An Old Man from the Countryside Becomes a Swords Saint: I Was Just a Rural Sword Teacher, But My Successful Students Won't Leave Me Alone! Chapter 88

Published at 9th of August 2022 07:02:26 AM

“All members, attention!”

We're at the central square of the Knights' HQ, where the Knights are all formed up. Alexia's dignified voice echoes in the quiet.

No one makes any noise right now. Everyone understood the importance of their impending assignment.

“As you all know, the members of the Supheniardvania Delegation are arriving here in the kingdom today,” Alexia started.

Yeah, they've finally arrived.

Soon, they'll come to the Royal Palace of Rebelis. Currently, our goals are to put the castle under the guard of both the Garrison and the Knights of the Faith.

“From 10 o'clock today, we will be taking a planned tour of the city with Her Highness, the Third Princess,” Alexia continued.

From here on out, we will head to the royal palace and then start escorting both her and the First Prince of Supheniardvania.

Of course, not everyone can be mobilized, so only selected Knights can get close to the royal family. Most of the Knights are supposed to work with the Kingdom Garrison to guard the streets.

Well, I think it's more than enough. However, since it is an escort for the people who control the hearts of two countries, it will be too late if something does happen. It is our job to put in place a perfect system so that everything goes incident-free.

However, when speaking publicly, Alexia's voice is always so dignified.

Since her voice is usually soft, the gap is even bigger. She's truly like a Knight-Captain. It's really impressive.

“As you have also known for some time, we are to be divided into 5 squads, each of which will provide personal and street security. The 1st Squad consists of me, Henblitz, and Sir Beryl, and will be attached to the vicinity of Her Highness, the Third Princess.”

Alexia reminds us of the squad placements.

I was worried about my placement until just before this day, but I ended up escorting by the Princess. I have no idea what happened since then.

“Next, the 2nd Squad–” Alexia continued.

Each squad leader is assigned, and their members are told their escort targets and guard duties.

I wish I could have been with them. It seems inevitable I'm going to have an audience with top executives. It's tough.

“Who has any questions?” Alexia asked, looking over the Knights.

Apparently, there are no questions, as no one speaks out. Instead, everyone had a clear enthusiasm.

Well, it's just security, but it's one of their few opportunities to deal with royalty. The work here is also directly linked to their reputation within the royal family and other countries, so it seems that everyone is excited.

For me, it's more of preparing for battle than excitement. This old man from the countryside who came out of nowhere has become a royal bodyguard, that's quite the leap.

“Then, move out!” Alexia cried.

“Ma'am!”

Everyone began to move.

“Alexia, good work today,” I said amid the waves of moving soldiers.

“No, the real work is about to begin,” Alexia said softly.

I wonder if her public voice time is over.

“But… do I have to be with the Princess, too?” I asked.

“I made the decision based on your ability, but… is something wrong?” Alexia asked.

“No, yeah… it's fine. My bad, I just said something weird,” I said.

Alexia's face looked like what I just said. She didn't doubt my abilities in the slightest.

I want you to doubt me. I'd like to complain that you shouldn't drag an old man like me to center stage, but I can't say it here.

After all, I have no choice but to think that everything was decided when I was assigned the role of Special Instructor. Where did my life as a countryside teacher go?

“Well, what will be next…?” I asked into the sky above the square.

There were no clouds, you could say it was a fine day to go sightseeing.

“Oh my, Alexia. Thank you for your time today,” the Third Princess said.

“Princess,” Alexia replied. “I will protect you with the pride of Revelio.”

It was an hour and a minute later.

We're now in line with the royal family in front of the main gate of the royal palace. On behalf of us three in the 1st Squad, Alexia was speaking with the Princess.

The Third Princess of the Kingdom of Rebelis is named Salacia 1 Asford Elle Rebelis. I was meeting her for the first time, and she's a wonderful beauty.

Is she in her mid-teens? The best words I'd use for her would be “pretty.” Especially her eyes are adorable and rounded. In terms of type, she may be close to Kuruni by my eyes.

However, her calm atmosphere makes her so much more than just a pretty face, an aura that keeps you from looking down on her for her age. Is this what you call the power of royalty?

“You as well, Henblitz,” Salacia said. “I will be in your care.”

“Princess!” Henblitz cried, a little surprised and stiff. “Leave it to me!”

That makes me nervous. I'm anxious, too.

“Umm… and perhaps you might be the Special Instructor?” Salacia said.

Oops, did the dial end up turning to me after all?

Oh, no. I meant, Princess, you know I even exist?

While both Alexia and Henblitz are dressed in shining armor, I'm only in a jacket, and I feel like I'm really conspicuous.

Even now, I feel a tremendous feeling of being out of place, but I can't help but bear with it as long as I've made it this far. I'm not going to give up now, either.

“We're meeting for the first time,” I said. “I am Beryl Gardenant and I'm the Special Instructor of the Knights of Rebelio. Today, I will be in charge of guarding you along with the Knight-Captain and the Vice-Captain.”

“I see, I am in your care, as well,” Salacia said.

Am I okay? Did I say it properly? Even though I'm not giving up, I'm still nervous. Your heart will naturally skip a beat when you're meeting with the most powerful human beings in the world for the first time.

“Princess Salacia.”

And while I was worried about that, I heard a dignified man's voice from the side.

When I turned around, a young man wearing a great aura was looking right at me.

He may or may not be an adult. His neat blonde hair is shining brightly in the sunlight. His clear eyes, reminiscent of jade crystals, were a color that spoke of an honest and straightforward personality.

Probably, no doubt, he is His Highness, the First Prince of Supheniardvania.

“Prince Glen. I am truly grateful for your time today,” Salacia said, offering her hand.

“The pleasure is mine as well,” Glen said, taking it. “Baltrain is a beautiful city. I shall enjoy myself today.”

It's a chance encounter between His Highness Glen, the First Prince of Supheniardvania, and Her Highness Salacia, the Third Princess of the Kingdom of Rebelis. It's an atmosphere where flower petals seem to dance in the air. Isn't this old man out of place? Is this okay?

Besides Prince Glen, there was also Gatoga and Rose, who I met the other day. Inevitably, these two people will be attached as the Prince's escort.

They noticed my gaze, and Rose smiled and waved modestly. Focus on your guard duty, you.

“Well then, shall we depart?” Salacia said. “It is festival season here in Baltrain.”

“Yes, that sounds lovely,” Glen said. “I thought so when I was arriving, but it truly is a lively and lovely country, isn't it?”

The two have quick, short exchanges. It's an air that doesn't feel negative, above all else.

Well, this international affair is proof of the friendship between the two states, and above all, it is within the eyes of the people. Even if they weren't happy about it, they wouldn't be stupid enough to reveal it publicly.

“You know, I'm quite grateful we were blessed with good weather today,” Salacia said.

“Truly,” Glen said. “… I, I can see your face so well, Princess Salacia.”

“Well now…!” Salacia cried. “Mhm-hmm-hmm…”

Your Highness, Glen, wasn't that a bit of a pick-up line? I can hear their conversations because they are nearby, but I didn't feel like the Prince was approaching with that intent a while back.

And Prince Glen is embarrassed.

I was about to say, “If you're embarrassed, don't do it.” but it's unreasonable to say it here. As expected, I'm not that rude. Let's keep an eye on this exchange with a smile.

Perhaps Princess Salacia doesn't react negatively to it, the air is calm from beginning to end.

After all, royal families are royal families, I wonder if there is something like that. It's a world I don't really understand.　

“Well then, Princess Salacia, your hand,” Glen said.

“Yes, thank you very much,” Salacia replied.

The Prince and Princess board a magnificent carriage prepared in front of the main gate.

We have a carriage for the escort. In the unlikely event that something happens, multiple carriages, including decoys, will be prepared, and escorts will board each of them.

There is one Prince, one Princess, and one attendant each in the carriage.

Although I haven't exchanged words with the latter two, they were probably the type of human beings who can fight well because of the way they carried themselves. These were not mere servants.

However, the Prince and the Princess ride in the same carriage. I thought that separate vehicles would be prepared, but I wonder if they have some kind of agenda?

Well, it's alright, I can't help but think about it.

Today, we're planning to go from the Western District to the Central District, have lunch there, and then go to the East District.

According to the expected schedule, we will return to the royal palace before evening, even if it is pushed a little bit, before sunset. I don't know what to do after today, but if anything happens, Alexia will give me another order.

At such times, my of Special Instructor and not an appointed Knight makes my life extremely easy. I don't have to go to meetings or conferences.

Alexia wants to push me out to the spotlight for some reason, but there are some practical problems around here.

Even now, it's a heavy burden for the old man. I want to avoid doing anything. The fact that Her Royal Highness the Third Princess recognized my face and name was too much for me.

“Well then, we're off!” the coachman said after the two boarded.

With that, the tour of His Imperial Highness, Prince Glen of Supheniardvania, began without hesitation.

Chapter end