“Commander, maybe she should stay for the meeting with the Blue Roses.”
Neia’s vision went fully dark for a moment when she heard what Gustav said. Why should a mere squire participate in that discussion?
Remedios looked at her deputy. Her gaze was so different from what she had been directing at Neia a moment ago. It was like she was like another person; she looked so friendly.
“Oh? If you say so… But why?”
“Well, even though she’s a squire, we brought her along for her uncommonly sharp senses. She may notice something that only she could.”
Many paladins and squires had died in the battle against Jaldabaoth. But there were still survivors. The reason Neia had been chosen over a knight was her keen perception.
Paladins had superior combat skills, but other than that, they were ordinary people. In other words, they needed to be supported by someone with scouting skills who could travel without being noticed, detect enemies at a distance, and slip through encirclements.
Normally, that would mean adventurers or light infantry, but many of them had fallen, and those who survived had fled south or to other countries. With such a severe lack of experienced personnel, the job fell to her.
She wasn’t anywhere near as skilled as her father was, but she still boasted keener senses than most paladins. She was glad that her abilities were useful to the country, but what happiness it brought her had mostly worn off. At this point, she even somewhat resented having been chosen for this mission.
“Hmm. Well, if that’s what you think, then we should do it. Permission granted.”
“Thank you, Commander.”
“…Squire Baraja, as you just heard, we’re going to have you sit in the corner and listen. Let us know if you notice anything… Now go to your room and make yourself presentable before you return.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Finally, I’m free. That’s what she was thinking when Gustav followed her out. Once they were clear of the room, he spoke to her in a low voice.
“Sorry about her.”
Neia stopped and turned to ask something that had been on her mind. “I must have done something to make her mad, right? I heard that she changed completely when that city fell. Do you know what happened?”
“…A lot of paladins died in that fight against Jaldabaoth. As well as the Holy Lady and the commander’s younger sister.”
Neia knew that. But so what?
She was no different.
Her parents were probably both dead. And such circumstances were no longer rare in the Sacred Kingdom. But it wasn’t as if she could say those things aloud.
“She doesn’t have an outlet for the loss and rage she feels as a result of those events, so she’s taking it out on you. The reason she doesn’t lash out at the paladins is probably because they experienced the same battle and thus share her pain.”
Seriously? Neia said in her head.
So it was because she didn’t fight in that battle?
How stupid.
Half the squires had participated, and many had died. That Neia wasn’t selected to go was mere luck. It wasn’t the result of any choices she had made herself.
“So with all that in mind, let me say this. Please just hang in there. The Sacred Kingdom needs her now.”
“…Even if she takes out her unhappiness on others and causes them pain?”
“Yes.” He looked at her with sorrowful eyes.
Fury coursed through her veins, and she wanted to scream at him. She could acknowledge that Remedios was strong. But Neia had worked hard to ensure the delegation arrived safely in the kingdom. She stayed on top of the subhumans’ patrols and kept watch longer than anyone else when they camped for the night. They had arrived safely because of Neia’s efforts, so it seemed to her that for the duration of this trip, she was no less valuable.
In the end, she suppressed her seething emotions.
She had to keep it together for the sake of the people suffering in the Sacred Kingdom. If removing one of them from the equation meant they became powerless to stop the people’s suffering, that would be far worse.
And once they returned home, she would be freed from her duties. She only had to endure a little longer.
Neia nodded with a smile. “Understood. If that’s what the Sacred Kingdom needs from me, then I happily accept.”
•
Not long after Neia returned to her room, the Blue Roses arrived at the inn. Neia stood at attention along the wall with the other paladins.
Eventually the door opened, and the party entered.
She wasn’t a fangirl, per se, but the arrival of these adventurers who were famous even in the Sacred Kingdom did thrill her a bit. These were other women who had reached heights she could only dream of. There were so many things she wanted to ask them. Not that she would get the chance, but…
They’re one of the three adamantite adventurer teams in this kingdom… The Blue Roses…wow…
She had heard their names and appearances in rumors, but seeing them right in front of her, she noticed some discrepancies from what she had imagined.
In front stood their team leader. A priest wearing a water god sigil around her neck. Judging by her Demonic Sword, this was Lakyus Alvein Dale Aindra.
Her features were so alluring that Neia felt attracted even though she didn’t have much interest in the same sex. She didn’t look like someone who had reached the highest adventurer rank through combat prowess alone. If she were wearing a dress, she would have been the embodiment of what a commoner like Neia dreamed a princess was like.
She spoke with a voice that matched her beauty. “Thank you for inviting us. We are the Blue Roses.”
Remedios, who had stood to welcome them, bowed her head slightly and greeted them. “I thank you for coming, Blue Roses.”
“To receive an invitation from Lady Remedios Custodio, bearer of the Sacred Sword and a paladin whose unparalleled abilities are known far and wide, is an honor.”
Remedios was rather stiff and
