Volume 4 Chapter 9 Errand Person
"..So, Ms. Nemophila, are you really coming with us?"
I hesitantly asked her, not expecting her to say that.
Ms. Nemophila remained expressionless, raised her right hand, and quietly nodded.
"I don't think I'll hold everyone back. I believe I can be useful in battles against monsters."
".."
Despite her lack of energy in her voice, she sounded rather confident.
However, there was something convincing about her words.
Indeed, I believe Ms. Nemophila's abilities are extremely effective in monster subjugation.
She boasts unparalleled durability as a guardian class──'Princess Knight.' With an immense divine blessing value of Resilience, she can negate all toxins and curses.
Plus, if anyone tries to harm her, they would receive a terrifying curse as punishment.
In other words, she is an invincible guardian you can't even touch.
The support from her Barrier magic is also very reassuring, and it should help with the defensive side, which I had quietly been worried about.
Considering we're going to face the Spirit King's Army, which specializes in curses, having her as a protector would be incredibly valuable...
"Um, I can't really allow you, Ms. Nemophila, to come along..."
"Am I not useful?"
"N-No! You're more than useful; you're extremely reassuring! It's just that... I feel it's too risky to put a 'princess' in danger..."
Ms. Nemophila possesses the same combat power as countless soldiers all on her own.
I've never known anyone as reliable as her, but it feels wrong for her to come along.
She's the third princess of the Compost Kingdom and already secured her position as the future leader of the country in the royal succession war.
If something were to happen to her on this journey, it would be unbearable.
How could I face the royal family and the citizens?
As I felt cold sweat building up inside me, Ms. Nemophila spoke, seeming to notice my worry.
"This isn't just for Roezé and the others, you know. I'm the future king, and I want to protect everyone."
"Everyone...?"
"The country and the people living in it. If we leave the Forest King's Army and the Spirit King's Army unchecked, everyone will suffer. That's why, as the next king, I want to fight for everyone."
It seems she is cooperating with us purely to fulfill her duty as the future king.
Then she continued...
"Oh, and this is also for my sake."
"For Ms. Nemophila...?"
"Because among our opponents, there are monsters from the Spirit King's Army, right? The Spirit King's Army is the one that cursed Elder Sister Clematis, and I absolutely cannot forgive them."
"..Nemophila."
Speaking of which, Ms. Nemophila had mentioned that after becoming king and helping Ms. Kikrys's hometown, she wanted to do something about the Spirit King's Army next.
The servant, Ms. Kikrys, comes from a slum, and after rebuilding it as king, she wants to address the Spirit King's Army, which is the enemy of Lady Clematis.
Although Lady Clematis appears healthy, she is actually suffering under a monster's curse that has reduced her lifespan significantly.
She seems to have said that it was her fault, so I shouldn't worry about it, but Ms. Nemophila's resolve on this matter still seemed unyielding.
"I always thought that someday, I wanted to defeat the Spirit King's Army with my own hands. So this is a really great opportunity for me. Take me with you, Roezé."
".."
With her straightforward feelings directed at me, I was deeply moved.
It seems that Ms. Nemophila wants to fight not just to protect the people as the future king, but also for her beloved sister, Lady Clematis.
She was also a warrior who had her own reason to fight against the Demon Lord army, just like us.
Realizing that again, I steeled myself and turned to Lady Clematis.
"May I borrow your sister's hand?"
"You don't have to ask me for permission. In fact, I would prefer to ask you. Nemophila still talks about her days of training with you all with such joy. Now, an opportunity has come for her to spend time with you again. Please take her along on this journey."
Lady Clematis, knowing Ms. Nemophila's strength, didn't seem to feel even a hint of anxiety.
She was no longer the timid and fragile person who needed protection.
I turned back to Ms. Nemophila and bowed my head from my side.
"Then, it's a pleasure to work together. Let's stop the plans of the Forest King's Army and the Spirit King's Army, and protect everyone."
"Yeah."
We were now able to add Princess Knight Ms. Nemophila to our party.
"I'm glad we have such a strong ally!"
"It really feels like we have a proper party now."
Rose and Cosmos also looked happy.
It seemed that this truly gave us the party vibe.
Everyone had their own roles, and our formation would allow us to support each other in battles against monsters.
Rose would overwhelm the enemy in close combat, Cosmos would pick off distant foes, and Ms. Nemophila would firmly protect the two key fighters.
It was the ideal party, and my heart swelled with excitement.
"Hmm...?"
At that moment, a faint question crossed my mind, and I looked at each of my companions in turn.
Valkyrie Rose.
Stardust Magician Cosmos.
Princess Knight Nemophila.
Even upon closer inspection, they were a splendid group.
Each of them possessed extraordinary strength, capable of a thousand men.
With just one person, they might be able to take down a whole country──what amazing talents they are.
That's why, in front of those 3, I couldn't help but tilt my head in confusion.
".....Do I even belong here?"
Their overwhelming strength made me question my own relevance.
Do I even have a role to play? A bad feeling crossed my mind that I might just end up watching from the sidelines while the battles finish without me.
...For now, I'll do my best with the chores.
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