Chapter 22 - Castle Tour

Obviously, people would feel less willing to show me respect due to my standing. Perhaps my inner turmoil was apparent on my face because Zinnia came to console me. “Putting everything else aside, the Dark Knights corps is composed of those who have gathered out of admiration for the duke. They may envy your closeness to His Excellency, but I’m sure they’ll be more accepting once they witness your capability.”

Would they really, I wondered? I didn’t reply and, seeing the concern still showing on my face, Axion brazenly added, “She’s right. Take me for an example; at first, I was a tadpole, but after seeing you in action I gave you the respect you deserve, didn’t I?”

“What a proud thing to say, team leader.”

“What’s not to be proud of?” he retorted. “But the problem is… we need to enter a dungeon to see your abilities, Jun. How about asking His Excellency to go on a dungeon grind?”

“Please tell me you’re joking,” Zinnia muttered, aghast.

“…A dungeon grind. I guess there’s no other way than that.”

“No, Jun. How could you take his words so seriously?”

* * *

Although the topic veered off course due to some arguing, Axion’s suggestion was certainly worth considering. The best way to showcase my abilities was to go on a raid together, after all. But there was one problem: the enlistment exam was much closer than I had thought. I worried whether I would be able to mingle with the other members before the new batch of rookies was chosen. There were only a few weeks left and that was too short a time to build interpersonal relationships!

As I fell into thought, I chewed on my lips, anxious. Then again, perhaps this was for the better—I could form my own faction from among the rookies. And if Nova joined this time around, things would be a little easier.

While I was busy running a one-woman show inside my head, I failed to notice the captain staring at me. Suddenly, he stopped and looked down at me, asking, “Do you dislike having me assign you to work?”

At first glance, he seemed to be asking for my opinion, but why did it sound like he was daring me to agree? It seemed Mayer had misunderstood my slow pace as an expression of how unwilling I was to work in his expedition corps, which wasn’t the case. I shook my head hard, almost excessively. “No, that’s not it. I like to work,” I firmly said.

Work? I liked it, yes. Working meant leveling up the corps and only by raising everyone’s levels—including mine—could we safely clear dungeons and defeat the demon lord, no? I was the type to put safety first. Honestly speaking, the world peace that would come after I died wasn’t very important. My hard work was an investment for the future, like when one studied hard in middle and high schools. To obtain a happy and comfy future, I had to grind those levels now.

Whenever there were high risks, there would be high returns. I would face many difficulties as a vice-captain, but wouldn’t my effort be rewarded just as much once Mayer slew the Demon lord and became the emperor? Therefore, I had to work hard to achieve that end.

I clenched my fists and inwardly cheered myself on, eager and determined to grasp a happy future. “I’ve never been in a position that entails responsibility, Captain, but since you put your trust in me, I’ll try and do my best.”

“How reassuring,” he said. “I have faith in you. Do not forget to come to me anytime if you have any trouble.” His lips curved in a discreet smile as he patted my shoulder in a stately and trusting manner.

I wondered if he learned these kinds of things because he was born as the heir to a dukedom. Was there a book titled ‘Effective Ways to Pet a Subordinate as a Superior or a Leader’ or something? I was impressed, but that wasn’t what mattered. Putting aside working hard, I had no desire to be the center of attention or the topic of gossip among the Dark Knights.

We had yet to visit the dining area or the training grounds, and there would certainly be many people within those areas. If I were to escape Mayer, this was my chance. I shot a tentative glance at him and tested the waters to see if I could sneak away. “Yes! Well then, if you’ll excu—”

“Well then, allow me to guide you to the main castle now,” he ruthlessly interrupted me.

“Ah… Okaay…”

Meticulous as he was, Mayer did not allow me to escape, and then he led me around Nochtentoria Castle. Everywhere. To the stables behind the castle, the mess halls—one for regular members and one for officers—the training grounds, and even to the unfrequented prayer room in the northern tower.