(Harolds POV)

I cant exactly say that Im ready, but Im not going to get any more time no matter how frustrated I am. In the end, I wasnt able to think of any contingency plans and had to request Tasukus cooperation.

Even if I claimed that this expedition was a trap, I wouldnt be able to fully convince him unless I was able to present firm evidence. If theres anything else that I should do in preparation, then I should probably warn Cody to be cautious.

Theres not really any point in doing so, though.

We were proceeding at the rate of horses that had their reins tugged while they were pulling a carriage full of rocks over a rocky area. I could swear that this craggy path was making my feet heavier somehow.

Use the muscles in your shoulders more, Harold. I know you can do it because the muscles you use to keep your face stiff all the time must be at least five times stronger!

Maybe I looked more stressed out than I thought, because Sid, who was walking beside me, decided it would be fun to tease me a bit.

Everyday since the first day of the expedition, without fail, Codys unit had continued to say things of a similar sense to me time and time again. Perhaps they thought I was nervous, with this being my first assignment and all, and they were just trying to help me relax.

Though there was no doubt that I was nervous in a different sense.

Unfortunately, my various remarks such as Be careful, dont grow negligent or Watch your surroundings were all overlooked by the lack of tension. The majority of the veterans such as Robinson saw the expedition as a low-risk campaign that we shouldnt worry about.

Sometimes I wonder if I shouldve been more thorough with my preparations, but I still have plenty of time left. In a bad way, there wasnt any tension in the air at all.

You bastards are taking this too lightly. If a battle starts, youll be the ones to die first.

Who would we be fighting?

From the patrol guard on the border, theyve reported sightings of men who might be spies from the Empire.

Well I guess thats something to be wary of, but if theyre a reconnaissance team, theyd only thirty people at most. While were numbering a little over two-hundred, even if a battle were to start, wed be able to resolve it easily enough.

Im not sure what answer I should give Sid, because I know this isnt going to be some small skirmish.

Its only natural that a thirty-person unit specialized in reconnaissance would die in vain against a fully supplied and equipped opponent in enemy territory. So theres no way any veteran from the Order would conclude such a battle happening.

But thats only the case if the prior information was true. Theres a high chance that things will take a turn for the worse from that premise.

Originally its supposed to be a battle where many casualties are supposed to appear, its more than likely that theres going to be ambushes and other surprises waiting for us in the forest.

I wonder how Sid could be so calm and composed yet still meet his demise at the hands of Larry Cloud.

While thinking about such dark things, I swore that Id stab a metal nail through him before that happens.

If possible, Ill crush any chance of that meeting happening so that Sid can return home.

If you dont want to die, then you should prepare yourself to be battle-ready at any moment. Well, a bastard like you already knows that, no?

Yeah~ Yeah~

It seems like Sid, who had gotten used to my crude remarks, kept pushing for goodwill.

I want to warn them of the future that awaits them, but theres just not enough evidence, instead of getting them to believe me, Im only cultivating unnecessary distrust and suspicion.

At the very least, I tried to plant a sense of crisis in their hearts to no avail, and before I knew it, we had arrived at a town nearby the Blitz Forest. While staying there we were assigned to patrol the forest.

(Ah... what am I supposed to do?)

Having arrived in the evening, and that the preparations for the next day were already completed, I decided it would be nice to try exploring the city dyed in the setting sun.

Considering the time, there wasnt very many people in the streets. Well, I guess it wasnt a very big town in the first place.

Even if you walk absentmindedly while brooding over a problem, you wont bother anyone on these deserted streets. Unbeknownst to myself, I had walked into a back alley by accident, most probably because I had directed most of my resources towards thinking.

Then my feet stopped.

When my thoughts had returned to me, I came to realize how lost I was. I had no idea where I had walked from.

Just what am I doing? I thought to myself, amazed. In such a dark alley, I caught myself from voicing those thoughts aloud.

...thats far enough. Just how long do you plan to keep tailing me?

I put a lot of pressure into my voice, even though it looked liked I was speaking to myself.

However, at that moment multiple personages appeared from the space that previously housed noone. Their figures were covered completely in black, as if to melt into the dusk, reminiscent of ninjas.

To be surrounded by such an eerie group, my alertness level had risen to its maximum in an instant, even though I wasnt sure if they were the enemy or not.

But contrary to my expectations, the ten black figures didnt move. Then, one of them stepped forward and removed the cloth that had previously hidden everything except for their eyes.

It has been quite some time~ Harold-sama~

That drawling voice of hers didnt fit the tension. Although her wardrobe had changed considerably from the cooks apron she was wearing before. The person before me was definitely Yuno, Erikas attendant.

A strong sense of relief swept through my body now that I knew that they were allies instead of enemies, releasing the tension.

A message from Tasuku?

Yes~

After fierce negotiations I was somehow able to gain Tasukus assistance. Im really grateful to know that he dispatched human resources for me as promised.

But why send me Yuno? This is clearly a heavy burden for Yuno, who doubles as a maid.

Or maybe the reason why she serves as Erikas escort is

because

shes that skilled, a brilliant way to keep a skillful personnel hidden.

Well, I guess Ill forgive you bastards for that greeting earlier.

Yes~ By the way~ Erika-sama told me to Do as you will~

(Huh?)

What Yuno just told me didnt register. You would think that someone who was in a master-servant relationship with Tasuku and Erika wouldnt talk about themselves that lightly.

Those words were akin to her saying Im here because I wanted to come here.

I had just learned something astonishing, but I couldnt afford to think about such things right now.

Hmm, well, its fine. Have you bastards heard anything new?

Somewhat~ Yuno slurred ambiguously.

Although this place was uninhabited, it probably wasnt the best place to disclose this information.

You never know where ears are lurking.

If thats so, lets move to a secure location, and disclose the details there.

Over here~ Weve prepared a private room thats out-of-sight~~

As expected, Tasuku did his job thoroughly.

In response to Yunos words, the other black figures melted into the shadows, once again disappearing into the darkness. Does that mean that Yuno will be my guide?

When I turned to Yuno and saw her face, I couldnt help but feel soothed by her smile.

Towards her, I silently prayed that shed help support me when I needed it.

(Cody POV)

Its already been three days since we arrived at the Blitz forest. While performing our duties as a support force, I may have kept up my usual attitude on the surface, but the truth was that my heart felt like it was in the middle of a storm.

The reason for this discord was the boy, Harold, who had just recently joined my unit.

Im montering Harold due to the request of Vincent, the Knights Second-in-Command, who also happens to be my old friend, but its not a pleasant thing to doubt your own men.

If Harold had only one mysterious point to be doubted, then this wouldnt be so awkward.

Originally, what caught my eye was his overwhelming fighting ability, but my doubts became clear with our run-in with that mysterious red-black mist that we encountered during the exam.

An unidentified monster. Harolds response was one that could have only been made if he knew something about that foggy monster.

He insisted it was just intuition and acted as if it was the first time he ever saw it, but that was obviously proven a lie judging by how he fought that thing.

If Vincent hadnt asked me to do this, and I didnt have these doubts of mine, then maybe I couldve overlooked this mystery.

There might not be any detrimental effects to The Order by doing this, but why go about it in such a roundabout way?

(The Crimson-black fog I really hope that you dont know anything about it, Harold.)

I cant fathom his reasons why.

I dont even know what that reddish fog is in the first place, but if I can clarify the identity of that mist, theres a chance Ill be able to see the true meaning to Harolds actions.

But I cant say something with leisure now, whether or not he fights on the side of the Knight Order or the mysterious monsters, Harold knows fully well that hes been telling information thats impossible for ordinary people to know.

When he was informed about his participation in the expedition, he was clearly displeased.

And from the moment that the expedition started, whenever he opened his mouth hed let out repeated remarks akin to Prepare for battle.

As if he knew that there was a need to do so.

Besides, I cant help but feel anxious whenever I cant see his figure when I return to town.

I cant wipe away that bad feeling of mine. Sure, members tend to grow nervous when being sent out on their first mission, but I know that Harold isnt just some little boy.

Ill never be able to calm my heart if I cant even calm my mind.

As Ive understood it, Im worried about Harolds persistent remarks.

Should I purposely spread what I know? I dont think Harold will come clean, but if this is a crisis that involves lives, this may be the choice I have to make to protect my subordinates.

(But... Harold is an important subordinate of mine too, right?)

This was my unwavering conviction, but at the same time it was the idealism that troubled me.

I know that Harold isnt as bad a kid as he appears to be, now that Ive been in close contact with him for several months. He seems to be keeping some secret, but he hasnt done anything detrimental to the Order so far.

I want to believe in Harold, its only natural to feel that way as his supervisor.

Im believing in him because I want to believe in him, but I cant talk about it. This unconditional trust of mine is equivalent to blind fools.

I exhaled a long,

long

sigh.

Just thinking about it makes it more complicated.

Having said so, maybe I should just walk up to Harold one day and say Hey there, morning Harold-kun, is there anything youre hiding from me you want to talk about?

Theres always the chance that hell spill everything due to being seen through.

I immediately purged the thought, theres no way that would work!

However, it might not be a bad idea to talk to him sometime. We might not have another chance if something happens during the patrol mission.

And when I tried heading out to meet with Harold, a messenger burst in with the momentum to break down the door.

Theres a report that a patrol duty unit is being attacked by someone! There are numerous reports of injuries! They are requesting immediate assistance!

Each commander started moving with the message, but I was the one to move the fastest.

As I opened the door to the room housing my Unit, there should be twenty people including Harold.

Its time for work! Tell everyone to gather outside, and Robin-kun-

Y-yes?!

Wheres Harold-kun?

He was here just a little while ago...

Im too late, hes probably already heading over to the scene.

My intuition told me so.

From here on out the Cody-unit will follow the instructions of the Maric-unit! Ill be looking for Harold-kun, so Im counting on you!

C-captain?!

I ran out without listening to Robins voice, and went to check the stables first. I didnt hear of anybody borrowing a horse, and their numbers didnt seem to decrease.

Harold may have thought that a rookie member didnt have the authority to borrow an emergency horse.

In other words, Harold decided to run to the Blitz forest on his two feet, I should be able to catch him if I use a horse.

I, who had just borrowed a horse made a beeline straight to the forest. Within five minutes, I was able catch sight of Harolds back.

Even so, what amazing leg strength. It took more time than expected to catch up.

Slowing down the horse, I jumped off and stood in front of Harold.

Where are you going in such a hurry, Harold-kun?

...bastard, what are you doing?

You mean with Robin and the others? I left their command to the other teams.

Go back. You may be a bastard, but youre their captain.

If thats what you want, then why dont we return together?

I refuse.

Rejecting my offer to return, Harold decided to work alone.

He has no idea the consequences this could bring, ignoring the command of a superior officer and acting selfishly to his own plan.

Moreover, if he intervenes with the battlefield, he wont be able to avoid punishment. Itll be beyond the range that I can protect him from. At worst, hell be discharged and imprisoned.

But I guess that means the reason why he has to go is that important to him.

The boy named Harold will never bend his own beliefs. He has the strength to make anything he intends reality.

I cant persuade him with just words.

Why do I have to have such a stubborn subordinate? I thought with a bitter smile.

Do you really expect me to return by myself?

I dont care, just go already!

And here Im telling you I cant do that! Do you really want to be convicted as a criminal that badly?!

And thats only the case if he survives.

Just by looking at Harold eyes, you could tell how displeased he was. They were the eyes of someone resolved to dive into the jaws of death.

Ive seen so many people that have had those eyes to the point that its unreasonable, and more than a few of them are dead.

...

Are you sure? Do you really want me to say this?

Theres no way I can send someone with such eyes to the battlefield.

Although Vincent may be suspicious of Harold, Im different. When I first saw Harold, I could see it.

The figure of Harold standing as a great knight that lead others.

Some might say this is my selfishness speaking, and theyre right. This is me working for my ideals.

I know that Harold has the potential to reach heights that neither I nor Vincent will ever be able to achieve.

Still, I dont want to die.

I took in a deep breath, I cant afford to hold back in this fight, no matter what.

Unsheathing my sword, I realized I was doing something that I might not be able to handle myself.

Letting out my usual laugh with vigor, I declared,

If you really want to get past here that badly, youll have to go through me first! ...get it?

Translated by KuroInfinity. Written by Izumi ().