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.”

of the Piaro’s past pain. He desperately wanted to remove Piaro’s stigma and free him from the bondage of his dark

“You must stay safe.”

with strength and talent, and Mercedes was a person close to what he wanted. Mercedes stiffened like she was frozen before she

difficult question. Grid nodded. “It isn’t just liking but coveting. I think about

her? However, among them, Grid was the one who knew her value best. Grid’s words contained this meaning, but Mercedes accepted them differently. Her ears flushed red, and

question was basically asking if he was a womanizer. However, Grid didn’t realize it. “No, I’m not like this to everyone.

he wanted to make her his own knight. Grid’s ardent

so?” Mercedes was wary of Grid’s

‘This man isn’t ordinary.’

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 doubt my benefactor.

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 on you. Didn’t you say it when you were reunited with Piaro? You will repay me even if you have to give everything to me. Don’t you have

a lover or a wife

“Huh?”

“You are crass.”

“...??”

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

a woman with those greedy eyes. In return for saving my

“...”

reward he got from clearing the quest clear was being misunderstood as a pervert? Grid was embarrassed and

it can’t be helped,” Mercedes 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

“This is...?”

of my family. If you ever face an

Ttiring~

quest has been

has risen

have obtained the Vaintz

[Vaintz Family’s Pendant]

[Durability: 31/33

Charm +100.

Nobility +100.

in the Saharan Empire. It can be used to prove your identity in all places of the empire.

Weight: 5

heir of the Vaintz family or someone recognized by

“Isn’t this precious?”

it was strange for Grid to receive it.

‘Rubbish.’

Grid could move freely through the empire, no matter his appearance. It would surely come in

What if I abuse it

Majesty? I don’t think someone like you would abuse it. Even if you do

Does this mean you will keep

was a favorite for him. The more he

you.” Grid said a

and

“Good luck.”

for the sake

would safely

***