Might
I understand... So please release your grip.

This youth - Though Fritz was trembling in shock, he understood Might's request and nodded his head. His hands refused to move at first, afraid he'd be abandoned.

Fritz
Th, thank you so much!

Fritz's voice faded, stifled by tears of gratitude. Not minding that, Might pulled the sword from his waist.

Hooligan A
What's this? You boys, want to argue with us? Hehehe... You have a lot of nerve.

Hooligan B
Big brother. Go easy on him. Hehe, they don't look like companions.

The men treated Might as if he was a fool.

It wasn't unreasonable. The one called 'big brother' was like a giant. When called that and compared to Might's short stature, it was literally like an adult standing next to a child.

It seemed that even though they said so, the men weren't going to go easy on them. He took out a sickle and chain, and the attached weight hummed as he whirled it.

Hooligan A
Well, let's start boys!

He threw the chain with a hiss. The tip at the end of the weight pierced through the air towards Might's face. He dodged it by a hair's breadth. The weight pierced the wall behind him.

Fritz
Hii, hieeeeeeee!!

Fritz let out a wild scream. It hit immediately beside his face.

People in town
What is that...!? What's causing all this ruckus!!

People in town
It's a brawl! It's a brawl!

Then the surroundings started to get noisy. People in the town began gathering. It seemed they heard Fritz scream.

Hooligan A
Che, hurry this up and let's get the fuck out of here!

The man swung the chain once more, aiming at Might and letting it go. He dove to avoid being hit in the chest. Overhead, he swung the suckle down. His body dodged suddenly, and he repelled the attack with his sword. A sharp metallic sound hurt their ears.

Might
(I won't be able to take this type of attack many times...)

His armed numbed as he held off the attack. His opponent made use of his overwhelming physical difference and put his weight into swinging the sickle downward. Even though he had nearly perfected his self-taught swordsmanship, he couldn't take this great physical power for very long.

He swung down the sickle once again. This time he jumped out of the way of the attack.

Hooligan A
This sickle! It'll keep coming!

After all, in his brawl experience the hoodlum relied on the power of his attacks more than his ability. He attacked in straight lines, swinging the sickle downward at every opportunity.

Might aimed at that. He kicked the ground and quickly turned behind the man. The man missed his target, and Might kicked his leg from behind in its weak spot.

Despite the difference of their physiques, the man was brought to the ground on his knees. He wasn't given a chance to regain composure, as a sword was thrust to the back of his neck.

Hooligan A
Shit!

The surrounding crowd held their breath as they watched, and then all at once they cheered. Might was a boy of short stature, and there was an overwhelming physical difference. But the giant was beaten with amazing skill. Compared to his experience of practicing to fight demons, mere ruffians were nothing.

Might
Release the child--. If you don't, something will happen to him... Do you understand?

He said sharply to the henchman that had Werne pinned.

Hooligan B
Sh, shit... B, big brother, sorry...

He seemed to have guessed something went wrong. The henchman let Werne go and ran away at top speeds. He left his hoodlum companion behind, because they were people of that level.

Hooligan A
...That bastard. I, I'm in trouble and he leaves me behind for himself...! Go to hell!

The man betrayed by his henchman groaned hatefully.

The crowd was suddenly silent then. As the crowd was pushed aside, the sound of hoof beats approached.

Lorence
Are you the bastard who was going to kidnap the prince?!

The man on the horse spoke in a proper voice as he passed through.

Although he was arranged like a statue, his subtle forceful features were excelling. Might recognized that man's face.

Might
That person is...

Lorence Lancaster. He was the leader of the entire Knights of the Court. He was known as a soldier and as a knight with great ability, and someday it was thought that the armies of the entire country would be bundled together and under his command. His tall stature was balanced as he came off the horse, with no useless movements, it was easy to see the thorough training of a military personnel. The tanned skin and sharp look were of a man who had been in countless battles, and he was fearless of suspicious looking men.

Lorence
Insubordinate people... Take him away.

He ordered the knights who everyone was following behind to take the hoodlum. Might gave the man into their custody.

Werne
...Why... Why is Lorence in a place like this...?!

Seemingly, Lorence's appearance was very unexpected. The prince was completely shaken. He also forgot to stand up after being thrust onto his backside by the hooligan.

Lorence
I was passing nearby by chance. I heard about Your Highness' predicament from a person on the street. I was doubtful, since there's no reason for you to come to this place by any means...

He bluntly said that in a sober and honest tone, letting out a small sigh.

Lorence
Your Highness, Werne... How many times must I warn you that you can't leave the royal palace freely!

Werne
It's, it's not like that. Today we had a field lesson.

To the side Fritz was surprised at what the prince said (rather, his excuse) and he replied, upset.

Fritz
Eh? Eeh??

Not caring about that, Lorence stared at Werne's face motionlessly. When Werne's eyes averted uneasily, and his breathing was light, he got off of his horse.

Lorence
Your Highness... You're troubling Fritz-dono quite a bit.

Saying that, he held out his hand to Werne.

Werne
Lies don't get passed Lorence...

Even though he was helped up by the faithful knight, he muttered annoyingly. His stubborn expression wasn't broken down. He had a very stubborn personality.

Not caring about him the boy turned the other way, while Lorence squatted down and brushed the dirt off his clothes.

Lorence
I'll have to report today's matter to His Majesty, King Sergei.

When he heard those words, Werne's facial expression completely changed.

Werne
Wa, wait! I won't go out from now on! So... so, don't tell father.

Lorence
You wont... go out?

With deeply sharp pupils, he stared into the eyes of the confused boy.

Werne
...No, I'll stop.

He averted his eyes and muttered in a voice that almost disappeared. And,

Werne
(...Maybe.)

He added the small bit in his heart.

Lorence's voice resounded seriously as if he could read what was in the prince's heart.

Lorence
Moreover, I'm troubled by such a serious happening. Next time you want to go out, please report it accurately so a guard can follow you.

Werne
Unn, I understand...

He glanced upward at the knight, then reluctantly nodded his head in approval.

Werne
...So, so... you... won't give, that report...?

Lorence
No, that isn't so. I will do a report.

Werne
Lo, Loreence!

Furthermore, Lorence turned his back towards the prince who was trying to appeal to him, and he watched over Might silently.

Lorence
You, that was quite a scuffle. ...Although it wasn't finished, I was able to see the result. I am the leader of the Knights of the Court, Lorence Lancaster.

He received his greeting in such a grand manner that Might's answer became confused.

Might
...Ah, I am... My name is Might.

Lorence
You helped His Highness, Werne. You have my gratitude.

Might
Well, how unexpected. What gratitude...

As he strained his face blushed. His long time goal was to be part of the Knights, and here was the head. The person he longed to be was now before Might.

Looking up to a strong and brave knight like Lorence, he devoted himself to fencing. The results of Might's fencing were very high, and his enrollment into the Knights was certain. If that event never happened... And if he hadn't slipped out of training school...

Lorence
Where did you study fencing?

Lorence asked indifferently, not noticing the envy in Might's voice.

Might
Ah, at the... the, training school.

Lorence
Oh, which training school?

Might hesitated but couldn't answer in a casually.

Might
Ye, yes... that... was Silver... Silver Training School...

As he admired him, Lorence continued, seeming not to notice that shaking.

Lorence
I see, it's Silver. I've heard the fencing instructor there is quite skilled. So that's why you're able to use the sword so skillfully at that age.

Might
Be, being such... being skilled...

Lorence
Hmm... you're good. The Knights would like to extend an invitation to you.

Might was hardly able to believe his ears as Lorence said that and a smile lightened his face. They were words he really didn't need to think about.

Lorence
But, what are you doing in this place? Don't you have sufficient work to do at your training school?

Might
Tha, that... that... as a matter of fact... I... No, *I'm searching for a person.
*The first "I" Might said was "Ore", a very masculine way of saying "I" that's like slang. The second "I" he says is "Watakushi", which is very formal.

Lorence
...A person?

Might
Ye, yes... That, my close friend... and, that...

He had slipped out from the prison of the training school... And things like that, he couldn't tell even if his mouth was torn. Might was very weak at telling a lie, so he explained that much to his utmost.

But, what he said wasn't a lie. It was a fact that he was chasing after Adonis' whereabouts. So, Lorence didn't seem to show an expression that was especially doubtful, either.

Lorence
Hmm... And, do you have any leads?

Might
No, not at all...

Lorence
You don't have any idea of someplace that person is likely to go?

Might
That... that is... he was... kidnapped...

Lorence
Kidnapped...?! How did this happen...?

The eyes of the head knight became sharp. Although searching for someone was an individual freedom, a kidnapping that was carried out had to be managed as a crime. At his facial expression, Might hesitated to reply involuntarily.

Might
Yes... But, that...

Lorence
What is it? Don't worry, just say it.

Might
Well... that, the truth is...

Not sure his story would be believed... Might didn't worry about his words and continued.

Might
I saw it, but I don't quite understand it myself... it was like an apparition. .. that person, and Adonis...

His words revived his memory. Faintly in his consciousness he could see the scene, like a nightmare...

Being only able to see him off made Might angry in itself, and he curled his hand into a fist.

Lorence
I see... For the time being, won't you come to the Court? Don't you have a slight wound. It would probably be best to treat it.

When he said that, he noticed a small wound had been made on his face and arm. During the fight some time ago, somehow the man had managed to wound him with the chain.

Might
No, that... This wound, it's not a big deal... It's ok.

So, he clearly declared. This pain still wasn't enough... To be compared to the pain of losing Adonis...

Might
Although I'm your words have made me happy... Still, you're in a hurry to your destination... I'm sorry.

He was turning to leave the place when his field of vision blurred.

Might
(Huh...?)

Dizziness and a violent feeling of fatigue. Involuntarily he fell to his knees. The fatigue from walking all night was released with the strain of fighting, and was suddenly overcoming him.

Lorence
Oi, are you ok...! Despite what you said, it seems we'll be going together anyhow, but that's fine.

The other knights quickly ran and picked up Might.

Might
N, no... This isn't...

His bluff didn't stick. His eyes were probably heavier than they appeared.

Reassuring arms held up Might, and easily put him on horseback. For the good will that he yearned for and the knight showed, Might's cheeks reddened involuntarily and he twisted his body.

Might
Th, that... I... I'm ok...

Just as he said that, his stomach grumbled loudly.

Lorence
...What was that, did your stomach cause you to collapse?

Shocked, he smiled bitterly as he heard the voices of the surrounding knights laughing. Might blushed much more and shrank away. Already it was too late to do anything but to accept their good will.

Might went with the Knights of the Court to the palace, where they parted and Might was let into a special room. After his wounds were treated, he received a meal. The man who appeared to be the cook said, "I'm sorry it isn't much" about his cooking, which used plenty of thick slices of meat and fresh vegetables. The highest quality food Might and the others used to eat at the training school was nothing compared to the low quality food here.

Might
(But... At those times I was with Adonis...)

Although his bitter thoughts welled up, his young body still wasn't able to resist taking in nutrition. Besides, to find Adonis he would have to have strength. Might endured his sadness and crammed the meal down greedily.

When he finished his meal, Lorence came.

Lorence
You've finally seemed to have settled down.

Might
Y...yes...

Lorence
Hnn. Are you ready to come and receive your award? The King wanted to grant you his thanks.

Might
Eh...! The King...

Lorence
What are you surprised about. You saved the heir to the throne. As it were, wouldn't you be a hero of this country? Naturally, the King wants to speak to you personally.

Might
That, a hero...

He was much more bewildered than proud. He thought that what he did was only natural in itself in the first place, and now he was chased after. Did he have the qualifications to receive these honors?

He still couldn't refuse by any means, and reluctantly Might was led by Lorence to a room with an audience. Even though he didn't need to think about anything, he began to feel nauseous from the tension. Might had a meek expression as he stepped before the King.

The Country of Allgreen's King, Sergei Claudius. He was also a warrior with a long record of service as the former king's second son, and he went to many battles personally as a royal family member. He was known for always ruling decisively, after taking the throne after having lost his sickly older brother. He was a hero.

Although a rusty taste increased in him as he as he was caught in the discerning eyes of the King, his want to retreat from the battlefield was growing, and the King's dignified manner was unchanged in his character. He was unaffected and sincere under the bright lights, and had a spirit with fortitude and vigor that made him popular among many people. Of course, Might was also one of those people.

King
It's fine to make yourself comfortable. Don't be stiff just because you're in front of me.

From the tension, Might had begun to feel dizzy, and the King smiled at him.

Might
Y, yes...!

King
Lorence told me the whole story... He said that you rescued Werne from his predicament. I'd like to express my gratitude.

Might
Th, those are words that will stay with me...!

Although it was visible he wasn't accustomed to such words, he managed to reply. The King narrowed his eyes and smiled at the boy's innocent appearance.

King
And mainly, he told me that you're searching for someone.

Might
Y, yes... that is... my... close friend...

King
In Lorence's story, I hear that it was an apparition... Is it different than the apparitions that haunt the mountains and remote regions?

Might
Y...yes. That person... was like a huge shadow.

King
A huge shadow...? Hmm... is there a new variety of apparitions...

He put a hand to his chin, pondering. His pupils seemed to be lost in thought, the sharpness of a warrior with a long military service revived.

King
As a matter of fact, from last night to this morning many people in the streets and village have made countless reports related to apparitions. Moreover, it was on land that never had many apparitions before.

To the side, Lorence reported after the King's words.

Lorence
Although we've carried out reconnaissance in the village where the damage was reported, the apparitions in the forest are definitely increasing. As for accidents that aren't so simple having happened, you aren't mistaken.

Since distinguished citizens fought over the land, the ground became scorched and apparitions appeared frequently. From the beginning, although there are many places with kinds of fairies, apparitions haunted all places and were considered a truly different existence from them.

The official opinion of the Magicians of the Court, the source of dangers from hell in the world was the devil, Hardius', appearance. The wave of motion among the "evil spirits" that have oozed out into the world is tied to the darkness in people's hearts, and apparitions appear.

The wounds from the great war weren't yet healed, but human hearts get confused and invite demons to run rampant.

It was also the cause of apparitions appearing so close to the villages.

But, with the Knights suppressing them after King Claudius' reign began, the domestic situations were calming down these days. The damage from the apparitions should be decreasing. At least it was, until recently.

King
Hmm... Moreover, if a new variety of apparitions has been added... what ill-omened premonition shall come about.

He contemplated for a short while, then his expression softened towards Might.

King
Might, as I was saying.

Might
Y...yes.

King
It is as you hear on the streets. We must investigate the cause of the sudden explosion of apparitions... So, then. If it is fine with you, how about considering both Lorence and you conduct the investigation?

Might
Eh...? Lorence and...?!

King
Hnn. This time we need many helpers, even volunteers. With your ability, Lorence is assured.

King
Moreover, you can be useful to my goal, perhaps distantly. Since you say your friend has been carried off, we must seize this chance to go off this clue. If we could use this clue, it would be to my liking.

The King's proposal was a long time wish for Might. He was searching for Adonis, but he wasn't completely grounded. Moreover, if he worked together with the knights, he wouldn't have to worry about his pursuer from the training school discovering him.

Might
Th, thank you so much... I'll do my best, and persist!

King
Don't be so energetic. You helped Werne, my son. So, this is only natural. Lorence. I entrust you with this person.

Lorence
Yes... With all His Majesty's heart...

King
Hmm. You may leave.

Lorence bowed, and Might became confused and lowered his head. The king quietly nodded his approval, and his gentle eyes watched as Might left.

Might
Ha~ how stressful...

Just as he came out of the audience room, Might's whole body lost its strength. He took a deep breath as if he'd forgotten to breath until now.

It was impossible. For a mere commoner, and an orphan such as Might, to meet the royal family was impossible. Although King Claudius was known for being sociable and big hearted, he was still a noble.

Beside him Lorence had an amused smile.

Lorence
Well, I'll lead you to your room. It's already late today. We'll depart tomorrow.

Might
Y... yes.

As Lorence urged him on they walked down a corridor, when from the opposite side a familiar boy was coming.

It was Werne. He entered rudely and walked with an unpleasant expression. From the back, Fritz was following to observe his temper.

Fritz
Ah, Lorence-dono, Might-san.

When Fritz noticed them, his expression shone as he spoke. Somehow, it seemed he couldn't seize the time to speak to Werne.

Fritz
...Ummm. Oh, that's right. Might-san, the prince would like to express his grati...

At those words, Werne faced him with cold eyes.

Werne
Hmph, don't leave out that you're an idiot. Why would I want to thank such people?

At a single word from Fritz, it seemed his mood was worsened even further.

After that much, Werne fixed his glare on Might.

Werne
Hey, you! Don't get carried away. Because I'm not thanking you!

After he spat that out he ran away without looking back.

Dumbfounded, Might could do nothing but let him pass behind him.

Fritz
Wa, wait please! Prince Weeeerne...!

Not very much changed in his attitude or his words, and Might could only be amazed rather than get angry.

Lorence
Sorry about that, Might. I apologize for his impoliteness.

Lorence bowed his head in disgust, while Might was inversely thankful.

Might
Ah, no... that... isn't Lorence-san's fault...

Lorence
Perhaps, the King reprimanded him firmly, and he isn't feeling well.

Might
(But... Even though I helped him with so much trouble, why would he say such a thing...?)

Lorence
Originally, he would never show his disposition but... when he spoiled him for a while... being the King's only child, we somewhat condoned this... it would be good if he grew into an adult just a little bit...

It seemed like he was an honest military man, and was almost calling Werne's licentious manners the cause of his headaches. On the opposite side of things, the other seemed to pay some to mind Lorence a little bit...

Might was led to one of the Knights' lodging houses.

Although it was just a lodging house in the corner of the King's palace, as expected, it was still a splendid room. The poor rooms of the training school weren't comparable.

Lorence
There was just a room with an opening. For now you'll use this room.

Might
Yes. Thank you very much.

Lorence
Hnn. Tonight make yourself comfortable and get some rest. We'll leave tomorrow without delay, to go out and search. Be dependable.

After Lorence left, Might buried himself in the bed of the room. The gentle bedding covering him seemed to be made of high-grade cotton and feathers, and his strength left him quickly.

Might
Huu... A lot of things happened today... I'm tired...

At first it seemed he was having a nightmare, being frightened of a pursuer and wandering away, and then his reception seemed like a dream. Moreover, he could search with the aid of the strength of the knights.

Might
However... Can I really find Adonis... besides... Hector... that guy, he might be chasing after...

As he thought about things too much, his body was tired but he didn't fall asleep.

Might
Which reminds me... When we were little, Adonis used to sing lullabies... When we weren't able to sleep, we'd tell stories...

Might
...Adonis... I want to hear you sing again...

Might
...Adonis...

While thinking of his closest friend in the whole world, Might's consciousness was slowly drawn in to sleep...

Might, having been brought into the knights as an apprentice in the lodging house, was led to the cafeteria.

In the cafeteria many knights were already gathered and eating breakfast. The knights appeared young and brave, and ate to their full with vitality, making for a noisy and lively scene.

Although foreign countries were different, in Allgreen Kingdom, although they were knights -- no, knights were chosen on their merit rather than their social status. Apparitions were restrained by people of any noble status.

So, when they were all mixed together, it was like he was back at the training school. It was only different in one way; that Adonis wasn't by his side.

He mixed with the people of the Knights of the Court and ate breakfast, hearing greeting voices from people.

Lorence entered the cafeteria. When he looked around and nodded his salutation, he informed everyone present.

Lorence
When your meals are finished, every group will form for the reconnaissance as per yesterday's previous arrangement. The apparitions are in countless places. All members need to tighten their minds and start.

The knights' answered simultaneously, and their voices resounded across the cafeteria. Lorence bowed his head in assent, and asked a nearby man.

Lorence
Has Bradley's group returned yet? They should return soon.

Knight
Yessir. That is the group that scouted the village in the south, right? We haven't made any connection yet.

Lorence
Strange...

Although he raised his eyebrows doubtfully as he headed out the cafeteria, he stopped as he remembered something. Looking at his surroundings, he went to Might's side.

Lorence
How was it? Did you sleep well last night?

Might
Y, yes... Thank you.

Lorence
Then, I'm taking you today. Although I think I'm going to the south village to check on the state there, would you also come?

Might
Is that ok? ...If I'm not a hindrance to you, certainly...

He received the invitation he longed for from the knight, and Might bowed his head in agreement immediately. He wasn't necessarily applying that to other things. Moreover, he was uneasy. There was talk about the knights from the previous reconnaissance that had lost their connection.

Lorence
Good, then once we've finished our meals, we will go out.

With that said, Might rushed his meal confusedly.

Might
Ye, yes... immediately...

Might
Uh...! Mgah...!!

But, when the bread got stuck in his throat, the knights around him burst into laughter.

Followed by a small number of knights and Might, Lorence headed towards the south village. But halfway there they were severed. Had there been a collapse? The bridge across the canyon to the village had fallen.

Lorence
We can't pass this way... Certainly, there are other villages around here. So we'll ask about other ways to go.

Following Lorence's proposal, the group stopped in a nearby village.

But, that route proved to be a fairly long detour. And on the way, there was a forest. Seemingly, it would soon be the dead of night. Usually at this time, it became very dangerous due to the frequency of apparitions that appeared.

Eventually, they reserved a room at the inn to stay overnight. Might and Lorence, along with the other knights, went to the bar of the town in order to eat dinner.

While looking at his glass of water, Lorence summarized his thoughts.

Lorence
We won't know what happened if we don't investigate... I think that someone is the cause of that bridge collapsing.

Might
Yes... I think so. That's what I thought, too.

The foundation wasn't especially weka, and it hadn't been continuously raining in that canyon. There weren't any traces of corrosion on the rope that hung on the bridge. Seemingly, there was no talk that the bridge was likely to fall from the people in the town. At least, it didn't seem likely that the bridge fell because of nature.

Lorence
Ah... As I thought, this must be the work of apparitions.

If that was so, it meant that the apparitions had known their movement and planned on stopping it. Moreover, this was the first time they knew the existence of such cunning work from apparitions...

Lorence pondered seriously, which was almost impossible in this place.

At that time he exchanged conversation.

The bar door opened, and a small child led by a man entered.

The man went around to the different bar tables, eagerly accosting the people there. Doubtful of his movements, Lorence was about to say something when he came to their table.

Salesman
Hey there, you guys, would you like to buy this kid? He's healthy and strong, and will work well.

He was a slave trader. When they saw the child he was leading better, they could see it was half animal. Although his big ears and long tail were different than a human, there was hardly any other changes from a normal child. He was a half-breed between a man and a beastman.

Slave Trader
I'll sell him cheap to you, master. How much is he worth?

Lorence
...Slavery should be forbidden in this country.

Lorence glared at the man with a sharp look. Although once the slaves of the class system once had to do hard labor in this country, after King Sergei came into reign he liberated the slaves, and the bad customs also seemed to disappear. It seemed that what was before his eyes was a rare exception.

Seemingly simultaneously as the man looked he noticed Lorence's garments finally after he spoke. He was a knight to keep public order in the country. It was too bad for the other party.

Slave Trader
N, no... Wait please, master. This boy, this... he's not a human. He wasn't cooked up just to be freed...

Lorence turned a sharp look to the man who floated an insincere smile, painfully silent.

Lorence
Certainly, there is no law prohibiting animal people from being sold... But, it isn't necessarily allowed... Should he take the King's words into my own hands, and give a judgement?

Lorence
His Majesty loathes people who persecute the weak.

Slave Trader
He, hehe, I should go peaceably...

The man realized his disadvantage and drew back with a faint smile, then fled the bar at full speed.

Might
Your name is?

Might spoke to the half animal child that was left behind.

Pam
...Pam.

He was a sweet boy who gave him a large-eyed look. His facial expression was innocent and he seemed to want to be friendly.

Some time ago when he was bought by the vulgar man, he probably suffered hardships, and he looked shy in appearance. He was a very simple and innocent character.

When Pam noticed the dish on the table, he looked up at Might with lonely eyes.

Do you want to eat with us?

...What's wrong?