Torn Asunder by War, A Sword Saint for Tomorrow X The Knight Wizards!! – Chapter 136

Chapter 136: Those Who Act on Personal Grudges, Despite Their Positions
  While the sudden turn of events and the changes in the political landscape might have perplexed the members of the Knight Kingdom who were on the expedition… In reality, that wasn’t the case.
  
  The mage with golden hair and burning eyes, who had just visited the Allied Domain’s camp to procure luxury goods under the guise of employee benefits, returned to his tent with a satisfied look and enjoyed a moment of tranquility.
  
  “Dino-kun, I bought some delicious German sweets. Would you like to eat them together?”
  
  “Are those the ones that Lady White Fox makes as a hobby? Revia praised them.”
  “Geez, you’re as roundabout as ever. Do you want some or not?”
  
  Pressed by Lise, who held up the bag of sweets and puffed out her cheeks cutely, the blue-haired knight couldn’t help but recall his red-haired childhood friend, who had been thoroughly spoiled by the Rare Human Knight King. Unable to refuse the goodwill, he nodded obediently.
  
  ‘It’s supposed to be a constant state of war, a time of conflict, yet it’s difficult to maintain a sense of urgency…’
  
  Being swayed by the unrestrained, slightly older woman who boldly pushed her way into his life, Dino harbored some doubts about how far he had deviated from his ideal self. His already sullen expression clouded over further.
  
  Even during this expedition, they had defeated four Gladius units that had been enemies of Rigsia, as well as two giant golems and a Mechanical Doll belonging to the “Hour of Ruin.” However, his achievements were far from those of the person he wanted to take revenge on.
  
  As Dino Cervas poured herbal tea into matching wooden mugs with a somewhat gloomy look, his mage partner, who had sat down next to him, reached out her delicate hand and pinched his nose.
  
  “Pfft!?”
  “Why do you always sink into negativity?”
  
  Muttering “What a troublesome fellow,” she stuffed a piece of “Bienenstich” into his open mouth, silencing his protest.
  
  Reflexively biting into the surface covered with fragrant almond florentine, the rich butter cream sandwiched between the bread overflowed, bringing a pleasant sweetness.
  
  “…Don’t do that suddenly, Lise.”
  “Fufu, even if you say that with such a face～♪”
  
  His furrowed brow and complaint were lightly brushed aside. He was suddenly pressed against her ample body, and the cream that had stuck to his mouth was licked off by her tongue.
  
  The glamorous mage, who had done this nonchalantly, smiled smugly and looked at the blue-haired knight, still innocent and flustered, with satisfaction.
  
  “Why are you blushing? We’ve done all sorts of things together, haven’t we?♪”
  “Guh, if someone hears you again, they’ll misunderstand…”
  
  Incidentally, to those with limited understanding, the organizational structure of the small country of Lizel, which is composed solely of knights, might seem like a “pot lid.” However, the hierarchy is determined by family lineage and past achievements. As such, the heir to the prestigious Cervas family is unnecessarily uptight.
  
  Knowing that he is occasionally invited to the lady’s mansion and is even aware of his father’s bold personality, which doesn’t dwell on trivial matters, it’s rather sad that she sees him as nothing more than a troublesome younger brother who creates his own barriers.
  
  “Why are you patting my head? I feel slightly humiliated.”
  “Eh, well… Just felt like it, you know.”
  
  The relationship between Lise, who dodged the question, and the suspicious Dino would develop significantly further down the line, but it would require some time.
  
  While the members of the Knight Kingdom were taking a break in this relaxed atmosphere, behind the scenes, the intentions of each faction were intertwined, converging towards a certain point of compromise.
  
  
  Cedric, the legitimate son of the Marquis of Rigsia, who had triggered this whole affair, was imprisoned in a natural cave, his sight and hearing blocked by a magic tool collar.
  
  He fumbled on the ground, picked up a piece of coarse bread, brushed off the sand, and without hesitation, bit into it and chewed to survive.
  
  “Ugh… uh… uhh…”
  
  “If you eat too fast, you’ll choke… Well, you can’t hear me anyway.”
  “I have no objection to concealing our identities, but Ojou-sama is thorough, isn’t she?”
  
  One of the guards, while making small talk, kicked a leather water bottle closer to him. The pitiful captive picked it up and gulped down the water.
  
  Despite his somewhat pathetic appearance, the remaining soldiers of the guard unit were unwavering. They had lost many comrades in the recent tragedy, and even the body of the elderly Aldabert, whom they were deeply indebted to, had been devoured by monsters along the way, preventing them from returning it to his family.
  
  They could not forgive the fact that the blood relatives of Lord Heisel, who had overlooked the Aberration invasion, were succeeding to the title without any repercussions. At the instigation of the old man’s beloved granddaughter, they had ostensibly left the military and become expendable pawns. With the tacit approval of the acting lord, they had carried out the attack. Their resolve was already set.
  
  Therefore, they diligently carried out the demanding surveillance mission, and after their shift, they returned to the villa in the aristocratic hunting grounds. They slipped through the unlocked door and entered the entrance hall.
  
  “Good work on the night watch.”
  “It seems the maids will serve us tea.”
  
  “That’s much appreciated, as I’m chilled to the bone.”
  “Well, we need to report to the unit commander first.”
  
  After responding to the greetings of their colleagues who were gathered inside, they waited for a short while for the report of the scout who had returned from the city of Leipzig. The squad leader then relayed the necessary information.
  
  There had been nothing particularly noteworthy, only that they had seen a bear wandering around in search of food before hibernation. He advised them to refrain from acting alone. With nothing else to report, the taciturn officer who had been listening quietly ended the conversation and headed towards a room at the back of the second floor.