240 42 Huuta is each other! (1/2)

That was seven years ago.

The man who was given the title ”Knight of the King” was, to put it bluntly, a ”replacement.”

The king's knight.

It is, as the word implies, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation in the kingdom.

It is an honor for the soldiers who gag in the kingdom and the nobles who serve in the royal castle.

And above all, it was a dangerous job to protect the king at his peril.

The alternative is even easier to understand.

The ”knight” position became available and he took it.

This man, Viciedo, had been a close friend of the king's since he was a boy, but he was not a great one.

”Would he really be able to serve as the king's knight?

That was the topic of some discussion. But on the contrary, it was also true that the other potential candidates had died out and there were only a few left, including him.

I'd rather have Viciedo than someone else, or someone younger.

It was in this atmosphere in the Council or Throne Room that Viciedo became the King's knight.

However, contrary to the initial expectations of those around him, Viciedo accomplished many tasks.

Above all, what made him a knight was the way he treated the king.

King Gilbert became visibly more cheerful when Viciedo took his place behind him, and he was a good friend to the king, even though he knew his place.

That's the way it should be, Viciedo had thought for decades.

So.

”...... Well, hello, Lilac.

”Oh. Viciedo: ...... How do you do?

It was only natural for him at the time to contact the girl.

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He wanted to do what he could to help the king.

It was with this in mind that Viciedo visited this room every day.

--The occupation of ”wicked man” will bring turbulent times to this country.

He knew that, but...

”......

What's going on?

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

'No, nothing. What have you been doing today?

”I was reading a book today.

She smiles and is carrying a large old book. It seemed to be a collection of fairy tales, but I guessed that it was probably given to her by Gilbert.

He loved these kinds of stories.

I'm not sure. Is ...... anything bothering you in your life?

'No, ...... not really.'

He stroked his lips softly, as if thinking for a moment. Then he folded his soft little fingers, which made me smile.

”Nothing.

She gave him another carefree smile and Viciedo nodded.

That's good, he thought to himself.

I heard that you've been forced to live like this since you were a child. This room is certainly spacious, but you'll need a chaperone just to step outside.

It sounds nice to say she's a lady of the deep, but it's more like I'm keeping an eye on her.

This is partly because Gilbert is heartbroken. It's only natural for him to feel an itchy feeling as he comes to see her again and again.

”Is there anything you want to do?

”What I want to do: ......

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I'm not. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you'll do fine.

I'm sure you're right.

A weak, yet healthy smile that tries not to worry the viewer.

The expression on the face of the girl, who was not yet ten years old, only made Viciedo feel more guilty.

It was Viciedo's daily routine to see Lilac every day and to report to King Gilbert on her latest developments.

Today she was reading a book with pleasure.

Today he was looking out the window and composing his own poetry.

Today he taught me a hand game that he had heard from his attendants.

This is what I tell Gilbert every day.

He was happy to listen to her, sometimes surprised, and enjoyed watching her grow.

If you were to ask me if I was a good parent, I wouldn't say so.

It is the king himself who keeps her in a corner of the first floor, fearing the atmosphere of the council, the castle, and the known ”wickedness” of the past.

But I knew that he loved her.

At least it seemed that way to Viciedo.

Maybe that's why.

The little wicked man he'd seen every day for the past few months. It weighed heavily on Viciedo that the little girl he had seen every day for the past few months was so unbelievably cute.

I'm not sure what to do.

”...... You look glum, Viciedo.

”It's ....... That's .......

”Isn't that what you and I are... ...... If you have a problem, let me know.

His face was soft, but not dignified.

He had a friendly, unchanging smile.

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For several months, they saw each other every day.

But he always has a smile on his face, as if he is stifling his own hopes.

It was because she didn't want to bother her father.

I took pity on her. ”I'm sure she hasn't woken up to the occupation of ”wicked man. I thought that this environment would rather force her to endure, which would in turn cause her to build up resentment.

Perhaps it was a bad thing that at that time, King Gilbert was also receiving information that he wanted to cling to.

”...... Viciedo. So I'm told. ”I've heard that a wicked man can be a brilliant mind who can be a great retainer in his own reign.

”That's ......!

It was a kind of hope.

King Gilbert nodded to Viciedo, who looked up.

I'm sure you've heard of it. I, too, feel sorry for Lilac, and I am sorry that she is afraid of ...... ”wicked men.

”Your Majesty ......

I'm sure you'll agree with me.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

I know. If I'm going to be a good ruler, I'm going to have to be a good politician.

'Yes, that's right. Your Majesty.

He clenched his fists and looked at me with a look of determination that was unusual for King Gilbert.

He nodded to him, his fists clenched, and Viciedo laughed.

We used to laugh like this when we were children.

But now that they were both in a position, it didn't work out so well.

We are both struggling with the burdens of our positions.

But... That's why I felt better than I have in a long time.

I've been told by the attendants that the reclusive Lilac has grown quite fond of Viciedo.

Smiling loosely, King Gilbert said.

In fact, that's exactly what Viciedo himself was often told.

She didn't show much expression even to her attendants, but she was cheerful only in front of him.

--I think she had a slight sense of superiority.

I'm sure Lilac will be fine if Viciedo says so.

I nodded my head in response to King Gilbert's smile.

”He will be a good vassal to King Gilbert without waking him up to be a wicked man. I hoped that King Gilbert would be able to pass away in peace even if he would eventually rule this country.

That's what I was hoping for at the time.

That's why. The responsibility lies with me.

”...... What, your father?

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One evening. One evening, when he visited her in her room as usual, he told her.

King Gilbert took pity on Lilac's current situation. He said he would do everything he could to help.

That was the moment he heard those words.

”Yes, sir.

There was nothing different. Maybe there was nothing unusual about him.

But Viciedo's instincts got the better of him.

”Your father, for your own good.

'Yes, yes, ......, your highness. You always said there was nothing to ask for. ......

”Yes, he did. ...... Hey, Viciedo.

I'd like to go out.

This was his goal all along.

He said he was being used to get his father's permission.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

Under the word of Viciedo, the king's knight.

From that day on, she was allowed to go out.

--Because... So this is...

”This is my responsibility.

Viciedo clutched his chest tightly.

--outside the arena spectacula. To the west.

The light that pierced the sky exploded into the night sky and colored the darkness.

Rhythmically, joyfully. They rise and fall, dropping colors of various sizes onto the azure campus.

Beautiful, ”light”.

With each explosion, the world is illuminated with vivid colors.