Two months have passed since the Wolgram invasion.

Without a single casualty, the resident villagers hailed the heroic deeds of the mansion residents for the permanent eradication of the local beasts. For the next few months, or perhaps a year, the forest will be free of all mabeasts.

Life in the mansion continued the same as always. The two maids diligently maintained the manor, Roswaal worked on his paperwork managing his territories, Emilia spent her days studying in the library, and Rudeus continued his language studies, his duties as Emilia's personal servant, and busy sculpting new stone statues for Meili.

It all stopped, however, when a Dragon cart carriage arrived at the manor. Towed by a beautiful sleek black ground dragon, two agents of a rivaling royal candidate occupied the burgundy red carriage.

The maids, already informed of the visitors weeks ago, had prepared the stables for the ground dragon and tea at Roswaal's office. It was merely by chance that Rudeus happened to walk outside to see Ram escorting the visitors inside.

Rudeus, on the other hand, had just been told about the guests this morning. Little was spoken about who they were. All he was told was that they were very important.

"Important visitors… Maybe some nobles from the government? Is this related to Arlem village? That's about all I can guess…" He mumbled to himself.

'Well, in any case, they're probably high-ranking nobles. As expected, being on my best behavior will probably be best. Eh, I'll have to act all stiff and proper for a while…'

A tall old man was tending to the carriage while an effeminate beast person swiftly followed Ram towards the manor doors. The man wore a well-fitting suit of a butler. Showing the peak of his occupation, the man's swift and accurate movements were sharp like a well-honed blade. He stood himself with pride and honor, showing no distress. Some would say a pinnacle of professionalism.

The young beast woman was much shorter. She was around Rudeus' height, if not a bit taller. Wearing a white and blue dress, her fluffy hair and ears denoted her to be a cat-like beast person.

Rudeus was not unfamiliar with beast people. His old sword instructor, Ghislaine, was a Dedolida, a cat-beast person. He has also spent months in the great forest with Dedoldian tribesmen. Beast people were a normal everyday thing to young mage at this point.

Yet, with the strange sight of the young beast girl, he could not shake the feeling that something was off.

'Why can't I shake off this weird feeling? What's wrong with me? There's nothing wrong with her! Don't tell me I somehow became raci- Woah!'

"Ohmnyan! Ohmnyan-nyan…"

Shielded by Rudeus' perceptive inner monologue, the girl was before the young mage. She inspected him from top to bottom, making weird cat-like noises.

'No, that's not how you meow! I've heard the real thing before. That's nothing like what they sound like! Ah, so that's it. She's an imposter! A fake trying to fit in as a beast person! That's what was so off about her!'

'No, wait, that's not what's important. Why are some "Important visitors" sniffing up a servant suddenly? Is this how beast people greet each other in this world? Do… do I smell bad? She's not even a beast person, so her smell shouldn't be any better than mine. Besides, even if she were, I highly doubt I smell of sexual arousal.'

Once again, stuck in his delusional monologue, the man did not try to stop the girl from examining him nor introduce himself to the sniffling cat. After a 360-degree analysis, the girl moved on with the red-haired maid. What took five minutes was all gone in a blink of an eye.

"What… just happened?" He breathed in confusion.

"Have you not been informed, Rudeus-sama?"

After determining the best parking spot for the carriage right where it was now, Rem called out to the mystified young boy.

"Ah, Rem. What's going on? Who are these people?" He whispered.

"They are emissaries visiting from the capital. Roswaal-sama and Emilia-sama should be waiting in the meeting room to greet them. I assume you were not informed, Rudeus-sama?"

"No, I just… expected something different."

The short time the cat girl spent sniffing him up was not the first impression the young boy expected. They were supposed to be prim and proper nobles. Even the Dedoldian tribes never sniffed him so casually!

'Those sniffs were all accidental!'

"Well, is there anything I should do?" He continued.

"Not necessarily. If Roswaal-sama or Lady. Emilia-sama has not ordered you, then you do not have any responsibilities. Now, I must follow along and help my dear sister with her work."

With a bow, Rem swiftly left the boy into the grand double doors. Even after two months of working together, Rem was just as cold as his first day. Though, the clenching glare she gave was nowhere to be seen. In other words, their relationship had not progressed past "colleagues".

'Yeah, not everyone has to like you. They just have to tolerate you enough not to bother you.'

With the simple thought, he walked back inside and headed toward the kitchen. He may not have any orders to do so, but he was hungry, and surely the hard-working butler could use a bite too.

Polishing the reflective mirror surface of the deep burgundy carriage, the man concentrated on his task until he noticed a young man approaching from behind.

"Excuse me! Would you like some refreshments while we wait?"

It was Rudeus who came up behind him. A tray with two plates with BLT sandwiches, two tea cups, and a kettle was in his hands.

When Rudeus had gone to the kitchen to get a snack, he made another to share with the old man taking care of the carriage alone. Why would he do such, though? He was not ordered to help the old man. He did it out of his own volition. He did not know the man or need to know the man. Yet, an instinctual need in his mind urged him to do so.

'Well, with how that beast person acted, hopefully, this guy is just a normal old butler. Actually, scratch that. Any person would be normal compared to her.'

Laying the tray on a nearby stone, he handed the BLT sandwich and poured some of the mansion's tea for the old butler. The old man received it with a graceful swing, unfazed by the sudden courtesy of the young man. With slices of freshly picked tomatoes just this morning, chopped lettuce, and some cured pork belly that strangely hinted at pine nuts, the BLT of the new world lay silently on the pale white plate.

"And this is?"

The old man was the first to speak. He eyed the glistening sandwich in his eyes with deep interest. The concept of sandwiches was familiar to the land of Lugunica. Yet, the fresh tomatoes and toasted buns had the appearance of a French restaurant's menu.

Simply put, it looked too good to be just a courtesy.

"Ah, I just got some ingredients to make it. I'm Rudeus. I work as Emilia's servant. Nice to meet you."

As tempted as he was to introduce himself as Emilia's knight, he refrained from doing so. Not only was he unruly, he was not a swordsman. From what Rudeus remembered of knighthood, they were a prestigious group of swordsmen that held the epitome of etiquette. To call himself a knight would insult true knighthood.

With a tray in one hand, he extends the other to the old man, a gesture of greeting. Even without an introduction, Rudeus could tell the man was of similar rank to his temporary position, a senior butler.

'It's almost comforting seeing him. It's been a while since I've talked to a senior butler. Really, when was the last time? Was it Alphonse? I wonder how he's doing. Has the Fittoa region restoration gone smoothly? Wow, now I really regret leaving without a word. If I wasn't so down on myself for Eris leaving, I could have made a difference and helped out the refugees.'

"Well, then, please give my thanks to Emilia-sama. Hmm~ It tastes lovely."

The two silently enjoy their quick snack by taking small bites of the sandwich and tiny sips of Ram's favorite tea. The meeting must end quickly, though. If she gets word, the red-haired maid will indeed claim the wrath over the young boy.

"Thank you for the meal. It feels like I've indulged in great luxury."

"Please, don't mention it. It would be lonely for me to wait out the meeting alone."

"Well, I can only give my thanks to Emilia-sama. Though, an old man must wonder. What do you aim to gain by buttering up an old butler?"

With the glinting blue eyes of a predator, the old man looked straight at Rudeus as if eyeing his inner soul. Though, he didn't seem to flinch or even notice. Without hesitation, he quickly replied to the man's question.

"Something to gain? Well, I am curious as to what the meeting is about. But, I had no intentions of anything of the sort. So please, just enjoy the moment."

"Is that so…"

Quieting at the end of his words, he shook off his thoughts of doubts. Not a hint of a lie was in Rudeus' voice. With the man's honesty and generosity, it would be impolite to question further.

"Then, my apologies. I am Wilhelm Trias, the personal butler of my master, Crusch-sama."

'Wilhelm? Huh, I guess every world has a role model name.'

"Ah, it's nice to meet you, Wilhelm-san. Have you been working for a long? I think I'll be stuck in this position for a long time. It'd be great to get some advice from a senior."

'Yeah, there's wisdom in old men. I should get the most help possible to survive in this world. One of the greatest tropes of all fiction, indeed.'

With a silent scrubbing of his chin and a deep hum from his neck, the butler, now known as Wilhelm Trias, was in thought. Rudeus introduced himself as the servant of Emilia, yet his eyes could not lie. Despite the relatively slim size, the man could tell. Rudeus was hiding a well-built body from years of training.

There was no way the man was just a servant. And there was a very good chance he, too, noticed as well.

"Well, it's important to understand the master's whims of the day. Even the same order may have different meanings depending on their circumstances. As their right-hand man, it is important to be in sync. Though, is that all you are asking?"

"Um, yes. I think so?"

With a confused smile, Rudeus tilted his head to the side. The hidden meaning in Wilhelm's words flew over the boy's head completely. Rudeus did not have the eyes of a Wilhelm. He could not tell who the man was underneath the clothes. He just asked for some advice from a life and career senior.

Seemingly unsatisfied with the boys' answer, Wilhelm sighed. Again, no lies left the boy's mouth, yet he could not ignore his instincts. Wilhelm was convinced. There was more to this boy and his place at the Roswaal mansion.

"Well, this is just a temporary occupation, but I'd still like to do my best. I thought you might have some advice to give a newcomer."

"A… temporary occupation, you say?"

"Yes… It's not a secret, so I think it's ok to tell you. I was hired as a knight under the Roswaal name. Ah, please, it's just a technicality. I don't think I'm well suited for the job. Please just call me Rudeus."

Rudeus' hire as a knight was not a secret. While the news had not spread to the other Royal candidates, the villagers of Arlem village and the occasional trader knew of his occupation. And, unknown to Rudeus, Roswaal had mentioned him in a letter. So, there was no reason to keep its secrecy. Yet, Rudeus did not see himself as worthy of the title. Sure, he was the first to take the position on his first day at the mansion. He would never regret that decision. But that was out of a need for survival. As happy and fulfilling as such a job would be, He simply was not confident in his ability.

He was slothful. He was so, so slothful to be a knight.

"Then you must be in training, I assume?"

"Yes, I think so. I haven't had a knighting ceremony yet. To be honest, I'm not sure what to expect."

A silent grin was forming in Wilhelm's mind. He was right. His instincts proved correct again. A trainee knight disguised as a servant. His position was so similar it was ironic for the old man.

"Well, being a knight is a great honor, especially for the royal knight of a candidate. If I may be so rude to say, it is best to be at arm's length, yet close for your breath to touch."

His advice was as genuine as the young boy's answer. It was his aim during his time at his age and the regret he still holds to this day. Of course, this, too, flew over Rudeus.

"I… see… I don't understand much, but I'll take it to heart."

"Oh. Please do not mind this old man's ramblings. Though, it must be said, knighthood in Lugunica is considered with high regard. You may be looked down on without proper manners and etiquette. It is a useless old tradition, but many do not think like I do."

Placing his teacup back on the tray, Wilhelm replied back, holding his emotions in place. Only the glint in his left eye could hint at what those words meant to him.

"I've been reading about the chivalrous duties expected of a knight, and it's quite difficult to follow. Half of them barely apply to me."

Stories and tales from the library's archives were Rudeus' favorite pastimes, doubling both as a practice for his language studies and entertainment. While a complete manuscript of knightly chivalry was not available, he could glimpse the tales of famous knights of history. In fact, one included a knight named Wilhelm van Astrea.

Though, there was little information about knighted mages. Not only were mage knights far and between, but the stories also prioritized the honor and valor of wielding a blade, while the historical depictions focused on the great battles. Most mages were given supporting roles, firing great mages from afar, manipulating the earth to create trenches or covering support, and using healing magic from the back.

"They barely apply.-"

"Old man Wil! I'm back!"

Before he could finish his question, the voice of a familiar cat girl calling out to him interrupted his thoughts. The same beast girl approaching the coach was smiling and running toward the well-kept carriage.

"Felix."

With a nod, he acknowledges his partner's return. With their business finished, he wordlessly began preparing the carriage for departure. Soon, everything will change, and he will undoubtedly reach his dream.

"The meeting must be over, huh."

Without intent to start a conversation or voice his words, Rudeus thoughtlessly spoke his thoughts out loud. He least expected the cat girl to be the one to reply to his comments.

"Yep! It went perfectly without a hitch! You better get ready, Rudeus-kyun! We'll be seeing each other in the Capital soon!"

"Huh? At the Capital… um, Maam?"

Ignoring the boy's confusion, the girl boarded the carriage with an enthusiastic smile.

"Well then… It's been a most enjoyable conversation, young man."

With his final words, the ground dragon carriage departed the mansion, leaving the confused servant alone.

"You seem quite happy old man Wil!"

"Pardon?"

"I mean, I thought you'd rather cut someone in half than let them annoy you with banter and chit-chat!"

"This is a misconception on your part, Felix-dono. I was just… taken by the eyes of the young lad, is all."

"His… eyes? What was so special about them? He's the boy from the letter, right? Other than his condition, I felt nothing special about him."

"Those were the eyes of someone who has seen death up close and has given up much to move forward."

"Hmmm~… I don't understand, but if the Sword Demon, Wilhelm van Astrea, says so, then his road must be quite the interesting one nya~!"

With the chuckle of the cat girl, the rolling cart continued down the road, heading back to their master at the Capital.

"So, we're heading to the Royal Capital?"

Sitting on the comfortable sofa at the office, Rudeus listened carefully to every word from Emilia. Whatever happened during the meeting must have been significant. And somehow, his name got mixed in. It was imperative to understand the interaction.

"Yes… some important topics were discussed. All the Royal candidates are being summoned to the Capital."

"Indee~d, the Council of Wise Men has summoned the other three Ro~yal Candidates. Fe~lix-kun came as an emissary and by my per~sonal request."

Rudeus was beginning to get the big picture. The visitors were from the Capital, visiting to summon Emilia to the Capital, and the specific emissaries were chosen by Roswaal himself. The implications of Roswaal's political power were somewhat concerning, but that wasn't something he should worry about. If it helped with Emilia's campaign, then so be it. He swore to be diligent, not a political activist.

"I see. Well, would I be joining as well? If so, will my position stay the same, or am I to join as Emilia's knight?"

"Yes, and no. Part of the deal was for you to join, but you can't be my knight at the Capital, Rudeus."

"Indee~d. To claim yourself as a knight before being knighted would be a~sking to be executed. It takes time to schedule a kni~ghting ceremony. Ru~deus-kun."

"W-well, it won't be an issue. You can still join! I'll just introduce you as… my FUTURE knight!"

Emilia replied with all her might, worried the boy would be saddened about his title and position. Shaking both fists up and down, she excitingly complimented herself for the perfect introduction.

"Well, that seems all good. To be honest, I did think about revisiting the Capital. I never got the chance to thank Reinhard, have I?"

"Now, now. Althou~gh it is fine for you to converse with other knights about the to~pic, the matter of Emilia-sama's candidacy should remain u~nder wraps until after the meeting with the council, Ru~deus-kun."

"Yes! I'll keep that in mind. Is there anything else I should know?"

"There is nothing else Deru-us. Just know, I will have my eyes on you, Deru-us." She sneered at the young mage.

"Eh?" He asked.

But ignoring him, Ram continued on with the preparations.

"Yes, dear sister. Rem will make sure all goes well."

With her reply, Rem escorted Rudeus out of the room, leaving the masters and Ram to discuss the finer details of the Royal summons.

It seems the visit won't be just a business trip after all.

"Roswaal-sama, Emilia-sama, Rudeus-san, we have arrived."

After a day of carriage travel, the Emilia camp had arrived at their destination, the Karsten Manor in the Capital of Lugunica.

While typically, they would have used a hotel or one of Roswaal's mansions at the Capital, unusual circumstances drew Roswaal's attention. Instead, they would be staying at the Crusch's Manor for now. It was partly why Felix was the emissary, after all.

"Thanks for the hard work, Rem. You can take the carriage. I'll start unloading ."

While the trip could last a few weeks and enough cargo for four people, the load was surprisingly light, thanks to Beatrice's magic. She cast a spell, "Murak", on the luggage, reducing their weight by half. Magically, this only affected the travel cases, not the contents itself, yet was still able to reduce the overall weight by much.

'Magic here really is weird.'

Though, none of the others noticed the surprised look on Roswaal's face when Beatrice personally cast the spell.

"Thank you, Rem, and Rudeus. And thank you, too, Roswaal. Though I can't help but fear we'll be indebted by staying here…"

"No need to worry about such things, Emilia-sama."

And meeting the just-arrived party was the same duo that visited the mansion a day ago, Felix and Wilhelm, joined by the estate's owner, the Dutchess Crusch Karsten herself. It was her authoritative voice that answered Emilia's worries.

"Crusch-sama… Thank you for your hospitality."

She bowed at the woman descending the stairs in her military men's uniform.

"No need to bow, Emilia-sama. It would be dishonorable to claim debt for such a thing."

She dismissed her worries with her charismatic smile that didn't quite reach her cheeks.

"Besides, after reading the Mather's letter, Felix was interested in seeing him."

"Ah, so it's as so. Thank you so much for the favor."

The two continued their small talk, with Roswaal closely joining in. They were the nobility of the people currently present. Most of their conversation would fly over the head of a simple man like Rudeus.

The rest of the group was busy unloading and tending to the carriage. The familiar old butler and cat girl approached the young mage lifting up a giant crate of clothes for Roswaal.

"It is good to see you again, Rudeus."

"Ah, Wilhelm-san, it's nice to meet you too."

"And it's good to see you too, Rudeus-nya!"

With the brief pleasantries finished, the Dutchess Karsten commanded Wilhelm and Felix to guide them inside while the rest of the servants tended, leaving the Dutchess, Rudeus, and Rem still outside ordering or working.

"Rudeus, was it?"

The Dutchess approached the still-working mage as he continued to unload the cargo to the estate carts. While she may not have the eyes of Wilhelm, she could tell the man in front of her has been training for much time.

"Yes, my name is Rudeus, Karsten-sama. How can I help you?"

"Please, call me Crusch. I have not seen you since my last visit to the Mather's estate. I merely wanted to see you and introduce myself."

In Lugunican tradition, it was typical for a knight or man of similar occupation to greet a noblewoman with a bow and kiss to the back of the approached hand. Expecting something similar, Crusch, too, forwarded her hand in anticipation.

Rudeus was still unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the different greetings of Lugunican high society. While he realized his formal Asuran greeting may be out of place, he never thought to change them. Neither Roswaal nor Emilia, the two bosses, have ordered him to rectify them, so clearly, it was good enough in the eyes of the nobles.

Following the tried and true method of greeting, his left hand at his chest and his right extended, he gave a textbook Asuran bow, leaving the dutchess hanging.

"Then please allow me to introduce myself, Crusch-sama. My name is Rudeus, Emilia's personal servant and trainee knight."

"...Heh.."

The Dutchess chuckled. She expected this exact greeting, yet it still managed to surprise her. She had read the mannerisms of Rudeus in Roswaal's letter, but maybe some things are meant to be seen eye to eye.

"I see your manners are different but still polite. That is not a problem with me, but others may not look the same."

"Is that so? I apologize. I'm still trying to learn."

"Don't be. You will be surrounded by knights and nobles of this nation. Take this as a chance to familiarize yourself with the nobility and its manners."

"Thank you for the advice, Crusch-sama. I think Wilhelm-san said something similar. I'll make sure to learn as much as possible."

What the young servant just said intrigued her. She had known Wilhelm to be the stoic, strict man focused on one thing only. She had never heard him advising another trainee before.

"Has he now? You must be quite interesting to catch his attention. It is rare for Wilhelm to approach another, especially young knights… Anyways, it is late. Please leave the rest to my staff ."

And with a smile and fatigued breath, he replied back.

"In that case, I thank you for your hospitality, Crusch-sama."

"Hmmm, I don't think I've ever seen this flower before… not even the botanical guide had a flower this vibrant before."

Roaming the Crusch estate garden was Rudeus eyeing the different flowers. The flower beds were filled with a single type of white lily decorating every inch of the flora.

It's been an hour since the nobles discussed their arrangements, leaving the servants and maids to their duties. Rudeus had nothing to do to roam the mansion, leading him to the outside garden.

"Are you interested in flowers?"

The gentle and firm voice of Wilhelm echoed from behind Rudeus. Turning around, he saw the same well-dressed butler slowly approaching him with his hands behind his back.

"Not particularly, but I do know much about them. I don't know what variety these are, but they were well maintained."

"Well, I thank you for the compliment, young man. Do you have some time to spare?"

Rudeus didn't quite catch the meaning behind his words. He wasn't here to snoop around the garden or interrogate the man's past. If there was work to be done, he'd instead do that than wander aimlessly like a sloth.

"Of course, were you looking for me?"

"Yes, I was wondering if you'd be interested in a friendly bout."

Revealing the two wooden swords behind his back, Wilhelm invited the young man to a practice duel.

'Hmm? A duel? I'm no expert with the sword, but I don't think beating an old man with a stick is okay. Is he a casual swordsman too?'

"Are you a swordsman, Wilhelm-san?" He asked.

"I have dabbled in swordsmanship in my youth." He affirmingly replied.

And with nothing to do, Rudeus readily accepted, not knowing what lay ahead.

Hours passed by as the two clashed swords with each other. The unfazed butler easily parried Rudeus' blows while the young lad desperately held on for survival. It wasn't even a close match. The roadside squirrel could tell Rudues was no match for the elderly butler. He could only rely on his Eye of Foresight to predict Wilhelm's movements. But it wasn't enough as no matter how much he focused, at least two images of Wilhelm's future, each taking a different stance, appeared. The experienced fighter never fully committed to a single attack, allowing for multiple ways of entry at any given time.

"I yield. Hah, I'm no match for you, Wilhelm-san. We've been at it for hours, and I can't even make you drop a single sweat!"

With both hands over his head and his sword on the ground, Rudeus collapsed in the yard, exhausted from the constant pressure. He had trained every day to last in his fights. But even with his training, Wilhelm was on a different level, likely rivaling Ghislaine and perhaps even Ruijerd.

"Not at all. Your fundamentals are strong, and your strength and speed are adequate. It would be best not to compare yourself to me, lad."

"Hah, I'm… too tired to argue, so I'll accept it as is."

"Hmm? Hmm…"

With a hand to his chin and his eyes up toward the mansion, Wilhelm mumbled under his voice before turning to the boy again.

"It seems dinner is ready. We should head inside and continue on a later date."

Still panting on the ground, Rudeus only nodded and gathered his breath, unknowing of the silhouette overlooking the courtyard from the window.

"So, what have you learned about him, Wilhelm?"

In the dead quiet of the knight inside Crusch's private office, she and Wilhelm held a private chat while the rest of the guests were sound asleep.

"He has admirable physical strength and stamina, but simply put, he has no talent with the sword. His techniques seem well practiced but are foreign, unfamiliar to the swordplay of the Astreas. Specifically, he prefers to use single strong disarming strikes to finish a fight early, rather than fencing between the swords for an opening."

Replying to his master was Wilhelm's analytical and cold observations of the butler. While the earlier assumptions of his strength and training were correct, even Wilhelm felt disappointed at his abysmal talent.

"Though, if he is a mage, that would explain his position. No mage would engage in close-quarters combat. Perhaps he developed that style of swordsmanship to survive those encounters he couldn't avoid?"

"Perhaps so, Crusch-sama. While few, whatever skills he possessed were honed well to an instictual level. A skilled swordsman would easily counter it, but an amateur would surely be overwhelmed."

"In any case, it seems you have taken a liking to the boy. I didn't think I could see the fabled 'Sword Demon' befriending a young knight like him."

"It is nothing of the sort. I merely had an interest in his gaze."

"Yes, his eyes, you've mentioned that before. I do not have the instincts to tell me, but I will trust your judgment. Perhaps the Emilia camp houses much talent that has yet to be uncovered."

With an amused smile, the Dutchess concluded her night with the Sword Demon. The young lad has intrigued her. Surely his true nature will surface iin the coming days.

The center of Lugunica, the Capital, was as lively as always. In the central streets in the business district, a hooded woman and a young suited man walked the streets in tandem. It took little for anyone to understand the relationship between the two. Just a wealthy noble and her butler roaming the streets.

"Oi! Look who's finally back. Here to get some appas?"

And before them was a well-built, green-haired fruit salesman, tending to his goods with a smirk. This time, there was no hostility or enmity. Because the first thing in the boy's hand was two silver coins specifically for a bag of apples.

"I sure am! Haven't I promised I'd come back?"

'Wait, no, I never made such a promise. I don't remember doing such a thing…'

"I'm happy to oblige! Here, a bag of appas, as promised."

The salesman hands over the bag with a knowing smile. He's just playing along. He, too, remembers that they didn't make such a promise, but business is business. He'll never say no to a customer wanting more. And besides, he added a few more just for the duo. They did help his daughter two months ago.

"So, what brings you here? I haven't seen either of you in a long time."

"Ah, we are on important business in the Capital! I'm very sorry, but that's all I can tell you."

The girl, Emilia, was the first to answer. With her right hand over her mouth, she mumbles her last sentence as if feeling guilty that she can't publicize her position as a royal candidate.

Information about the Royal Selection will be kept under wraps until the official candidacy is publicized in the coming days. Thus, until then, all Emilia was doing was "business" and nothing more.

"It's nothing to worry about. I doubt a salesman like me would understand politics anyways. Good luck with whatever business you have."

And both parted ways with the usual man, heading towards their destination.

"Well, if it isn't Emilia-sama."

Walking up to Emilia and Rudeus was a purple-haired man wearing a white-cloaked uniform similar to Reinhard's. His right hand was on his chest while his left swayed behind his back. He casually approached the duo in a prepared and friendly tone, greeting Emilia with a bow.

"It is good to see you again. Have you been well since we last met?"

"Yes, everything is basically the same. You also seem well, Julius."

And in response, Emilia turned around, greeting the purple knight in kind. The two were already acquainted from the Royal Selection. While the candidates' information was not public, a few select knights were involved and knew the identities of most of the candidates.

"The mere fact that you remember me is an honor. You have only grown more beautiful, Emilia-sama."

Julus continued to approach the Royal candidate and her confused right-hand man. Kneeling before her, he placed a knightly kiss on her left hand. This was but a mere knightly greeting. A showing of respect towards a noblewoman.

And that fact didn't slip from Rudeus' mind.

'Oh, looking at the sword at his hip, Julius must be a knight of the kingdom. So, was that hand kiss the proper way to greet each other? Was that what Crusch-sama expected yesterday? Wow, I need to learn about knighthood, don't I? I feel really dumb all of a sudden.'

And with his thoughts, he continued to survey the two's interaction with a keen eye to every stroke of Julius' body language. He had only a few days to stay in the capital. He couldn't be slothful.

"Thank you. Forgive me for asking so abruptly, but I have business here, and I'd like you to act as my agent in the castle."

"Does your business involve this young man?"

Julis asked, gesturing towards the boy behind Emilia.

"No, it's regarding the Royal summoning. Oh, and this is Rudeus. My FUTURE knight! He's with me, but he'll stay outside."

As entranced as he was by Julius' gestures, he could still read the room. The moment Emilia had called his name, he saw it as the opportune moment to introduce himself to the real knight standing before him.

"Nice to meet you. Julius, was it? I'm Rudeus, a servant working for Emilia and Roswaal."

He introduced himself to the purple-haired knight with his practiced Asuran noble's bow.

"Your attempt of a noble's bow. It is not bad. However, in Lugunica, it is proper to have your hand at your chest like this."

Julius repeated his previous noble's bow with his left hand behind his back and right at his chest, highlighting the different hand placements compared to the Asuran Noble's bow.

And following the lecture, Rudeus, too, imitated Julius' bow, noting the purpled-haired man's exact hand placements.

"Yes, that looks good. Rudeus, was it? I am Julius Juukulius, a Royal Knight. It is a pleasure to meet you. Judging by your casual greeting with Emilia-sama, you must be close?"

"Yes, you're right. Rudeus is a close friend. I would feel rea~lly weird if he called me sama. He did save my life after all."

And answering his question was not Rudeus but Emilia, excitedly proclaiming their friendship as if boasting to a group of friends of the latest treasure one had acquired.

"I see. That is good to hear. Then, if I may ask, I believe Emilia-sama said you have saved her life. May I know how that happened if it were not an issue?"

But his curiosity couldn't hold. For a foreign body to gain the favor of a Royal Candidate so quickly was interesting. And more importantly, said he had saved the life of a Royal candidate. That was not an accomplishment one could cast away so easily.

"I think you would already know, Julius. Did Reinhard-san not tell you?"

And those words immediately triggered the purple knight's memories. The story from his most trusted friend, involving a Royal candidate, a mysterious mage, and the infamous Bowel hunter.

And the mysterious mage, the one even his master looked far and wide to learn, was right there.

"Then, you are the one Reinhard talked about? The mage that faced off against the Bowel Hunter!"

His eyes glinted, and his words came out excited. He had heard of the attempt at Emilia's life two months ago and the mysterious mage with seemingly unlimited magical power. The man before him was a mere servant and a great mage employed under the Emilia camp.

"I'm not sure what you've heard, but I wouldn't have been able to make it without Emilia and Reinhard's help."

"So, it is true. I did not doubt Reinhard's words, but to see you in person…"

And in a quiet mumble, barely audible.

"So, Reinhard has finally made a friend outside the knight's barracks…"

He whispered those words to himself, happy that his friend was searching for other people.

"Well, in any case. It is good to meet you, Rudeus. I am also a good friend of Reinhard. If I may be so bold, I'd also like to extend that friendship to you. Emilia-sama has mentioned you were her future knight? If you are ever confused with the knighthood, please freely ask me."

And with the excitement of getting up and close to a real knight, Rudeus quickly accepted his offer.

"It would be my pleasure. Please take care of me, Julius-san!"

"I wonder what's taking so long…"

With Emilia and Julius leaving Rudeus behind, he was ordered to stay by the castle for the meeting to conclude. Something unique, like conference mirrors, briefly popped up, but he didn't try to squeeze himself in. If Emilia ordered him, then he would do just that. Unless something he couldn't ignore would happen in front of him.

And as if to grant his wishes, he could see the scene of a crime in the corner of his eyes. A thug dragged a well-dressed woman into a dark alleyway.

"Hah. When will men realize sex isn't all that's hyped up to, even right in front of the guard's office. You never know what might hit you staying with a woman like that."

Imparting his well-learned wisdom to no one in particular, he followed them to the alleyway with the bag of apples still at hand.

"You little…"

"Don't screw around with us!"

"Want us to mess up that pretty face of yours?"

In the dark alleyway, away from the passersby or the guards, stood three thugs of varied heights. One giant, one medium, and one small. With their crude and dumb tongues, they walked in unison toward the woman they had just dragged, assuming an easy chance was there for the taking.

"Don't make such a racket, commoners."

Dressed in fiery red attire, her revealing dress screamed money from all angles except the bottom. Crosser both arms around her chest, she seemed utterly unamused at the ramblings of the three men in front of her.

"Fools with no character pick fights for the most foolish of reasons…."

"Hey! You three!"

Cutting the woman's tale in half, Rudeus proudly announced himself to the fray. Entering the dark hall with his apple bag still at hand, he extended his right arm, ready for a simple non-lethal stone cannon just in case. Not to mention the Eye of Foresight. One cannot be too careful when facing opposition.

"Huh? And who the heck are you supposed to be?" Asked the hulking giant.

Turning his back to the fiery monarch, now fuming in anger.

"Me? I am the Granite Stone Knight, Ruijerd!"

In his automatic response, he unknowingly gave a fake name, just as he did when he reunited with his sister Aisha. And since this was an endeavor to help others, he accidentally used Ruijerd's name, as he did during his time with Dead End.

'This is so embarrassing! There's no reason to give a fake name, but it was an automatic response! I even gave the superhero stance… At least Shadow Moon Knight sounded cool. Ahhh, and what the hell is Granite Stone Knight? This is just stupid! I'm literally calling myself a stone head!"

With his face red as a tomato, he continued staring at the three thugs, now all giving him their full attention.

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean? You sound as stupid as a cell brick wall."

"Yeah, what he said! Scram if you don't want to get hurt!"

"Pha ha! You look more like the pebble knight!"

And, of course, instead of intimidation, his entrance became a laughing stock, just as his first introduction to the city of Rikarisu. Just as the adventurer's made fun of his chunni entrance, the three thugs followed through unfazed.

'Hng, and this is why people say actions speak louder than words.'

He approaches the three thugs without a word. Stretching his hand, the mana swirling inside him congregates to the end, forming a slender stone sword.

"Did you not hear me! Let that woman go or face me!"

Another loud shout and another step forward. Rudeus points forward, brandishing the newly summoned sword.

Of the three thugs, only one remembered their previous encounter with the Granite Stone Knight. The pain of having both your wrists broken is not easily forgotten.

"Wait, guys, that's… the guy from before! The weirdo. Remember? He's the one that broke my wrists!"

'Wait, have we met before? I don't remember their faces at all….'

The moment those the other two heard his words, their memories surged to the day they were critically embarrassed against the man conjuring swords with his will.

And they did not need to get into that trouble again.

"What?"

"No, there's no way that's him!"

"But that sword! It looks the same. It has to be him!"

"Screw this! I'm out!"

"Hey! Wait for me!"

And as the cowards they were, they ran faster than ever, running from the demon hiding in human skin.

'That was definitely something. I'm not sure what they meant, but running against an unwinnable opponent is the right thing to do. Part of my training is supposed to help precisely that.'

Rudeus dissolves his sword into thin air. Only the woman and him were left in the alley. There was no reason to hold a weapon in that case. With his arming arm, he gives a hand to the woman as a greeting. He did not hear or see what the thugs had done to her. But from her clean clothes and skin, they didn't have much chance to lay their hands on her.

But he did not notice a scowl on the woman's face.

"Hey, are you alright? They didn't do something to you, did th- woah!"

Heat. A fiery image overtakes his sight. Instinctively dropping to the ground, the moment his eyes caught that, he saw the sword of red flame slashing just where his neck was.

And the man holding said the sword was none other than the woman he had just saved.

Just as the fiery monarch had summoned and slashed at Rudeus' throat, the Eye of Foresight warned him of his demise, and his subconscious had dodged before he could understand the vibrant image.

"You peasant! Who dared ask you to join? I never recalled wanting drooling commoners following mine divine self! Nor permission to dodge my attack."

She shouts at the dirty mongrel in front of her. He dared interfere with her entertainment, pushing away at the scrubby lambs, and now dared to hand her himself? That was unforgivable.

"Hmmp, I should have your head for that stunt, yet you live here, breathing. What were you doing? I command thyself to speak!"

A cough. All Rudeus could reply was a cough. The woman he had just saved from the three hooligans had just tried to kill him.

When he looked back up to face his would be killer, every nerve, every cell in his brain, every fiber of his existence shouted just one thing.

'She's trouble.'

"I… just wanted to help…."

With a mumbling whisper, he replies. Cleaning his dirtied clothes, he stood back up, leaving a dust cloud just where he was.

"I was in no trouble without you. There was no danger in the first place. This world is created to suit me. Thus, they were there for mine divine self's convenience and entertainment!"

"I… understand… I'm sorry for intruding then."

Was all he could reply to the proud woman. No one asked for his intervention. Thus, he had no reason to help her. But that thought didn't sit well in his mind. Like drops of water on a hot pan, it refused to settle and danced within him.

"Hmph! You sound as stupid as you act! Next time, before you go and make a fool out of yourself, it'd be best to pause and look at the situation around you more carefully."

"But, wouldn't it have been worse if I didn't?"

And carefully, he responds to the woman.

"Huh? What's that? The bug here dares to speak?"

"No, it's just; people should act before it's too late. That's just how I felt."

He could only mumble why. But he knew it was true. He couldn't sit there in wait, ignorant of his surroundings. He could not let himself be slothful. If he has a chance to act, then he should.

"What a fool you are! Salvation from others has no purpose. If one cannot stand alone, death is the only mercy they deserve!"

And with her reply, Rudeus was left speechless. It was not because of a sound argument but because his mind screamed for him to be elsewhere.

'Get away from that woman!' It echoed in his mind.

"I see. Well, I'll be on my way…"

With his words, he parts ways with the crazed woman. Turning around, he sees the bright silhouette of the outside blocked. Standing there was a hulking giant. The Old man, Rom, from the loot house, had just arrived.

"Oi! Aren't you the kid from then? You were alive, after all! It's good to see you, kid."

"Eh? Oh, Old man Rom! It's good to see you as well. Emilia and I were about to go see you today. How have you been doing? Is your shoulder alright? Oh, and how's Felt doing?"

"So, you haven't seen her too? I thought you'd know where she was… And give that young woman my thanks. My shoulder feels as good as new."

Rom looked down as he replied. He arrived at the alley when three thugs ran from the general direction. He was on different business in the noble's district, but the rabid fleeing of the rustlers and the weird shouts drew him to the fateful encounter with the boy that saved his life.

"Wait, you haven't been in touch with Felt? I thought Reinhard handled it all. Emilia told me Reinhard had taken her away. I haven't met him since, but I don't think it's all bad. I don't think Reinhard would ever do anything bad."

"So… it was the Astrea that took her…."

With a deep sigh, he rubs his chin in focused contemplation. Of all the people that could have taken Felt, it had to be that family.

"Ah, thanks for telling me. I guess she'll be fine then. I woke up in the guard's barracks a week ago and was just released. Nobody knew where Felt was, no matter how much I asked. Those damned doctors just examined every part of me. It felt like they were trying to steal my body."

And that worried him. Rudeus wasn't that close to the two. But in his short time at the loot house, he could feel a special bond between the two. Through his harsh words and her inconsiderate speech, a familiar bond, not too foreign to his loss, could be found. They clearly spent much together and cared for each other.

And Rudeus knew how it felt to wake up alone.

"I'm sorry for not being much help. I'll be staying in the Capital for a bit. I'll definitely visit Reinhard's place and ask him. I don't know him well, but Emilia should, and she has the qualifications to do so too."

"Well, thanks. I'll be going home now. You take care of yourself, you."

As he turns around to leave, a small pat on the shoulder stops him.

"Let me walk you home, Rom. I feel sorry if I just left. Here, why don't you have an appa?"

Handing an apple in hand, it was Rudeus that interrupted the giant's step home. He had nothing to do with Emilia at the meeting, and his previous words with the angry woman would not leave him.

"Hmm? Well… thanks, I guess. Hey, this is pretty good! Very juicy."

Rom readily accepts his offer and munches on the bright red fruit happily. Leaving the dark alley, they head to the edge of the slums to the giant's abode.

"So… why are you still here?"

It has been five minutes since Rudeus parted ways with the giant. His new place was a small hut at the edge of the slums next to the nearby pond. Parts of the wall were crumbling or had gaping holes in them. Unable to leave it at that, the mage spent extra time creating bricks and cement to patch up the walls of the broken-down building.

Despite the curses eating away at his mana, Rudeus still had enough for a few spells. He wouldn't be facing anything frightening, or making intricate dolls anytime soon, but some small bricks for patching were nothing.

And through it all, the fiery red-haired woman stood through it, covering an amused smile behind her bound fan.

"What is it, mongrel? What reason would you dare ask of mine divine self?"

"No… I just wanted to know why you're still following me."

He knew from before that the woman had a troubling temper. One small misstep and his head would burn on the floor with whatever he saw. Tip-toeing around the ticking time bomb, he responds as calmly as he can.

"Hmm? This world is for my divine self. I have allowed thy to run for mineself's entertainment. You should feel honored for mine presence."

She replies as proudly as ever. Her words, without shame, made it clear to the dumbfounded man. She truly believed in those words and acted accordingly.

'And I thought that Sauros was loud. This lady really is delusional! She must be some daughter of a powerful nobleman… Best not to disturb her. What in gods' name would Roswaal do if I got stuck in a political scuffle between nobles.'

"What, sorry, lots here. Maggots waiting to be stepped on."

Moving her eyes away, she whispered to herself, barely loud enough for Rudeus to hear.

"Umm. Pardon?"

"That was not for you, mutt. Do you not see the pitiful existence of this state? How dismal to live on the streets with dirt as your only food. Their existence is disgusting to the world of mine divine self."

"I don't think they're here because they want to. Isn't that a bit harsh to say?"

The brown-haired boy had to say back. He may be well now, but the sense of dread of unwillingness to live on was not unknown to him. He knew exactly what it was to fall into despair.

'It's not something you can get out of alone. I'm only here,, thanks to a miracle. I can't let others try to trample and look down on that.'

With his previous worries of political blunders away, he talks back and awaits the berating of the entitled Karen in front of him.

"And that's why it disgusts me so, can you not see, monkey? That man over there. He has an able body, and that woman has her hands free. Those children can run happily with their legs. They should work to get out of this garbage and claw their way up if they can. Yet, they've already given up, too lazy to even take their own lives."

But the words that returned were not what he expected. Instead of the harsh and horrible reply he expected, it was that of a drill sergeant, disappointed at the sad state of affairs.

"They excuse their existence and refuse to work or cease to exist. What else could you say about that trash but disgusting?"

"I… I don't think it's that simple, Miss. Can… can you really fault them for falling so low?"

His voice trembled when he said that.

"Not at all. They can get out. They can work and seek salvation. Yet their minds have betrayed them. Nothing can be done. All they can do is slowly wait for their deaths as fated with their rotting minds. Those maggots have no place in mine divine world."

'How can she say that. I've seen true despair. I've been stuck there for far too long. It's not as easy as this woman says. You can't just move out and work. You just… it's impossible!'

But no words could escape his mouth.

He knew better than anyone that true despair isn't easy to escape alone. Rudeus should have died. He should not have been given a second chance at life when his brothers kicked him out of his home. He should have wallowed and died miserably in the cold stone corner of the city.

And yet, here he was. Hopefully a better person after his second chance, and he still managed to screw up his connection with his family. So, how can he ever fault the people of the slums, unable to stand on their own two feet?

And still, even knowing this, he could not open his lips.

"Ho~ you were entertaining, but now you reveal you're dumb. Do you feel compassion for these maggots? Feel sorry for the garbage you step on? Your silence says enough. You act just as you look, imbecile."

Gritting his teeth, the words from that woman were like splinters from wooden utensils. Just what was she thinking? He couldn't understand. And what is this about how I look?

"Look that way? What do you mean? What are you trying to say?"

"It's written all over your disgusting face, mongrel. I thought you were clean, but you're just as dirty as they are. That ridiculous smile of yours screams just of fakeness."

"Wha-"

From the fiery red woman's remarks, Rudeus' throat clamps down. Not a single word, not a single step. His mind refused to deny her words.

'But she's wrong! I was saved! That miracle pushed me to take life seriously, and I actually am! I've worked hard to help people since then! I'm better now. I'm a better person. So she has to be wrong!'

But he could only stare at her. With fury and confusion in his eyes, he couldn't lift a finger to deny or leave her. His legs were locked, and his mind was too heavy to look for an escape.

The two stood still as people moved along. Locked in that trance, Rudeus still couldn't understand why.

"Oh, there she is."

"Rudeus!"

Interrupting their stance, Emilia and a mysterious, helmeted tall man called out to the two. Wearing a tan leather cloak, a green vest, and a red-tailed knight's helmet. With the look of a mercenary, scimitars in hand, he escorted the half-elf to the slums after a chance encounter at the Guard's Barracks.

"Oh, Emilia. Sorry, were you looking for me?"

"Yes! I told you to wait for me. Just what were you thinking, going away like that!"

She asked back, ignoring his questions. He promised he'd listen to her. But again, her would-be knight had gone ahead on his own. She wasn't sad about the development. Perhaps she already expected it would happen. Yet, something tugged inside that this shouldn't be how it is.

But after her words. After scolding her bad knight, she noticed who he was with the entire time. Without a word from her mouth, she lowered her hood to cover her eyes and looked down at the ground, refusing to show her face.

The Royal Candidates weren't allowed to interact before tomorrow. So why is she with Rudeus all of a sudden?

"I'm… I'm really sorry, Emilia. But I saw something I couldn't ignore… Oh, wait, who is that man behind you?"

Rudeus muttered his response. He couldn't hide his regret. He did spend the entire day with Rom. Who knew how long Emilia had been looking for him? But he swallowed those emotions and pointed behind at the man standing with Emilia.

"You know, it's quite rude to point at someone as if questioning him. I'm cool, so I'll ignore it, but that could get your head lopped off. We met looking for people and agreed to help each other out. Good decision since we both found what we were looking for."

The man replied jokingly. He makes the mark of a beheaded dead man with his thumb as if to emphasize his point. Despite his odd fashion sense and demeanor, Rudeus could tell this man had no ill intent.

"Ah, I'm sorry about that. Thank you for accompanying Emilia-sama in my absence. I'm Rudeus."

"Rudeus, eh? Well, the name's Al. Nice to meet you too, kid. Well, if you don't mind me…"'

With their names crossed, Al waves his hands and walks past the mages, eyeing his target behind him.

"My, how diligent you are to wait where I would arrive to. I commend your dedication, Aldebaran."

"I told you to stop calling me that Princess."

"No one told you to speak, Aldebaran. Now, accompany me. I've had enough of that filth."

"As you wish, Princess."

And so the unassuming duo began to walk away from the slums. The red-haired woman guided from the front, and Al followed behind.

"Princess? She's more of a Malty than a Cinderella."

Rudeus mumbled.

'But why couldn't I talk back?'

But before he could answer his own question. The leaving duo stopped in their tracks. No, it was Al who stopped first after hearing Rudeus' whisper, and then the red-haired woman simply paused to turn around and berate her servant.

"What did you just say?"

The sudden tone shift caught the attention of everyone present. The previous casual greeting was exchanged with a severe and dire voice.

"Oh, it was nothing. I didn't mean anything by it! It was just something I said to myself."

And worried that he had incurred the wrath of the man, Rudeus immediately responds to defend himself. With the specific words he used, the people of this world shouldn't be able to understand what they meant. There is no "Malty" or "Cinderella" in this world. There surely are entitled people harassing storefronts and fairy tales of mystical princesses, but those words should hold no meaning in this world.

"No, what you just said there. Did you say "Malty", and "Cinderella"?"

"Yes, I did! They don't mean anything bad. They're just words from my hometown, far away from he-."

And before he could finish his sentence, his voice stopped as if a sharp sword had cut a fountain.

'No one could understand what these words mean. No one in this world would know what Cinderella or Malty is. But if Al understands. If Al knows that. Then that means.'

"So, you too, huh? I can't say I'm surprised, but it feels welcoming. Oh, and don't go asking me the details. I don't like talking about it too much."

The tension in his voice was gone. There were no threats that awaited Al's words. Yet, Rudeus couldn't help but remain quiet. In both worlds, this was the first time he's met someone from his world.

Al was from Earth, just as he was once before.

"Too shocked? Well, I can't blame you. Well, let's catch up later. I still have work to do right now. See ya!"

With his words leaving the young mage ajar, Al left the half-Elf and Rudeus, only to be kicked in the head by the fiery monarch for interrupting her exit.

And for the first time in his new life, Rudeus had just found another person just like him.