ch41-ch60 · 058-ch57

Chapter 57: Satchio and Rock

　That knight was my hero.

　Stronger than anyone, kinder than anyone. Even though I wasn't a knight, he always looked out for me.

　The Seven Knights Army, formed by the Ceylo Kingdom to oppose the Demon King Army, was sweeping through with unstoppable momentum, winning victories everywhere and pushing forward the front lines. I had volunteered to join as part of the support team that backed them up, working as a general helper.

　With fighting continuing and knights and soldiers becoming scarce, rear support units like the supply team employed many civilians, but even so, the fact that thirteen-year-old me was hired showed how desperate the manpower shortage was—it was a testament to how brutal the war had become.

　The supply team's main job was to accompany the Seven Knights Army as they moved between battlefields, handing out supplies and preparing meals. Basically, we never went to actual battlefields, but sometimes we'd get ambushed by the Demon King Army while on the move.

　I hadn't experienced an ambush yet back then, but of course I had steeled myself when I volunteered. I had lost my father in the war, and this was my revenge.

　At the Seven Knights' camp, on their way to the next battlefield.

　When I went over there bringing meals, the Seven Knights were in a meeting.

"After this fortress, we'll finally be entering the Demon King's base. For an early end to the war, we need to take it down as quickly as possible."

"But we haven't grasped the full extent of the fortress's forces yet. Rushing things will only increase casualties."

　The Purple Knight, who served as the leader of the Seven Knights, and the Blue Knight, the only woman, were arguing about something.

　I'd seen this dynamic before. The Purple Knight, a veteran knight even before the Seven Knights were formed, and the Blue Knight, who wanted to minimize the number of people getting hurt. I didn't really know which one was right.

　I just quietly distributed the meals without getting in the way. Setting down the pot, I lined up bowls of freshly made soup in front of everyone.

"For the greater good, a little recklessness is necessary. Surely Her Highness the Princess understands this well from the war so far?"

"There's a difference between being reckless and being foolhardy. We should gather information and aim for certain victory!"

"While you two are doing that, the enemy might notice. And then what? Reinforcements'll show up, won't they?"

　The Red Knight, not just his armor but even his hair bright red. We were about the same age, but his rough demeanor was a bit intimidating for me.

　I kept my head down, focused on serving the food.

"Thanks a lot."

　At that voice, I looked up to find the White Knight holding out a hand with a gentle smile.

　I hurriedly handed the soup bowl to his hand.

　At that moment, the White Knight whispered in my ear.

"Hey, I can't find Rock anywhere. Is he helping out with the cooking team?"

"!……That is……"

　The Black Knight, who supposedly had originally aspired to be a chef, often came to help with cooking. Though he didn't usually hide that fact, skipping a meeting to do so was probably going too far.

　I was at a loss for an answer, but the White Knight seemed to understand.

"Haha, then today's soup must be especially delicious. His cooking is seriously amazing, you know."

　The White Knight laughed out loud.

　Even though he'd whispered quietly, everyone turned to look at the White Knight.

"………Hey Satchio. Are you listening?"

"Hm? Uh……what was it?"

　When the Purple Knight scolded him, the White Knight couldn't play it off and scratched his head.

　At that sight, not just the Purple Knight but all the other knights sighed.

"Honestly……you two need to be more responsible. Both you and Rock lack too much awareness. You two are the core of this army, you know?"

"Yeah yeah, I got it. Once things are decided, we'll fight properly. Leave the thinking to everyone else."

　Something I learned after joining the supply team.

　White Knight Satchio and Black Knight Rock were largely unlike what knights should be. They were completely different from the image of knights that people…no, that the people of our country imagined.

　Stories of the two of them performing heroic deeds had reached the towns, and I too had imagined knights like the ones appearing in stories. But when I actually met them, they felt like ordinary nice older brothers.

　After that, the White Knight continued to be lectured by the Purple Knight, but when my work was done, I quietly left that place.

　On my way back to the cooking area, I ran into the Black Knight coming the other way.

"Ah, Charru, thanks for your hard work. Are they still having the meeting?"

"Yes, Satchio-sama is being scolded right now. If you don't hurry, Rock-sama will get scolded too, you know?"

　The Seven Knights felt somewhat unapproachable, and they kept their distance from the supply team members, making it hard to talk to them.

　But Rock-sama, who was always helping out, was the only one I could speak to without feeling nervous.

"Crap, gotta hurry!"

　Rock-sama was about to start running again, but he suddenly stopped and turned around.

"Charru, I wish you'd stop using that '-sama'. I'm not anyone that important. Just dropping the honorific would be fine."

"Eh, but, the Seven Knights are heroes."

　To a greater or lesser extent, both the army soldiers and supply team members treated the Seven Knights with respectful attitudes. I, the youngest of all, couldn't be the one to break that.

"Hmmm, then at least use '-san'! When other knights are around, keep it like before. Please!"

　The Black Knight, clasping both hands together and begging a young girl like this. He really doesn't seem like a knight.

　With a wry smile, I decided to grant his request.

"Understood. Then, Rock-san it is."

"Thank you! Oh, I saved a big potato for you in the cooking area. Eat lots and grow big!"

　Rock-san gave me a truly happy smile, then ran off waving.

　Later, when the White Knight heard about this and asked, I ended up calling him "Satchio-san" too.

　Satchio-san and Rock-san.

　The two who were unlike knights were probably all the closer for that very reason—they were the best of friends.