Truly A Knighty Soul

Let's track down the next Bibliovore.

I'm ready when you are!

Something's been nagging at me, though. Monsters on the royal hunting grounds are getting stronger each time.

No way, Aldo! You must be imagining it.

I'm pretty sure it's not just my imagination.

Then... I don't know. Maybe it's the effect of the Bibliovores?

Ah, could be.

That's just my guess! Don't think too much of it. Focus on the Bibliovores!

Best of luck!

...Huh?

What are they doing?

Oh, this really takes me back. Bertrand was teaching me sword fighting.

I thought you learned it from your father, King Miglance?

Well... Father taught me much later.

It was Bertrand who first agreed to practice with me.

I learn something new about you every time we come here.

Good heavens! We need reinforcements!

What's this commotion about?

Oh no, Princess Mufilleux is here?!

Please escort Her Highness back to the castle. It's not safe here!

My good man, do I need to ask you twice? What in the world is going on?

A small troop was sent to the forest to thin out the monster population, as usual.

However, this time did not go as planned. The monsters were fearsomely strong, and one completely resisted our attacks!

Tell me more about that one.

It was truly bizarre, some kind of fog creature. Some of my comrades are still in the forest, trying to hold back the monsters. I must bring reinforcements!

Apologies for having stopped you on your way.

I must be off now, sir.

A fog monster that resists attacks...

That's one of the rare ones we specialize in.

I thought so. Thank goodness you're here.

Leave this to us and go back to the castle, we can handle it.

Princess Mufilleux, there are dangerous monsters in the area. Let's go back, shall we?

Okay.

Look at that. No more angry tantrums?

I grew out of them, Aldo. I was only stubborn when I was very little!

......

Yes... Well, let's not keep our fog monster waiting, Miyu.

Allow me to join you. I'd rather be doing something than idly waiting for reinforcements to arrive.

Of course, come along!

I'm coming, too! Bertrand showed me how to fight with a sword!

On no!

Princess, you mustn't be here. It's too dangerous. Please...escape to safety!

But dad says it's our responsi...bi...bility to look after the knights who serve us!

I'm not scared of any monsters! Come on! Fight me!

Eeek! I was only joking!

Stay away from me!

Stay where you are! We're coming to help!

Bertrand! Heeelp!

I won't let any filthy monster lay a paw on the princess, even if it costs me my life!

You look after her, we'll deal with the rest!

Princess Mufilleux, thank you for coming to my aid. I shall serve you faithfully for as long as I have the strength to lift a sword.

Did you hear that, Bertrand? I did a good thing! I saved him, thanks to you teaching me how to fight!

You have earned yourself a loyal retainer. It's truly remarkable at your age.

Although...

Something wrong?

It's nothing. Let's go back to the castle.

Uh huh! I have to tell Felmina how brave I was!

Doesn't Bertrand seem out of it today?

I took it just as him being tired. But you're right. I wonder what's wrong.

The Chronicle is in no hurry to summon us back, so why don't we follow up on this? Just for peace of mind.

Good idea.

What's the matter, Bertrand? You wanted to see me about something important?

Your Majesty... I am guilty of negligence. My lack of judgement could have imperiled the future of the royal family. The guilt is crushing me.

Ah, that would be the incident at the forest today, when Miyu joined the battle to save a soldier?

That is correct. In hindsight, it was a mistake for me to teach the princess sword fighting, no matter how much she asked me. She is but a child and prone to act recklessly out of good intentions. She put herself in danger because she felt confident after lessons. Your Majesty, I am not fit to be your daughter's guardian.

My daughter is safe and sound, thanks to you. And she's happy that she could also be a hero.

I managed to save her in the nick of time. However, the danger was real and I shudder to think of how I barely averted a tragedy. These thoughts have been tormenting me ever since that moment.

Hmph...

You're afraid of making a mistake and my daughter coming to harm.

Indeed. Something happening to the princess is my greatest fear, Your Majesty. For that reason, I ask that I be relieved of my duties...

A man whose heart is filled with fear cannot be relied upon. I shall do as you ask me. You are no longer...

Nooo!

Princess?!

Don't leave me, Bertrand! Do you hate me? Is it because I never listen?

No, of course not! I could never hate you, Princess Miyu.

Then why do you want to leave me? I look up to you so much, Bertrand. I wanted to... to become strong like you... to be able to protect everyone! So please, don't go away!

My princess, please don't cry...

Wipe those tears away, please. You see, I cannot be your guardian any longer. I put you in danger, and it might happen again.

Back when I was a member of the Order, I thought strength alone was all you needed to protect people.

But now I have realized that it's not so easy. I have finally understood what it means to be entrusted with another's life.

......

To want to save someone at all costs, fearing for them and never for yourself, never hesitating to put everything on the line...

...Bertrand.

I don't understand what you're saying to me.

Forgive me, Princess Miyu.

I wish to retire as your guardian, and instead become your royal knight. I pledge my life to yours, to keep you safe from harm, for as long as you'll have me in your service.

Um so...you're not going anywhere? You'll play with me like before and teach me sword fighting? Yay! That's great then!

Thank you for accepting me as your retainer, Princess Miyu.

So that's what he meant.

I feel tears welling up in my eyes... I remember him saying that, but back then I didn't understand what it meant.

I was happy, though. I sensed that it was somehow important, and that Bertrand cared about me a lot.

I think that's good enough.

Yes, I suppose.

Welcome baaack!

It's a pity we had to return already. I wanted to see a bit more of what happened afterwards.

Are you glad to see the events from your childhood again now, as an adult?

Why, of course. Wouldn't you want to revisit your past?

Not really. I don't know... I had a happy childhood, but I don't really want to see it again. That's like reading the same book twice.

I'd be interested in seeing what you were like as a little boy.

You'd be disappointed. I was pretty normal.

Maybe if I had been as cute as you, it'd be worth it.

...... I'll try to forget what you just said.

......

Oh my. The nice guy is not perfect after all.

I'm confused... What did I do wrong, Miyu?

Never mind, Aldo.