Ch.370EP.77 – After He Left (5)

The cadets, or rather the boys and girls who had now become members of the Turtle Federation Knights, were amazed.

What were they amazed at?

“Wow, this actually works?”

“This really works?”

“This is actually working?”

That a knighthood could be established in just one week.

In a time when the royal palace was burning and war was looming.

When it would be common for everyone to stay put and wait quietly, the girl moved actively with her blue hair fluttering, as if mocking the atmosphere of impending war.

“In situations like this, we need to move even faster! We must have the strength to protect what’s precious to us—our families, friends, and loved ones. And what we need in these times is not individual strength, but ‘collective power.’ Only collective power will protect us!”

The girl, or rather Levi Jeanne d’Arc, the first ‘Chairperson’ of the Turtle Federation Knights, persuaded each of them individually and asked them to lend their strength.

“If we remain idle, we’ll only be trampled.”

Why did those words resonate so deeply in their hearts…

Within 30 minutes of conversation, they were convinced. Before they knew it, they had gathered around the girl and recruited others, and now a new force was being launched at the Swordsmanship Department’s training grounds.

“The Turtle Federation Knights accepts anyone. However, we do not accept those who commit evil acts or those who are lazy and indolent. But we will not abandon those who know how to make an effort, even if they lack talent or have physical disabilities. …My words might sound like those of a foolish girl chasing ideals. But I declare that accepting those who will nourish and strengthen the organization, rather than nurturing parasites that eat away at it, is the orthodox way and shortcut to solidify all foundations. A group with roots stronger and firmer than any other, though it may seem slow at first—that is what I hope we will become.”

Though clearly speaking of ideals, the girl presented her case.

There was a reason she voiced her ideals.

And so.

Clap…!

Clap clap clap clap clap!!

Thunderous applause erupted.

Though still awkward and lacking in many areas, the girl’s journey along this difficult path was clearly following the “code of chivalry.”

Honor and pride.

Those two qualities were embedded in the girl’s words and actions.

* * *

“…Am I really the right person to sit in this position? Lord Roen would be more suitable…”

Where had the confident orator from earlier gone? In her place was a hesitant, shy girl.

“Bear—I mean, Levi. Calm yourself.”

“…You were about to call me ‘Bear’ just now, weren’t you?”

“You’re mistaken.”

“……”

“I entrusted this position to you because I believe you’re suitable for it. At least, more so than me.”

“It feels like you’re changing the subject…”

“…Ahem.”

Levi’s words were speaking the absolute truth.

After all, the young man clearing his throat now was essentially the one who had gathered all the great nobles.

No matter how extraordinary Levi’s aspirations and potential might be, it would have been impossible for her alone to attract such influential figures.

However.

‘Lord Roen personally negotiated with everyone and brought them here.’

She didn’t know what kind of deal had been made.

But he must have made an enticing proposal, and those powerful factions must have promised to sponsor them.

That’s why Levi still thought he should be the chairperson, but Roen declined, saying he had personal matters to attend to.

Such a refusal didn’t seem entirely false, as one could see how haggard he had become recently.

Perhaps that’s why.

“I feel like I might have been selfish. I’m sorry, my lord…”

Levi murmured apologetically.

“No, don’t apologize. I did it because I wanted to. Besides, I haven’t lost anything. Rather, I’ve gained something.”

“Gained?”

“Yes, to be more precise, I’m indirectly achieving the ideal I’m pursuing.”

“?”

“You don’t need to understand it. Just know this one thing: having you in that position not only reduces my burden but is also very helpful.”

“…Yes, I’ll remember that.”

“Good.”

She was truly extraordinary.

As if she had immediately recognized the sincerity in his words, she no longer resisted.

“Since Lord Roen says so, I won’t mention feeling burdened anymore. Though it’s more than I deserve, I should fulfill the duty I’ve been given. Still, I have many shortcomings, so I hope you’ll continue to help me.”

“Of course.”

“…In that spirit, there’s something I’ve been thinking about. Could you possibly help me with it?”

“Oh?”

With a look that seemed to say “See?”, Roen showed interest.

Despite her earlier complaints about not being able to do it, she had already drawn up a blueprint.

Anyway.

‘She surprises me in a different way than the instructor. Well, that’s just like her.’

She was his admiration and like a teacher to him.

That was none other than the Mercenary Queen he remembered.

Sure enough.

“Thanks to the guild’s help, gathering people wasn’t difficult. There were talented commoners who left the academy due to family circumstances, as well as those who lost their jobs in this recent chaos. From among them, we were able to select those needed for the federation.”

The girl was already revealing her next step.

“But as you know, it’s hard to tell if they’re truly trustworthy. If I had a sense of smell or hearing that could detect lies like Master, it would be different.”

“That’s not a skill possible for humans.”

“Hehe, that’s true. So I was thinking, could we possibly get help from that person?”

“That person?”

“Lady Lohengrin.”

“…I see. That would certainly be useful.”

“Yes, although she’s said to have lost most of her abilities, I heard she can still use [Enchantment]. If we use that, we could catch suspicious or malicious individuals, or those hiding their crimes.”

“So you’ll only accept those who have been verified.”

“It may sound cruel, but as I said in my announcement earlier, we need to strengthen our roots.”

“Excellent. I’ll call that wench—I mean, her right away.”

It was certainly a good idea.

Who would have thought there would be a use for that poisonous weed?

‘I hate to admit it, but her ability is truly remarkable.’

Well, it was because of such ability that once he…

“Wench? Isn’t that too harsh a word for your fiancée? Hehe.”

“…Who said she’s my fiancée?”

“What? Oh, wasn’t she? That’s what the rumors said…”

“!!?”

…Roen seemed to know who had spread that rumor, and felt the urge to chop off the head of that detestable succubus with an axe.

Fortunately for the succubus, however.

“Ah, excuse me. Could I have a word with you two?”

“…Guild Master.”

“Please, call me Simon.”

Someone inadvertently saved her from crisis.

* * *

‘His Lordship has left behind treasures.’

Simon inwardly looked fondly at the boy and girl before him.

Who would have thought such radiant individuals would exist in a kingdom so broken?

‘Indeed, the country is not without talent.’

The problem is just that there are too many thieves.

Just looking at them filled him with satisfaction.

With that feeling, Simon opened his mouth.

“First of all, congratulations, Levi. Or should I say Chairperson Levi now?”

“Oh, no. Please feel free to call me whatever is comfortable. And I should be thanking you for gracing this occasion with your presence.”

“Haha, gracing? Compared to the other guests, I’m embarrassingly outranked.”

“Outranked? How could you be lacking in any way, Guild Master…”

The look in her eyes genuinely believed Simon was not lacking.

As he had felt when she was on the podium, her benevolent charm was impressive.

In a sense, such charm was an innate ability to lead and captivate others.

An exceedingly rare quality.

‘Tsk, come to think of it, I was quite the villain too.’

The guild was responsible for arranging the marriage for such a talented child.

Although it wasn’t directly his doing, nor was it his responsibility, as someone in a position of authority, Simon felt indebted to the girl.

Therefore.

‘If there’s a debt, it should be repaid in full.’

– ‘Apologizing is important, but equally important is repaying one’s debts.’

While his brilliant mind certainly played a role in becoming the youngest guild master, it was likely due to such principles that Simon held dear.

“Guild Master Simon, what did you come to talk about?”

“I apologize, Lord Roen, for interrupting your conversation.”

“No, that’s fine. What’s more important is why you interrupted. I don’t think someone of your caliber would approach just for trivial greetings or congratulations.”

“My goodness, you overestimate me.”

“I think that’s still an underestimation.”

“…Well, well.”

Young people these days are formidable.

With that thought…

“You’re not wrong. I did come with something to say.”

He didn’t deny Lord Roen’s words.

“It’s nothing major, but I believe something will happen within the next fortnight.”

“Something?”

“?”

“I don’t have clear information. There’s no evidence either. It’s merely my ‘prediction,’ so its reliability might be quite low.”

“…Your prediction sounds more like the most certain evidence and information.”

“I agree. Master also told me to listen carefully when the Guild Master speaks. He said you never speak idly.”

“…Well, well. It seems His Lordship raised your evaluation of me too high before leaving…”

Simon smiled bitterly.

Still, with a positive mindset that it was better than not being trusted…

“—It seems that all ‘members’ of the ‘Noble Council’ will be assassinated within the next fortnight.”

“……”

“…What?”

“Well, perhaps…”

—It wouldn’t be strange if they were all already dead.

“Well, it’s just a prediction.”

Simon shrugged with a smile on his lips.

As if to say not to take it too seriously.