Chapter 160 The Guardian Saw - Side Daniel -
The guardian mission introduced by the knight commander seems to be a young woman. Although it's a short-term job today, if the other party is pleased, there's a possibility of long-term employment, so I'm motivated.
I, who suffered an injury to my lungs during a monster-slaying mission a few years ago, have become unable to withstand long battles. It's become difficult for me to participate in monster-slaying expeditions, so I decided to leave the knight order with a clear conscience. Sir Jeffrey tried to persuade me to stay until the end, but I couldn't bring myself to continue working while being a burden to my colleagues.
However, my swordsmanship hasn't declined, so I've been hired as a guardian by lower-ranking nobles or the wealthy. But for some reason, I've never been employed for a long period.
I'm trying to behave as a knight would, but maybe my rough, commoner upbringing is showing through. Or perhaps my stern face is the problem...
"Ah, the escort. I'm Sophia. Please take care of me today."
As I was thinking about such things, the woman I'm supposed to guard appeared. When I turned my gaze to the direction of the voice, I saw an incredibly beautiful woman. Lady Sophia, who is probably around 10 years younger than me, was wearing a pale blue dress that's even more captivating than her eyes. I tried my best not to show my surprise, but it was a struggle not to swallow my spit.
From the fact that she didn't mention her family name, I assume she's a commoner. However, Lady Sophia is far more beautiful and aristocratic-looking than the Young Marquis's wife or Lady Chloe, whom I guarded during my time in the knight order.
As I escorted Lady Sophia into the Commerce Guild, the surrounding gazes converged on her. Some people even tried to find an opportunity to talk to her, but I, as her escort, made sure to keep a close eye on her and prevent any unwanted pests from approaching. I also didn't forget to glare at those who were giving her impolite stares.
"Haha, you don't have to worry that much, it's okay."
It seemed Lady Sophia had noticed my wariness.
"No, it's only natural as an escort."
"You're a serious person, aren't you?"
As I stood before Lady Sophia, who was smiling softly, my heart began to beat at twice its normal speed. However, I couldn't afford to show a flustered expression, so I maintained a serious (or rather, an intimidating) face to keep watch.
When we were led to the reception room, the Commerce Guild's Guild Manager and his male subordinates were waiting for us. They were blatantly appraising Lady Sophia. How rude of them to treat such a lovely woman like this!
Lady Sophia, however, remained composed and unaffected by their impolite remarks. I wanted to protect her, but as the head of the merchant guild, she was above me, and all I could do was give those rude men a stern glance.
However, taking advantage of Lady Sophia's gentle nature, the Guild Manager made impolite remarks, saying things like, "You seem to have a very close relationship with this person..." It was as if he was implying she was someone's mistress or illegitimate child.
I was desperately trying to hold back my killing intent, but it seemed like the Guild Manager's side had given up on asking the questions. Lady Sophia had successfully completed the procedures to join the Commerce Guild, and was now on her way back. Of course, "on her way back" just meant the short distance to the main branch of the merchant guild.
But in the carriage on the way back, Lady Sophia's one phrase made me freeze.
"Mr. Daniel, you leaked a bit of magical power earlier. I appreciate your concern, but I'm not that weak, so please don't worry about me."
It seemed I had unintentionally intimidated her, and Lady Sophia had noticed the atmosphere I was giving off from behind her. This person was more perceptive than I had expected.
"I apologize for the rudeness."
"No, I understand that you were thinking of me. Even in enemy territory, having an ally with you makes a big difference. I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart."
As I saw Lady Sophia smile, my heart skipped a beat again.
"I've arranged for an escort to the main branch, but what will you do after this? If you're heading home, I can see you off?"
"I left my horse at the main branch, so I'll change clothes and visit Sir Jeffrey's residence."
"Then please allow me to escort you to the commander's mansion. I have something to report, so it would be convenient for me as well."
"Thank you for your kindness. Then I'll go change my clothes."
When I arrived at the shop, Lady Sophia changed into a knight-like outfit and brought out a horse from the nearby stable. The horse was a beautiful young Hestia breed, but somehow it looked like it was sizing me up. It seems Lady Sophia is loved by horses as well.
I tried to help her mount the horse, but Lady Sophia said she could do it herself and easily jumped onto the horse's back. Her horse-handling skills were surprisingly impressive for a woman.
As we entered the road leading to Grandchester Castle, a boar suddenly appeared before us. I quickly dismounted and drew my sword to protect Lady Sophia, but she calmly cast a spell without chanting and killed the boar with a single shot.
"I've got a souvenir for Sir Jeffrey."
Lady Sophia had a joyful expression, but I was worried. Do I really need to be her escort? I started to question my own existence.
Without paying attention to my concerns, Lady Sophia dismounted and started to skin the boar herself, pulling out a knife. I hastily stopped her and did it quickly instead.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have made you do this as an escort."
"No need to apologize. I'm used to it from our knight squad's expeditions."
After finishing the skinning, Lady Sophia used water magic to wash the boar's body. Then, she tied the boar to the horse's back using a mysterious vine she somehow procured, saying something to the horse's ear. It seems Lady Sophia can also use physical enhancement magic.
"Mr. Daniel, I'm sorry to ask, but my horse is still young, so would it be okay if I ride with you too?"
"Of course. Please ride with me."
Just a few seconds later, I deeply regretted my decision. Lady Sophia's body was sticking closely to mine, and it was impossible to calm down.
Moreover, Lady Sophia was sitting in front of me. Her hair, which shone like moonlight, was tickling my cheek, and her soft, feminine scent was stimulating my nose. This was bad, really bad. I felt like I was going to die socially if my body reacted carelessly.
It would've been better if she sat behind me. No, if she sat behind me, our bodies would touch in various places, and that would be a problem too.
I focused on imagining my instructor from my knight training days, who was super macho, until we arrived at the commander's mansion.
When we arrived at the commander's mansion, the commander and his 2 sons, including Sir Blaze who had recently been adopted, came out to greet Lady Sophia. The 3 of them looked like a close-knit family.
"Sa... Sophia, welcome back."
"Welcome back."
As Sir Scott called out, Sir Blaze also approached Lady Sophia and greeted her with a bow.
"I'm back. By the way, I caught a boar on the way, so I brought it back tied to Durandal."
"A boar, it's been a while. Sophia seems to be doing well in the hunting tournament too."
The commander looked at Lady Sophia with the same gaze as his sons. At the very least, she didn't seem to be in the position of a mistress, like the Commerce Guild people would say. She was probably a relative or something.
"Thank you for your hard work Daniel. I didn't think Sophia would go this far."
"It's only natural, since the commander introduced her."
"Sir Jeffrey, Daniel is an amazing escort."
"If you're pleased, I'd be happy if Sophia hires him as your escort. You'll probably want to move around freely on your own from now on, won't you?"
"If Daniel doesn't mind, I'd like to request it. I went to the Commerce Guild and felt like I stood out."
"""What's the big deal now?"""
The commander's family seems to get along extremely well. And it looks like my official employment has been decided. But I still have a lingering unease.
Will my heart be okay, I wonder...
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