“Th-That cannot be.”
Hannibal let out a stunned gasp.
It was understandable. A Fifth-Circle Mage stood at a level where they could be counted among the strongest beings of the present age.
Investigating the mastermind behind today’s events would mean making an enemy of one of the strongest people on the continent.
“However, we can infer what happened. They were promised compensation by the Dark Mage and deliberately targeted knights and Adventurers. He was probably after the hearts of Mages.”
“Our hearts?”
“Our hearts are used as sacrifices in Dark Magic.”
Lunae answered Heria’s question.
Hannibal, who had been listening, struck his chest and summoned flames.
“If we cannot lift the Restriction, then let us at least pass judgment upon them.”
“Harming them with your magic would not be just.”
“Must we show justice even to those who are unjust?!”
The boy shouted, unable to suppress his fury.
“Of course. That is what Galahad teaches.”
“Then what exactly… is this judgment you speak of?”
Joshua pointed toward the gallows in the village square at the foot of the mountain.
“You want to hang them?”
The Squires exclaimed in unison at the unexpectedly extreme answer.
“Those who exploited another’s goodwill and took human lives must atone for their crimes with death. However, we should avoid unnecessary torture in the process. There is no reason to stain ourselves with more filthy blood than necessary.”
“…Joshua is right. Taking another person’s life by our own decision will undoubtedly be unpleasant, but it is something we will have to do eventually.”
Lunae agreed with Joshua.
After making their own heavy decisions, the others nodded one after another.
Driven to the brink of death, the villagers immediately changed their attitudes and prostrated themselves upon the ground.
“P-Please spare us! We had no choice! That man forced us to―”
The Village Chief indirectly mentioned the Dark Mage.
Blood immediately poured from all seven of his orifices.
When the villagers saw the old man meet such a gruesome end, their bodies trembled in terror.
Heria and Galev vomited.
Joshua walked through the heavy silence and approached the villagers.
“Of course, I understand your circumstances. You could not have defied the Dark Mage or the Village Chief. Therefore, I will give you a choice this time. You may travel to Betlimier’s territory of your own accord and receive an appropriate punishment, or you may die upon the gallows. Choose.”
“W-We will submit to Betlimier’s judgment!”
“Please spare us!”
“We will never hurt anyone for money again!”
Naturally, every villager chose the former.
“You would be wise not to attempt anything foolish while we escort you. Even if there are dozens of you, you could not defeat a single person here. If you resist, I will consider it proof that you have chosen your own end.”
Joshua had never intended to kill them from the beginning.
He had mentioned the gallows to teach the Squires about the grave responsibility borne by a knight.
It was cruel, but that was the nature of the world.
The Squires would have to live within that world.
‘…We must pursue our ideals, but we must also face reality.’
It was the lesson Sezelin had given him.
Once the matter was settled, the Healer applauded on the Instructor’s behalf.
“That was an excellent judgment, Joshua. You avoided a political dispute between the two houses while ensuring they received a fitting punishment for their crimes.”
“Thank you. I merely followed Galahad’s teachings.”
With the still-unconscious Freya and Sezelin, as well as the strangely familiar man, carried upon their backs, they led the villagers down the mountain.
At the village entrance, the young girl who had been anxiously pacing rushed toward Joshua the moment she saw him.
“I’m glad you returned safely, Brother.”
“Thank you for overcoming your worry and waiting for us. And it appears that your prayer was answered.”
“D-Do you mean my father―”
Joshua pointed toward the man being carried upon Galev’s back.
The girl turned as though entranced, and tears slowly welled in her eyes.
“My daughter… Clover?”
The man regained consciousness at that moment and called his daughter’s name in a trembling voice.
“Yes, it’s me, Father. You’re all right, aren’t you?”
“…Of course. Your father is the strongest.”
Without a word, Galev lowered the man from his back.
Large and small footsteps moved toward one another.
At the end of them, the father pulled his daughter into a fierce embrace.
“I am so glad you are safe, Clover.”
“Thank you… Thank you so much for staying alive, Father.”
The Squires wiped tears from their eyes at the reunion shining with joy and emotion.
The villagers who had brought the pair such a nightmare did not dare raise their heads.
“Thank you so much, knights. How could I ever repay this kindness?”
The girl’s smile, more precious than the sunlight of spring, was the very reason knights had to protect goodness.
Joshua met Clover’s gaze and spoke.
“Just as we extended a hand toward you, you should one day extend yours toward someone who needs help.”
“Yes! I will become a knight and save many people too! When I turn fifteen, I’ll join Galahad!”
“Very well. I will wait for you for as long as it takes.”
Freya soon awakened from her Mana Exhaustion, while Sezelin, who remained in a deep sleep, did not regain consciousness until the following day.
The Squires and the Healer took turns standing Night Watch, so none of the villagers escaped in secret.
“Everyone, many things happened yesterday. However, we will not stop moving forward. Is that not what it means to be a knight?”
“That is correct!”
Their spirited response thundered as always.
“I have heard everything about how admirably you handled the situation. Your Instructor is truly pleased. I hope you continue fulfilling your duties as knights, no matter what circumstances you encounter.”
Sezelin had begun smiling noticeably more often.
After eating a light breakfast, they led the villagers toward Betlimier’s territory.
“Do you not think the Instructor has changed, Heria?”
“I am certain she has, Freya. Before this, she would never have spoken about a knight’s duties.”
The two girls whispered at the rear of the procession.
“She smiles more often too. In my opinion, this is….”
“The ‘Joshua Effect’?”
“Yes! That is exactly what I wanted to say! When I stay near Joshua, I begin changing to resemble him without even realizing it.”
Galev, who was nearby, joined their conversation.
“So I was not the only one who noticed.”
“Exactly. We are members of the same cohort, but he is remarkable.”
Lunae quietly nodded in agreement.
They arrived at the territory as the evening sun painted the sky.
The formidable fortress guarding Lombardia, the heart of Betlimier, loomed over the Squires with the golden sunlight at its back.
After speaking with the guard stationed at the gate, Sezelin handed the villagers over to him.
“I will meet with the knights of Betlimier to resolve yesterday’s incident. Enjoy the remainder of the day and rest, but do not overexert yourselves.”
She gave the Squires a considerable travel allowance.
Five silver coins each.
It was more than enough to enjoy a luxurious dinner and some leisure activities.
“Where is everyone going?”
“Since we are in Betlimier, we have to eat lamb! I also want to watch a play!”
Heria’s eyes sparkled as she answered Freya.
“I’m going to look around the smithies. I do not know whether they will have any swords, though. Joshua, would you like to come with me?”
“My apologies. There is somewhere I wish to visit alone.”
“O-Oh? That is unfortunate, but it cannot be helped.”
Galev awkwardly scratched his head and walked away.
As the others departed one after another, Joshua searched for a place preserved within his memories.
It was now a snowfield enclosed within the city walls.
A hundred years ago, a great battle had been fought here between the Knight Order led by Joshua and the Demon King’s army.
The desperate struggle remained recorded in the words carved upon a memorial stone.
‘…I can still faintly sense traces of Demonic Energy and Aura.’
The memories remaining within his sword had allowed Joshua to recall this place.
He placed a Memorial Flower upon the ground and honored the warriors who had departed for Valhalla before him.
‘I will live a life of which none of you would be ashamed.’
After a brief moment of silence, Joshua was about to rise when someone quietly approached and placed a white flower beside his.
The green-haired girl, who resembled a fresh sprout of spring, clasped her hands and prayed softly.
“…May you enjoy glory as boundless as the heavens in Valhalla.”
After completing her tribute, the girl approached Joshua with her face tinted red beneath the evening light.
“I knew you would come here.”
“Did you follow me, Herb Girl?”
“Yes. I’m asking you on a date. We are in different Squads, so when else would I have the opportunity to spend time with you?”
“…I doubt I will be particularly entertaining. I know neither how to have fun nor where to find good food.”
Freya took Joshua’s hand and pulled him along.
“I know plenty, so it does not matter. How does a French rack of lamb sound? We can drink tea in a quiet shop, then walk through the square after nightfall!”
“…That sounds like a perfect plan.”
“Does it not? I told you that we understand each other!”
As she ran through the crowd, the girl’s face looked far too similar to the woman he had lost long ago.
Joshua followed Freya with a somewhat bitter smile at the strange coincidence.
Dinner was beyond excellent, and the tea he savored in quiet reflection was deeply satisfying.
When complete darkness settled over the city, snow began to fall as though by promise.
The streets were decorated with clusters of light from all manner of Crystal Orbs, while people enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
An enormous bonfire burned in the center of the territory.
Joshua and Freya stood before it and enjoyed its warmth.
“Standing beside a fire while snow falls upon you feels wonderful.”
“…I agree.”
A brief silence followed.
Joshua eventually continued.
“Thanks to you, I had a magnificent evening. You have my sincere gratitude.”
“Do not mention it. I had a wonderful time too.”
They did not force themselves to speak merely to ease the silence.
They simply shared the rich scent of burning wood and watched the flames illuminating the darkness.
“Oh! There you two are!”
“We have been looking everywhere for you!”
Heria’s and Galev’s voices suddenly reached them.
When Joshua turned, he saw Hannibal and Lunae with them as well.
“…What a shame.”
Freya murmured to herself.
Then, as though nothing had happened, she returned to her usual lively self.
“There are plenty of painters nearby, and we still have some money left. Should we have a portrait painted together?”
“…What is the point of something so useless?”
“Hannibal, what could be more important than preserving our precious memories?”
Despite his complaints, the boy obediently assumed a pose.
“Now, everyone, do not move! You there, with the red hair!”
“What am I supposed to do when my nose itches?”
“Endure it for just a little longer.”
The five Squires gathered before the enormous bonfire.
The painting born from the work of a talented artist would one day become a treasure displayed in the center of the Galahad estate.
Their happy and peaceful time vanished in an instant, as fleeting as a northern summer.
Their journey to the sacred site resumed as soon as the sun rose the following morning.
According to Sezelin, all the villagers had been imprisoned and would pay the price for their crimes.
She appeared to have spent the entire night dealing with the matter, for dark circles stretched almost to her chin.
One week remained before they reached the Abyssal Chasm.
They had only just passed the turning point of their long journey.
Afterward, aside from spending every night upon snowfields where the blizzards grew fiercer by the day, there was little else they could describe as hardship.
As a result, the Squires foolishly assumed that they would face no further trials like the one in the previous village.
None of them knew that an incident destined to bring an apocalyptic calamity upon the North was already close at hand.