Chapter 19 Monster Attack
'Next, I'll be going back to Emme Village.'
In the blink of an eye, two days passed. As we parted ways, my childhood friend looked very happy, narrowing his eyes into a crescent shape as he smiled.
'I'll be looking forward to it.'
With those words and a gentle smile etched in my memory, Lukas returned to Emme Village.
I'm worried about the village being attacked by monsters. I've decided to make time as soon as possible to visit home. But aside from that worry, walking with Lukas in the capital city was more enjoyable than usual, and it was a relaxing two days for both my mind and body.
I went back to the dormitory to try my best again tomorrow. The night ended today.
"I'm really sorry!"
My boss, Kasper-san, is bowing deeply.
It seems like he wants to apologize to me for what happened at the tavern the other day. While I was definitely troubled by the drunken Kasper-san bothering me, Vake helped me out promptly, so I don't feel the need for him to bow down and apologize.
"Kasper-san, it's okay... You were quite drunk it seems..."
"No way! That's not good! It was an inappropriate act as a boss! I can't ask for forgiveness... but please let me do something to make up for it!"
Rubbing his head vigorously against the floor, Kasper-san raised his voice like that. Hearing his unusual voice, the seniors around started gathering.
"Laura, what's wrong?"
"It seems like the drunk Kasper-san bothered me..."
Probably, behind Lina-senpai's question, Chelsea's voice answered. I apologizing in my heart to my kind colleague for causing trouble. But more importantly - I had to figure out how to deal with my boss who was currently kneeling in front of me.
Kasper-san said he wanted to make amends. It seems he doesn't feel right just being forgiven without doing anything, so maybe he should buy some delicious sweets from the capital and settle things smoothly - as he pondered this, Vake's face suddenly came to mind.
Are the two of them really that close to be drinking together on holidays?
"Oh, right. Is Kasper-san close to Vake-san, the Knight Order Commander?"
At the sudden question, Kasper-san looked up. There were marks pressed against his forehead, and it seemed like the floor hadn't been properly cleaned as there was dust on it.
With a deepening wry smile, Kasper-san, who seemed not to understand well, opened his mouth blankly as the question was repeated.
"You two were drinking together, right?"
"Oh, yeah... that's right. We met shortly after I joined here... and since then, we've been occasionally going out for drinks together... I'm really sorry!"
In the flow of the conversation, it seemed that Kasper-san recalled the recent incident and bowed more vigorously than before. Startled by the sound that echoed, a firm denial followed, "It's okay already!"
Although they seemed to get along well, it was quite an unusual combination. Perhaps due to delivering healing potions, there might be a strong connection with the Knight Order, but the sturdy Vake wearing heavy armor and Kasper-san with a thin body and messy hair under round glasses, honestly didn't seem to match.
"I see. I didn't expect Vake-san to be there yesterday, so I was a bit surprised."
In my tweet, Kasper-san timidly raised his head. His forehead was red, but what caught my eye more was the shining eyes of Kasper-san behind his glasses for some reason.
"Laura-chan, are you admiring Vake-san?"
"Huh? Um, well, you know, he's famous, right...?"
Since I couldn't naturally say I've known him one-sidedly for a long time, I vaguely responded. However, the feeling I have for Vake is very similar to admiration.
Kasper-san's words were not wrong, so I slowly but surely nodded. Then, with a sparkle, his eyes shone even more.
I could easily understand Kasper-san's thoughts from the sparkle in his eyes.
"I got it! As an act of atonement, I'll introduce you to Vake-san!"
As expected, I was honestly delighted by those words.
Vake was someone I really wanted to talk to properly once. But I hesitated if it was okay to approach too much, and if it might be bothersome in the first place, so I didn't readily agree with Kasper-san's words.
However, Kasper-san, who didn't notice my inner conflict at all, quickly stood up. And with a cheerful "Let's go!" he urged me on.
"Go... now!? What about the training!?"
"You'll take half a day off with my authority as a boss! Chelsea-chan, you have a free assignment too! Both of you are excellent!"
Kasper-san said something unbelievable to me, leaving me bewildered. I inadvertently sought help from Lina-senpai with my eyes, and she smiled in a troubled manner, conveying "Do your best" with just the shape of her mouth. When I looked next to her, Chelsea, had a similar reaction.
In the end, pushed by Kasper-san, I left the synthesis room.
* * *
Amidst the shouting, swirling dust, and dull clang of metal, we were greeted at the Knight Order training grounds by someone who suddenly appeared before us.
"Kasper-dono, what's wrong?"
"Ah!"
About two years ago, it was a knight with light green hair who guided me during the Arnold exam.
I couldn't help but let out a surprised gasp. I never expected to reunite like this. Since he mentioned being part of the Savila Knight Order, I had hoped we would meet again someday if I became an alchemist trainee...
As I raised my voice, the knight and Kasper-san turned around.
"Laura-chan, do you know about Olivelle-san?"
"Umm, sorry, well..."
I remember, but it's not certain if he remembers. I'm not the type to boldly ask, "Do you remember me?" So, I stumbled over my words.
"You... passed the exam! Congratulations!
The Knight-sama - Olivell-san smiled at me like that.
I can't believe he remembered that brief conversation from two years ago. I was surprised and took a few steps forward.
"Oh, you remembered?"
"Yes, of course. I felt you were a very intelligent young lady... I thought you would pass."
What a charming smile. It seems like there are sparkling lights dancing around Olivell-san. He could easily fit into the world of shoujo manga. He only gives a good impression to others.
"Hey, are you being naturally charming again, Vice Commander?"
As I was sending envious glances thinking how nice it would be to become someone like Olivell-san, a voice that had become quite familiar to my ears rang out. Vice Commander, is that referring to Olivell-san?
When I turned to the direction of the voice, there stood Vake as expected. Whether in the middle of training or taking a break, he approached while wiping his face with a towel. He held a wooden sword and wasn't wearing heavy armor.
"Hey, Kasper. What's up?"
"This girl... She's Laura-chan, my hope for the future, and she admires Vake-san! So—"
"Did you promise to introduce her to me for the sake of atoning for your recent mistake?"
It seemed like he saw through everything.
Kasper-san shrunk back as Vake laughed heartily. Passing by the now silent Kasper-san, Vake called out to me. He squatted down, not just meeting my gaze but looking up at me.
"Man, what a disaster, Laura-chan."
"N-no! Um... I'm sorry for interrupting your work, I'll leave right away. But it's an honor to meet you."
It's nice to be able to talk like this, but it seems like he was in training after all. Of course, it's not a day off or lunch break.
I ended up coming here because Kasper-san insisted, but I should have politely declined for another time. Reflecting on it now, I bowed my head. Then,
"You're much more mature than Kasper!"
Vake said with a big grin. Taken aback for a moment by his hearty laughter, I found myself laughing along.
I knew it already, but he really is a pleasant person. Being with him makes me feel refreshed.
After a good laugh, Vake patted my shoulder a few times and said,
"I'm sorry I can't talk to you right away since we're currently training the young ones, but - dear future alchemist, please come watch our training.'"
* * *
Practicing sword swings, and sparring. The member receiving those training from Vake-san. As for me I observed the Knight Order's training scene guided by Olivell-san.
Now, I'm in a rest hut near the training grounds, enjoying drinks with Olivell-san. Vake told me to wait here as he will finish training soon.
"Do you guys practice like this every day?"
I asked Olivell-san. He answered firmly,
"Savila Knight Order ensures the safety of the capital and the country, so we never skip training. Unlike the alchemists, if you volunteer, there are hardly any exams, and you can easily join."
"That dedication is admirable."
Volunteering as a knight to protect the citizens. I honestly think that having such dedication is admirable. If I were born a man, I wonder if I could have set such a noble goal—
When I said those words, Olivelle-san smiled happily and said,
"We'll make sure to protect Laura-chan too."
He showed me his prince charming smile once again.
The way he casually said such things made me think he's a caring person, always looking out for others. But I couldn't help but worry that his actions and words might have led many women to misunderstand him.
We chatted amiably for a while. Olivelle-san was full of topics and our conversation never faltered.
In the pleasant atmosphere, while enjoying our friendship with Olivelle-san, "it" happened.
――Bam! Bam! Bam!
Suddenly, a harsh sound pierced through my eardrums. It seemed like the window was slightly open, yet the sound was so loud that it felt like it could burst my eardrums. Just from that sound, I knew that something unusual had happened, even though we were indoors.
I look around nervously. Suddenly, the door was forcefully opened.
"Vice Commander, there's a massive horde of monsters in the northern forest! It's unprecedented in scale! And somehow, they've managed to sneak past the lookout and are right near the city!"
――It was a sudden report.
A massive horde of monsters, right near the city.
Overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, I couldn't grasp the situation. I just stood there gaping, staring at the young Knight Order member standing near the entrance.
On the other hand, Olivelle-san quickly stood up and said,
"Evacuate the people of the city to the royal castle! Immediately! Teams 4 to 6 for security! The rest of the teams――"
"The Commander has already led the 1st team out!"
"I'll go out soon too! Teams 2, 3, and 7 onwards, standby at the northern city gate!"
He gave calm and swift instructions.
The Knight Order member who received instructions hurriedly left the rest cabin. With a loud bang, the door closed, and I finally reacted.
The monsters are getting closer. We need to evacuate. And Olivelle-san is leading the squad to subjugate the monsters.
On a scale we've never seen before. How did they slip past the lookout's eyes?
The words of the Knight Order member from earlier echoed in my head. Just like in Emme Village, the capital city is now under attack by monsters like never before――
"Laura-chan, can you return alone to where Kasper-san and the others are?"
"Y-yes"
The prince-like smile from earlier has completely disappeared, and Olivelle-san now peers at my face with a dignified expression. Even so, he tries to reassure me, his voice deliberately gentle.
As I nod, Olivelle-san leaves the rest cabin. I follow suit.
"I'm sorry for the rush, let me guide you again later."
With a firm bow, Olivelle dashed off. He's always so considerate.
As he moved further away, I couldn't help but call out,
"Take care!"
My heart was pounding loudly. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself down and then hurried towards the synthesis room. I need to get back quickly, or I'll worry Kasper-san and the others.
I ran through the hallway. In my mind, I saw Olivelle-san and Vake's smiles.
――Could it be?
I involuntarily stopped in my tracks. The possibility that crossed my mind momentarily froze me, but I quickly started running again, even faster than before.
I have to hurry back to the synthesis room and make healing potions. That's right, there's no time for evacuation. Surely by now, all the alchemists must be working together on synthesis. I have to help with that.
Shaking off the possibility that came to mind, I ran.
Maybe, due to the recent monster attack, Vake might have suffered a serious injury to his right eye.
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