***Chapter 279 Kreschenta and the Annoying Decoration, Second Half***

He knew that no matter how hard he tried, it was meaningless.

No matter how hard you try, all that will be seen is the results.

“Kilik, you’re holding the blade wrong. You can’t do delicate carvings like tha――”

"...Shut up, brother. I don't have the talent."

His brother spoke while looking at the carving Kilik had abandoned.

Kilik was born into a family of craftsmen who carved carriages for nobles and merchants――decorating the walls and wheels of carriages.

It wasn't that he was clumsy.

He was good at simple woodworking and was confident that he could do it better than the average person, but――when it came to artistic carving, it was a different story.

What was needed more than anything was sense.

Kilik was mediocre, while his brother was a genius who could carve for customers since he was ten.

Having been compared to his brother from a young age, he understood, whether he liked it or not.

From the start, they were born different.

"...I'll leave home when I'm fifteen. I can't do carving."

"Kilik..."

"As long as Nii-san is here, the family will be secure. You don't need me."

Afraid of seeing his father sigh, he desperately tried to improve.

He didn’t think he hadn’t gotten better, if he kept at it for a few more years, he might have been able to carve something decent enough to show to client.

But at the minimum level, he wasn’t fit to be a craftsman here.

"Don't say that, you've improved too. Don't worry about what father or the people around you think――"

"――Even if I stay, I'll only be compared to Nii-san for the rest of my life."

Saying that, he saw his brother looking down.

His brother wasn’t at fault. In fact, his brother was admirable and kind, someone he respected from the bottom of his heart.

His brother was a good person, talented, hardworking, and the epitome of a fine craftsman.

But he couldn't bear to live his whole life being compared to him, living next to such a brother.

The capable older brother, the underachiever younger brother――just thinking about living the next few decades being looked at like that made him dizzy.

"... Sorry. It's not your fault, Nii-san. But I don't want to stay at home."

His older brother shook his head and hit him on the head.

"I know you work harder than anyone else. You're just working too hard.... Why don't you just take a break and do nothing for a while? I will tell father――"

"...Don't. It's fine."

"Then... how about working with other craftsmen? Father and I also knew some people――"

He shook his head and said it was fine.

"I want to get away from craftsmanship for a while. I’ll look for laborer work or something. I’ve been saving money to leave home for a while.”

“Kilik…”

“There’s less carving work with the ongoing wars. If I can earn money outside, there’ll be fewer mouths to feed, and that’ll be better for the family. When I have some extra, I’ll send some money back home.”

Carving work diminishes during wars.

No one has much money left, and no one wants to spend money on such lavish things in times of war.

Nobles and merchants alike care about the people’s opinion.

At a time when the prices of wheat and other things were soaring, spending money on extravagant carvings would incur the ire of the people.

No matter how much money they have, hey you need to pretend to be frugal.

Of course that didn’t mean the money would go to the people, but it's a blow to Kilik's family, who mainly do carvings.

Now, they were mostly doing simple carvings and had lots of free time, often helping other carpenters.

Going out to work was a good reason.

There were rumors that a vein of magic crystals had been found and they were looking for laborers, but even if that wasn't the case, there were plenty of jobs like that if he weren't picky.

There was flood control work and whatnot, probably to maintain public order. The country focused on measures to deal with the unemployed.

It was perfect for Kilik, who wanted to at least be able to survive on his own without causing trouble for anyone.

When he was fifteen, he was allowed to accompany a caravan through a client merchant and went to a nearby town.

He was heading for a mine where he was told he could earn a decent amount of money――but on the way, he was attacked by bandits.

He had never swung a sword before, but perhaps his training as a craftsman helped.

Or perhaps he was unconsciously strengthening his body.

He knocked down two men who attacked him, and smashed another one in the head with the sword he had stolen.

The merchant who saw this thanked him and asked if he would like to be employed as a guard rather than at the mines.

That’s how Kilik started working as a caravan escort.

He carried a sword instead of a pickaxe, and things were very different from what he had planned.

He was taught swordsmanship by a veteran who was a former soldier, and he trained, and spent his days keeping a close eye on his surroundings.

He had to sharpen his senses, and it was a life that he was not used to, both physically and mentally――it was hard, but it was much better than when he was at home.

The number of times his life was in danger easily exceeded the number of fingers on his hands and feet.

He couldn't escape the eyes of others, but after surviving a few battles, people began to rely on him, smiling and patting him on the shoulder, saying they felt safe with him.

Everyone saw Kilik as an individual.

The money he received increased considerably, and when he had some extra money in his pocket, he gave the money he didn't need to his brother.

Whenever he showed up, his brother would greet him happily and hold a small party for him.

Every time he returned, his brother would worry about him and ask if he wanted to return home.

He was happy that his brother was still worried about him after all these years, but he refused.

He thought this was probably the best relationship they could have.

But caravan escort work was still an unstable job.

After he lost an eye and was seriously injured during a battle with bandits, he had to take a break for a while――and after that, he didn't get as many jobs as before.

They gave him a consolation payment and cared for him out of gratitude for protecting them, but they must have been worried about his role as a guard.

Worried if the one-eyed Kilik would be able to do the same job as before.

Once his body recovered, he trained hard to regain his former strength, but no matter how much effort he put in, the stigma of being a guard severely injured by bandits stuck with him.

Another reason for this was probably the appointment of the hero Christand as general of the north.

The number of bandits decreased significantly, making the work competitive.

It was probably unfortunate that he still had a minimum income that allowed him to live.

Unable to leave, Kilik clung desperately to his position.

――At times, he even wished the carriage he was escorting would be attacked.

He wanted bandits to appear, defeat them, prove his strength, and return to being the person other people relied on like before.

No matter how hard he try, it's meaningless if he couldn’t prove it.

Results are everything, and the world is cruel to those who do not have those results.

Civil War――War over the Throne.

That was why the exhausted Kirik decided to become a soldier.

Kilik wanted something to make people want him, to acknowledge him.

“Hmm, Kilik and Kalua are the best among this group. Dagra, for now for these two focus on teaching them rather than training."

"Ha."

“Others who are somewhat decent are Koza, Daz, Kenitz, Zaka, Bug, Adol, and Kels. Use them as needed.”

The Black Century――Krische Christand's special forces.

When people heard a childlike girl was leading them, many thought it was a joke, but they understood her abilities during the selection process.

Seeing her effortlessly select thousands of soldiers――it was clear she was highly capable.

She stood in the plain, nibbling on cookies without any dignity――but there was no gap in her stance.

"Kilik, you don't have any military experience, but you're pretty good at Lorca style. Did you learn it from someone?"

"Yes. From a former soldier who was a caravan escorts..."

"It seems like you've learned the basics. From what Krische saw during the selection process, you've trained fairly well, and it seems like you have a fair amount of combat experience. I'd like others to learn the sword from Kilik as much as possible... Kalua is also skilled, but she has a bit of a quirk."

Though it'd been three weeks since he'd shown her his sword, but she spoke of it as if it were natural, and Kilik quietly clenched his fist.

He would probably be mocked for feeling proud to be remembered and recognized by a girl not even half his age.

At least she valued Kilik’s current self.

she recognized Kirik, who despite losing an eye and suffering a severe injury, put in efforts to regain his strength.

To others, it might seem trivial, just those few words.

But those words were enough for Kilik to decide to follow her.

It was not that she saw the efforts Kilik had put in.

She was simply evaluating his abilities.

With her extraordinary talent and absolute eyes.

Even so, those words made Kilik feel helpless and proud.

As much as was expected of him, as much as was required of him.

To achieve that, he would spare no effort in training.

‘――Bery and Kreschenta are going to Arna, so Kilik, Krische leave guarding them to you.’

He remember well the moment she told him that.

You were the most suitable person for the job, and the most reliable――she said.

And after that, he was even entrusted with the role of escorting Her Majesty the Queen.

It was too much of a smooth sailing.

A year ago he was doubted even as a caravan escort, now he was Her Majesty the Queen’s escort.

This time, he was more scared than happy.

Though he had trained as much as he could, Kilik was an average person.

As a simple caravan escort, as a soldier, he was superior to the others, but he knew himself from the battle at Dragon's Maw.

There were countless people more skilled than Kilik, and at the very least, he was far too incompetent to guard the queen, who was the kingdom itself.

The days of him wishing for bandit attacks seemed long ago.

Kilik prayed to God every day to get through the day without incident.

"...Thank you for your hard work today, Kilik. It seems that Kreschenta-sama will be taking a rest tomorrow, so please take it easy for once."

"...Ha. Thank you very much, Argan-sama."

In front of the mansion at dusk――before the war with the three countries began.

It was some time after she had been stabbed and the commotion had calmed down.

She began to visit the royal castle again as an attendant for the queen.

The queen is usually attended to by a dark-haired servant named Anne.

Anne was a well-liked servant with a good personality, and as she had heard from servants of the royal territory, she has a good bearing.

However, she was a bit absent-minded, which was probably a concern.

When envoys or guests from other countries visited, or when there was official business outside of the norm, she――Bery Argan usually accompanies the Queen as an attendant.

She was the very image of a royal servant.

She was not a superior presence that everyone could see, like Krische on the battlefield.

Compared to Anne, she didn't seem to be doing a particularly great job.

But before you would knew it, everything was ready, and everything that happens that day would going smoothly, as if it was built into a set schedule.

Even discussions that seemed drawn out were within the margin when they look back on them later.

Even when you thought the next day would be busy, you would somehow find time to drink tea and have a leisurely lunch.

Any problems that arise because of her were probably only those that occurred when she was stabbed.

If one didn't pay attention, they would never wonder or even notice.

The only ones who would understand were people like Kilik and the others, who had a lot of contact with her because of their work.

Even the Black Flag Special Forces only knew of her as Christand House’s head servant, Krische-sama’s favorite.

A beautiful and adorable baby face.

She was short, petite and delicate---looking like a young girl, with a kind and gentle smile, but her light brown eyes held an intelligent gleam.

The reason she looked similar to someone was probably because she was always by the Queen's side.

Her red hair swayed as she tilted her head.

The eyes that stared through the gaps in her hair seemed both concerned and searching.

Just as the Queen was perfect as a Queen, she was also perfect as a servant.

"You've had a somewhat difficult look on your face these past few days... is there something bothering you?"

She probably wasn’t being particularly cautious or suspicious.

She sensed the intention behind subtle expressions and atmospheres, like observing a small crack.

As one would smile at pretty flowers, while being lured deeper into the forest――an indescribable sensation, as if being entangled in ivy.

It's a flower from a fairy tale, one that would bewitch travelers with just its scent.

She noticed even the smallest discrepancies effortlessly as if breathing.

"No... Are you truly sure you’ve recovered from your injury?"

"Yes, thanks to you. I caused you a lot of worry as well, Kilik-sama."

She traced her side and smiled, telling him not to worry.

"It was all my careless and thoughtless actions that led to this....Kilik-sama's job is to protect Crescenta-sama. There is no need to feel bad or responsible for my incompetence."

"But――"

"No matter what the outcome, it's not rational to allocate manpower for a servant who was only a short distance away, and the fact that I was stabbed is unrelated to your job, Kilik-sama."

She chuckles, tracing her lips with her fingertips, tilting her head slightly and narrowing her eyes.

"Kilik-sama, you’re truly a serious and soldierly person. I'm sure both Krische-sama and Kreschenta-sama chose you as their guard because of those very qualities."

"...It’s a responsibility too great for me”

Kilik sighed.

Kirik was also working as an escort at the time――the moment he heard that there had been an intruder, he thought first and foremost of getting Kreschenta to a safe place.

Because he didn't know the situation.

However, Kreschenta told him she would be heading to Berry and ran off, and during that time, Kilik was worried.

He was only thinking about whether he would be able to protect the queen if an assassin were to come.

Unlike Kreschenta, who immediately started treating Berry’s wound, the most he could do was secure the room and send Nigel to report.

In the end, the only blunder was that she, who was by the queen's side, was stabbed.

"I consider it an honor to be the Queen's bodyguard. I am prepared to risk my life for it. However, there may be greater dangers surrounding Her Majesty in the upcoming battle. I know better than anyone that I am not talented. I think we should leave it to someone else――someone more trustworthy and skilled."

He bowed his head.

The words flowed out as if spilling out of nowhere.

"No matter what, I am partly responsible for Argan-sama being stabbed. Her Majesty, Krische, and Argan-sama all say such kind words, but... I am at best only a skilled swordsman. When I face a real assassin, I'm not good enough..."

"Even considering that, I believe they chose you, Kilik-sama."

When he looked up, she was smiling.

"...The reason you take on such a heavy responsibility is because you are deeply concerned about Kreschenta-sama. I know it may be presumptuous, but I am glad to have someone like Kilik-sama as yan escort."

Her light brown eyes, clear with intelligence, gazed directly at him.

"Many speak of loyalty and devotion. But those who can truly embody such unseen, intangible qualities are rare."

“Argan-sama...”

"Nothing is as reassuring and dependable as knowing there is no room for doubt. Kreschenta must feel secure, entrusting such a significant duty to someone truly trustworthy like you."

‘Krische-sama and I feel the same,’ she said, bowing gracefully.

Her gesture was as serene as a calm sea, absorbing all sound.

"Even if there’s an escort, those who intend harm will plan accordingly. Even if a marquis like Argand replaced Kilik-sama, it wouldn’t guarantee safety. The initiators always hold the advantage."

She added that the most important thing is one’s mindset.

She didn't mock or laugh at Kilik's cowardice, but spoke kindly.

It was as if she was embracing the air around them,

"No trouble usually happens. How many people can face their responsibilities like that, without letting their nerves relax, even as they go through such mundane days? ...I think that kind of mindset is the kingdom's treasure."

She was a mysterious person.

"Both Krische-sama and Kreschenta-sama chose you. Please have more confidence... Although, it’s not my place to say this, having been scolded for the same thing recently."

“...Argan-sama is?”

She nodded quietly, with a bashful, troubled smile.

Though she saw through everything like a sage, sometimes she showed a childish face.

"Fufu, as you know, Kreschenta-sama is a strict person, but she has never said a word about how you work, Kilik-sama."

‘I wish I could learn from Kilik-sama’, she said, shaking her shoulders with amusement.

As she approached, looking up at him,

"Of course, the important task of escorting is as difficult as walking through a fog. There is no guidepost or end, and I don't think someone like me can understand all the hardships of the job. But... at least that's how I feel, and I'm sure Kreschenta-sama, who is by your side and watches Kilik-sama more than anyone else, feels the same way."

Those words resonated like a pleasant breeze.

"How seriously Kilik-sama take your daily work is understood and trusted. That’s why such a significant duty is entrusted to Kilik-sama."

Her red hair swayed gently with her movements and the breeze.

Once again, she slowly bowed to Kiriku.

"Please forgive my presumptuousness in trying to lighten your heart."

Everything goes without a hitch――there are no clear, tangible results.

Perhaps her work was similar.

Creating a seamless flow without any stagnation was her entire job.

She produced nothing and sought no results, merely maintaining order.

But Kilik understands very well why she was so highly valued and trusted.

It was as she said.

Something invisible, intangible, surely makes him think that.

"...No. More than anything, I'm grateful for your kind words."

It's the same thing, Kilik thoughts.

His role wasn’t just to wield a sword.

It was to do everything to avoid using the sword.

And to bring the unchanging days to Her Majesty the Queen.

From the day he was chosen as a guard, he had become a decorative sword.

What's needed wasn't practicality, just a shining glow that was shining clear.

Kilik’s value lies in being a useless long object.

"I have spoken words unbecoming of a bodyguard. ...Please forgive me."

"Likewise, please forgive me. ...Fufu, could you keep this a secret from Kreschenta-sama? If she finds out, she might scold me, asking who I think I am to speak like this to Kilik-sama."

"No way... I'm the one who should be requesting that. I'd appreciate it if you could keep this between us."

She bowed her head, then laughed joyfully and said, "Let's pretend it never happened."

‘Let's do that’, Kilik said, laughing as well, and lifts his head.

A beautiful servant, about chest-high.

Her red hair and long eyelashes hide her large light brown eyes, and when she smiles, her face is as soft and elegant as a flower blooming.

She was like a lovely lady, yet her short stature and slender shoulders made her seem like a girl――what should one call this appearance of two opposing things coming together and overlapping.

At first glance, she appeared perfect, but there was a certain vulnerability that reflected her inner self.

If he had to put it into words, he would say,

"...Well then. Have a nice rest today."

"Yes. Excuse me, Argan-sama."

She was a mysterious and charming person.

That day and the next, Kirik reconsidered the escorts arrangements.

The escorts squad consisted of ten people.

The other former squad leader, Nazel, was made vice-squad leader, and they took turns guarding the queen depending on the situation.

The five of them basically accompanied the queen and provided personal guard duty, but this was pointless in the first place.

"By the way, I’ve been curious... Is the reason Arkul-sama and Bal-sama have been away since this morning due to the rearrangements you mentioned?"

As he was walking down the corridor of the royal castle, he was asked, and Kilik nodded.

"Yes. After the recent incident, we have made a fundamental review. From now on, we will have two or three people by your side――the rest will be stationed away from you and on the periphery."

If one consider the escort squad as a small army, leaving the main force exposed would be unthinkable.

But If they were advancing through an area of conflict with the enemy, they would send out scouts to ensure the safety of the main force――that's what Kilik was taught.

Kilik was not a caravan escort.

He was a Royal Guard who was responsible for protecting Her Majesty the Queen of Alberan.

He was not expected to perform symptomatic work, such as walking behind the carriage and drawing his sword when attacked by bandits.

He was here to stop unscrupulous people from attacking and taking the initiative.

The moment he was forced to draw his sword at the Queen's side, Kilik job was a failure.

"...One person always goes ahead, and the other keeps a wide rear guard, including our surroundings. Previously, we used a similar formation depending on the situation, but we have reworked it to this."

"...I see."

"Having five by our side was not bad, but it has the drawback of being slow to react and grasp the situation, so I thought of at least two as scouts. Of course, if you are worried, I can ask Krische-sama to increase the number of troops and have at least four by your side."

‘That's not necessary’, the little queen said, smiling.

Then she turned her purple eyes towards him.

"You are truly earnest. It's really reassuring to have someone like Kilik-sama as my escort. ...But don't worry too much about what happened the other day. It wasn't your fault, it was just a series of unfortunate coincidences."

"Yes. ...I appreciate your kindness more than anything. But, after all, it was due to my lack of consideration. If we had taken the current formation from before, at least...Argan-sama would not have been injured like that."

Kilik narrowed his eyes as he replied.

"Both I and these men are equally willing to risk our lives to protect Your Majesty the Queen, but pathetically we do not have the sword skills to defeat any foe. ...That is why I thought we should do our best, rack our brains to keep Her Majesty away from unnecessary trouble, and strive to ensure the safety of the surrounding area so that we do not have to use our swords."

Just like a servant, the honor of an escort was to ensure that nothing happens.

Their job was to clear the fog on the way so that were are no stagnation or delays.

"This might be a little bothersome, but please bear with it."

"No. If that's the case, I have nothing to say."

It's as if we're walking through a fog, she said.

Kilik agreed.

The path ahead of his lord――clearing that fog was the role of an escort.

He stood there because they feared the unknown, and his duty was to ensure his lord could walk freely.

"I was just a little worried that you were still worrying about what happened the other day and pushing yourself too hard. I am truly grateful for your hard work, Kilik-sama."

“Ha”

You should not expect your work to be appreciated.

Just do what you should do as it should be.

Kilik’s duty was to use all his abilities to ensure that his master can walk safely in the mansion without hesitation.

Kilik always saw an example to emulate.

"Kreschenta-sama, I've put together some of the information, but what should we do? Would you like to take a short break first?"

"...What are you saying when you've already poured yourself some tea? You're a really irresponsible and good-for-nothing servant."

When he opened the door to her office, the documents were sorted on the desk as expected, and there was cookies and tea on the reception desk.

The red-haired servant welcomed her master, shaking her shoulders with joy.

He had heard that she had lost her sense of taste, but she was always so cheerful that it was hard to tell.

"Fufu, Anne-sama said today's cookies were the best she'd ever had, so I'd really like Kreschenta-sama to try some too."

"That’s less reliable than wine sales pitches. You should learn some of Kirik-sama’s seriousness."

The queen complained as she sat on the sofa and patted the spot next to her.

The servant smiled wryly and sat down.

"Think of it this way. With Kreschenta-sama and Kilik-sama being so serious, maybe a slightly frivolous servant is just right."

"You're really just nitpicking, aren't you? Can't you just apologize honestly?"

"... This is troubling. Even like this I'm trying to apologize to Kreschenta-sama ten times a day."

"Your apologies lack sincerity and weight."

She chuckled――and through the gaps in her red hair, her big light brown eyes turned towards him.

She looked at his face, smiles without saying a word, and bowed slightly.

Kilik also bowed with a wry smile and closed the door.

It was lively inside.

The girl's voice echoes, complaining but sounding happy.

Normally, Anne would have been there instead of her.

Even without major duties, she had visited.

Kilik smiled slightly, pondering why.

Small acts of consideration and care.

For example, if the role of an escort was to clear the fog, then a servant was someone who lights the way.

Like waking up in the morning to the sound of birds instead of rain echoing through the window.

Like feeling the lingering scent of the sun's warmth on the sheets at night.

The small joys that you would forget the next moment after you noticed them.

"Squad leader, what's the matter?"

"Nothing... I heard a merchant is coming this afternoon. Let's take turns taking a break now. Tell Arkul and Val."

"Understood."

It didn’t matter if their efforts were meaningless.

It didn’t matter if no one notices.

To strive for the utmost, for in vain――that’s all the mindset they needed.