My name was O'Brien.
I was a forty-year-old man this year. I was born into a poor household, but I now lived a reasonably comfortable life. In my mid-thirties, I had been able to take a wife, and we had one child. I was happy.
My profession was that of a Chief Priest-warrior. Yes, the Chief—the very top of the Priest-warrior Division in the Reiwight Kingdom. Honestly, I was the one most surprised by that fact. I had even become capable of using recovery magic. All of this was likely the result of that terrifying experience I once had. Or perhaps it was because I had trained so relentlessly to become worthy of joining the army led by that Golden-shining Hero. The gods were watching over me; effort never betrayed you.
Now, if I was to speak of my life, I had to mention my eyes. Mine were a special pair known as the Weakling's Eye. They allowed me to perceive the strength of others, though only to the extent of judging whether someone was stronger or weaker than myself. Nevertheless, I had navigated numerous crises thanks to these eyes. They were a reliable partner, though I knew better than to rely on them too much. It might have sounded contradictory, but that mindset was vital.
Recently, the number of people stronger than me had dwindled, but I couldn't allow myself to become conceited. Carelessness was strictly forbidden. If I let my guard down, I would never be able to stand among the ranks of the Golden-shining Hero’s army.
While I was constantly disciplining myself through training, a new assignment for guard duty came across my desk. It was an unscheduled job, naturally. The three kings were going to entertain a guest, and I was tasked with securing the venue. I accepted, of course. It was better that they gave me a few days' notice rather than telling me at the very last minute. I made sure to tell my wife and child that I would be late that day.
The Priest-warrior Division was stationed around the perimeter of the venue, so I wore my usual armor with a sword at my waist. I doubted I would have any reason to use it. A waiting room had been prepared for us, so we guarded the area until nightfall, taking breaks in rotation. I provided my own meals; if I left the catering to someone else, I would have to worry about poison being slipped in. That simply wouldn't do.
Suddenly, the guest entered the venue. I had heard they were an important figure within the Korin Religion, but they were accompanied by Fouche and even Fouche's Son. This was a high-level delegation. The guest looked young, but then...
My eyes began to reel. My Weakling's Eye was panicking.
I see. I understood then. I remembered him. It was only for a fleeting moment, but I recalled seeing him in that village. Back then, he was just a toddler standing near the Golden-shining Hero, but now he emitted a light that almost rivaled that of the Hero himself. It was truly magnificent.
"Adjutant," I called out. "Take a few reliable men and post them near that guest. Yes, the one standing next to Fouche."
The Adjutant hesitated, pointing out that the interior of the venue was outside our security mandate and that we couldn't bring weapons inside. I knew that, of course. That was why it wasn't a formal guard detail. I told them to change into formal wear and simply remain in the vicinity. I took full responsibility for the order. I hoped nothing would happen, but I knew better. Those who emitted that kind of light were magnets for trouble.
Sure enough, a commotion broke out. The Adjutant came rushing out of the noisy venue.
"Report! Fouche-sama is running wild, attacking the princes! Shall we enter to restrain her?"
I told him to wait. "Why did Fouche snap? What was the cause?"
"It was a conversation between the guest and the princes," the Adjutant explained.
I knew Fouche wouldn't lose her temper over just anything.
"The guest mentioned he aimed to become a Village Head, and the princes laughing at that seemed to get on her nerves."
I see. I see, I see.
"All units of the Priest-warrior Division, listen up! We are siding with Fouche!"
"What? Are you serious, sir?"
"I am entirely serious. All units, draw swords! Go! Capture the princes! Eliminate anyone who stands in your way! You may bind them, but do not kill them. I will be the one to execute them."
It proved to be a difficult task. As expected, the kings' personal guards were formidable. We only managed to overcome them because they were hesitant to strike against the Korin Religion and Fouche. However, a Korin Religion Dignitary eventually issued a stop order, which meant I was unable to behead the princes.
That was regrettable. No, wait—perhaps it was for the best. If I had executed them in a fit of rage, it might have troubled the guest, Alfred-dono. It was better to leave them to the judgment of the law.
"What is it, Adjutant? Did something happen?"
"Investigators have arrived from the Korin Religion and the Kingdom," he reported. "They want to conduct an inquiry into the incident."
"Very well. Investigators are just doing their jobs. Cooperate with them fully and tell no lies. Be honest about everything. Make sure to tell them clearly that I was just a hair's breadth away from taking the princes' heads."
The Adjutant worried about the possibility of my execution, but I told him not to bother. If it came to that, I would simply make a clean escape.
A few days later, I saw Alfred-dono walking. His figure was brimming with confidence; it was magnificent.
"Um, Warrior Chief? He looks similar, but that's not Alfred-dono, is it?" the Adjutant asked.
"No, that is certainly Alfred-dono."
"But his height and everything else are completely different! It has to be an older brother or something."
The Adjutant worried too much about minor details. My eyes could not be deceived; that was Alfred-dono. Before he could argue further, Fouche appeared out of nowhere to silence him.
"He has grown up," she declared.
I see. How magnificent.
"No, no, no..." the Adjutant muttered, still unconvinced, but I paid him no mind. Things were certainly starting to look interesting.
Prime Minister: "Who is that?" Fouche: "It is Alfred-sama. He has grown up." Prime Minister: "No, no, no, that's impossible..." Adjutant: "Exactly. My thoughts exactly."
Noble Daughter A: "Who is that?" Fouche: "It is Alfred-sama. He has grown up. Do not approach him." Noble Daughter A: "(He grew up exactly to my taste!)" Noble Daughter B: "(I didn't hate how he looked before, but this!)" Noble Daughter C: "(His current look is also wonderful!)"
Adjutant: "(They’re... they're too quick to accept it. So this is the adaptability of the nobility...)"