Chapter 63 Ruzure's Subordinate Dog Family
Home is where you make it.
That's what they say. It means that any place can feel normal if you get used to it, but I totally disagree.
A punishment cell? No way that can feel like home. Argument over.
"How long we been stuck in this dump?"
""Not sure, I lost track."
"Sun's already goin' down. Time to get anxious."
"Yeah."
"Damn, I'm starvin' over here."
"Stop it. I'm trying not to think about it."
Dear Goddess, this is Hiiro, stuck in the cell next to Shura. My journey seemed to be going well, but now I've ended up in jail. Help me.
(I can't believe I actually got caught...)
Why are we, who saved a whole village, in this situation? I want to complain, but sadly, I have an idea why.
When Ms. Hauchi asked us to take a job, Shura warned me. It's against the rules for someone who isn't a real knight to take requests from civilians, and if they find out, you get punished.
At that time, I thought, "It's fine since it's for a good cause," but I was wrong. Now I'm stuck in a room surrounded by stone walls and iron bars. The sunset coming through the small window really hurts my eyes.
But thinking about Shura in the next cell makes me feel really guilty. I'm sad about what happened, but I don't regret it.
Still, I dragged Shura into this mess.
Honestly, I thought she might yell at me, but surprisingly, Shura didn't say a single mean word.
"...You ain't gettin' all high and mighty on me, right?"
"I chose to follow you. I won't just dump the responsibility on you."
"Ha! You think you're slick, tryin' to play it cool like that."
"Don't talk about trying to be cool when you're the one doing it."
Ugh. As expected of my rival. She's pretty cool.
(I can't believe this happened right after I decided to follow the master.)
(Ruthless. Is your curse making us unlucky?)
(No way. This is just master's fault.)
(Sometimes the truth just bites ya in the ass.)
Ruthless's blunt comment made me feel down. But okay, I can accept that it's my fault, but how long are we going to stay like this?
After a long questioning session, Instructor Shidou, who put us in this cell, said he would "let us know what happens" but hasn't come back.
While I was counting the stains on the dirty ceiling, feeling anxious about the future, I heard the heavy door creak open.
"Ugh, it smells rusty. Even though this is a punishment cell, it should be cleaned properly since it's a knight's facility."
A really annoying voice echoed through the room.
"But for someone born lowly, this is a fitting place. How are you doing, foolish commoners who broke the rules?"
"..."
"What's with that face? I am Powell O'Doubler, a noble and knight. Bow your heads and be grateful to see my glory. It's your duty as commoners!"
"Wow."
(Ugh.)
(Yikes.)
The guy who said that in front of our cell is a really harsh-looking dude. He has a curly golden beard and a terrible fashion sense with knight armor and a feathered hat.
His shiny blonde hair was so distracting that I couldn't help but stare. By the way, that was Shura who spoke up.
"What do you want?"
"Your manners are terrible, monkey. As I said, I am a noble of the O'Doubler family and a knight of Brunhilde. You're not worthy to speak to me."
"Knight of the main force, huh?"
"...Hmph."
No way. Is this guy really in the main force that's supposed to be honorable? I was shocked to see someone who's supposed to be my senior.
"But if I don't answer your question, we can't move on. Hehe, I don't know why you took a job from a poor village that can't even pay regular fees, but punishment is punishment. I'm here to deliver your sentence."
"...What?"
"Rejoice, commoners. Your title is now officially 'revoked.' You should live like the commoners you are, blending in with the rest."
"...Revoked?"
"..."
The weight of losing my title hit me hard. I could barely hear Shura's gasp.
Oh man. Back then, I talked big to Shura, but now that I see the results, it's really shocking. I can't help but just stand there in disbelief.
I guess my reaction really got to Powell. He nodded with a big grin, and then clapped his hands, saying the talk wasn't over yet.
"But listen. Even you pathetic fools can't lose everything just because of one mistake. So here's the deal. I, the great one, will offer you a trade. Depending on the conditions, I can use my power to make your title loss disappear."
"...Conditions?"
It seemed like the path for Knight Hiiro was cut off. But there was Powell, grinning wickedly, ready to drop a lifeline.
"First, as proof of your loyalty, you must lick my shoes. And from now on, you will serve as our noble faction's vanguard... that's my condition!"
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