Clang—clang—
The sound of metal clashing echoed in a narrow courtyard.
Under the scorching sun, a golden-haired girl with a resolute face was wielding a half-body-length Knight sword with both hands, continuously striking a target in front of her.
The weather was hot, and her glistening sweat pearls fell into the lush weeds, but she didn't care if her skin would darken, and continued her training.
"Margaret, you really moved out of your house without a word. Why don't you come live with me?"
At the entrance of the somewhat dilapidated courtyard, a beautiful golden-haired woman, whose features bore a resemblance to the girl called Margaret, walked gracefully into the house.
"Aunt—Zofia? No, I'm fine here. It's good enough for training."
Margaret paused, calling out her relative's name, but her sword swings did not stop.
"Call me sister! I'm only three years older than you—participating as an independent Knight also requires sponsorship. Without a professional coach, equipment maintenance, or a public relations agent, you'll be at a disadvantage fighting those scoundrel merchants alone!"
The woman called Zofia glared at Margaret, then earnestly tried to persuade her.
"And why do you have to make things so hard for yourself? The old man definitely supports you. The Nearl Family's training facilities are so complete, why endure it all alone—your skill level is clear for everyone to see; you are destined to become a Grand Knight in the future."
"Zofia, you know I don't care about that—I only became a Tournament Knight to fight those people…"
Margaret sighed, her golden eyes gazing intently at the other party, then she flicked her backside, and her golden horse tail, reflecting the sunlight, swished.
"Kazimierz has fallen into a pathological state. Knightly spirit has become an appendage of commercial behavior, and our vows are meaningless under contractual clauses—just like you, Zofia, people focus on your beauty more than your excellent strength."
Margaret was young and fiery, filled with anger. Facing this "Aunt" who was three years older than her, she made no secret of her intentions.
"I may not be able to do much, but I must do it. I want to win the Knight Tournament this time and tell everyone that commerce and capital are not everything in this country!"
Saying this, she continued to pick up her heavy iron sword and relentlessly strike the target, doing her warm-up for the day.
"Ha… I hope so."
Zofia knew she couldn't persuade Margaret and could only sigh. She felt her niece was a bit too naive, and she resented that she herself had long lost such pure ideals.
Silently watching her graceful training, she turned her head and looked towards the distant sky.
"I only hope… you are not truly fighting alone."
Zofia hoped that someone more suitable than herself could help Margaret.
—
Chaos, confusion, long slumber.
The little girl had forgotten many things. Her companions died one by one, yet she couldn't remember their names, and even her own name, she had forgotten.
She floated in liquid, yet she did not suffocate. She merely watched people come and go behind the glass in front of her. Everyone treated her as an object, and no matter how she cried for help, it was meaningless.
Perhaps she should do something—crush, flatten, smash. The voice in her heart told her to do so, but another voice prevented her.
However, the voice that stopped her seemed to be getting smaller and smaller. The girl felt she was about to lose control.
She was very scared, scared of no longer being herself.
"Save, save… save me."
Deep in her heart, she desperately hoped someone would take her out of this Hell.
But just then, the little girl noticed a glimmer of light appearing before her.
"Crash—
With a crisp shattering sound, the reinforced glass in front of her instantly broke, and cold liquid surged out. A brilliant light shone into the little girl's eyes.
"Mmm—"
As the liquid drained, the little girl suddenly lost her support and slumped forward weakly, her cat ears on top of her head trembling in panic.
But then, she found herself falling into a warm and firm embrace, gently held up by a pair of tender hands.
"Hello there, little kitty. Relax, I'm here to save you."
Raising her head, the young, white-haired Feline girl saw a black-haired, black-eyed male. For some reason, being held in his arms made her feel exceptionally safe.
"Well then, the rest will be easy."
Goki held the little girl—Rosmontis—and looked at Skadi behind him, and the blast wall she had kicked open. Goki gave her a thumbs-up.
"Destroy all data, leave nothing behind, and then… give Loken Williams a proper welcome."
----------------------------------
I've already posted 70 new chapters on Patreon!
If you like the story and want to reaad more, please visit my patreon. Every support is very meaningful!
[patreon.com/Kazenova223]
Thank you very much!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"