Rendo's POV:
Throughout the entire journey, I haven’t stopped marveling at the youngest son of the lord of the territory. Ever since I met little Maki, I knew he was destined for great things, destined to reach places that an ordinary man like me was never meant to attain.
The ceiling of many people wouldn’t even serve as his floor. He’s simply someone blessed by the heavens. Watching him fight monsters so bravely when he was only a child was incredible. Seeing him again many years later is enough to make me want to sit down and applaud.
His senses are incredibly sharp. He possesses some kind of detection ability that’s even better than mine. I noticed he was the only person besides me who reacted to potential dangers or monsters lying in ambush. Whenever I fired a quick arrow, I could see he was already looking in that direction beforehand.
He even managed to surpass me in detecting a monster known for blending into its surroundings and concealing both its Imra and mana. I didn’t sense it at first. I only reacted when young Lord Maki launched an ice sword toward the monster.
At first, I was quite surprised by the sudden attack. Then my ability activated as I sensed the monster’s Imra and mana slowly fading away. He detected it effortlessly, as if the creature were shining like the sun in the middle of the darkness. He reacted so quickly that even the guard responsible for collecting the cores hesitated for a moment.
During almost the entire journey, he stayed in the back talking with Princess Brendu. I always knew he had a bright future ahead of him, but I never imagined I’d see him involved with a princess of a kingdom, the daughter of a duke, the niece of a marquis, and the daughter of the new viscount... I’ll keep praying that things continue going as well for him as they have so far. One woman is already a huge challenge.
I raise my head after taking one final look at the dead grade 4 monsters. They fell as if they were nothing more than insects. The pride of the territory and the princess make a deadly duo. Both are far stronger than they were during the tournament. They were already extraordinary back then. Now they’re playing in an entirely different league.
What will young Lord Maki’s children be like? All of his partners are exceptional in many different ways. They’ve all received excellent upbringings and education. If even one of their children inherits the talents of both parents, this territory will have a guardian for the next generation.
One of his children has to inherit that sword talent. In all my life, I’ve never seen anyone wield a weapon with such elegance and lethality. Nobody has even come close. I remember the movements from only a few moments ago, and I know I’ll never be capable of something similar.
I look down at my arms. I still have goosebumps from watching him perform a recital with both swords. They’re chatting so casually, as if wiping out a group of grade 3 and grade 4 monsters were nothing more than a stroll through a park. It’s a little terrifying.
All of the guards who came with us are equally fascinated. They’re completely stunned by the strength of one of our leaders. Hearing stories or watching recordings is completely different from seeing it in person. Strength is something that must be experienced firsthand.
I can see it in the eyes of all these young men. They’re filled with admiration and pride for young Lord Maki. After all, they’re people who grew up in this territory, and I personally trained many of them from a young age to never betray the trust of the lord of the territory. They’re all trustworthy.
In my years of experience, I’ve noticed something even more terrifying. They haven’t exerted themselves in the slightest. What kind of monster would be required to push them to their limits? I don’t even want to imagine it. It would probably require all the great powers of the region working together to face such a threat.
The people responsible for collecting the cores and valuable parts from the grade 4 monsters finish their work. Young Lord Maki thanks them, and they return to the rear. It’s time to continue our advance.
The path becomes more dangerous with every step. More and more grade 4 monsters continue appearing. This situation is becoming extremely dangerous. I’m glad we discovered this problem before it exploded out of control. It would have been disastrous if one of the villages had been attacked by such a large number of monsters.
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“Rendo.” I hear young Lord Maki call out, and I immediately approach. The entire group is resting after a battle that lasted longer than expected. “It’s reaching a point where they won’t be able to control it anymore. Two of the soldiers have already lost limbs, and one would have died if Brendu hadn’t helped him.” Young Lord Maki’s eyes are extremely serious.
“Yes, everyone is grateful for your help. Thanks to you, they’ve all recovered completely.” I bow slightly. I had no idea his healing ability had reached this level. Regenerating limbs so easily is a blessing.
“It’s better if you wait at the base of the mountain. I’m happy they’re gaining combat experience, but... it’s going to become very difficult to continue together. I don’t know what’s waiting ahead. There may be something that requires my full attention, and I won’t be able to help them. I don’t want them to throw their lives away.” His voice is gentle yet firm at the same time.
It pains me to realize we’re no longer strong enough to continue accompanying him, but there’s nothing we can do except hope that nothing that dangerous exists.
“Alright, we’ll wait below. We’ll be ready to flee or assist if necessary.” I answer immediately. “I know I don’t really have the position to ask this, but... I want both of you to promise me something.” Princess Brendu and young Lord Maki look at me, waiting for me to continue.
“Please don’t take unnecessary risks. If things become complicated, please run away. There’s no point in risking your lives here. If things become troublesome, it would be better to return later with stronger reinforcements.” The words come straight from my heart.
I can see small smiles appear on both of their faces before growing into bright grins from ear to ear.
“Thank you for your concern. We have no intention of dying here. If things become dangerous, we’ll find a way to escape... or Brendu will escape. Please promise me that you’ll protect her with your life while I handle the rest.” Young Lord Maki winks at me.
“I promise. If I have to spend my final breath ensuring the princess returns safely, I’ll do it. I swear it.” I strike my chest with my right fist like a determined soldier. The young lord didn’t even need to ask. I would have done it anyway.
My jaw nearly drops when I see the princess punch young Lord Maki in the ribs.
“Don’t make those kinds of jokes. You’ll attract bad luck.” I freeze while watching the two of them.
“I’m just taking precautions to make sure my beloved princess returns home in one piece. I can take care of myself somehow.” He laughs softly while teasing her.
“Are you calling me weak? Are you suggesting the Princess of the Kingdom of Juka is weak? I think I’ll tell Ruddo that you need more intensive training.” The princess shoots back. Young Lord Maki immediately flinches as if a chill had run down his spine.
“I know you’re strong. I’ve always known that. It’s just that I can survive in far harsher conditions. I can adapt easily to any situation. One way or another, I’ll survive.” Maki gently strokes the princess’s hair.
“Yes, I know. You’re like an immortal cockroach, every woman’s worst nightmare.” She responds sharply, but her attitude is that of a completely happy girl who feels protected by the man she loves.
“Well, Rendo, you should get going. I don’t know how long this will take, and if I’m late for dinner, the other girls will cause me more trouble than any grade 4 or grade 5 monster.” The moment young Lord Maki finishes speaking, I move to relay the message to the rest of the group.
Some are happy to return after several extremely difficult battles in a row. Others are disappointed because they won’t get to witness any more demonstrations of young Lord Maki’s strength. Some of them even gained inspiration from watching him fight and improved techniques or abilities because of it.
“Don’t forget your promise.” Young Lord Maki reminds me before we leave. “Just in case something goes wrong, and purely as a precaution, send two people back to the territory to report the situation. My grandmother will know what to do.” I nod before turning around and leading everyone back the way we came.
I understand what he means. Even if we don’t know whether reinforcements will be needed, it’s better to have someone prepared. There’s one person who would be delighted to come help. That same person has been waiting for young Lord Maki’s return so they could train together again. Cokue, possibly the strongest person in the territory aside from outsiders and young Lord Maki himself.
I turn around one last time to see the two of them still standing there talking. I hope nothing strange happens and that they return soon. I don’t care whether they manage to exterminate all the monsters or not. Their lives are far more important.
“Young Lord Maki isn’t just strong. He also has a kind heart and is someone we can trust. I’m happy I had the chance to meet him today.” I look toward young Mariu beside me. He’s the most talented of the new recruits in the territory, a capable young man with deep love for his homeland.
His perfectly trimmed light-brown hair is dirty from battle, and his green-brown eyes look tired, but his desire to fight hasn’t faded.
“Yes, he’s someone we can rely on when things become difficult... he has already saved this territory several times. When he was only emerald rank, he stopped a stampede by himself. He’s someone destined to perform miracles. Let’s trust him and Princess Brendu with the rest of the expedition.” I speak loudly enough to encourage the rest of the team as well.
I’m certain nothing strange will happen and that both of them will return safely. I trust young Lord Maki completely.