Published: January 15, 2026
Kamushin had done something. I intuitively understood that, but there was no time to check what exactly he had done now.
“N-No good!”
“Cut quickly!”
After one man was cut down, the others adjusted their grip on their swords and charged forward. However, the situation on our side had changed compared to earlier. One man was chasing after Kamushin but kept some distance. The remaining two could probably be held off by Kamushin and me working together to buy some time.
“They’re tougher than I thought, even if they’re just two kids.”
“Don’t point your swords at Lord Van!”
The genius boy Van-kun, who lightheartedly cracked jokes the moment we escaped danger, and Kamushin, always serious, received the men’s sword strikes together. Still, it seemed difficult for Kamushin’s blade to cut through their swords.
Meanwhile, my magnificent Orichalcum blade could cut an assassin’s sword cleanly in one stroke.
“They might have hidden weapons! Be careful!”
“Yes!”
I kept my distance without chasing the man who had lost his sword and seemed to be preparing something. I advised Kamushin, who quickly wielded the sword and blade with both hands, using the sword as a shield to parry the enemy’s blade, then slashed the opponent with the blade held in the other hand. The blade sliced the inside of the enemy’s arm, disabling one hand without completely severing it.
Just as I raised my head, unwilling to lose, I saw something approaching from behind the men.
“Kamushin, dodge!”
Shouting, I dropped sideways onto the ground, and something flew overhead at high speed. Almost simultaneously, a series of sharp sounds of things piercing the ground reached my ears. Looking back while still lying down, I saw several chunks of ice embedded in the earth—sharp, icicle-like pointed ice masses.
Looking beside me, Kamushin also had managed to avoid the ice chunks by dropping to the ground.
“Someone is launching a magic attack from deep inside!”
Kamushin immediately refocused, stood up swinging his blade, and yelled this out. I stood up a moment later but couldn’t formulate a strategy in my head. We couldn’t just run away together anymore. Turning back and running would mean certain death by that magic.
What should we do?
Just as I was racking my brain for a plan, a shout echoed from behind.
“There! Protect Lord Van!”
Following the low voice of a man came the roars of several others. Even without turning around, I recognized the voices as those of Stradale’s knights.
“…Damn!”
“This is as far as we go! Retreat!”
As the three assassins hesitated, we heard the voice of that woman giving orders. Taking her command, the three men immediately turned and ran away. Kamushin seemed about to give chase but I called out to stop him.
“Kamushin, let’s leave the rest to Chief Stradale.”
Hearing that, Kamushin stopped immediately and turned back. Confirming that, I sat down on the ground. Knights passed running by on both sides of us.
“Lord Van! Are you safe!?”
Stradale appeared beside me a step behind. He had his sword drawn and scanned the surroundings cautiously.
“Well, we got attacked while everyone was busy on the battlements and repairs. Next time, I’ll make sure we have at least five guards even inside the fort.”
“Please make sure to do so. Where have Row and Lord Van’s knight order gone?” Stradale asked sternly. It wasn’t the time for jokes; otherwise, Row might get hit for offense.
“Ah, I asked Row and the Seato village knights to assist the ballista units on the battlements. Several ballistas got destroyed, so with fewer numbers, they need to improve their accuracy.”
I explained to avoid Row getting scolded, but Stradale looked at me sharply.
“...Even if it was Lord Van’s order, Row has the duty to advise on guarding you.”
He muttered angrily and then looked at Kamushin, who held the enemy’s sword and my blade in his hands. Stradale took a deep breath.
“...If I recall, he was the slave boy Lord Van bought. You did a wonderful job. Though a slave cannot receive a knight marquis title, I recognize you as a knight.”