Volume 6 Chapter 12 Encounter With Commander Cain Of The Kingdom Knight Order
A great many adventurers lay sprawled across the cobblestones, sunbaked and silent, like drying laundry flung out in defeat—with Rivela leading the charge, naturally.
To put it simply, those loudmouthed adventurers who got knocked out with a single strike had been stacked up neatly in a corner of the plaza where no one would trip over them.
They had just stepped foot into the Diamante Kingdom, nearing the border, but already—already—one small town had become the stage for a ridiculous and unforgettable scene.
Rivela folded her arms and nodded with pride.
"Well, if this makes it into the papers, maybe the adventurers in this town will stop acting like hotshots."
Horace stood nearby, watching the chaos unfold with a half-hearted frown.
"That's brutal..."
Rivela's eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
What she was doing was, no doubt, closer to public punishment than justice. Sure, she only targeted the arrogant ones. But still—was that really okay?
She chuckled and brushed her bangs back with a gloved hand.
"Heh... no one can stand up to the power of an SS-rank adventurer. Especially not the leader of Muspelheim. So don't act tough around me."
Horace let out a sigh that barely hid his exasperation.
"Hah..."
In this world, where hunting monsters brings gold coins, strength meant everything. Strength *was* money. And with it came the kind of pressure that could crush not just bones—but pride.
It was no wonder people feared the title of SS-rank adventurer.
That title alone could be humanity's trump card, a weight that held society in check.
Rivela flicked her cloak and straightened her back, speaking as if giving a lesson.
"Keeping order matters. I get that better than most. Muspelheim oversees an entire island, so I've seen what chaos can do. And sometimes, you can't just give a slap—you have to smash things flat."
Horace crossed his arms and looked toward the sky.
"Well, I get the point. I really do. But there's rarely a perfect answer."
He sighed again, heavier this time.
It was ironic. He'd used his fists to fix things too, more times than he could count. That didn't make it right. It just made it necessary.
Sometimes, crushing was the only option left. That truth hurt more than most.
Rivela grinned and slapped Horace's back.
"So, let's give it our best on the road to the royal capital!"
A voice cut through the air like a thrown dagger.
"There is no need for that."
Rivela snapped to attention and turned toward the speaker.
A boy stood there. Young. Beautiful. With soft, light-purple hair that barely brushed his ears.
At his side was a sword, not decorative but real. His posture and gaze made it obvious he wasn't just for show, but his elegant appearance belonged more on a theater stage than a battlefield.
He looked about fourteen. His face was still round with youth, but his figure was balanced—delicate but sure.
Rivela narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms again.
"Who are you supposed to be?"
The boy stepped forward and gave a respectful nod.
"Sorry for the delay. I'm Cain, Commander of the Knights of the Diamante Kingdom."
Rivela's voice cracked slightly.
"Wha... C-Commander of the Knight Order?"
Cain smiled gently and held up a badge, shining silver and engraved with a royal seal.
"Yes. That's correct."
Horace stepped forward and examined the badge with a faint smirk.
"I've seen that one before. No mistake. You really *are* the Commander."
Cain returned the gesture with a polite bow.
"Mr. Horace, I've heard about you. That golem left behind at the castle—that was your doing, right?"
Horace gave a light shrug and looked bored.
"It was too much trouble to go back and get it."
Cain nodded thoughtfully.
"I see. At present, a few of Their Majesties are using it."
Ivan, standing nearby, tilted his head in admiration.
"Hmm... even using part of Horace's golem. He's sharp. Especially for someone that young."
The look on Ivan's face said it all. He had worked with Horace's partner for five years. If *he* looked impressed, then dealing with that golem really wasn't easy.
Cain glanced between them and raised an eyebrow.
"...Valzeil's age? Ivan, do you think he's in his mid-fifties or something? He's forty-two this year."
Cain's jaw dropped.
"What?! He's forty-two? Looking like *that?!*"
Horace scratched his head and chuckled.
He remembered seeing Valzeil for the first time ten years ago when he himself started working at the castle. Valzeil had been thirty-two then—but honestly, he'd looked like he was pushing fifty.
He had been overweight back then, which added to the effect, but even with that aside, the man looked far older than his age.
Humans tend to associate age with dignity. In that sense, Valzeil didn't really have to worry. Still, being called "old" always stung. That was the burden of middle age.
Cain rubbed the back of his neck in disbelief.
"...Was it during Horace's teaching days? When he debated the Magic King? I was in the crowd back then... Wait, so he's really forty-two?"
Ivan nodded quickly.
"Looks like mid-fifties to me. But no. Forty-two."
Sumeragi, lounging against a wall, gave a lazy nod.
"The world is full of strange things, huh?"
He looked like he was in his late twenties, but in truth, he was closer to two thousand years old.
Because of that, he didn't really have the right to comment on anyone else's age or looks. Even so, with so many eyes watching, he decided to stay quiet. Revealing that he was the God of Iron-Cutting would bring way more trouble than it was worth.
Cain clasped his hands behind his back and nodded at the group.
"Well, anyway. From now on, I'll be guiding you."
Rivela raised an eyebrow.
"Huh? Is that allowed? A knight of the royal bloodline serving as a guide for adventurers?"
Cain smiled again, calm as ever.
"It's an order from His Majesty. Besides, I'm curious about you all."
Rivela placed a hand on her hip.
"Hmm... fine by me! Ask anything!"
Cain didn't hesitate.
"So, what happened to make your chest so flat?"
Rivela's eye twitched. Her expression turned deadly.
People, nearby, winced.
"If you're picking a fight, I'll back you up, Cain."
But Cain had already stepped on Rivela's landmine—and he didn't even blink.
He wasn't fearless. Not exactly. It was more like... unshakable.
Horace jumped in, waving both hands.
"Well, well. Some people actually like a figure like Rivela's. I heard the princess of the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom has the same build and is still super popular."
Rivela slammed her fist into her palm with a loud bam.
"That girl is a menace! That's not normal!"
Cain nodded in agreement, but his tone stayed light.
"I feel the same, but facts are facts."
His laugh was easy. Natural.
It wasn't just his words. Everything about him was unburdened.
And somehow, even though Rivela usually flattened anyone who made fun of her chest, she didn't lay a finger on Cain.
That was strength.
Yes. The kind of strength that made someone the Commander of the Knight Order.
Cain turned to the group and gave a small bow.
"And if you want to fight me, that chance will come soon."
Rangella perked up with interest.
"So, you're entering the Blood Duel Cup too?"
Cain nodded.
"That's right. I'll be competing as the representative, Ms. Rangella. During that time, my younger brother Abel will act as vice-captain and oversee security. That means I can fight without holding back."
Rangella folded her arms and smiled.
"I see..."
She tilted her head slightly and spoke with care.
"Can I ask something else, Mr. Cain?"
Cain nodded again.
"Sure. What is it?"
Rangella looked into his eyes.
"Mr. Cain... have we met somewhere before? Your presence feels familiar."
Cain gave her a puzzled smile.
"This is our first meeting. I've been living with my younger brother in a small village on the edge of the frontier until just recently."
Rangella shook her head and smiled awkwardly.
"I see. Sorry. That was a strange question."
Cain's voice was warm and kind.
"No worries. It wasn't anything troubling."
He gave one final smile before gesturing ahead.
"Well then, shall I show you the way? By the way, where's your wagon?"
Rivela grinned and pointed a thumb over her shoulder.
"We're not using a wagon."
Cain blinked in confusion.
"Huh? Then... you're on foot?"
Rivela leaned forward with a teasing grin.
"Well, you'll see soon enough."
Cain nodded and chuckled.
"All right, then."
And so, the group began traveling alongside Cain, Commander of the Knight Order of the Diamante Kingdom.
Character Notes:
• Rivela - Leader of 'Muspelheim' and wielder of the 'Great Flame Sword Surt.' She is 18 years old, energetic, and a participant in the Blood Duel Cup. She earned the nickname 'Unscalable' for creating a huge wall of flames during a monster rampage.
• Cain - A 14-year-old beautiful boy with short, light purple hair. Newly appointed Commander of the Diamante Kingdom Knight Order. Highly talented and efficient, tasked with managing the 'Forest of Souls' dungeon and participating in the Blood Duel Cup. Twin brother of Abel.
• Sumeragi - One of the Five Divine Gods, known as the 'God of Iron-Slicing.' He introduces himself with a pleasant smile and seems to have a purpose in meeting Horace.
• Ran - A silver-haired, busty, and beautiful young girl with a dominating spirit. She is one of the 'Four Source Maidens' and is deeply affected by her mother's disappearance.
• Abel - Cain's twin brother. Works in the castle and serves as the dungeon management supervisor. His role allows Cain to focus on his duties without worry.
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