93. It’s Weird To Set A Flag In The End Isn’t It?

When Kyle displayed a resolute attitude towards Van, the old man Van laughed heartily and repeatedly patted Kyle on the shoulder.

“You’re getting way too familiar, aren’t you!”

“Ha ha ha ha! I like it! I like you, Kyle! So, how about you take over Orthros? Well then, rescue Zaid brilliantly!”

As Van happily spoke, Jabil-sensei interjected in confusion.

“Your Highness… ahem! Van-san. It’s not yet confirmed that Zaid is in a predicament.”

Van cast a cold glance at the teacher.

“Ha! I saw the marshland materials at the adventurer’s guild earlier. There’s no way his private soldiers can handle it! If Zaid had realized this, he would’ve already returned to the village!”

Though Van’s outright denial of Sensei’s opinion was irritating, it was undoubtedly accurate. Kyle, though silent, hurried to the rescue for the same reason.

“In other words, Zaid either charged into the marshlands got wiped out, or is hiding somewhere! Any objections, Jabil?”

The teacher weakly shook his head. He, too, must have realized this.

Kyle, tightening his expression, faced Jabil-sensei.

“We must hurry with the rescue, Jabil-san. I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“While we head to the marshlands, I want you to take care of my sister, Myrna. I originally intended to leave her with my brother Zaid, but since he’s not here…”

“Hmm. If Kyle-sama is heading to the marshlands, I thought to accompany him…”

“Huh? You, Jabil-sensei?”

Not just Kyle, I was also surprised, so I inadvertently spoke up.

“Sensei? The place we’re heading to is a battlefield with monsters?”

Jabil-sensei made a bitter face.

“Indeed. I didn’t plan on going since I’m not much use in battle, but I thought the Craft’s combat power would protect me.”

The teacher with us!? That would be incredible! He’s a renowned healer and an excellent alchemist! We should definitely take him even if it means dividing our forces!

“I will absolutely protect the teacher!”

“Oh… okay…”

I said it impulsively but realized a problem might arise.

Van probably noticed it too and waved me off.

“Hold on. It’s good news that the hesitant Jabir wants to come. But if that’s the case, leaving Kyle’s sister Myrna in the village is worrying.”

Damn it! Does he plan to drag Jabil-sensei along? No, it’s the teacher who wants to come. I’m getting confused.

The teacher wants to come with us because he feels safer with us. But if he does, who will take care of Myrna?

This old man seemed to know something, so I urged him to continue.

Van nodded, but for some reason, the teacher turned pale.

“Just between us, the village’s defense forces are currently insufficient. The fences are wooden. It’s not suited for a siege.”

He was right. Without Zaid’s private soldiers, the village had no defense.

Few adventurers use this village as a base. Most adventurers using Zaid Village Guild are Golden Dawn adventurers passing through to gather rare materials from the marshlands.

Hearing this, Kyle’s eyes widened.

“What? So how is the village being defended?”

“They’re hiring a few adventurers, but it’s not enough for more than maintaining order.”

Oh man… that’s a big problem.

“Then, let’s leave some of the marshland subjugation force in the village…”

“No, we can’t.”

Kyle’s alternative plan was immediately shot down by both me and Van.

We spoke in unison.

As people familiar with monster battles, myself, Alphard, and Van found this the obvious answer.

I explained the situation to Kyle so he would understand.

“Kyle… The best we can do now is rescue Zaid’s troops and return as soon as possible. We can resume the marshland conquest after that.”

“But in the meantime, the village will be defenseless…”

I understood Kyle’s feelings.

However, even with a well-organized team, dividing our forces would be the height of folly. We can’t leave any forces in the village.

“A considerable number of Akindo’s caravans are in this village. Many Golden Dawn adventurers are guarding those caravans. As long as there isn’t a stampede, they should manage for a few days.”

“Ah, indeed.”

Kyle seemed slightly reassured.

Wanting to protect the villagers is understandable, but that’s Zaid’s responsibility, not Kyle’s.

I won’t say it aloud, though.

“But that means Myrna…”

Alphard struggled.

“We have no choice but to bring her along.”

“Understood. I will assign some of the guards meant for me to Myrna. My personal guard will decrease, but…”

Van interjected sharply.

“Alright! This Van-sama will protect you!”

“—Huh!?”

This redhead! He completely interrupted Kyle!

Kyle’s surprised reaction is kind of cute!

“Van-dono!? That’s…!”

Now Jabil-sensei was panicking.

“As that Craft fellow just said. It’s safer to travel with these guys than to wait in this under-defended village for days!”

“I-I understand the logic! But still!”

Ignoring Sensei’s pleading words, Van vigorously patted Kyle’s shoulder.

“This Van-sama will guard you! If worst comes to worst, I’ll carry you to safety! Hey, guard! Alphard, wasn’t it? Do you have a problem with my skills?”

“No… your skills are…”

Alphard hesitated, but the concern wasn’t about skills!

Understanding this, Van continued confidently.

“Exactly! Half of Kyle’s guards should protect Myrna. That balances it out!”

“But…”

It’s absurd but makes sense.

Actually, on further thought, this is the best strategy.

A chill ran down my spine.

This guy… he looks like a muscle-head but he’s quite sharp, isn’t he?

I glanced at Alphard, signaling to consider Van’s idea.

(Alphard, it seems like a good plan.)

(It does… but can we trust this Van guy?)

Well, let’s find out.

“Hey, Van.”

When I called out to Van, Jabil-sensei shouted, “You idiot disciple!” but I ignored him.

Preparing myself for the scolding later, I glared at Van.

“Can we really trust you to protect Kyle?”

Van turned to face me fully, dropping his cocky smile.

“This Van Vine swears on his life and this sword to protect Kyle.”

Van drew his sword smoothly and held it before his chest. Seeing this, Alphard muttered, “What?”

Alphard and Van silently stared at each other.

“…Understood. I entrust Kyle-sama to you.”

“Is that alright?”

“That was an oath. It can’t be faked. Craft, you guard Myrna-sama with the Casper sisters.”

“Understood. Leave it to me.”

I didn’t know what changed Alphard’s mind, but he seemed to trust Van now. That’s all I needed.

Originally, Kyle’s guards included me, Alphard, Kyle’s soldiers, and the Casper sisters.

Since Alphard handled overall command, I was Kyle’s actual personal guard. There were other reasons, but that’s for another time.

“Myrna-sama will stay close to Kyle-sama. In an emergency, Craft, protect Myrna-sama with the Casper sisters.”

“Got it.”

When Alphard and I sought Kyle’s approval, he turned to Myrna.

“Myrna, we’re heading into battle, are you okay? If you’re scared…”

Kyle paused, swallowing hard.

“I’ll give up on rescuing Zaid and return to Golden Dawn with you.”

How much courage did it take to say that?

Prioritizing his sister above all, Kyle showed his resolve, but Maina shook her head.

“I… I’ll be fine… with Craft… together…”

“I see… yes. With Craft.”

Van clapped his hands.

“Alright! Jabil, I’ll protect you too, so stay close!”

“What should I do!?”

“You’re always so cautious. Kyle! Give the order to depart!”

“Y-yes!”

We returned to the main force and gathered everyone.

Raidoc, unaware of the situation, looked suspiciously at Van beside Kyle, but time was pressing.

Kyle declared loudly.

“The marshland subjugation force’s mission is now changed to rescuing Zaid and his companions! Everyone, move out!”

“””Oooh!!!”””

Despite their questions, the troops responded loudly.

This was Kyle’s first campaign.

To honor Kyle’s debut, both soldiers and adventurers were highly motivated.

They’re seasoned warriors.

As long as we’re careful, we won’t lose to something like a Hydra.

I mounted the Black Dragon with Maina.

Jitaro, noticing Myrna’s nervousness, rode up on his pony, Super Jet.

This pony, strengthened by legendary-quality stamina potions, was stronger than most warhorses but still looked like a typical, gentle spotted pony.

Cute, so the details didn’t matter.

Seeing Super Jet’s relaxed face, Maina smiled slightly.

“Myrna-sama! It’ll be fine! The subjugation force includes adventurers who fought dragons and Cockatrice, and elite soldiers who survived Alphard’s hellish training! We’ll win easily!”

Myrna nodded, but…

Hey, Jitaro!?

Isn’t that a flag!?

A flag!?

Suddenly I felt uneasy! Damn it!

Thus, with Jabil-sensei and the mysterious adventurer Van, we headed full speed towards the marshlands.