Neia put her pointer fingers to the corners of her eyes and wobbled them.
When she was little, her friends would often say, Why are you glaring at me? Are you mad? She always complained to her father about it. And whenever her mom overheard, Neia would end up getting clocked across the head.
Thinking back nostalgically, she said, “But maybe because I’ve expanded my worldview as a squire, I’ve realized these eyes are also a gift. Well, not that I needed the permanent scowl.”
“So what are your parents up to now?”
“My father died on the wall in battle with Jaldabaoth. I lost contact with my mother, so I don’t know what happened to her, but I imagine she died protecting the city. I’m sure she would have resisted to the end.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
The King of Darkness bowed his head again. The second time it wasn’t such a shock, but it was still enough to get her flustered.
“Please look up! You don’t need to bow to a regular person like me!”
“It was inconsiderate of me to go into such depth on the topic of your deceased family. I didn’t realize, but apologizing is still the right thing to do.” He looked up and cocked his head.
N-no, that’s only when you’re someone’s equal. A king and a commoner from another country are not equals. And you’re also coming to our rescue…
“What? I can think of lots of reasons why it wouldn’t be. You know, if someone saw you bowing to me, they might, uh, look down on you. Since I’m just a squire.”
“…Mm. I see. Yes, you’re right. That’s what it means to be a king.” Then he mumbled, “This is hard.”
He must have meant that even though they had grown closer, it was difficult to be open with someone from a foreign country.
“Okay. Then, I don’t mean this as an apology—I’d just like to lend you this, Miss Baraja.”
He put a hand in his robe and pulled out a bow.
Huh?!
It was way too big to hide under his clothing. Neia blinked a few times, but reality didn’t change.
“It’s an enchanted weapon. Use it to protect me.”
The bow was made in part from animal parts used as is, but rather than giving it a feral feel, it imparted a sense of sanctity.
She could tell just from looking at it. Frankly, it was such a valuable item, she could call it super-valuable.
“This is Ultimate Shooting Star: Super. It was made with ancient rune technology. I’ve actually been carrying it around to lend to someone. Oh, and there were actually runes carved in here, but I guess they’ve been worn down so you can’t see them anymore. That’s unfortunate.”
Neia wanted to scream, but she suppressed the feeling with all her might.
Thinking sensibly, she absolutely had to refuse it. There was a good chance this item was a national treasure. Could he really lend it to a foreigner so casually?
Maybe it only looks…? No, that can’t be! It’s definitely an amazing weapon!
“What’s wrong? You won’t accept it? You’re my bodyguard, right? I just thought that you should have some decent gear.”
“Urk!”
That made sense.
She found her head spinning.
“Ohhh, sorry. Is it because it looks so flashy? If that’s the case, then I have another that’s more subdued called Great Bow: Special. This one’s also made with fantastic rune technology.” He reached into his robe as he spoke—
“P-please stop! I’m very satisfied with this one! Please don’t trouble yourself with the other one on my account!” She practically shrieked to keep him from pulling out another weapon. If she saw whatever he brought out next, she felt like she might go insane, and if he lent it to her, she could very well end up spending the entire day just polishing it.
“Your Majesty! I’d be honored to borrow Ultimate Shooting Star: Super!”
She accepted the bow with shaking hands.
It was more ornate than most bows, and it looked awfully heavy but surprised her by being light in her hands. The moment she grasped it, she felt energy flow into her, strengthening her muscles, but she was also sure that even without those effects, it was surprisingly easy to carry.
Oh, this is nuts. I was hoping that maybe it would be an item that looked fancy but turned out to be nothing special inside, but this is definitely a wild one. It could even…be better than the Holy Swords…? Huh? Hold on… Th-that shouldn’t be possible, right?
“Oh? Just so you know, that’s not even a very fancy bow. If you want something else—with better performance—let me know.”
This was bad. If she continued this conversation for much longer, she would be in trouble. If a mere squire had better gear than the leader of the Sacred Kingdom, there would be issues.
“Thank you. I appreciate your concern for someone as lowly as me…”
I can’t let anyone else lay a hand on this, she thought, gripping it tightly.
The King of Darkness was nodding to acknowledge her gratitude, and she smiled at him. She felt like her face was going to spasm, but she hid the fact as skillfully as she could.
“When you show it to the others, please tell them I lent it to you.”
Do I have to show them?! Really, I wanted to wrap it up and tuck it away somewhere…but I guess I can’t do that with a weapon he lent to me for his protection, huh…? Ahhh, this is giving me a headache. And he said this isn’t a fancy one…? His Majesty’s standards are too high… Will he demand compensation if I accidentally scratch it? From who?! Ugh, my stomach hurts… I don’t want to think about the bow… Ah!
Neia remembered she had a perfect conversation topic that she hadn’t brought up yet. “Your Majesty! I saw the giant, majestic statues of you in your country!”
“Oh?”
His voice was abruptly much softer, so she wondered if she had said something
