Konosuba: A Tale of This Beautiful World

~Vol. 4 Short Story Compilation~

Vows of Loyalty

"Girdris-sama!"

"Zu' Re, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be with the others?"

"The dissidents have been defeated and His Majesty is being defended by the rest of the group."

"Does this mean you were permitted to leave your post?"

"I… I suppose not, Girdris-sama."

Lady Girdris sighed lightly. "Who did you leave at the King's side, Zu' Re?"

"Worry not, Girdris-sama, only those who were by His Majesty's side when he announced the decree are present."

There was a brief moment of silence as Lady Girdris quietly pondered on something. "What madness. To think something like this could've happened under my nose."

"Blame yourself not, Girdris-sama. To those who have betrayed the kindness and authority of both, you and His Majesty, they deserve no forgiveness or forethought."

"No, Zu' Re, they deserve judgment, but we can not forget that they were our comrades once. I am to blame for this folly as much as any one of them; that I did not see this happening or even plan for such a situation shows how lacking my skills in leadership are."

"Nonsense, Girdris-sama! You couldn't—"

"I couldn't have predicted it, of course, but I should've imagined such a scenario and built a proper counter for it; that is why I command this group, that's why I lead the Maidens of the Silver Branch; it is my duty to foresee all possible threats to His Majesty."

I couldn't muster a proper response to Lady Girdris' answer, however…

"The Queen... Girdris-sama, I don't believe any of us could've predicted or would've liked to imagine such a scenario."

"Whether we'd like to or not isn't a matter of question. I should've been prepared for the worst possible situation—even the ones that may fuel my nightmares for ages to come. But enough of this, let us not dally any longer; there are still pressing matters we must tend to."

As the two of us paced down the corridor with pressing concern, we were stopped by a bloodied guard.

"Lady Girdris!" he yelled as he ran towards us.

"Soldier, what—"

"Lady Girdris, please, you must come! The Hall is being overrun."

We exchanged glances and then nodded.

"Lead the way."

When we arrived, a battle was already underway with the rebelling Silver Branches and the palace guards. As proficient as the guards were, they were no match for a force of elite warriors. Several of them had fallen and the remaining ones were being quickly cut down; despite that, neither side showed any thought of backing down.

"Stop!" Lady Girdris yelled. "Lay down your arms!"

But the Silver Branch rebels did not heed her command; instead, Lady Gridris' order only served to infuse them with greater aggression. Within a few seconds, the remaining guards were lying upon the hall's floor in a pool of blood, either dead or incapacitated.

"Lady Girdris," one of the rebels called out, "Talis-sama wishes to see you at our side once more. It pains her greatly to see you fighting against us."

"And how do you think Girdris-sama feels, you traitor?!" I yelled in fury.

She raised her hand to signal me to calm myself and then spoke. "My duty is to His Majesty and the kingdom. It seems you all have forgotten your vows...as has Talis."

"Our vows are to the royal family, not only to His Majesty. He seeks to weaken our nation by giving the placement of Royal Heir to a halfing. He has betrayed his people and his Queen. A man like that is not fit to be our ruler, Lady Girdris."

"It is not your call to make, nor any of ours; those are matters to be held between the Tribunal and the King himself—or have you chosen to forget that as well?"

The rebel fell silent for a moment. "...Lady Girdris, I will ask you once more: will you come with us?"

"My answer remains the same."

"A shame."

The remaining rebels drew their weapons.

"Zu' Re, take this man and tend to his wounds. I will deal with this."

"But Girdris-sama!"

"Don't worry, Zu' Re, though I might question my ability to lead, I don't doubt my prowess in battle. Believe in me and do as I ask."

For a brief moment, I hesitated, but without another word, I quickly took the guard who led us here and withdrew.

After helping him over to the back of the room, I put him down.

"Don't worry about me," he said. "Lady Girdris, please help her."

"Are you alright to tend to your wounds yourself?"

"Yes, I'll be fine. You need to go help her."

I looked down the hall and saw that the rebel Branches were already dashing towards Lady Girdris.

"I'll return," I said and quickly rushed towards the battle.

Before I could reach her, however, the others did. Five against one. Even if I joined, the odds were stacked against us.

The first of the traitors reached her, and upon doing so, immediately slashed at her with a set of daggers.

"Girdris-sa...ma?" I shouted out reflexively, trying to aid Lady Girdris, but my warning quickly petered out as I saw what happened next.

Within that split second, Lady Girdris dodged effortlessly, sweeping to her side and smashing her spear into the rebel's stomach. As the Branch recoiled from the impact, Lady Girdris quickly spun around and smashed the spear into her back. The swift counterattack left the traitor dazed, allowing Lady Girdris to finish her. With one thrust she could've ended the fool's life, however, Lady Girdris spared her, choosing to use the blunt end of her spear to incapacitate the rebel Branch.

The second was upon her before the first hit the ground. This one slashed at her with an axe. Unlike the first, Lady Girdris and her traded blows until the third and fourth reached them. Met with a greater quantity of opponents, Lady Girdris was pressed into defense.

"Girdris-sama!" I yelled, about to run over to her aid.

"Stay!" she barked.

With such a powerful reply, I couldn't disobey. I watched on anxiously from a few meters away.

Axe, sword, and spear swiped past flesh and armor until one of the axes came down on Lady Girdris. Luckily, Lady Girdris blocked the attack with the length of her spear. Unfortunately, she left herself rather defenseless, and in doing so, received a ferocious kick to her stomach.

She stumbled backward, and as she did, the other two rushed forward. The one with the sword unleashed a mighty thrust while the other axe wielder prepared to chop down on her.

Just as I thought it was over for Lady Girdris, she darted towards the blade's side and swiped. The spear sliced through the air and deflected the sword thrust right into the path of the axe's chop. The blade shattered as the axe head made contact with it.

I was stunned at the amazing maneuver, however, the two combatants—also influenced by the moment—were left completely open; Lady Girdris knew this as I saw her preparing to perform a counter; regretfully, the first axe-wielding traitor attacked her.

Once again, she was on the back foot. As the axe-wielder kept her busy, the other two regained their composure and joined her, the one whose blade shattered took the set of the daggers from their unconscious comrade.

The battle that started somewhere near the middle of the hall was now coming closer to my own position; one that was only a few meters from the back entrance. Assaulted from the coordinated attacks, Lady Girdris eventually received a slash from the daggers.

"Girdris-sama," I said as she shot backward away from the battle.

Walking from her place on the opposite side of the hall, the leader of the bunch called to Lady Girdris, saying, "Lady Girdris, I'll ask you once again: come to our side and all is forgiven; it's not too late. It would please Talis-sama if you would consider this."

Lady Girdris fell silent and then closed her eyes.

"Girdris-sama?" I spoke with a bit of tentativeness.

Was she actually considering the offer? If she was, could I defeat her? Judging by her recent performance, it was unlikely. Even if I could, I really didn't want to fight someone I admired as much as her.

Finally, she sighed and then opened her eyes. "A shame," she said. "It seems I'm not as powerful as I thought."

"Even someone as skilled as you has no chance against so many," the leader replied.

"Umu. Here I thought I could take all of you without having to claim any lives. Unfortunately, it seems I'm still not at that level. Master did say it takes far greater strength to succeed without bloodshed." Lady Girdris removed her armor and then smashed her spear over her knee, snapping it in two. "Stand back, Zu' Re."

There was a greater sense of calm in her voice, but one that was different than her usual tone. The feeling it gave off was in stark contrast to the sense of justice she usually exuded, one filled with the darkness of a remorseless killer.

"Come."

But the Branches simply traded stares, hesitant to approach.

"No? Then I will."

Twenty paces, that's the distance she cleared in an instant. Her target, the one who wielded the set of daggers, tried to dodge backward but it was too late; Lady Girdris' spearhead sunk deep into her chest, killing the shocked elf instantaneously. The other three tried to react but Lady Girdris continued her assault without delay. In one moment, she swung the spearhead with such strength that it flung the corpse from the end of the blade and into one of the axe wielders, and in the next moment, she darted in the opposite direction towards the other axe wielder.

Unable to erect a proper defense in such short a time, she found herself meeting the same fate as the dagger-wielding traitorous Branch: impalement through the chest and heart. As soon as the body fell to the ground, Lady Girdris dashed in the direction of the final two.

The leader of the group intercepted, quickly using her own spear to try and run Lady Girdris through, but Lady Girdris deflected the thrust towards the ground and stomped down on the end of the spear, quickly lunging forward and driving her own spear clear through yet another rebel.

Having witnessed her comrades be cut down within a matter of moments, the final Branch dropped her weapon and gave up. Lady Girdris raised the spear blade at her neck.

"Take me to Talis."

As we followed behind the surviving rebel, I couldn't help but think of what just happened. I knew Lady Girdris was skilled...but to have defeated a group of elite warriors in such a short time...well frankly, it was nothing short of amazing. Brutal yet efficient; was this the way Lady Girdris truly fought?

After walking through a series of corridors, we arrived at the antechamber of one of the minor throne rooms.

"Talis-sama lies on the other side of this door, Lady Girdris," our captive said.

Without a word, Lady Girdris knocked her out.

"Zu' Re, once we enter, be on your guard."

"Girdris-sama, what are we to do about Lady Talis? Are we...capturing—"

"Don't worry about Talis, worry about yourself; I'll deal with her, whatever her choice. Ready?"

I swallowed deeply and then nodded.

Lady Girdris pushed open the double doors revealing a large chamber with one figure standing at the far end.

"Talis, where is the Queen?" Lady Girdris queried sternly.

"Her Majesty is elsewhere, Girdris...or should I call you by who you really are? The Unrelenting Spear of Sylvenn." She chuckled. "It's no wonder you made it all the way here. The others didn't stand a chance, did they? How sad."

"Talis, since you are our former ally and adjutant of the Silver Branches I'll give you one chance to redeem yourself. Lay down your arms and give up."

"Girdris, I have a duty to uphold. And unlike you, I haven't forfeited that duty."

Such a sly remark. Talis Calindra, second-in-command and current military commander to the rebelling Branches. Known widely as the "Vanishing Wind of Sylvenn", her speed was uncontested; there wasn't a Sylv alive who could match her except—perhaps—Lady Girdris. Together they were known as the "Silver Winds of Sylvenn".

"You lead our own against our King and country and you dare speak of duty? The Queen may have her reasons for instigating this rebellion but that doesn't give her just cause."

"Umu, I know."

"What?"

"You didn't really think I'd believe such a reason to be just." Talis chuckled. "Of course not. It certainly isn't a very good reason to destabilize the nation."

"Then why—"

"Because, Girdris, it's a good enough reason for me to finally confront you."

Hearing her reply, I couldn't help but speak out. "You went along with this for such a stupid reason?! You'd dare bring ruin to our country for such a selfish and pointless wish?!"

Lady Talis stared at me, her eyes narrowing. "Zu' Re, you're still but a wee twig, I don't expect someone who hasn't broke ground to understand. When you see yourself pressed into a corner, fighting for a mere chance to survive, that's when you really will begin to understand what it means to live. Never before had I felt that until I fought against Girdris. Do you remember, Girdris, that time so many summers ago, before the crowd?"

"Umu...how could I forget? During that time we were fighting for the title Leader of the Branches."

"Yes. And Master Rorok was present. A mere commoner like yourself going against a true-blooded and distinguished Sylv like myself." Talis laughed. "My, how arrogant I was back then. I severely underestimated you based on such petty differences."

"And even now you're falling for the same trap, Talis. We don't have to fight. If you—"

"Save your breath, Girdris, and raise thy spear. The time for words is gone; let our weapons do the talking. We'll see once and for all who is the greatest spear of Sylvenn and the true heir of Master Rorok and the Branches."

Lady Girdris let out a regretful sigh. "Zu' Re, don't interfere. You'll die if you do."

"But—"

"Don't. Remember what I told you about defeating a stronger opponent."

"..." I looked away. "Understood, Girdris-sama."

After, Lady Girdris raised her weapons: the half-broken shaft of her long spear and its spearhead.

"Here I come, Girdris. Don't disappoint me."

I blinked and Lady Talis was already before Lady Girdris, her spear being deflected; however, with the speed of the attack, the parry was not clean and therefore resulted in successfully wounding Lady Girdris' arm.

The movement and attacks between them were a blur; each thrust, slash, block, and deflection was happening at speeds I couldn't predict. Should I have been in either's place, my body would've been torn to shreds and I would've joined the ranks of the many who have already fallen thus far.

"Is this too fast for you, Girdris?!" Lady Talis said with a mocking laugh. "Perhaps too much time basking in the Sun's light has made you frail to moments of cold!"

Lady Talis unleashed a blindingly swift thrust of her spear and pierced Lady Girdris' upper chest.

"Girdris-sama!" I yelled in horror, but she amazed me once more.

"Too shallow!" Lady Girdris yelled, grabbing Lady Talis' spear in place and then retaliating.

Met with a crushing knee to her stomach, Lady Talis doubled over. But Lady Girdris didn't stop, following it up with a dizzying headbutt to Talis' skull. Rocked by the ferocious counter, Lady Talis was left open. The Unrelenting Spear of Sylvenn and the true leader of the Branches, Lady Girdris, shot forward drove her spear shaft into a wind-shattering thrust. Her aim was true and meant for the center of the traitorous leader's chest, however, at the last moment, Lady Talis dodged, the shaft ripping cleanly through her upper chest; the same spot she hit Lady Girdris just moments ago.

"AHHHHHH!" she let out a blood-curdling scream.

However, Lady Girdris didn't falter; ripping Talis' spear from her wound, she quickly went in for another attack, a stab with her spearhead, once again aimed at Lady Talis' chest.

Another dodge; Lady Talis sidestepped the attack, albeit, clumsily.

Lady Girdris swiftly readjusted and—

"WIND BLAST!" Lady Talis had let off a powerful gust of wind, halting Lady Girdris' assault.

"GAH! Needles? Talis!"

Talis chuckled wearily. "It's over, Girdris; you've lost. Those needles are coated with Vendrake Serum. You won't be able to move. *sigh* I didn't want to use it but it seems you're as much of a pain to fight as you were back then."

"You… Ugh." Lady Girdris collapsed.

"You coward!" I yelled. "You'd use magic and foul trickery in a duel?!" I unsheathed my blade.

Normally, I wouldn't stand a chance against Lady Talis, but she was severely injured.

I underestimated her.

Even with such injuries, she reacted faster than I could track and then stabbed me in the stomach.

"Twigs like yourself only serve to be kindling in a forest of tall trees. Lie there and let your last moments be of the follies you've committed. Now then," she said, walking towards Lady Girdris, "are you prepared, Girdris? I hope you are. Only the ones who are willing to do whatever it takes can be the victors. You lost and will now die, all because you were so sure of yourself. You never expected someone supposedly weaker than you to defeat you. But unlike you, I never forgot the lesson Master Rorok taught us: to fight a more powerful opponent without any advantage is to hand them victory. And to look down on those weaker than you is a greater weakness."

"You forgot one!" I yelled.

SWOOSH! PLING!

Talis whipped around and deflected the sword and shield I threw at her. "Foolish, you—GAH!" But not the spear I buried in her chest.

"In defeat, look for the opening to victory."

"You…" She smiled and then slumped over.

I let out a heavy breath of relief and collapsed. My hands were still shaking and my body still felt heavy. If that went any other way…

"Girdris-sama!" That's right, she was still paralyzed. "One second, I'll be right there."

I quickly checked Lady Talis' body; she was dead. Then I rummaged through her armor and clothing. The Vendrake Serum Antidote.

"Found it. I'm coming, Girdris-sama!"

-Sometime later…

Shortly after our victory over Lady Talis, the Queen was found and arrested. The collaborators who were still alive either killed themselves or gave up and were captured. The whole operation took several days while surviving rebels were tracked down and arrested and many were screened for possible treachery.

Following the event, the King took sole control of royal affairs and banished the Queen to Reisuh Gurrand O' Ha; such a fate was as good as assigning one to death. A ceremony was held in favor of those who did their duty and remained loyal.

In that ceremony, Lady Girdris was called upon.

"Girdris Rorok, in recognition of your achievements during the insurrection, I confer to you this armor made by Master Craftsman Tarquas E'nah."

"Thank you, Your Majesty; however, I've one thing I'd like to say."

"Of course. You may speak freely."

"Thank you, Your Grace. Ahem...I'd like to formally resign from my position as Leader of the Maiden of the Silver Branch."

⸻!⸻

"Girdris-sama is resigning?!"

"May I ask why?"

"I'm not suited to hold the position, Your Grace."

"Nonsense, Girdris. You've done the position justice with your actions."

"With all due respect, Your Majesty, I disagree; I've allowed such a plot to form and threaten not only the kingdom but yourself."

"Such a thing could not have been predicted, Girdris."

"Nonetheless, we've lost many due to it. If I were a better leader, I could've had plans to prevent such needless bloodshed. Also...I don't believe I'm powerful enough to hold the office."

The room went silent.

Then the King cleared his throat. "Very well, Girdris, I shall honor your wish; however, the Silver Branch goes without a leader or co-leader, who will I use to replace you?"

Lady Girdris looked over to me and then stepped to side, showing me off. "I believe Zu' Re is a suitable candidate. After all, it was she who slayed the leader of the rebels and saved me from certain death."

The King looked at me and then back at Lady Girdris. "Very well then; Zu' Re shall become the new leader of the Maidens. But how about you, Girdris? Surely, someone of your talents cannot be wasted with mundane tasks. Shall you take the place of the now-defunct Leader of the Kingsguard?"

"I'm afraid I'll have to decline, Your Majesty. Such a lofty position isn't something I can fill."

"Hmmm. Very well. If lofty positions aren't your thing, Girdris, how does becoming the Captain of the Guard sound?"

"For the city?"

"Yes."

Lady Girdris shook her head. "I'm afraid I must also decline Your Majesty's offer yet again."

"Very well. How about the Head of the Guards of...Selhas Nerr? If you decline now, Girdris, I will be highly offended."

Lady Girdris smiled faintly and then kneeled. "In care to not offend thee, I accept Your Grace's offer."

Afterwards, more merits and awards were given. When the ceremony concluded, I found Lady Girdris slowly walking to her office.

"Girdris-sama!" I yelled as I ran over to her.

"Zu' Re. What's wrong?"

I stopped and caught my breath. "Nothing. I mean...you're really leaving? You're actually stepping down?"

"That I am."

"Why?"

She looked away, seemingly searching for an answer. "It'll be better this way."

"What are you talking about, Girdris-sama?! Under your leadership the Maidens have flourished."

"And withered."

"But—"

"Zu' Re, you are now the leader; you must look to the future and protect His Majesty and this nation from all threats...especially those from within."

I looked down remorsefully. "Yes...Girdris-sama."

"Don't look so glum, Zu' Re; this is a joyous day. Now come, I still have to clean out the office. I'll need some help and we still many things to talk about, don't we, Zu' Re?"

*Knock* *Knock* "Zu' Re?"

I snapped out of my trance as I heard the sounds coming from the door. "Yes? Come in."

The door opened, and in came Uriah. "You're packing your things?"

"Ah...yes."

The was a moment of silence between us then Uriah spoke. "I'm sorry it ended up this way, Zu' Re."

"It is what it is, Uriah. I know what I did. You're the new leader now so...look to the future and protect His Majesty and the kingdom. Be vigilant of the threats from within, Uriah."

"Collusion and treachery?"

"Yes, but also the ones closer to oneself. It takes but one small push to fell even the sturdiest tree if the roots are rotten."

"Umu. I will look after everything in your place, Zu' Re. To be fair, I don't agree with what you did, but I certainly don't believe you did it purely out of malice. I know you were trying to protect His Majesty and the kingdom. The problems that arose those years ago stemmed from the very same issue; you were afraid of something like that happening once again, weren't you?"

I smiled faintly. "You always were sharper than you look, Uriah." I tossed the last of my belongings into the box before me and picked it up.

"Take care, Lady Zu' Re."

"Umu, you too, Lady Uriah."