Sophia’s Request ③

Sophia’s country naturally had territory to govern, but protecting every square inch of it was easier said than done. That was especially true in cases where there was no "direct" damage to speak of.

Apparently, a dragon had taken up residence near a village called Carlo, located on the eastern edge of the realm. While it hadn’t attacked yet, the villagers couldn't gather medicinal herbs, work the fields, or go out hunting.

Now, dispatching an entire unit of soldiers just for a loitering dragon was a hard sell—especially since Sophia was currently in the middle of pushing through policies that were already rubbing the nobility the wrong way.

And who was the one who’d fired her up and set her on this ambitious path? That would be me. Therefore, a fraction of the responsibility for this headache rested squarely on my shoulders.

On paper, this was being handled as an official adventurer’s request with a very generous fee, but—

"Keep it," I said. "I’m not exactly hurting for cash. Just give the money to the village or something."

"I don't need it either," Olynn added.

"Nor I," Tura chimed in. "I have nothing to spend it on."

Lilith bowed her head slightly. "I only came along to serve Lord Weiss, so payment is unnecessary. My sentiments are, of course, the same as everyone else’s."

I had flatly refused, and it seemed Olynn and the others were on the same page. Actually, come to think of it, I probably didn't even need to speak for them. Knowing this lot, they would have said the exact same thing anyway.

"Biado will guide you to the village," Sophia said, before bowing deeply to us. "Please... I’m counting on you all."

Good grief, she’s back to the formalities again.

"We’re friends, aren't we? Stop bowing every five seconds," I sighed. "More importantly, is it really okay for a Royal Knight to be tagging along with us?"

"...Thank you, Weiss," she said with a soft smile. "It’s fine; he’s officially acting as a mercenary for this trip. Biado, if you would?"

"Understood," Biado replied. "I have prepared a large carriage for the journey. I selected one with the most comfortable seating available, but as I had to avoid making it look too flashy, it may be a bit cramped. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"Think nothing of it, Lord Biado!" Tura laughed, slapping his thigh. "Our backsides have undergone rigorous training!"

I’m pretty sure 'Glute Strengthening' wasn't on the curriculum back at Noblesse, but I’ll refrain from pointing that out. Still, I really wished I could borrow a bit of Tura’s unflappable mental fortitude.

The truth was, one thing was making me incredibly anxious.

I had never heard of this "episode" before. Sub-quests weren't exactly rare in the world of Noblesse, but a dragon was a massive existence—literally and figuratively. The fact that I had zero knowledge of this event was a major red flag.

I really hope this doesn't go sideways.

Damn it, this is the downside of having lived with the 'future' etched into my brain. I’ve become so used to being a know-it-all that having a normal level of uncertainty feels like a crisis.

The story’s progression was accelerating, and the plot was branching off into unknown territory. From here on out, the things I didn't know would only continue to multiply. I just had to deal with them as they came. That was what it took to reach the True End—to Clear this world.

"Lilith, I’m telling you this now: value your own life," I said, turning to her. "You have a habit of sacrificing yourself to protect others. Consider this a direct order from the head of House Fanscent."

"...Hehe. I will do my best... as much as possible," she replied with a playful tilt of her head.

"That sounded incredibly non-committal..."

"I am Lord Weiss’s maid, after all."