Chapter 35 - No Such Thing As Overkill
No Such Thing as Overkill
A week after Thanksgiving, the halls of the academy were sparse of people in the waning hours of the day.
I, who had received the divine prophecy of the Gods, along with Liselotte and her father Marquis or, I suppose in this context, General Riefenstahl, accompanied by several of his handpicked men.
First of all, can we truly confirm that this is the courtyard where this Ancient Witch is supposed to manifest itself?
This is definitely the place. This courtyard is where itll come out, or rather, the ruins underground where the witch is sealed.
Coebayashay responded to the voice of General Riefenstahl but, of course, Liselotte and her father couldnt hear her words at all, so I relayed the information.
According to the prophecy, the ruins that have sealed away the Ancient Witch lie beneath our very feet. Theres no room for doubt.
Then with that being the case, this area is definitely spacious enough to set up a large formation of knights
No, we need to prepare for the possibility that the witch might flee to other parts of the Academy or take a hostage. Shouldnt we assign some of the soldiers to other parts of the campus to protect the staff and students?
The teachers in the school are considered amongst the most distinguished mages in the country, not to mention that the academys security members are also very seasoned. We shouldnt have to divert too many resources
Liselotte, General Riefenstahl and I considered discussing matters in detail for quite some time.
As a result, it was eventually decided that the group that would stay in the courtyard would be Art, who according to the Gods was a so-called capture target, Baldur, Fabian and, of course, myself. Finne, the girl the Gods called the heroine, stood shoulder to shoulder with the villainess, Liselotte. Along with the characters who were present when the Ancient Witch was cast down in the Gods game, there are also twelve elite knights who will accompany us, the best of the best the order has to offer.
Hey, uh, isnt this a little overkill? I mean, Im pretty sure that Finne is strong enough to solo clear, right?
As our battle formation was being settled, Endow sounded a little uneasy as he chimed in.
Theres no such thing as overkill when it comes to this! Since the Ancient Witch is a creature that feeds on peoples misery and pain to grow stronger, our best bet is to hit it full force and crush it the moment it decides to show up! Probably? And remember, even in the solo clear route, Rize-tan still gets possessed and Baldur ends up dying as well. Its absolutely necessary to bring as much strength to the fight as we can so that everyone can survive! .Probably?
Coebayashay was quite passionate in her rebuttal to Endow, but no matter how softly she spoke, that probably word she likes to use at times like these cropped up twice. Somehow, I get the feeling that word betrayed the Goddess lack of confidence.
Doesnt this just feel like bullying at this point?
N-no way! Because, uh, we gave up on Leon, right!? And more importantly wasnt the witch the one who bullied Rize-tan first? This witch made the whole country her enemy when she tried to pick on our adorable future Queen, Rize-tan! Yes, thats it!
She was right.
I nodded in deep affirmation at Coebayashays sage divine mandate.
Suddenly, I heard a name I didnt expect in the midst of the conversation Liselotte and her father were having and I couldnt help but interject.
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Wait, Miss Cecilie will be participating as well?
I thought I must have misheard them, but the two nodded in unison.
Yes, Cecilie recently passed the advanced chivalric examination with flying colours. Shes still only considered an apprentice knight, just like Baldur, but shes been included with the twelve selected knights as Fabians escort.
I couldnt hide my bewilderment at Liselottes words.
The advanced examination was not the regular method of recruiting prospective knights, but instead a series of battles against five different full-fledged knights. If the examinee manages to win a majority of their duels, and the King approves, theyre made an apprentice knight with a view of potentially being fast-tracked into the royal guard once their training is complete.
But shes the youngest daughter of the Riefenstahl house, and shes only just turned 10 years old as well Just what on earth is my father thinking?
I-its pretty amazing that shes been included in the top 12 knights.
Rizepapa mentioned before that the 12 people he chose were all strong both mentally and physically, right? Even putting the 12-year-old Fabian-kyun aside, its amazing that a 10-year-old is strong enough to be selected Especially when it comes to being mentally strong.
As I stood in stunned silence, Endow and Coebayashays words echoed in my ears.
No, that daughter of mine insisted on taking the exam herself, His Majesty is not at fault. Please accept my deepest apologies for her selfishness on my behalf. However, if that daughter of mine wishes to stay by Fabians side, she will inevitably encounter many dangers throughout her life or, rather, shes so addicted to fighting that she may well welcome the opportunity to fight any and all challengers. I can guarantee her strength, and should she be killed, this was the path she chose for herself.
As I was still digesting the words of the Gods, I finally found my voice again at General Riefenstahls cold words.
But, thats Uh, rather, did Miss Cecilie agree to become his fiance?
As I was wondering whether or not this decision of hers was spurned out of a desire to protect him for that reason, Liselotte nodded.
The engagement has almost been finalized, I believe? Fabian is still slightly confused about all this, but Cecilie seems very determined for whatever reason. Apparently, shes always dreamed of marrying the strongest man in the world Honestly, my goodness, just where does she get this romanticism from? Whats more, of course, shes even saying now that Ill definitely marry Fabian and protect him for the rest of my life, and if I cant, Ill just die To be blunt, I never imagined that girl would be so passionate about such a thing, it truly is a surprise.
As I stood agape, wondering just what kind of 10-year-old girl would say things like that, said girls father, General Riefenstahl, spoke with an exhausted sounding sigh.
I suppose its the curse of parenthood to think that their children will rely on them forever. When theyre born, theyre so tiny and cute, but even though that feels like it only happened yesterday, before we know it theyre already leaving our side Its certainly a lonely feeling, but its simply the way of things. Although the twins still play in the yard like girls their age, theyre already talking about not letting their younger sister Cecilie get ahead of them Well, I suppose if you look back at our family history, weve always been like this.
Shading his eyes with his hand so that only I could see them, the General made a distinct look before letting it drop back down by his side.
I suppose its true that, if you use Rize-tan as a measuring stick, the members of the Riefenstahl family are always passionate and serious.
I struggled to suppress a laugh, as Coebayashays words coincided perfectly with the hidden eye jerk towards Liselotte that the General had shown me.
Liese, now that I think about it, you were about 10 years old when you fell in love with me as well, right?
Wha!?
Liese stammered at my sudden attack, but the General chimed in with a nod.
Ah, thats right, back then Liese was so infatuated with you that if anyone tried to take you away, she probably would have tried to kill them herself and then die. Cecilie is really the spitting image of the cute Liese from back then, truly.
I have to say, I was getting quite frustrated by the fact that Liese couldnt accept that a daughter of mine would show such passion Im truly grateful to Your Highness for pointing it out to her.
Im the game, she really did turn into a villainess who tried to kill the heroine and died in the process, though!
Well, Rize-tan never seriously hurt Finne with her harassment in the game, but the bullying was still quite cruel. It was the sort of game where either the heroine or her rival would end up dead in the end, though. Of course, that was all because of her love for Your Highness.
The words of the General, the Play-By-Play Commentator and the Colour Commentator As I listened to all three of them explain just how deep Liselottes love went, I was left with a warm feeling in my chest.
In that case, Im really thankful that we came to understand each other. Thank you for loving me up until now, Liese.
As I took the hand of Liselotte, who had become frozen stiff, and softly placed my lips on it, I looked up to see her mouth twisting painfully as she desperately tried to stammer out a reply.
Uuu I
Her eyes that gazed back at me began to swim but, after a couple of furious blinks, she shot me a harsh glare.
Your Highness!!
As I held my nerve in the face of her stern stare, I wondered if I had gone a touch too far considering that her father was standing right there, but Liselotte managed to continue.
Just now Your Highness, you said up until now, however Could I ask you not to make light of my feelings in such a way! Even if Your Highness may one day change his mind, I will love you until the end of my days, not just until now! No matter what manner of ploys or tricks Your Highness or others may use, it will not matter to me! I will never yield my place by your side!
A five-star tsungire performance, Liselotte!
Even though she used whatever means she had at her disposal, Rize-tan never used violence or ambushes. The only time she really lashed out with force was when she was possessed by the Ancient Witch. She would always face her foe from the front.
Ahh, jeez, I cant take it.
Wha!? Um, what are you Sto-!?
Liselottes words were too cute, and the live commentary only made it doubly so.
Without a word, I stood up and drew Liselotte into a hug, despite her yelps of confusion.
Wait just a moment, my father and his guards are C-could you please calm down!?
Even though Liselotte sounded like she was about to push me away at any moment, she didnt resist at all as I heard the Generals voice from behind us.
Your Highness, Ill receive this as my cue to take my leave.
Ill proceed to the security station and make arrangements with the head of campus security and my knights. We shall reconvene later!
As I turned to look at the general, I already saw him turning his cloak and hurrying off as quickly as he could.
Oh, as a father, you arent going to intervene?
When I called out to him without thinking, the General stopped in his tracks for just a moment as he wheeled around to face me.
Its good for the countrys sake that His Highness and my daughter are so close! Besides, I hugged Liese as much as I liked before she was five years old!
Ahh, now that I mention it, I do recall the General complaining to my father at a banquet a few years ago that although he had four daughters, not one of them had ever said that they wanted to marry papa when they grow up
Everyone consoled him with words like just give it up, thats how daughters are and youll forget all about it once you have grandchildren to dote over.
Y-Your Highness! H-hot! Its much too hot!!
As Liese began to struggle gently in my arms, there was something in her words that frustrated me, so I spoke out in a way that cut through her words.
Sieg.
Although that was all I said, Liselotte suddenly stopped moving.
Hey, Liese, at least when were alone actually, even in public, I want you to call me Sieg.
Ive actually asked her to call me that time and time again. But, my fiance constantly refused, saying that it would be too embarrassing to refer to me so informally.
Of course, seeing her flustered as she refused me was cute as well, but at least when its just the two of us, Id like to see her being a little more honest
Its embarrassing, and I feel like my heart is going to leap from my chest, so dont take my hand so suddenly Sieg.
She finally called my name for the first time. It was the first time we had shared words as equals.
Hiding my momentary grin in the crook of her neck, I slowly and reluctantly let her go.
As I began to draw away from Liselotte, that relieved expression of hers made me feel slightly lonely. I was suddenly aware just how cavernous even the slightest distance between us felt. So, I
Chuu
Before I left her side completely, I changed the direction and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
.Mmmmmphhh!? S-Sieeeg!?
As I finally drew away, I smiled happily at the immensely adorable Liese, who cried out at me with tears in her eyes.
The only thing on my mind as I laughed whilst she looked at me in bashful anger was that I loved her. I really, really love her.
As soon as the witch chose the girl the Goddess called Our adorable Rize-tan as her target, it made bitter enemies of both myself and this entire country. Coebayashay was definitely right about what she said before.
Theres no such thing as overkill. Ill destroy that thing with every last drop of power I can bring to bear against it.