Muno will splendidly win this without hurting her!

I and the girl are facing each other and take a stance. The girl is not holding a staff, but barehanded. Then, let me show you the magic that I trained at the academy.

Well then, begin!

Dont worry, I will end this painless

Im sorry!

My memory was cut off shortly after I heard Nell-danchs beautiful voice informing the start of the match.