Chapter 251: Khamsin’s Loyalty
Khamsin had done something. I understood that intuitively, but I didn’t have the time right now to confirm exactly what it was.
“N-no!”
“Cut him down, quick!”
Having lost one of their own, the men gripped their swords tighter and came at us. However, the situation had changed from moments ago. One of them was chasing after Khamsin, but there was some distance between them. As for the remaining two, Khamsin and I could probably buy enough time against them.
“You’ll find us surprisingly tough, you know, even for two kids.”
“Don’t point your sword at Lord Van!”
On one side, the genius boy Van, who regained his composure and started cracking jokes the moment the crisis passed; on the other, the ever-serious Khamsin. We received the men’s swords together. As expected, it seemed difficult for Khamsin’s katana to slice through the opponent’s sword completely.
On the other hand, my magnificent Orichalcum sword could slice through an assassin’s blade in a single stroke.
“They might have hidden weapons! Be careful!”
“Y-yes!”
I kept my distance from the man who had lost his sword and was trying to pull something else, choosing to advise Khamsin instead of pursuing. Khamsin handled the katana and the stolen sword swiftly with both hands. He used the sword like a shield to clash against the opponent’s blade, and immediately slashed the opponent with the katana held in his other hand. The katana sliced through the inside of the opponent’s arm. Although it didn’t sever the limb, he succeeded in rendering one of the man’s hands useless.
Just as I looked up, determined not to be outdone, I saw something approaching from behind the men.
“Khamsin, dodge!”
While shouting, I threw myself sideways onto the ground. Something flew directly overhead at high speed. Almost simultaneously, I heard a succession of sounds like things piercing the earth. Lifting my head while still lying down, I looked back to see several chunks of ice embedded in the ground. They were sharp-tipped blocks of ice, resembling thick icicles.
Looking next to me, I saw that Khamsin had also thrown himself to the ground and managed to avoid the ice chunks.
“Someone is attacking with magic from the back!”
Khamsin switched his focus immediately, shouting as he stood up while swinging his katana. I stood up a moment later, but I couldn’t formulate a plan in my head. Now, we couldn’t even run away. If we turned our backs to run, that magic would undoubtedly finish us off.
What should we do?
Just as I was racking my brain to the point of a headache, a roar echoed from behind.
“Over there! Protect Lord Van!”
Following a man’s low shout, the roars of multiple people could be heard. Even without turning around, I knew it was Stradale’s voice.
“…Tch!”
“This ends here! Retreat!”
As the three assassins hesitated, the woman’s voice from earlier rang out. Upon receiving that instruction, the three men turned and bolted as if repelled by a spring. Khamsin looked like he was about to chase them for a split second, so I called out to his profile to stop him.
“Khamsin. Let’s leave the rest to Commander Stradale.”
When I said that, Khamsin froze and looked back. After confirming he stopped, I sat down right there. Knights ran past us on both sides.
“Lord Van! Are you safe!?”
A moment later, Stradale appeared next to me. He stood with his sword drawn, looking around vigilantly.
“Well, they got us while everyone was busy on the walls and with repairs. From now on, I think I’ll walk with at least five guards even inside the fortress.”
“Please ensure you do so. Where have Law and your knights gone?”
Stradale spoke in a hard voice. The atmosphere was such that if I made a joke, he might take it seriously and punch Law later.
“Ah, I asked Law and the Seatoh Village Knight Order to assist the ballista units on the castle walls. After all, several ballistae were destroyed. If the numbers drop, we have no choice but to increase accuracy.”
I said this to prevent Law from getting scolded, but Stradale looked at me with stern eyes.
“…Even if it was Lord Van’s order, Law has a duty to propose a guard detail.”
He muttered with a voice seeping with anger, then looked at Khamsin. Seeing Khamsin gripping the enemy’s sword and the katana I made, Stradale exhaled deeply.
“…You are the slave child Lord Van purchased, correct? You performed magnificent work. Although a slave cannot receive a knighthood, I recognize you as a knight.”
When Stradale said this, Khamsin nodded in a bow.
“Thank you very much.”
He was acknowledged by the Commander of the mighty Fertio Marquis Knight Order. It didn’t matter that Khamsin’s origin was that of a slave. It was the highest honor.
“That’s great, Khamsin.”
I felt happy as if it were my own achievement. Thinking that, I smiled and praised Khamsin, but Stradale tucked his chin in slightly and looked at me.
“Lord Van. This person’s actions were truly magnificent work. He did not simply protect Lord Van; as a result, he ended up protecting Centena itself… I will recommend to your father and His Majesty that he be given an appropriate reward.”
When Stradale said that, Khamsin straightened his back. Looking closely, he seemed to be tearing up a little. Well, it is rare for Stradale to praise others so verbosely. It shows just how much Stradale recognized Khamsin’s achievement.
“That’s right. Khamsin, if there’s anything you want, think about it. His Majesty might provide anything.”
I said this laughingly, passing the conversation to Khamsin, but Khamsin quietly shook his head.
“…As long as Lord Van is safe, I do not need anything else.“
Khamsin declared this flatly, leaving Stradale speechless.
And I, having been told of such straightforward loyalty, was also left speechless. Khamsin, don’t make me cry. I’m actually easily moved to tears.
That day, the Knight Orders of the Kingdom of Yelenetta and the Shelvia Confederation gave up on the siege of Centena midway and decided to retreat. There were reports from the lookouts confirming the enemy situation on the walls that they had seen an Earth Dragon, but it seemed they felt threatened by Arte’s puppets, Panamera’s magic, and the ballistae, and withdrew without using the Earth Dragon to the end.
I, who had been running around repairing walls and adding ballistae until the very last minute, moved inside the fortress immediately upon hearing the report of the enemy’s retreat and lay down on the bed in the room assigned to me. I was so tired I couldn’t think of anything.
“I’m… at my limit…”
Even though there were many things I needed to think about, I fell asleep as if losing consciousness.
