"This is the report on this battle."
After that, before I knew it, I was being transported to a room inside the fort.
For the time being, I listened to the report from Ains, who was by my side when I woke up, on the bed and sorted out the situation.
Apparently, they are currently preparing to depart while treating the injured in the battle.
"It's a miracle that there were no casualties in that many battles."
"Yes. After all, Lady Isabella's quick response and being able to defeat the peculiar species early on are big."
"Yes.
Even the knights won against the peculiar race opponent who had trouble with zero casualties.
This case will become a rumor not only for the school's reputation, but also for the aristocratic society.
They will surely increase the reputation of the Ojou-sama and make her position even more solid.
"I understand the report. You can go back to your lady's side. While I can't move, I'll ask your lady."
"Certainly, Crow-sama."
"Did you go..."
I bowed gracefully and saw Ains off as she left the room.
I finally have to put up with this.
"Gu, ga…, Guaaaaaa!"
I rounded my back and embraced my body, which had been in excruciating pain ever since I woke up, and let out a suppressed scream from the depths of my throat.
The pain that felt like my whole body was going to fall apart unintentionally blurred my vision with tears.
In addition to the muscle pain all over my body, my internal organs seemed to be in tatters, and even breathing was accompanied by pain.
I feel terrible.
But of course it's a matter of course.
There's no way an ordinary person like me can use that much power without paying any price.
As a result of forcibly pouring magical power into an unsuitable body and making it work beyond its limit, my body could not withstand the load and broke down.
In short, it's a self-destruct technique.
It is said to be defective.
"Shit, sauce!"
He hates his own body that has become useless after just that many battles.
And it's all because I'm weak.
If I had the aptitude for magical power like a Ojou-sama, I wouldn't have to expose such an unsightly appearance.
I was given first aid, but there are currently a lot of injured people in this fortress, so there are not enough medicines and people.
There's no way I'd have resources to spend on an idiot who just self-destructed in such a situation, and all I can do now is sit quietly on my bed until I get treatment in town.
It's a really useless body.
This doesn't help the Ojou-sama, does it?
"Excuse me"
"Guh... who is it!"
After groaning in intense pain for a while, the door suddenly opens and someone enters the room.
Who is it that comes to you at such a difficult time?
"Oh my God, this is terrible. Did you hear that you used a strengthening magic tool? It's pretty unreasonable to use such a defective item. Could it be that you're suicidal?"
"What do you want..."
When I managed to turn my face towards the entrance, Dixen was standing there with the same smile as usual.
Dixen slowly approaches the bed without worrying about me, who unintentionally became more wary.
"Heh... is that how you are? Oops, don't make such a scary face. I just came to visit you."
"What did you say?"
Seeing me, who can't put on a mask as a butler because of the severe pain, he looks like he's seen something interesting.
What is the purpose?
I still can't read what he's thinking, but there's nothing I can do right now.
I have no choice but to observe the situation quietly here.
"Actually, I wish I could use recovery magic.
"...what is this?"
"It's just a pain reliever. Unfortunately, the raw materials for the healing medicines in the surrounding area have been taken away. I'm sorry that I could only make something like this, but I guarantee the effect."
What Dixen pulled out of his pocket was a green liquid in a vial.
It looks like some kind of medicine, but I can't tell just by looking at it.
What he says is pain relief, but...
"Hurry up and drink...Isn't it impossible in that state? Shall I give you a drink?"
"Give me that"
"husband..."
I forcibly snatched the small bottle from Dixen's hand, which I tried to pull back for a moment, and opened the lid with one hand and threw it all at once.
Severe pain runs through my body again, but I push myself down.
It's better than being drugged by this man.
"Guu, what a horrible taste... I guess it really works."
「...」
"What?"
The moment you put it in your mouth, the bitterness of medicinal herbs and the bloody smell of some kind of internal organs spreads in your mouth, and you can't help but frown.
I managed to drink it all up, but it still has a strange taste in my mouth.
Reaching out for a jug of water nearby, I turned to face Dixen, and for some reason he was frozen with a slightly surprised expression on his face.
"No, I was surprised because I drank it without hesitation. Didn't you suspect that it was poison or something?"
"You're not the kind of man who would do such a silly thing."
I've only spoken to him a few times so far, but this man's responses have always been sincere.
It's a tricky opponent, but at least that's all you can trust.
"Hmm... I'm really happy that you appreciate it so much."
"Really"
Dixen looked a little embarrassed by my words, but he wouldn't be happy if the bastard fell for him.
"Anyway, I was saved. Thank you."
Apparently, the painkillers that Dixen brought were effective, and after a while, I felt that the pain that had been tormenting my whole body had eased a little.
Somehow I managed to move without overdoing it, so I got up from the bed and once again turned to face Dixen, bowing my head deeply and thanking him.
"What, this is not such a big deal."
"No. That's true, but what I'm talking about is that last ice magic. Without it, the Ojou-sama would have been defeated and died. Please allow me to thank you."
The ice spear that completely stopped the movement of that powerful peculiar species.
People tend to pay attention to the ice attribute, which is a higher attribute, but activating four spells of that power at the same time and hitting them all accurately is a feat that ordinary magi cannot do.
And I'm sure it was this man in front of me who let it go.
"...why did you think that was my magic?"
"It's just a process of elimination. At the very least, there is no other member of the kingdom who can use higher attributes than the Ojou-sama. And you're the strongest member of the empire. Isn't that right?"
"Heh..."
Before I knew it, the smile disappeared from Dixen's expression, and his cold eyes pierced through me.
After all, this man is not an ordinary man.
The pressure released from his whole body is probably higher than that of the Ojou-sama.
If you relax even a little, you can have consciousness.
"That's correct. Certainly that is my magic. It would be helpful if you could keep it as secret as possible."
We were glaring at each other for a while, but Dixen was the first to release the tension.
With that guy's gentle smile on his face again, I can't feel the icy fear that I felt earlier.
Nonetheless, I can't believe that this gentle expression, which is the exact opposite of the previous one, is acting.
Perhaps both are more of this man's nature than one is acting.
"I know. But I will definitely pay this debt."
It's natural to keep secrets
In a sense, it is equivalent to military secrets, such as information on other countries with high-ranking attributes.
Besides, that's probably one of this guy's trump cards.
Since he took the risk of exposing that fact to help us, we must return the favor.
That is the natural duty of a person who serves a Ojou-sama who is the daughter of a duke.
If you get this wrong, it's only natural that you'll smear mud on the Ojou-sama's face.
"Then, by all means, go to the empire—"
"I can't do that.
"Ah, that's right... That's a pity."
However, there are things I can do and things I can't do.
It was Dixen who dropped his shoulders deeply when he was immediately refused, but there was no carelessness or gap.
Or rather, didn't you give up trying to solicit me?
"That's right! Then, can I make another request?"
"Oh, oh..."
Dixen, who had drooped his head, immediately revived and raised his face, bringing his face closer to me.
I can't keep up with the speed of the change, and my eyes are black and white.
"But there's almost nothing I can do right now, you know?"
"It's okay, it's not such a difficult request."
"Well, then... what is it?"
If you say so, you probably won't make such an unreasonable request.
I turned around to Dixen, who had a serious expression on his face, and waited for his request.
Hopefully, I will ask for something less troublesome than the Ojou-sama's order.
"Will you be my friend?"
"...teeth?"
After being kept waiting for a while, the words that finally came out of his mouth froze involuntarily.
I guess I'm exposing my stupid side right now.
(No, what is a friend?)
Some kind of metaphor?
Probably not.
Then, does this guy really want to be friends with me?
such a stupid thing──
"I like you. Unfortunately, I can't stand shoulder to shoulder with you, but it doesn't matter if we deepen our friendship as friends, right?"
"No, I certainly don't mind, but..."
Apparently this guy is serious.
Dixen, who doesn't seem to care about my confusion, makes a passionate appeal that he wants to get along with her.
To be honest, I don't want to get involved with this man any more, but I can't refuse him since he's asking for his request.
"I see, I see, then you and I are friends from now on! From now on, please call me Dee with affection. Ah, of course, there's no honorifics. We're best friends!"
"Hey, what are you best friends? Don't raise the grade of your relationship on your own."
If you reluctantly accept it, Dixen with a big smile on his face will burst out at once.
To be honest, at this point, I was starting to regret saying I would listen to this man's wishes.
Help me girl...
"Here Crow. Please call me as soon as possible."
"This guy doesn't listen to people more than I imagined...!?"
"Come on! Hurry up!"
What kind of character was this guy?
Even though I'm annoyed by Dixen's irritability, I can't just ignore the request of my first friend in my life.
I had no choice but to let out a small sigh and make up my mind.
"... Dee. This should be fine."
"Yeah yeah, nice. Now we're more like friends."
"Do whatever it takes..."
Dixen nodded in satisfaction if he called out his name as he wished. No, should I have called you Dee already?
They became friends as they drifted along, but if you think about it calmly, it's not so bad that you were able to connect with this man.
To be honest, I couldn't have done it without thinking so.
"Well, I would like to deepen our friendship a little more, but I still have things to do.
"Is that so... I was taken care of."
"What, if you have any trouble again, please rely on me. I will spare no effort for your sake."
After saying that and seeing off the extremely noisy man leaving the room, I collapsed on the bed again.
"tired..."
Don't do things you're not used to.
After all, being by the Ojou-sama's side is the most suitable for me.
For some reason, I really wanted to see the Ojou-sama.
"Is it a little too forceful?"
On the way back from the room where Crow was, Dietrich reflected on his actions earlier.
I was so excited, but I feel like I overdid it a little.
I'm aware that it's a bad habit of mine to be pushy when it comes to things that have piqued my interest for a long time, but it's not something that can be easily improved.
"husband..."
When I was thinking about such things, I saw a figure coming towards me from the end of the aisle.
As far as Dietrich knew, there was only one person with a luxurious vertical roll of blond hair that stood out even from a distance.
That said, she doesn't have any particular business right now.
I lowered my head lightly and tried to pass by the side safely.
"Wait, you."
However, Dietrich was stopped from behind and was forced to stop.
If I had no choice but to look back, I would be pierced straight by those emerald eyes of hers.
"Good afternoon, Miss Isabella. What can you do for me?"
"Why are you here?"
In contrast to Dietrich, who tried to be friendly, Isabella's voice contains a color of caution.
However, Dietrich can only tilt his head because he does not understand why she is wary of her.
It's only natural that he has almost nothing to do with her in the first place.
"Hmm, I don't quite understand the intention of your question. If I was here, would there be any problem?"
"There is only a room with Crow ahead. What is the use of you, a man of the Empire, as my attendant?"
I see, I forgot that.
I wondered why Crow was in a different place than the other patients, but it seems that it was her instruction.
Up until now, Isabella's treatment of him should have been quite rough, but was there some kind of change in her mind when she came here to give him special treatment?
"What, I just came to visit him. There's nothing wrong with worrying about your friend, right?"
"Friend...?"
Actually, I just became friends with him, but I don't need to say that.
More than that, Dietrich nodded as if he had guessed something about Isabella's upset.
"What's so strange about him having friends? He's a human being, too. It wouldn't be strange if there were people you didn't even know you were making friends with."
"That's right, but..."
"Can I ask you a question instead? If you're so worried, why did you let him do such a ridiculous thing?"
"What's that?"
Without missing a moment's chance, Dietrich counterattacks against Isabella.
To be honest, Dietrich's evaluation of her isn't that high.
Even though his reputation has risen somewhat in this battle, he still doesn't seem like a master that Crow would be so obsessed with.
So I decided to check her out here.
"Is it sane to let a person who has no aptitude use enhancement magic? I was lucky this time, but if I made one mistake, his body would have disintegrated and died."
"I-I don't know about that! Crow did it all on his own right!?"
"Hmm, does that mean you weren't able to manage your subordinates satisfactorily?"
"Oh...! That's..."
However, if it was his personality, he would probably have used it even if it was stopped.
However, she was definitely responsible for not being able to stop the rampage of her subordinates.
"Let me be clear at this point, you are not suitable to be his master. If you are aware of that, release him as soon as possible. It will be in his best interest."
"I, I'm... unworthy, you say?"
At Dietrich's words, Isabella freezes with an astonished expression.
It's a bit of an exaggeration, but this is also for Crow's sake.
If you don't give up on this, you may be able to see her true worth.
If you're going to give up, that's fine, Crow should just come to the empire with Dietrich.
(Well, which one?)
"You're so noisy!"
"husband...?"
"No matter what anyone says, Crow is my servant! Whether it's a friend or whatever, don't meddle in our unrelated habits!"
"Kukukuku..."
I see.
Dietrich couldn't help but laugh.
"Kukuku, Kuhahahahahaha!"
"What is it?"
"No, that's certainly true.
Dietrich honestly apologizes to Isabella, who has a dubious expression.
I see, at least it seems that the spirit of trying to be his master is certain.
"His loyalty to you is real.
"Of course, because he's my follower."
"Yes, that's right."
Dietrich nodded at Isabella's confident answer.
Crow must be serving her because of her.
I was fortunate enough to be able to understand at least part of it.
"If what you just said is true, then you should treat him a little more.
Nonetheless, at least I can be forgiven for worrying about my friend.
"I know that without you telling me!"
"Kukuku... I see, I see. Excuse me."
When I bowed my head to Isabella, who had a flabbergasted look on her face, Dietrich left the place in a good mood.
"Come in."
After Dixen left, I heard a familiar voice while I was resting in my single room.
"Ojou-sama, ugh!?"
"What are you doing? Just lie down."
The Ojou-sama who opened the door and entered the room involuntarily jumped out of bed, but the pain ran through her and she writhed on the spot.
Seeing me like that, the Ojou-sama had an exasperated expression on her face.
"How are you doing?"
The Ojou-sama brings a nearby chair to the bed and sits down, looking into my face.
The beauty that suddenly approached me made my heart skip a beat.
Just because you've seen it many times doesn't mean you'll get used to it.
No, I even feel like it's getting more beautiful every time I see it.
... As expected, it was just my imagination.
"Yes, it's getting easier somehow. But it seems difficult to return to normal work. I'm sorry, Ojou-sama."
"Yes, it can't be helped."
What happened anyway?
Even though he doesn't usually come to visit me, there are some rare things.
As for me, I'm happy to meet the Ojou-sama.
"Miss, did your lady have any injuries?"
"Are you going to hear that? I'm fine, I'm not hurt."
"Yes, that was good."
I was relieved to hear those words from the Ojou-sama.
I had heard about it in the report, but until I actually saw it with my own eyes, that was all I was worried about.
If the Ojou-sama's beautiful body had a scar on it, I would probably die of regret.
"... Really, really stupid. Why should I care about what that guy says?"
"Ojou?"
The Ojou-sama suddenly lowered her head and was thinking about something.
Was there something that bothered me?
"Crow!"
"Yes! What is it, Ojou-sama?"
When I thought that, he suddenly raised his face and stared straight into my eyes.
"Your work this time was splendid. That's why..."
「?」
I wonder what happened.
It's the same with being honestly praised, but I've never seen a Ojou-sama hesitate to say something.
However, I could understand that he was probably trying to convey something important.
"That's why you said you'd give me a reward!
"What...!?"
What did the Ojou-sama say just now?
Give a reward?
Such a foolishness, no way for a Ojou-sama to do that--.
"──Huh! As expected, the Ojou-sama received serious damage to her head in the battle earlier..."
Kuh, the Ojou-sama is in an irreversible state because of my lack of power.
There's nothing I can do about it.
How helpless I am...
"Crow~? Is it so strange that I give a reward?"
"Ida da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da da!
With a smile on her forehead, the Ojou-sama grabbed my collarbone, and I, who was confused by the situation, was brought back to my senses by the severe pain that ran through my body.
He quickly released me and I was fine, but to be honest, I thought I was going to die.
"Wow, wow..."
"Excuse me, I'm sorry. A reward isn't that rare, is it?"
Despite me breathing heavily in search of oxygen, the Ojou-sama mutters in a sullen voice.
That kind of expression is also really cute... I mean, if you're serious about it, even I can't follow it.
「...」
"Wait, why are you looking away?"
I can't say anything and I gently avert my eyes.
No, that's... because, hey...
"Well, just once..."
"Huh? What's going on?"
Honestly, it's hard for me to say, so I wanted you to guess it yourself, but the Ojou-sama only had a question mark in her head.
Apparently I really don't know.
Well, that's how I treat myself.
Although there are more and more chances to get close to the Ojou-sama these days, don't get me wrong.
After all, the relationship between nobles and commoners is like that.
I know that from the beginning.
"Since I served the Ojou-sama until now, I have only received a reward once."
"Ugh...!"
The Ojou-sama leaks a strange voice from the back of her throat.
"And it was just a piece of half-eaten chocolate..."
"Ugh...!"
Now that I think about it, it was like giving a dog a treat, and I just got the chocolate that I threw on the ground.
Should I count that as a reward?
No, the Ojou-sama said it was a reward, so it's probably true.
Besides, I was still very happy.
To the extent that I still dream about that time from time to time.
"Uh, you're noisy! I don't care about that now! So, what exactly does Crow want as a reward? Money? Status? Or is it honor? Say anything. I'll give it to you."
"Haa, even if you say so..."
For some reason, the red-faced Ojou-sama screams and thrusts her finger at me.
That being said, I don't really have anything I want, so I'm in trouble.
Even the enormous salary currently being paid by the Duke is useless and keeps accumulating.
I have no idea what's great when it comes to honor.
"I'm sure there's at least one thing you want."
If you want something, or rather, someone who wants it, it's right in front of you, but as expected, it's impossible.
If so, what else?
By the way, the option of not receiving anything already does not exist.
Since the Ojou-sama said she would give it to me, it was a decision to give a reward even if I didn't need it.
In the worst case, I will be forced to hand over the reward.
The Ojou-sama is a really troublesome person.
When I was thinking about such a thing, my gaze suddenly stopped at a small hand reflected in the edge of my vision.
"Then hand..."
Before I knew it, my mouth was naturally open.
"What happened to your hand?"
"Can you please hold my hand?"
I don't even know what I'm talking about.
Even so, when I was asked what I wanted, this was the only thing I could think of.
「...」
While waiting for the lady's answer, I was uncharacteristically nervous.
I feel like I'm making a confession.
To be honest, I think I would be pretty shocked if I was turned down.
"Haa..., I don't mind, but... See, is this okay?"
"Thank you, Ojou-sama."
A Ojou-sama with a strange expression touches my right hand and holds my hand.
A soft sensation that is completely different from that of a man is transmitted through the palm of my hand, and I involuntarily hold my breath.
I can feel my body temperature rising as the heat is transmitted from the part that touches that small hand.
To be so excited just by holding his hand, isn't it just like an adolescent kid?
"So? What should I do next?"
"No, this alone is enough."
"Is this okay? Is there anything else?"
"No, this is the best for me."
Just by holding hands with the Ojou-sama like this, I already felt blissful happiness.
There is something much warmer in my chest than when I simply put my skin on top of the Ojou-sama.
"Really? I don't mind if you say so. It's strange, but you always hold your hand when you escort."
The Ojou-sama laughing as she said that had a very gentle smile on her face.
While looking at such a Ojou-sama, I realize that my loving feelings are overflowing.
"If you look at it like this, your hands are big. Besides, they're rugged."
Nigi Nigi, the Ojou-sama puts her strength into her hand to confirm the size of this hand.
Since she's one size smaller than mine, I'll let her do as she pleases, even though I feel the tickle of the cute lady's hand that fits perfectly in my palm.
"Ojou-sama's hands are small and soft."
"Oh! You don't have to say that!"
The Ojou-sama turned bright red and screamed, but she didn't let go of her hand.
While entwining each other's hands, they calmed down in a state where they intertwined their fingers and held hands like lovers do.
"For the time being, we are planning to leave tomorrow morning, so please rest well until then."
After a while, the topic of the two changed to their future plans.
Of course, their hands are still tied.
"I'm sorry. ──Even so, are you still giving up on training? It's not unreasonable in this situation."
"What are you talking about, I'm not going to give up, you know?"
Since it's tomorrow, they must have given up on going through the forest within the originally planned period.
I thought so, but apparently not.
"Eh, but if we leave tomorrow..."
"Yes, so if we leave early tomorrow morning, it will be enough time, won't it?"
"picture?"
"yeah?"
No matter what, I can't get along with the Ojou-sama.
What the hell is this?
"Um, Ojou-sama. Do you know what day the training is today?"
Just to confirm, I will check with the Ojou-sama.
I feel like I have to confirm where my recognition is off.
"Today is the third day, isn't it?"
"No, today is the fourth day."
"picture..."
The Ojou-sama stiffened at my words.
...I see, so that's what it means.
"Well, we had a fierce battle that lasted for more than a whole day.
Most likely, the Ojou-sama had been giving instructions without taking a break in the room all this time.
In such a forest where there are no clocks, it wouldn't be strange to lose your sense of time.
"Wait a minute. Then... how much time is left?"
The Ojou-sama asks a question while greasy sweat drips down her forehead.
I had no choice but to face the cruel reality against it.
"Since you're talking about until sunset, will it be about three hours left from now?"
"It's a lie, isn't it!?"
The Ojou-sama's scream echoes through the fort.
The Ojou-sama froze in shock.
"Oh, Ojou-sama?"
"Huh! It's not the time to take it easy in a place like this! What are you doing, get ready to leave now!"
The Ojou-sama quickly recovered from her stiffness and rushed out of the room.
Immediately after that, the outside becomes noisy.
They probably forced the resting students to work to prepare for departure.
"Eh, yeah..."
And I, who couldn't move, couldn't stop the Ojou-sama's rampage.
Name: Dietrich von Glanz
Attribute: Ice
Equipment: magic book, magic gun
Paramater :
Martial Arts: A
Magic: S
Charisma: S
Mercy: A
Dexterity: B
Mental Power: S
Title :
next emperor
all-around genius
absolute ruler
Talent collector
hedonist
As a hidden character, his status is the strongest in the series.
In particular, his aptitude for magic is terrific, and to be honest, with him alone, combat is anything but possible.
He is highly charismatic and can use healing magic, so he will be useful in all aspects.
However, when it comes to martial arts, he thinks that it is a subordinate's job, so he only has basic training, so he only has the ability to rank B. Still strong enough.
In that sense, she is a powerful character in various ways, but there is a drawback that she will not listen to orders at all when her interest in Maria is low.
It would be better to think that it is almost useless during the initial stage of capture.