Evan D. Sherden Knows the Weight of Promise (3)
The new dungeon knights party with Serena (who Evan was still planning to return somehow, although, everyone else had given up) entered the dungeon. Even though the princess heading into the dungeon was practically a national emergency, the Marquis had been very calm. Rather, he wasn't worried at all! Due to the events of the past few years, there was a widespread view that if Evan were there, it would work out somehow. And, unfortunately, that perception was largely correct.
"Hi, Belois." Only eight children were left in the dungeon knight HQ. Arisha came to check on Belois, who felt nervous since she couldn't go with Evan. On her waist was the rapier that Evan had given her as a birthday present; it hadn't been separated from her since she got it.
"…Yes, hello." Belois, who was practising with the lamp alone in her room, greeted her with an expressionless face but with slight irritation in her voice. Belois didn't like Arisha very much and had no intention of hiding it.
"Is there any reason for my lady to visit me? I am in training."
"I know you hate me. Actually, I don't like you either." Belois stared at Arisha, who had arrived out of nowhere to argue. Could she be trying to fight for rank while Evan was gone? Or was she eliminating competitors? Either way, she was ready to accept anything. Belois energized her hand that held the lamp, but Arisha waved her off.
"I came because the two of us have something to discuss."
"…Is that so. Please keep it short."
"She… don't you think she's a bit dangerous?"
"…" She had arrived at the point faster than Belois had expected. The reason why Belois was irritated right now was, in part, due to 'that woman.'
"I think so too…please sit down." Belois let out a sigh and raised a hand. The chair opposite from the table moved back for Arisha to take a seat. Telekinesis was a basic type of magic, but it required a delicate sense of control to use properly. Arisha silently admired her as she sat down and let out a kindred sigh.
"Serena L. Silkline… it's the first time I've seen anyone narrow the distance with Evan so quickly."
"I thought so too," Belois responded coldly, recalling the memory of when Arisha joined the dungeon knights.
"I've been reflecting on it, but if I didn't, I wouldn't have had a chance of joining. So, I'd like you to see my side a little. Besides, that woman is different from me."
"That's…yes, but." Belois and Arisha were both reluctant to reveal their inner selves to Evan, who had always felt fearful of the opposite sex. They were afraid of being rejected. Besides, they were all still young. They didn't need to be hasty, but rather they could slowly and surely narrow that distance with Evan.
"But she has a different way of thinking than us. If she wanted to kiss, she would just do it. Why would she bother looking at the other person's feelings?"
"That way of life is criminal." It was probably because she had been born with the status of a princess that she had such a dangerous approach. At first glance, she might seem clumsy, but she had already perfected how to use her identity and position cunningly.
"'The maid Maybell is similar, but this one is more explicit and has her status to take advantage of."
"Does this mean you can't deal with her?"
"Yes…and Evan weirdly stepped back from her." He was strict with those who approached him…except for Serena.
"I sometimes feel like there is compassion in his eyes when he deals with her."
"I felt charity… Evan must feel something about her future. He isn't able to treat her harshly."
"And she knows it too."
"Yes, she couldn't miss it." Their reasoning was sharp. In fact, Evan's inability to resolutely defeat Serena's advance was influenced by regret and sympathy for her.
"Rather than hesitating, she's using it to cling to him…cheeky. I can't tolerate
"We agree on that part." Belois stood up. When Arisha reached out, Belois took her hand and held it as the two exchanged a cold glance.
"It's an alliance."
"Temporary."
"Sure. I have no intention of surrendering Evan to anyone."
"Then, let's come up with specific measures from now on."
Thus, the two formed an alliance to keep one another in check. It would need time to see if it would work, but now, Evan should be very afraid.
A few days passed, specifically five since they entered the dungeon, and the dungeon knight party led by Evan successfully defeated the 10th floor. It was a new record.
"I've been used to it since I've been teaching."
"Then, had you expected this outcome?" It was clear Evan's guiding skills had grown immensely; otherwise, it would've been impossible to conquer the 10th floor in merely five days. Even the hidden bosses on the 5th and 10th floors had been defeated.
"Wow, he's reliable, isn't he?"
"I was amazed by that monster that shot out sparks! Didn't you block it with a dirt wall, Paul? Good job!"
"Everyone fought well." Evan examined the corpse of the Chimera as the children applauded each other for the battle. Serena stood there as well with three slimes on her shoulders and head, making an odd expression.
"No matter how much I think about it, the princess is too strong."
"It's the master who made her that way. She could go around the dungeon alone." The children who had trained themselves accordingly were also strong, but Serena definitely stood out the most.
"To be honest, I was surprised. It's no wonder she defeated the knights."
"She didn't look like a princess at all." Right now, Evan was a little hesitant to send the children down to the 11th floor, but he wasn't about Serena. She would be able to handle up to the 20th floor, even if she were alone. Perhaps she could even take on the hidden boss while she was at it.
"Since slimes have different properties, most enemies can be attacked according to their weaknesses."
"It's not just that. The lightning one is still weak since it was just born, but the fire and ice slimes have high defence and attack power."
"The princess's tamer skill is too strong. It nearly doubled their abilities."
"Oh, Her Majesty's judgment and instructions were amazing. She looks somewhat lacking, but I think her intelligence is really good!"
"As her unique skill grew, it seemed to have a positive effect on her physical abilities. If she practices the proper self-defence, she should be able to protect herself." As Evan and Shine chatted, Evan kept looking for a weakness he couldn't find. There was a ridiculous difference from the princess's abilities in the original game.
[Myooh!]
[Myahh!)
[Myooeh!]
"Everyone did a good job." Evan grimaced as he watched Serena pat the three slimes frolicking around her. When he first met the princess, he didn't know she had such a talent. However, her effort and tricks, as well as a special pet known as an elite slime, had combined to create such amazing results.
'Perhaps the demons targeted her because of that talent..? No, but this is a great result. My own aptitude with monster taming is too low…' He hoped that he had alleviated some of the weight of the destiny that awaited her. He now realized how dangerous the game's skill guide was when applied to reality.
"…From now on, I really shouldn't be teaching anyone how to train. I should only teach those who I'm sure of."
"But the princess is not just anyone, master since she is now an important member of the knights."𝚒𝚗𝚗re𝚊d.𝚌om
"Huh…!" It was something that couldn't be refuted any longer. Evan was convinced that a princess who didn't know of the world wouldn't be able to survive in such a filthy and dangerous environment, but she had remained strong. She wasn't behind in combat power, adaptability, or situational judgment. If he tried to boot her out now, the dungeon knights wouldn't last
long.
"Have I passed?"
"Ah…" Serena, perhaps overhearing their conversation, arrived at their side with a bright smile for Evan. It was a really nasty expression as she already knew the answer.
"Huh? Huh? Did I pass?"
"Wow." She was so gorgeous that it made him a little dizzy when they faced each other so closely. Evan tried to step back, but she merely stepped forward.
"…Yes, a promise is a promise."
"Hurray! I love you so much!" In the end, he sighed and told Serena the answer she wanted to hear. Her cheers subsided a moment later, however, as she seemed anxious.
"But the knights are just forming. It's difficult to expect special treatment." It was what she was afraid of.
"But I've been doing a lot of research! If the knights achieve a lot, their rank will gradually increase, right?"
"…It won't work as you think. And if His Majesty asks you to come back, we can't protect you. We cannot fight against the royal family."
"It's okay, I'll fix it all!" Despite Evan's somewhat chilly tone, Serena seemed unfazed.
"Alright, remember to be obedient to the commander. Keep in mind that you're now a member of the knights who protect the dungeon city. You're no longer a princess, but a knight. Okay? If you break that rule, you can't join us."
"Yes. I came because I wanted to, and also because I wanted to protect what Evan wants to protect!"
"…" Serena replied with her eyes blazing. There seemed to be no deceit in her heart; rather, her mindset could be said to be rather good. That will that came from her longing was more steadfast than anything.
"Then, let's go back! I should greet the other friends properly."
"They probably won't like you very much."
"It's okay because I like them."
"…You really live as you want." Evan sighed as Serena hung off his arm. First of all, he would have to take measures to prevent the attack on the princess that happened in Yo-ma Great War 4.
Well, at this rate, he might need to worry more about the demons than her.