Bedivere's Episode

Such as...

Ah ! I-I'm so sorry, Ethan... I spilled water...

Oh no, my bowstring snapped!

Hey, Bedivere.

Yes?

Just asking, but... you are a knight, right?

W-What do you mean by that, Ethan..! Have you forgotten how I always serve and protect the princess by her side?

That's not what I mean. I'm talking about something more fundamental... like the qualifications as a knight.

Qualifications as a knight?

Hmm... Well...

...Is this something you need to think about before answering?

Well... I passed the knight's exam and properly went through the appointment ceremony.

I was just wondering why Ethan would say such a thing.

Yes.

Yes

Gasp...! So that's what it was... I'm sorry, Ethan. I'll strive to improve and work harder.

There's no issue with your role in the party. I'm just curious about how you ended up serving Elizabeth.

No.

Bedivere, you're doing well enough. I mean in the party.

What I'm wondering is how you ended up with Elizabeth. Is it really because you're her knight?

As a companion, there's no problem, but as a capable retainer... it's a bit...

What?

To put it bluntly, I'm suspicious because you're so clumsy. I wonder if it's simply because you were friends...

Th-That's not true! I'm also a proper knight of Britannia!

Okay, I am sorry! Don't cry!

Ethan... How could you... Sniff... Sob...!

Because of a careless comment, I ended up getting scolded by everyone.

But doubts remained. Looking at her actions, it was hard not to suspect she had gained her position through someone's influence.

I understand her dedication to Elizabeth, but what good is a loyal yet incompetent person by her side?

Achieving greatness requires capable close aides.

She may shoot arrows well, but that alone wasn't reassuring enough. So, I decided to observe Bedivere closely.

Hey! Hurry up and clean the table!

O-okay! Coming right away!

Ah!

That makes three times. The number of times Bedivere has fallen at work.

What are you doing?! Just leave that mess for now and come help with the serving!

O-okay! Huh!? Waaah!

Seven plates. The total number of dishes Bedivere has broken.

In the end, she got fired.

Sigh... I didn't earn my full pay today, again.

Bedivere, you've had a rough day.

Ethan? Since when have you been here?

From the moment you started working until now. I've been watching you from outside the window, and you didn't even notice?

Not at all! Ethan, you're amazing!

It's not me who's amazing, it's you. Are you planning to destroy everything in the store? How have you managed not to get fired until now?

N-no, it's not usually like this. I'm just a little tired today...

More importantly, aren't you busy, Ethan?

Nope. I finished all my tasks yesterday. That's why I'm planning to accompany you today... Is that okay?

O-of course...! Just, please act like you don't know me. I'll get nervous if you're too close.

Got it.

I had plenty to say but decided to go along with Bedivere for now.

Now we need to pick up the equipment I left at the blacksmith.

Entering with her.

Observing from a distance.

Hello. I'm here to pick up the equipment I left, Ahh!

Are you alright?

Oh my! You're the first person to trip on that spot! How did you even manage that?

Ugh... I'm sorry...

What's your hurry? What do you need?

Ah...! I came to pick up some equipment I left for repairs.

Huh? This is the first time I've seen your face...

W-what!?

Bedivere, what did you leave here?

W-well... A shoulder guard and... some studs for boots...

Anyway, we don't have any of those. Clean up your mess and be on your way!

W-what do we do, Ethan? I think I've been...

You don't have to say it. You've been scammed, haven't you?

Ethan! They went that way!

Leave it to me.

Hah!

Tsk, I lost them. Bedivere!

Yes! Huh? Ah!

I lost them... I'm sorry...

What happened? You've never missed a target in battle before.

Well... Somehow, looking into Mr. Chicken's shiny eyes made me feel... guilty about shooting.

Apologize to your stomach that's screaming in hunger. This is a hunt for survival.

Do you want Elizabeth to starve?

You've got a point...

Got it! From now on, I'll hunt properly.

Bedivere's attitude always changes when it comes to Elizabeth. She must really like her.

W-well, of course! She's my lord...

Your attitude can't be explained by loyalty alone... Then again, you did grow up together, didn't you? Maybe that's why.

Honestly, it's a relief you're by Elizabeth's side right now. It's better than having no one at all.

But you know you can't protect Elizabeth with just your feelings for her, right?

Right...

What do you want to become for Elizabeth?

I...

It might sound harsh, but I'm saying this because I'm worried about you.

I think it's great that you've stayed with Elizabeth and kept trying, but... I also wonder if this is really okay.

Bedivere, if you truly want to be a competent guardian knight, you can't stay like this.

Let's work on improving together. What do you say? I'll help you.

Sniff...! Ethan!

If you're just following her around because you like her, it could lead to a serious crisis someday.

You need to grow, just like Elizabeth, who keeps improving. You should be able to cover for her if she makes mistakes.

Y-you're right... I've been thinking the same...

...Ethan.

Huh?

If it's alright with you... Please train me!

I've been worried that the princess might not need me one day...

So, I'll do my best!

Good. If you're saying that, I can't just stand by and watch.

I'll train you to gain the skills worthy of a guardian knight!

Thank you!

How much time passed after that, I wonder.

Today's part-time job is done without a hitch!

Bedivere's clumsy personality has improved quite a lot.

What about the equipment and food?

I've packed everything properly.

What about the morning hunt?

I caught a bear!

W-well, a bear might be a bit much... but still, good job. You've become much more thorough, haven't you?

R-really? Getting praise from Ethan... I feel like my efforts paid off!

You still have a long way to go, though.

There's still much to learn. Being meticulous is a given, but a true retainer must excel in every aspect.

I didn't know that. I thought it was fine since the princess didn't say anything...

Elizabeth probably didn't say anything because she was worried you'd get hurt. Anyway, you need to be someone Elizabeth can rely on.

E-Elizabeth said that I'm someone she can rely on...

Elizabeth said that?

To Salisbury!

She probably just said that... I'm not trying to sound bad, but the old you...

No...! She definitely said I'm someone she can rely on.

If that's true, why did she say that? If you don't know there's a problem, you can't improve.

It's true. Especially when she goes to bed, she says it feels reassuring to have me by her side and always asks me to stay with her.

...?

Is that all?

To Salisbury!

...Your value is like a stuffed toy.

Then, even more reason why you can't stay like this. If you want to be by Elizabeth's side because you like her, then you need to put in the effort to improve yourself.

Raise your value as a guardian knight!

Okay!

U-um, Ethan. But... do you really worry about the princess that much?

What do you mean? Of course, there's that, but mainly, I'm worried about you.

Huh...?

Don't you get it? In this world, it's a miserable thing for a retainer to be abandoned by their lord.

It might not happen immediately, but the future is uncertain... I just hope you two get along well for a long time.

Ethan... you care about me that much...

You're my companion, after all.

Thank you. I'll do my best so I don't disappoint you or the princess!

That's the spirit.

Because I like you.

W-What...?

Why are you so flustered? I meant it as a companion kind of like.

Oh, so that's what you meant... I just can't look you in the eye now...

You always take care of me even though you must have a lot on your mind... I can't even imagine what would've happened if I hadn't met you, Ethan...

You're the most amazing person I've ever met.

U-um... saying that makes me embarrassed...

Ah! I-I didn't mean it like that...

Haha, anyway, thank you, Bedivere. Let's keep going strong together.

...Yes! Ethan!