A month after returning from the investigation of Lake Biharne,

"Uh, Alberto and Laura follow me after class. Yes, today's class is over"

Philbs, who was in charge at the final ceremony, said that.

Me and Laura looked at each other and followed Philbs as he tried to get out of the classroom.

"Whoa, you're following me"

Philbs looks behind.

"What can I do for you?

Laura asked.

"There's someone I need you to meet for a minute. You can't say it too loud, so stay tuned."

Philbs laughed with his finger on his mouth.

Who would it be?

It was the reception room for the guests (Hinchaku) that Philbs headed for.

"Coming in."

If you say so, push the door open and Philbs walks into the room. We'll follow.

I had eyes with someone in the room.

"Hey, long time no see. Alberto."

There was a skinny man wearing frameless glasses.

Of course, I remember the man. You took my magic arrow for the entrance exam.

But Laura was the one who said it.

"Ka, Master Carlisle......!

"Hi. Alberto hasn't seen you in a while. I guess Laura is new to talking to you. Greetings."

A genius court magician manipulating 700 sorceries was sitting on the couch.

Me and Laura say hello back.

"You don't have to be. You can handle this guy more clutter. Look, sit there."

Philbs advised us to take a seat as we sat on the couch on Carlisle's side.

We sit face-to-face with Carlisle.

"What can I do for you?

"You're pretty quick, Alberto. I don't hate it though. Well, let's get down to business."

That being said, Carlisle put the paperwork from the bag he had placed instead on the claw and low table.

"Actually, I'd like Alberto to serve."

"Service......?

It was a word I had no idea.

Carlisle is staring at my face with a thin grin, as if to enjoy my reaction like that.

"Yes, the kingdom is thinking of a military deployment. I want to add a brilliant magician to it."

"I'm the one who excels...?

"The martial arts at Lake Biharne have reached my ears. I'd love for you to demonstrate your ability on the battlefield."

Battlefield...

To be honest, I don't take it personally. Because I don't like every fight.

But.

"I ask you first, is that an order from the kingdom?

"Of course, I am."

"Really? Then there's no reason to refuse."

I gave my consent.

I'm banished from my house, but I'm from a nobleman. Loyalty to the country and kings has been tapped in since childhood.

"... to be honest, I don't feel comfortable dealing with humans"

"Uh, it's okay. I forgot to tell you, because the enemy is not human."

That said, Carlisle showed me some of the paperwork he was spreading to the table.

"The enemy is a settlement in Lizardman."

"Lizardman?"

Lizardman is a lizard who lives bipedally like a human being. If the body is splendid and male, the height exceeds two meters. The muscles are rough and the strength is very strong.

"It's a pretty big settlement there...... it's been a force I can't ignore for a long time. But there was a line that was implicit in each other, and as long as we didn't cross here, we lived apart feeling non-interference. But lately, the other side has been breaking it."

"So you're sending a knight."

In my words Carlisle shook her head as she sifted.

"I already dispatched. And wiped out."

――

I was just a little surprised. Indeed, Lizardman is a very powerful creature when viewed on an individual level. Even a single warrior struggles when he fights from the front.

But his intelligence is weak and his weapons are immature.

A trained and led force like a knight should be able to defeat it without bitterness......

There's a crest artist.

"The Seal Master?

"I've been living in the Lizardman settlement for a while now. The Lizardman the Seal Master carved out the tattoo seems to be a strong individual... he can't be fat with his half-baked power."

Oh, and Carlisle sighed.

"That is why the strength of the Lizardman living in that lake swamp became a force that cannot be ignored. As a kingdom, I've decided to assemble my true strength and slap Lizardman on the nose with these."

"Is that what you mean"

"That's not why we defeat humans, it's a fight to protect them. Show me your strength without regret."

"Okay."

If that's the case, there's no reason to hesitate.

Carlisle's eyes moved sideways.

"I want Laura to act with Alberto, too"

- Wait a minute.

I broke in before Laura responded.

"I... don't mind, Laura is a child. Taking my child Laura to the battlefield..."

"Hmm, Alberto is humane."

Carlisle laughs at it.

"But, you know, I want to take care of my personal feelings. Laura, you know your village, don't you?

"... Yes"

"If you act as a magician, you will remember the nobles and royalty better. I'm sure that 's-- doesn't that fit your wish?

Laura nodded with a strange face.

I remember. Laura's village is neglected by the country because she has her ancestors' blood of an evil witch.

I want to contribute to the country to improve the village position a little bit.

That was Laura's strong thoughts.

"Yes, I… would like to be of service to the country"

So I couldn't deny Laura's words.

Instead...

I made only one vow in my heart.

"You said earlier that Laura would be with me, didn't you?

"Did I tell you?

"... ok"

Then I'll protect Laura.

I don't consider myself good - but if this court magician praises my accomplishments, and if Laura believes me to be a hero - I guess I have something.

Try to protect Laura with that force.

"Laura, let's do our best"

"Yes! Mr. Alberto!

Look at my face, Laura smiled and cheered at me.