Kiyotaka walked out of the mansion to see a carriage.
Kiyotaka: (Visitors?)
Kiyotaka walked over, politely opening the door as an old man walked down and greeted him.
???: [Hello, young man. Might you be a knight in training?]
Kiyotaka: [No. I'm a butler.]
???: [You're a butler? I find that hard to believe.]
Kiyotaka: [I do have experience with the sword, but I'm currently working as a butler.]
???: [I see... oh, forgive my rudeness. My name is Wilhelm『Van』Astrea.]
He offered his hand, which Kiyotaka shook.
Kiyotaka: [Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.]
Wilhelm: [Might I interest you in some sparring?]
Kiyotaka: [Sure.]
Wilhelm: [Excellent.]
Kiyotaka walked into the mansion and brought out some practice swords, and he handed one to Wilhelm.
Kiyotaka: [Should we start?]
Wilhelm took in a breath.
Wilhelm: [Let's begin.]
Kiyotaka took a stance as Wilhelm quickly closed the distance and swung his sword. Kiyotaka deflected it to the side using a pulling motion, and Kiyotaka swung his blade counterattacking as Wilhelm jumped back.
Wilhelm: [Very nice, Kiyotaka-Dono.]
Kiyotaka: [I mean no disrespect...]
Wilhelm: [Hm?]
Kiyotaka rushed in.
Kiyotaka: [...but please focus on our duel.]
Kiyotaka swung his blade, but Wilhelm easily parried the slash, causing Kiyotaka to jump back.
Kiyotaka: (The difference in our pure physical ability is immense. There's no way I can beat him conventionally.)
Wilhelm, this time, got into a defensive stance. Kiyotaka circled him, analysing his stance, as he made a rush at him and thrusting his sword. Then, he pulled his blade up and cut at him downwards as Wilhelm blocked it.
Wilhelm: [Impeccable technique.]
Kiyotaka: (He's holding back so as not to hurt me.)
Kiyotaka rushed in, slashing at Wilhelm, who put up the sword, guarding as they entered a sword bind. Kiyotaka grabbed his sword arm and pulled it to the side, trying to take his sword off the centre line as he swung his sword at the open line for attack. Wilhelm broke free with brute strength and jumped back.
Kiyotaka: (And there goes my opening.)
Wilhelm: [Excellent tactic.]
Kiyotaka: [You're too kind with your praise.]
Kiyotaka: (He really is incredible. Even with all my sword training in the White Room, I'm sure I could learn a thing or two about swordplay from him.)
Wilhelm then dashed towards him, unleashing a flurry of attacks, attempting to unbalance and strike him. Even though they were fast, Kiyotaka could perceive them well enough to block them and dodge any attacks that had an unsavoury amount of power. Wilhelm seemed shocked to see him able to block the attacks. Then, in the next attack, Wilhelm put in more strength, knocking the wooden sword out of Kiyotaka's hand through brute force as the sword fell to the side with a soft thud.
Wilhelm: [That was excellent, Kiyotaka-Dono. You must have been an excellent swordsman.]
Kiyotaka: [Unfortunately, my physical abilities are not up to par.]
Wilhelm nodded.
Wilhelm: [However, I can count the number of people with your swordplay on my hand. If your body were trained, then I'm sure you could pass the Knight's exam with flying colours.]
Kiyotaka: [I don't have any intention of becoming a knight, but I thank you for your praise.]
Wilhelm: [I see. However, if you ever decide you want to join, I'll put in a good word for you.]
Kiyotaka: [I appreciate that. If the time ever does come that it's required, that would be a big help.]
Wilhelm smiled
???: [I'm back, Old Man Wil. Sorry to make you wait outside. I bet you were bored, huh?]
A cat boy approached them, meowing.
Wilhelm: [Not at all. I just had a duel with this young man here.]
The Cat Boy sweatdropped.
Cat Boy: [Should you really be duelling with a member of Emilia-Sama's staff?]
He looked at Kiyotaka, observing him from within his personal space.
Cat Boy: [Ah, nyow I see. Of course. You must be the boy Emilia-Sama mentioned.]
Kiyotaka extended his hand to him.
Kiyotaka: [Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Nice to meet you.]
Cat Boy shook his hand.
Cat Boy: [Felix Argyle Nyow.]
Kiyotaka: (He's not very strong, but I suppose his talents may lie elsewhere.)
Felix turned to Wilhelm.
Felix: [It's time to go, Old Man Wil.]
Felix then turned back to Kiyotaka.
Felix: [See you in the capital.]
Kiyotaka: (He expects me to be there? Why, though?)
Kiyotaka: [Can I ask what you were discussing with Emilia?]
Wilhelm: [Hm? I'm sorry but we're not able to tell you about that.]
Kiyotaka: [It's okay. If Emilia doesn't want to tell me herself, then I'll know there's an important reason for it.]
Wilhelm nodded as he and Felix entered the carriage, and they left.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Kiyotaka walked into Roswal's office.
Roswaal: [Ah, you're here Kiyotaka-Kuuun.]
Kiyotaka: [I apologise if I'm interrupting.]
Emilia shook her head.
Emilia: [It's alright.]
Kiyotaka: [I saw that there were some emissaries. Anything important?]
Roswaal: [Emilia-Sama was discussing some things about the Royal Selection. She will also be continuing discussion with the emmeisary.]
Kiyotaka: [Hm? You mean Felix Argyle?]
Roswaal: [Yes. He is Lugunica's foremost Water Mage with the title Blue. He is also very adept at Healing Magic. It took a lot for Emilia-sama to enlist his help in healing your cracked gate.]
Kiyotaka bowed.
Kiyotaka: [I thank you for your swift action.]
Emilia: [You don't need to bow, Kiyotaka. It's partially my fault that you got hurt. I mean, if I had done things a bit better... Um, it's all repayment for your help over the past few days!]
Kiyotaka: (The way she tries to cover for herself so that I don't feel the need to repay her... it's kind of cute.)
Roswaal: [Emilia-Sama, however, is heading to the Capital on important business. The healer will return with her on the way back after some more discussion.]
Kiyotaka: [I see. Then I will attend to the mansion while you are gone.]
Emilia smiled.
Emilia: [Thank you.]
Ram stepped up.
Ram: [Might you take Ayanotaka with you?]
Roswaal: [Oh? And why would you ever suggest thaaat, Ram?]
Ram: [It's just that it will be more convenient. That way, the healer can heal Ayanotaka right away in the capital, straight after the negotiations are finished. With his gate healed, he can focus on his work in the mansion and learning magic from you more.]
Kiyotaka: (Well, she's right.)
Ram: [Of course, if Roswaal-Sama is against it, I won't say anything.]
Roswaal hesitated for a second as Kiyotaka took advantage of this.
Kiyotaka: [If it is your desire, I'll accompany you, Emilia.]
Emilia nodded.
Emilia: [Okay.]
Roswaal seemed displeased at this, but it didn't bother him long as he dismissed his displeasure and nodded.
Roswaal: [Veeery well. Join us Kiyotaka-Kuuun.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Felix sat in the backseat as Wilhelm was at the reins.
Felix: [I'm surprised you went easy on him. Even if it was a mock duel. I thought you'd just chop people in half in any kind of duel.]
Wilhelm: [That is a grave misunderstanding.]
Felix: [Oh?]
Wilhelm: [I didn't have to hold back as much as I thought. That young man's talent with the sword... It surpasses every opponent I've ever fought. Even if his body is not there yet, his mind certainly is.]
Felix looked surprised.
Felix: [But isn't he a butler?]
Wilhelm nodded.
Wilhelm: [I find it strange as well. He said he was not intending to join the knights either. Perhaps he does not wish for that responsibility to be put on his shoulders.]
Felix: [So you took a liking to him because of that?]
Wilhelm: [It was also his eyes. There was an intense darkness in them. Like he had experienced death many times, but it looked as if that darkness had softened a little.]
Felix: [Well, I saw it too. That darkness. I'm not sure about it softening, but since the『Sword Demon』Wilhelm『Van』Astrea says it, it must be true.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
The carriage ride was long, but they made it to the capital. Kiyotaka walked up to the Vendor he'd met before in the capital.
Vendor: [Hey, look at you. You finally look like a customer now.]
Kiyotaka nodded, handing him some money.
Kiyotaka: [A bag of Appas please.]
The Vendor smirked, filling a bag with Appas and handing it to Kiyotaka.
Vendor: [There you go. Thanks for your business. Become a regular, okay?]
Kiyotaka took a bite of one of the Appas.
Kiyotaka: (Its taste is sweeter than any Apple I've had.)
Kiyotaka: [Best Appa I've ever had.]
Kiyotaka: (It's technically true since this is the first Appa I've ever had.)
The Vendor smirked.
Vendor: [You know it!]
They left the Vendor and walked through the streets.
Emilia: [I'm frankly still a bit worried about Felt, so let's go stop by a guard station and ask about it. We should be able to contact Reinhard that way.]
Kiyotaka nodded.
Kiyotaka: [Alright. If that's your wish.]
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
The two arrived at the guard station when a young man with purple hair and yellow eyes dressed as a knight walked over to them.
???: [Well, if it isn't Emilia-Sama.]
He bowed politely.
???: [It's good to see you again. Have you been well since we last met?]
Emilia: [Things were a bit rough for a second, but everything is sorted now. You seem to be doing well yourself, Julius.]
Kiyotaka: (He's quite strong. Just from his presence, I can tell he's comparable to Wilhelm. Hm... maybe stronger.)
Julius: [The mere fact that you remember me is an honour.]
He stepped forward, getting on one knee.
Kiyotaka: (Is he proposing? Wait... why does that irritate me slightly? Strange.)
Julius: [You have only grown more beautiful, Emilia-Sama.]
He kissed her hand.
Kiyotaka: (So it's just a showing of respect.)
Emilia: [Thank you. Forgive me for asking you so abruptly, but I have business here, and I'd like you to act as my agent in the castle.]
Julius eyed Kiyotaka.
Julius: [Does it have to do with this man? Could it be you're recommending him to the Knight Academy for formal training?]
Kiyotaka: [Emilia's business is not with me, so I'm afraid that you're mistaken.]
Julius: [I see. Might I ask you a few questions?]
Kiyotaka bowed.
Kiyotaka: [Of course, sir knight.]
Julius: [There's no need to bow. Might I ask your name first?]
Kiyotaka stood up straight and offered his hand.
Kiyotaka: [Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. Pleased to meet you.]
Julius: [Julius Juukulius.]
They shook hands.
Julius: [Do you have experience with the sword?]
Kiyotaka: [I do.]
Julius seemed to be evaluating Ayanokoji Kiyotaka. He could see the darkness in Kiyotaka's eyes and was concerned for Emilia.
Kiyotaka: (It's not possible to fool this man into thinking I'm normal.)
Julius: [Would you humour me with a mock duel?]
Emilia: [Julius!? Why would you?]
Julius: [Don't worry, Emilia-sama. It will be with wooden swords, and I'll make sure not to hurt him.]
Kiyotaka bowed to him.
Kiyotaka: [I'm sorry, but as a butler in the Emila camp, I have no right to duel a knight such as yourself. More importantly, I would like to not cause trouble for Emilia as she is here on official business.]
Julius smiled and Emilia looked at him appreciative of his manners and for fixing the situation.
Julius: [Despite being a butler, you seem more like a swordsman to me, and with your polite manners, you could certainly pass as a knight.]
Kiyotaka: [Thank you, but I don't deserve such praise.]
Julius: [Very well. Emilia-Sama. Might we head inside to the conference mirrors?]
Kiyotaka: [Conference mirrors?]
Emilia: [It's a metia that allows you to talk with others through two mirrors facing each other.]
Kiyotaka: (Like a phone but using magic, huh?)
Emilia: [Kiyotaka. Feel free to explore a little. I'll be in there for a while. Just don't get lost, okay?]
Kiyotaka walked around when he saw a girl with orange hair and a red dress walk into an alleyway.
Kiyotaka: (She's going into an alleyway? Doesn't she realise she'll be robbed? Well, she looked capable enough...)
Kiyotaka sighed.
Kiyotaka: (Remember. Be compasionate. Be... compasionate.)
Kiyotaka began walking towards the alley.
※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※
Three thugs surrounded the girl.
Thug 1: [You little...]
Thug 2: [Don't srew with us!]
Thug 3: [Want us to mess up that pretty little face of yours?]
Girl: [Don't make such a racket, commoners. Fools with no character pick fights for the most foolish reasons.]
Kiyotaka walked over.
Kiyotaka: [Oh, it's you three again.]
The three of them looked at Kiyotaka with malice.
Thug 1: [You bastard! I'll beat the shit out of you for what you pulled last time.]
Kiyotaka raised his hand.
Kiyotaka: [I don't really have time for you three.]
He walked over, swinging his leg at their heads, knocking two of the men unconscious before slamming his fist into the last one, knocking him out as well. Kiyotaka waved his hand to the girl as he began walking away.
Kiyotaka: [See you.]
Then Kiyotaka stopped as Rom walked over.
Kiyotaka: [Oh. I didn't expect to see you here, Rom.]
Rom: [That bastard Reinhard still has Felt.]
Kiyotaka: [Emilia was looking into the situation at the Guard station. You can come with me if you like.
Rom: [It's alright. I have something in mind.]
Kiyotaka: [Don't do anything reckless, okay?]
Rom: [It'll be fine.]
The girl looked at Kiyotaka with a glare.
Girl: [You dare to ignore me, commoner!?]
Kiyotaka noticed the insignia she was carrying.
Kiyotaka: [I apologise for my behaviour. It was unbecoming of a lowly peasant in the presence of a Royal Selection Candidate.]
He bowed politely while saying this to her.
Rom looked at Kiyotaka as if he were a suck-up, but in reality, he didn't want to want to waste time bickering with this woman.
Girl: [Haha. That's more like it.]
She then observed him closely.
Kiyotaka: [May I ask for your name?]
Girl: [I am Pricilla Barielle. The Future Ruler of Lugunica.]
Kiyotaka: [I see. Please forgive my prior actions, Lady Pricilla.]
Pricilla: [Hm... Now that I take a closer look at you, you're no commoner. A nobleman's son, perhaps? State your name.]
Kiyotaka: [Ayanokoji Kiyotaka.]
Pricilla: [I have a servant who is similar to you.]
Kiyotaka: [Hm?]
Kiyotaka: (Another person like me? Strange. Is she referring to my name or demeanour? Could she have guessed I'm not from this world?)
She used her fan to raise Kiyotaka's head.
Pricilla: [Join my camp.]
Kiyotaka was stunned at this offer.
Kiyotaka: (Join her camp? Why would she offer me that? She took one look at me and determined I was a valuable asset? This woman is very capable. More so than I had already thought.)
Pricilla smirked.
Pricilla: [What do you say?]
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To Be Continued
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Rating Out Of 10 For This Part:
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