The Simple Job of Only Perishing to the Hero

Book 9: Chapter 34

The battle between Ykslaas and Chester was approaching its climax.

Shironos and Eltrinde plunged straight from the roof into the upper floor. They tore through the Light Shield Knight Army and the Light Staff Knight Army that blocked their way.

However, as they tried to advance further, they were confronted by the Imperial Guard

Knights. The knights of the Imperial Guard wore tough, heavy armor similar to that of the Light Shield Knight Army. They each held a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.

The Imperial Guards duty was to serve as the shield protecting royalty, as well as the sword that struck down any opposition to royalty.

They went through the most difficult training of all of the knight armies, and it was their unwavering confidence in their abilities that allowed them to gain their position as royaltys protectors. In terms of swordsmanship, they could match even accomplished warriors like Eltrinde.

Im going have to ask you to move

We cannot do that.

The first to respond to Eltrindes demand was the female knight that stood at the very front of the knight army, guarding the entrance to the audience hall.

The knight appeared to be nearing old age. However, her silent but intimidating presence did not give off any signs of fragility.

Attached to her back was a large, two-handed sword. Her equipment was visibly different from that of the other knights, and it was covered in detailed patterns.

Not breaking her knights salute, it was clear that she did not plan to let them pass.

Susanna, co-captain of the Imperial Guard Knight Army As the second princess Eltrinde, I command you to move. Please move out of the way.

I cannot follow your commands. The Imperial Guard has already chosen Narika as their master.

Susanna! Dont you understand? Narika is not just. Some even say that she conspired with Mazenda to bring the Alva into this kingdom!

Eltrinde

The knight, unfazed by Eltrindes anger, did not move an inch.

From the moment the Imperial Guard swore its loyalty to Narika, we have promised to serve as her sword and shield. You have to understand what a knights duty is.

Well, that depends on the situation, doesnt it!? Isnt it also the duty of a knight to correct their masters mistakes?

No. The duty of a knight is to die alongside its master. A knight serves as its masters weapon. There is no value in a weapon that disobeys its master.

Susanna!

Interrupting Eltrinde, Shironos stepped forward.

But still, you are human. Can you really say that its your duty to throw away your free will and serve as nothing but a tool?

Stranger, that is not the case. If a knights master is misguided, it is the knights duty to advise them. However, if the master still does not choose to right their wrongs, it is the knights duty to obey them nonetheless.

Even if the path that they choose leads to their demise?

Then I guess my duty would be to delay my masters demise, even if it is by just a few seconds.

Shironos nodded in understanding.

Youre definitely a knight.

Yes.

How foolish A knights duty is to protect the people! Youre completely going against that duty!

No, Eltrinde.

Susanna silently shook her head.

At times, a knight may still bring its sword down upon the people. A knight may protect the people as well, but that is only if it aligns with its masters wishes.

Susanna, not breaking her stance, glared at Eltrinde warningly.

So, Eltrinde. I cannot let you pass through here. I have been commanded by Narika to spare your life, so, once again, I will have to ask you to leave.

Susanna I have to pass through. I have to defeat Mazenda and discover Narikas true intentions.

Susanna took a deep sigh and broke her stance.

Is that really what you plan to do?

Susanna, wont you please reconsider?

As she reached her hand to the sword on her waist, Susanna opened her mouth.

Theres no point in asking anymore. As long as neither of us are willing to leave, were never going to reach an agreement.

I see, well, that is quite disappointing.

And at the exact same moment, Eltrinde and Susanna both drew their swords.

I will warn you beforehand, but I do not plan to go easy on you, Eltrinde.

I see. I dont think I can go easy on you, either.

Also, this is not a duel.

The Imperial Guard knights standing behind Susanna readied their weapons.

Eltrinde put on a faint, regretful smile.

I understand. I really dont want to kill you, but please dont hate me for this.

I was going to say the same thing. It would be a violation of Narikas commands, but if it is what I need to do to protect Narika, I will not hesitate. Even if I end up returning to the God of Life, I will make sure to put up a good last fight against you.

They readied their swords, glaring at each other.

Eltrinde, not daring to take her eyes off of Susanna, called out to Shironos.

Sorry, but I think Susanna will keep me busy for now. Even if it is just for a little while, please fight back the other knights.

Eltrinde assured him that she would join him as soon as possible. Shironos smiled gently.

Understood.

Right after he finished talking, Shironos flew past Eltrinde and Susanna in an instant and appeared directly before the Imperial Knights behind them.

Huh!?

Wha-

Not even bothering to look back at the surprised faces of the two behind him, Shironos began fighting the knights.

I wont let them interrupt your battle. Please, go all out.

Shironos raised his sword and shield.

Taking a quick, fleeting glance behind her, Eltrinde shifted her focus back toward Susanna.

A single drop of sweat ran down Susannas face. It was clear that she was worried about what was going on behind her.

Eltrinde stomped the ground.

Can you really afford to be paying attention to whats going on behind you, Susanna? Am I that easy of an opponent for you?

Susanna smiled wryly and quietly raised her sword.

No, Eltrinde. However Im slowly losing confidence in my ability to stop you without killing you. Im sorry to let you know, but Im gonna have to go join my knights as soon as possible.

That isnt gonna happen.

They glared at each other, paying close attention to the space between them. Susanna was the first to strike.

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