Overgeared

The gates came into view.

“Wait a minute!” Mercedes, who was pulled by Grid, suddenly stopped. She watched the soldiers guarding the gate and gently pulled her hand away from Grid. There was a dark flush on her white face, and the feeling of Grid’s touch lingered on her fingertips.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“Where are you going to take me?”

“Outside the empire, of course.”

“What? I can’t leave.”

“What?” Grid frowned. “Was that guy called Gyuratan? From his attitude earlier, he seems to occupy a high position in the empire?”

Grid had noticed that the empire didn’t know Gyuratan’s identity. The demonkin were common enemies of humanity. So, if the Saharan Empire knew that Gyuratan was a great demon, they wouldn’t be able to stand by. The reason Mercedes was in a crisis was due to Gyuratan’s trick.

“He said that you are a traitor. Aren’t you in a very dangerous situation? He will frame you like he did Piaro in the past.”

“But I have an obligation to inform everyone about Gyuratan’s identity.”

“Do you think people will believe you?”

Mercedes smiled bitterly at Grid’s question and replied, “Nobody will believe me. I can’t believe it myself.”

It had been 15 years since Gyuratan became the Fourth Knight. He had acted as a perfect human for many years. Even with her sharp eyes, Mercedes, as well as the famous magicians and priests, hadn’t noticed for the past 15 years that Gyuratan was a great demon. Gyuratan’s ability to hide his demonic power was beyond extraordinary. It was clearly the power of a great demon. Despite being weakened, his power was still enough to mock humans.

“But if I wait, I will be able to catch an opportunity. I will keep my position until that day comes. It is my duty.”

Now that an unidentified great demon was about to bring the empire to chaos, the First Knight must stop him. This was a noble mission. She couldn’t turn away and didn’t want to turn away. Grid gave an uncertain response to Mercedes’ resolute expression, “If Gyuratan tells the emperor that you and I were together today...”

She would disappear before the chance she waited for would come. However, Mercedes smiled brightly at Grid with a smile that was brighter than sunshine.

‘She could smile like this?’

It didn’t fit the appearance of a noble knight. Grid admired her beauty and couldn’t help turning red.

Mercedes blushed at his reaction and avoided his gaze as she explained, “I will deny it. Just like how people won’t believe my claims that Gyuratan is a great demon, people won’t believe the claims that Gyuratan places on me. But if I run away like this, I will have no chance to deny it. So I will stay.”

“In the worst case scenario, what if Gyuratan attacks you directly? Like today. What will you do then? I won’t be able to help you.”

“Who do you think I am?” A light shone in Mercedes’ clear eyes. It was a glimpse into the pride of the First Knight of the empire. The strongest knight who made Grid bow down at their very first meeting was now here. “Today, things turned out bad in many ways. But if I fight him again next time, I can do my best.”

She hadn’t taken her armor because it was her detention period, and she had allowed Gyuratan’s magic because she had believed he was a swordsman. Moreover, in the first place, her morale had been at the lowest point. In a situation where she hadn’t known who to believe and had gotten trapped in her house, she had become restless and confused.

However, she was okay now. She knew that Gyuratan was an enemy, and there was someone she could rely on. The fog before her dissipated.

“Overgeared King.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t worry. I will clear the wrongful accusation of the Piaro you cherish as I promised.”

“...Yes.”

Piaro’s past pain. He desperately wanted to remove Piaro’s stigma and free

“You must stay safe.”

needed people with strength and talent, and Mercedes was a person close to what he wanted. Mercedes stiffened

a difficult question. Grid nodded. “It isn’t just liking but

knight like her? However, among them, Grid was the one who knew her value best. Grid’s words contained this meaning, but Mercedes accepted

a womanizer. However, Grid didn’t realize it. “No, I’m not like this to everyone.

make

was wary

‘This man isn’t ordinary.’

Asmophel’s benefactor. He was also the one who provided the opportunity to wash away the stigma of the old Red Knights, as well as the savior

I won’t

could she marry the king of another kingdom? That would be forsaking the empire. It was impossible. The moment that Mercedes smiled bitterly… Grid caught Mercedes’ wrist in order to express his strong will. Then he declared, “I won’t give up

want a lover or a wife but

“Huh?”

“You are crass.”

“...??”

was embarrassed as he belatedly realized it. He was reminded of the power of his dexterity, but

a woman with those greedy eyes. In return for

“...”

quest clear was being misunderstood as a

spoke meaningfully and raised her hand to her slender neck. Grid’s gaze fixed on her collarbone, and he gulped nervously. However, it wasn’t the development he thought it would be. Mercedes released the pendant hanging around her neck and handed it to Grid. It was a

“This is...?”

my family. If you ever face an awkward situation in the empire, use this token. It will help

Ttiring~

hidden quest has

has risen

obtained the

[Vaintz Family’s Pendant]

[Durability: 31/33

Charm +100.

Nobility +100.

line of the prestigious Vaintz family in the Saharan Empire. It can be used to prove your identity in all places of

Weight: 5

of Use: The heir of the Vaintz family

“Isn’t this precious?”

it was strange for Grid to receive it. Mercedes shook her head at his concern. “It is a trivial thing for me, king of a

‘Rubbish.’

‘status’ across the Saharan Empire. It meant that Grid could move freely through the empire, no matter his appearance. It would surely come

What if I abuse it and put your family

don’t think someone like you would abuse it. Even if you do abuse it, you would have a good

will keep

straightforward personality was a favorite for him. The more he knew, the

said

went down on one knee and politely spoke, “I appreciate

“Good luck.”

must achieve it, for the sake of the empire and

Grid would safely

***