Chapter 4: The Comforting Scent of Soft Earth…

After the match was decided, the training grounds were in an uproar.

“Medical team! Mediiics! We need a medic!”

“…Is he even alive?”

“Use healing magic—now!”

After all, this was Saripa’s strongest man—the captain of the knight order, Paulik Don Greedy.

An overpowered old man who once won the martial arts tournament ten years in a row…

“Cough, hack!”

“Whaaa! The captain’s whole body is cracked and crumbling!”

…and yet, he was utterly one-shotted by Takeru, a commoner, without even putting up a fight.

“Takeru-san? Just now, what exactly did you…”

“Uh… I held back enough so he wouldn’t die. I just… hit him normally.”

“You held back when you did that!?”

Takeru stood there, pale-faced, looking down at the severely injured knight captain with a horrified “Oops, I overdid it…” expression.

The sight was so surreal, the knights who had been watching were struck speechless.

“N-no way! This is impossible!”

“It’s a trick! He pulled off some kind of trick!”

“He must’ve planted a bomb in the ground or something—coward!”

Before long, the dam broke and the knight order began to hurl accusations at Takeru.

They were convinced he’d cheated somehow, and they were furious.

“I-I didn’t cheat! I swear!”

“Then what the hell was that just now?!”

“Fight fair and square!”

As their voices rose, Takeru turned pleading eyes toward me.

“Calm yourselves! You are in the presence of Lady Rishali!”

Right then, the elderly healer tending to the knight captain raised his voice and looked toward me.

Drawn by the old man, the gazes of the knights all shifted to me.

“…Lady Rishali…”

“W-what should we do?”

In other words, every single person here was now looking to me.

Sigh… It’s hard being this cute.

…No, I get it.

They want me to settle this.

Well, I did organize this public match, after all.

“Silence and listen!”

“!!”

I spun my not-so-brilliant mind into overdrive to figure out how to resolve the situation.

At this point, there were two possible paths.

In short—either we “let Takeru join the knight order”… or we “don’t.”

“The match is settled. Takeru is the victor.”

“……”

“An impressive display of skill.”

To be blunt, it might actually be better not to let Takeru become a royal knight.

Because judging from the atmosphere here, even if he’s accepted into the order, he’d have an awful time.

There’s a real risk that he’d be bullied and harassed behind my back.

“As promised, Captain Paulik will be made to atone for his actions.”

“……”

Besides, thinking it through calmly—he’s not just any knight captain. He’s the King’s brother-in-law. That’s serious political weight.

Bringing Takeru into the knight order after humiliating a man like that would create all sorts of problems.

Sure, if I highlight Paulik’s misconduct, I could justify letting Takeru join…

…but then both Takeru and I would be walking on hot coals every day.

“…Lady Rishali.”

If the knight order turns against me, even my safety within the palace might be in danger.

If possible, I want to avoid being resented by the knights.

But commoners and non-nobles aren’t allowed into the royal palace unless they’re in the knight order.

So if I don’t let Takeru join… it means losing him.

“That man is dangerous. Whether it was true strength or a scam, the fact remains—he made a fool of Lord Paulik.”

“He’s too dangerous. He should be exiled from the kingdom immediately.”

As expected, the knights were now begging me to banish Takeru.

After all, he had humiliated their captain. Of course they’d be outraged.

“If that wasn’t a trick, then he’s a monster. We should just take him down now!”

“He’s a commoner—a lowborn nobody. Even if he became a knight, he’d only use his power for evil!”

If the knight order won’t protect me, I—delicate little me—have no idea what might happen.

…And there’s no guarantee Takeru would risk his life to protect me either.

“That power we can’t even comprehend… Lady Rishali, aren’t you afraid!?”

Takeru stood rooted in place, eyes shut, silently enduring it all.

He bit his lip as he listened to the flood of insults from the knights.

What do I do? What should I do?

Should I force him into the knight order through royal authority and whim?

Or should I respect the knights and send Takeru away?

…No, there’s no need to even think about it.

“……The answer is obvious.”

“Huh?”

If Takeru were actually a bad person—

If he planned to abduct me, or steal royal treasures, or commit some other crime…

—then honestly, not even the entire knight order combined could stop him.

Which means, the moment he displayed that kind of strength… it was proof he could be trusted.

“Of course I’m scared! OBVIOUSLY I’M TERRIFIED!!!”

“!!?”

It’s perfectly natural for the knights to look at Takeru and feel fear.

Anyone would be freaked out if they saw someone that terrifying.

Any living creature, when faced with overwhelming power, is bound to cower.

“I thought he was a scary guy before, but this is a whole new level of scary!”

“Lady Rishali!?”

“Captain Paulik’s solid-gold armor—shattered to dust! Amazing!”

“Lady Rishali, please calm down!”

Let me say it again: I am a normal, ordinary person.

And to be honest, when I saw that blow Takeru unleashed earlier, I almost peed myself a little.

“It was so fast I couldn’t even see it! It was just like—whoosh!!”

“I-I see…”

“And how did the reinforced wall of the training hall end up smashed to pieces?! Even the carpenters bragged that even a cannon couldn’t break it!”

So yes, there was a part of me that considered rejecting Takeru.

For the sake of my own peace of mind, maybe I should have banished the monster from the kingdom.

“I mean if you’re that strong, then why didn’t you just fight back properly!?”

“W-well… my family was taken hostage…”

“With your strength, you could’ve protected them without breaking a sweat!!”

The truth is, I did think about that option.

That’s why I said it out loud—honestly and clearly.

“I-I’m sorry.”

“…Why are you apologizing?”

“It’s just… I don’t really understand stuff like knight orders and politics.”

When I shouted at him earlier, I saw the hurt flash across Takeru’s face.

And then—

“I just thought… if I became a knight, I’d be surrounded by strong people.”

“……”

“So no one would be afraid of me anymore. That’s what my mom told me…”

The fear on Takeru’s face then—wasn’t fear of strength.

It was fear of rejection.

The kind of fear someone feels when they’re terrified they’ll be cast aside by others.

“Ugh, enough already!!”

When I first met Takeru, I thought he was a gallant young man.

He had a solid frame, a well-balanced physique, and moved with confidence.

But there was still a hint of boyishness in his face.

This guy might be stupidly strong, but emotionally? He’s still a child.

“…Look at me, Takeru.”

“H-huh?”

With that, I leaned in and peered into Takeru’s face.

For several seconds, I stared directly at him—so close our breaths could touch.

And then, as if something had flipped inside him, Takeru’s face turned beet red in an instant.

“U-um, Lady Rishali!?”

“Do you see any fear in my eyes right now?”

“Eh?”

“I admit, I was scared at first—but I’m not afraid anymore!”

Takeru looked like he misunderstood something, so I cleared it up.

The reason I got close was so he could see deep into my eyes.

“Takeru. You came here with the goal of becoming a knight, didn’t you?”

“Y-yes… I did.”

“And you’ve clearly proven you’re strong enough to protect me.”

After a few moments of yelling, I’d finally cooled off.

If they say he’ll be bullied—then I’ll just protect him myself with everything I’ve got.

“Let me ask you properly. Are you prepared to devote yourself to me?”

“Y-yes! Of course I am!”

“Then let us proceed with the knight’s oath.”

I’m placing my bet on this man.

Even if the entire knight order turns against me—so long as I have him on my side, I’ll be fine.

If Takeru says he’ll protect me, then I’ll protect him too.

“Very well then, declare your vow—”

“Y-you mustn’t, Lady Rishali!”

A voice cut through just as I was about to continue with Takeru.

It came from none other than Paulik Don Greedy, the knight captain—his sword and armor shattered, his body beaten and broken.

“…Lord Paulik. You’ve recovered enough to speak?”

“I cannot… I will not… allow that man to become a knight. I, Paulik, stand firmly, firmly opposed.”

“……”

Knight Captain Paulik had not yet fully healed.

And still, the moment he regained consciousness, gasping for breath, he dragged himself before me.

Solely to prevent Takeru from being accepted.

“Please reconsider. I humbly beg forgiveness for the disgrace I suffered at the hands of a commoner.”

“Paulik…?”

“We of the knight order will redouble our efforts in service. Please, make the right decision.”

…Is his hatred for commoners really that deep?

Even after such an obvious display of the difference in strength between them?

Honestly, I was starting to feel exasperated with how stubborn Paulik was being.

“We cannot… must not allow a mere commoner into the royal knight order!!”

…but then I looked into Paulik’s eyes—and something struck me.

Yes, they were full of prejudice, disdain, and arrogance—but beneath that…

…there was also something sincere. A conviction rooted in belief.

“…Paulik. Why are you so opposed to this? What drives you?”

“Then allow me to explain. A shameful stain on my life—an irreparable failure.”

As Paulik bowed his head, he began to speak with solemnity.

And at the same time, the rest of the knight order followed his lead—kneeling as one beside him.

“Unlike nobles, commoners place no importance on ‘family name.’ That is why they betray so easily.”

He was no longer lecturing me like a subordinate… it felt like a father scolding a willful child.

I involuntarily swallowed hard.

“Lady Rishali. Have you ever heard of your sister, Princess Rashilia?”

“Rashilia? My sister is First Princess Lululu. That’s the only sister I know of.”

“…In truth, you have another sister. Someone who existed before you were born.”

And then, as if confessing to a grave sin…

Paulik began to speak of someone I had never heard of before—Princess Rashilia.

---

Princess Rashilia was the firstborn child of the King of Saripa.

She was said to be a lively girl with hair as radiant as the sun.

Innocent, beautiful, and beloved by all, she was the very picture of a cherished princess.

But at the time, the Kingdom of Saripa was a poor nation.

Sandwiched between powerful neighbors like the Deken Empire, Saripa had survived through humiliating diplomacy—bowing and scraping to keep the peace.

Because of that, the Royal Knight Order back then had been composed half of commoners.

—“Oh? That princess from that tiny kingdom is supposed to be that pretty?”

At the time, Saripa was underestimated—viewed as weak.

The rumor of Princess Rashilia’s beauty reached the nobles of the Deken Empire… and one of them thought to simply take her for himself.

And so, the kidnapping of Princess Rashilia was carried out with disturbing ease.

They used their wealth to bribe several commoner members of the Royal Knight Order—who then abducted the princess straight out of the palace.

“When her only daughter Rashilia was taken, the Queen fell gravely ill from shock… and passed away. I can never forget the look of anguish on her face.”

“……”

“To protect the dignity of Saripa, Princess Rashilia’s existence was erased. Officially. Lady Rishali, you are the Second Princess… but in truth—”

At that point, Paulik cast his eyes down in bitter regret.

He had served in the Royal Knight Order at the time—and had failed to protect Princess Rashilia. He had grieved and wept over that failure.

To ensure such a tragedy would never happen again, he immediately dismissed all commoner knights.

From then on, the Royal Knight Order was restructured to consist of nobles only.

“I just… never want to see such sorrow on His Majesty’s or Her Majesty’s faces ever again.”

And indeed, since that day, no knight had ever betrayed the royal family.

Nobles valued their family name above all. They would never risk dishonor for a bribe.

…In that sense, having an order of noble-only knights provided security—a reliable defense force.

“Commoners are ten times more likely to commit crimes than nobles. That’s what the data shows.”

“……”

“Lady Rishali, please reconsider. Strength alone is not what defines a knight.”

Knight Captain Paulik made his case—calm and impassioned.

And there was no deceit in his voice—no tone of manipulation.

“To carry noble pride, to have a verified pedigree, and to live with virtue—those are essential qualities. Hiring a commoner… is simply out of the question.”

“However—”

“I, Paulik, do offer my sincerest apology for being bested by a commoner. That shame is mine to bear. But I beg of you… please reconsider!”

Paulik lowered himself to the ground, his posture one of penitent humility.

From his words, I could sense it clearly—his loyalty to me was unwavering.

…So that’s the reason behind his elitism.

“I see.”

…I heard later that Knight Captain Paulik was known to be exceptionally devoted to his duty.

Yes, he despised commoners—but no one in the kingdom questioned the depth of his loyalty to the royal family.

When the King issued his decree—“Let the commoner who won the martial tournament attempt the knight exam”—Paulik interpreted it not as acceptance, but as an order to put the fool in his place.

His loyalty was… unshakably pure.

He never intended to let Takeru even reach the training hall.

He had planned to tell Takeru that the meeting place was inside the royal palace—and then arrest him for trespassing.

Takeru was supposed to be apprehended at the palace gate.

But Takeru, anxious about being late, apparently sprinted at full speed to the meeting location.

He was so fast that the guards didn’t notice in time—and he made it all the way to the courtyard where I was playing.

“…Paulik. You’re saying that someone like Takeru, a commoner, must not be allowed to join the knight order?”

“Yes. If we allow that… the tragedy will only repeat itself.”

Knight Captain Paulik’s worldview has deep flaws—but one cannot deny his excellence.

In recognition of his service, the King of Saripa even took Paulik’s daughter as a royal concubine.

“But even so… I must decline.”

When I first met him, I thought he was just a prejudiced, commoner-hating old bastard…

…but apparently, he has his fair share of redeeming qualities too.

“Lady Rishali!”

“I intend to make Takeru one of my knights.”

I can tell now—Paulik isn’t speaking out of pride or wounded ego.

He’s genuinely concerned, sincerely advising me not to place my trust in a commoner.

And while his reasoning isn’t without flaw, it’s not wholly unreasonable either.

“Paulik. There’s something your unwavering loyalty to the royal family has caused you to overlook.”

“Wh-what do you mean by that?”

“Certainly, social status can be an important factor in evaluating a person. But a person is not defined solely by their birth.”

The things he’s done to commoner applicants in the past are unforgivable.

I even considered reporting him to Father and having him formally punished.

“…Have you ever looked at Takeru as a person, not a status?”

If Paulik’s loyalty is real—then I’ll respond with sincerity.

And I’ll give him a chance to make amends for his past misjudgments.

“Even nobles commit crimes. You yourself just admitted as much.”

“……”

“You mustn’t judge people by their title alone. You need to see who they really are.”

That is how a princess repays loyalty—with justice.

“You can’t tell what someone’s capable of just by the name they carry. You have to observe them closely.”

“…Yes.”

“If you judge people by status alone—then what would you do if a corrupt noble tried to harm me? Would you protect me then?”

“……!”

Of course, statistically, commoners might commit more crimes than nobles.

But that’s just a probability—not a rule. There are plenty of commoners who live honest lives without ever stealing a thing.

Yes, social rank may offer some context.

But who a person is matters far more than where they come from.

“I haven’t known Takeru long, but I’ve seen him, I’ve spoken with him. And I believe he’s someone I can trust.”

“Lady Rishali…”

“And so, yes. If Takeru wishes to kill me—he’s free to do so.”

The moment those words left my mouth—

—the entire room froze.

“What are you saying all of a sudden!?”

“If that happens, then I simply misjudged him. Or I was never worthy of commanding someone like him to begin with.”

Maybe it was a bit extreme for a princess to say “go ahead and kill me,” but…

…I wanted to make it crystal clear just how much I trust Takeru.

“If he’s paid fairly, he won’t betray us for money. And if he betrays me out of hatred or resentment—then that’s my failure as a leader.”

“Lady Rishali…”

“Our country is a small one. And Paulik, you’re not getting any younger. We don’t know how long we can rely on you.”

That’s right. Our homeland—the Kingdom of Saripa—is a tiny nation that could be blown away by the wind.

If we’re going to survive going forward, we need exceptional people.

“That’s why, regardless of their birth, we must identify and elevate the truly capable.”

“……”

“And even if Takeru were a commoner who might betray, steal from, or kidnap me—”

—we cannot afford to overlook someone of his caliber simply because of his background.

Especially someone like Takeru, whose strength is outright unprecedented.

“A royal family cannot simply receive loyalty. We must prove ourselves worthy of it.”

“…!”

“So the only thing I must do—is act in a way that gives Takeru no reason to betray me.”

The royal family is not inherently great by mere birthright.

A royal family must act like one—only then do they deserve to be royal.

“Now then, shall we pick up where we left off, Takeru?”

“Lady Rishali…”

“Swear your vow. As long as you pledge your loyalty to me, I will entrust you with my faith.”

With a gentle smile, I extended my hand to Takeru once again.

It was the formal gesture by which a member of the royal family requests a knight’s oath.

“…Then I shall answer that trust.”

“Yes.”

“And I will prove to the world that you were right to believe in me.”

Takeru quietly knelt before me.

Then, bringing his face close to the back of my hand—

“I, Takeru, pledge my loyalty to Lady Rishali.”

“…Yes.”

“And as a knight, I vow to protect you with my life.”

And then, with a slight hesitation—

He softly pressed his lips to the back of my hand.

“Judging by the person, huh…”

Watching us, Paulik muttered to himself, half in a daze.

“Have I… been clinging to outdated beliefs?”

“Well, yeah, but commoners are still kind of risky, aren’t they?”

The knights around us were murmuring again, but the air had changed.

It was no longer hostile—but uncertain.

“Everyone… recall Lady Rishali’s words.”

They were shifting from aggression to doubt—wondering just what kind of man Takeru really was.

“We must see the man that Takeru truly is.”

“……”

“And if, after that, we decide he’s untrustworthy—we can kick him out then.”

──That’s fine. There’s no need to place blind faith in someone from the start.

As long as they observe him with open eyes, and without prejudice—that’s all I ask.

With that, Takeru’s entry into the Royal Knight Order should now be official.

“Thank you… Lady Rishali.”

…Many trials surely await Takeru from here on.

But I believe he’ll overcome them.

“…Lady Rishali, you have a curious scent.”

My newly appointed knight, Takeru, said that as he held my hand, cheeks flushed.

His eyes even seemed to shimmer slightly.

“It smells like… soft, fluffy earth. Kind of calming.”

Takeru mumbled bashfully, averting his gaze.

And to my eyes, at least, he didn’t seem to be lying.

…At the same time—

(Wait. Did I… wash my hands after touching that buttworm?)

I broke into a cold sweat, realizing that maybe letting him kiss my hand hadn’t been such a great idea.