Night Patrol
As a precaution against the demon wolves, I had a night patrol scheduled for tonight.
However, after surveying the forest’s surroundings during the day, I found no sign of a demon wolf pack. I concluded that the one that attacked earlier must have been cast out from its group for some reason.
Still, leaving things as they are feels unsettling. More than anything, the villagers wouldn’t be able to sleep soundly.
But tonight, I’m not alone in my patrol. A reliable new partner has joined me.
"If anything happens, let me know right away, Lindel."
"Woof!"
Lindel, a rare red-furred dog.
Just as Santos had said, he was incredibly intelligent. He might have undergone special training somewhere.
By the time the villagers finished their farm work, returned home, and had their dinner, night had fully fallen.
"Guess it's time to start patrolling."
In the royal capital, this would be the hour when the city came alive with nightlife. But in a rural town like this, with no entertainment facilities, most households would already be asleep. People here rise early, so it makes sense.
Or so I thought—
"Oh! Sir Knight!"
"Good work out there!"
"Are you hungry?"
For some reason, led by Chief Ganun, a group of village men had gathered.
"Uh, everyone, it’s dangerous out here, so please return to your homes—"
"But there weren’t any other monsters in the forest, right?"
"Well… yes, tonight’s patrol is just a precaution."
"Then we’ll help out too!"
"H-Help out?"
"It’d be more efficient that way, right?"
Well, technically, they weren’t wrong. But having the very villagers I’m supposed to protect put themselves in harm’s way feels counterproductive.
Still, the men were already brimming with enthusiasm. Each carried a weapon, declaring, "If a monster shows up, we’ll beat it to a pulp!" They seemed even more eager for battle than the Knights Order.
"If something’s trying to mess with our village, we’ll chase it out!"
"Yeah! No way we’re letting it have its way!"
"We’ll crush it!"
"Everyone…"
Each and every one of them deeply cherished their village. That’s why, even in a situation where they might be in danger, they willingly offered to help me.
"Thank you—"
Just as I was about to express my gratitude, I felt an intense presence looming beyond the darkness.
"What’s wrong?"
Noticing my sudden shift in demeanor, one of the men asked, sounding concerned.
"… Something powerful is approaching."
"P-Powerful?"
"It’s unmistakable… much stronger than the demon wolf I took down earlier today."
[——Whaaaat!?]The ten or so men led by Ganun all shouted in unison, panic setting in.
… I hadn’t expected this at all.
I never imagined that such a formidable monster was lurking nearby.
It seems to be alone, but whether I can defeat it remains uncertain.
Tension thickens in the air as the presence draws closer—
And then, at last, it appears before us.
But—
"Senior! Senior Justin!"
The one calling my name excitedly was—
"Elina!?"
It was my junior knight, Elina, who had no reason to be in the Abbott region.
What do you think about this chapter?
