TFR 408

A Sacred...(?) Battle [Part 2]

With memories of their previous world, the Tanaka family came to understand what the Chief Delegate meant faster than the people of this world.

'Though they might be better off not understanding it.

War absolutely must not happen.

"Keh-heh-heh, I guess the attack on the Royal Capital is about to start... Kekeke..."

Looking up at the gradually darkening sky, the Chief Delegate's body shook in mirth at the family's reaction and,

"Oh? Careful there, our knight friends. I hope you can take your hands off your swords."

He caught the movements of the Kingdom knights from the corner of his eyes and kept them in check.

"What do you think you can do with this number of people?"

The Royal Guards under the King only added up to dozens.

Their opposing side, the Imperial Army, brought about a thousand soldiers.

Anyone could easily imagine the outcome at a glance.

'I thought no one would be foolish enough to draw their swords in the face of an overwhelming difference in military strength...' mumbled the Chief Delegate silently in his heart in disgust... but,

"Well, one will never ascertain the outcome until an attempt is made."

Another fool appeared following the Royal Guards.

And that fool was the one who must be protected above all else in this campsite, the King of this kingdom.

"Huh?"

Even the Chief Delegate couldn't help but let out a stupid sound at this reaction.

Facing a thousand Imperial soldiers, the King drew his sword.

"Wait! Your Majesty! What are you doing of your own volition?! Please stand back!"

"Gah! Why are you so elated and eager to fight?!"

"Your Majesty, stay! Uh-uh, stay! Your Majesty! Sit!"

The Royal Guards rushed to stop the King, who looked like he would shout, "CHAAARGE!" at any moment.

"Oh boy, the vassals sure have it hard if the King's an idiot."

The King didn't beg for his life before the Imperial Army but drew his sword.

'I guess physical appearance doesn't deceive you. Even his brain is made of muscles,' the Chief Delegate shrugged his shoulders while looking at the Royal Guards with pity.

"...hm?"

However, the eyes of those pitiful knights were, strangely enough, sparkling brightly.

"Your Majesty! You're being unfair! It's not often that we have an opportunity to fight without reservation like this!"

"Exactly, Your Majesty! Would Your Majesty kindly consider this—If Your Majesty were to charge first and unfortunately perish, our defeat would be all but assured before we even have the chance to swing our swords, would it not?!!"

"YES! IT'S HAPPENING! IT'S FINALLY HAPPENING! Seriously, you don't know how freakin' stressed I was having to deal with unknown, absurd monsters all this go̲d̲d̲a̲m̲n̲ time! Hehehe, but if we're up against other humans, I can totally go all out with my sword and spear, right? Riiight?"

Every member of the Royal Guard was a person who had served on the King's side for many years. They trained daily with the King. It may be noted that despite their consistent refusals, the King would still force his way to participate. As a result, the nature of their training became increasingly intense over time.

Consequently, many opted to resign from the orders, even after they had risen to the ranks of Royal Guards. On each occasion, one or two people couldn't stand the King's grueling training and quit. This trend has persisted up to the current time, resulting in the remaining members being comprised of battle-crazed warriors with unparalleled fortitude in the country.

In the extracurricular lesson, these people couldn't show their prowess against monsters, which fell outside their area of expertise, but now, they cheered that they could fully display their might.

"No, that... um? You mustn't do that, you know? Uhh?" (William)

"NO, NO, NO, NO! NO WAY! Mr. Knights, calm down!" (Emma)

"WAIT, WAIT. Hold your horses!" (George) 

"W-Why are you all rushing to die?!" (Melsa) 

"O-Oi! Stop!" (Leonard)