Evan D. Sherden. An Encounter. (5)

In celebration of the Dungeon Festival, which could be said to begin in earnest on the eve of the festival, the Marquis conducted a complete security protocol with several guilds and the Dungeon Knights of Astray.

Evan was determined to prevent any calamities from happening.

“There’s no problem with security, is there?”

Evan, who was proudly in charge of one of the pillars of security as the head of Astray, also felt nervous. Shine also reported to him with a slightly stiff look.

“There have been no reported problems so far. Here’s the guard layout, and here’s the Ironwall Knights’ patrol map.”

“Thank you.”

He had already memorized it, but he checked it again for the last time.

“In the end, we got the internal patrol. That means they can enjoy the eve. You’re being too soft on them.”

“But there’s no one better than them for that role. They’re young and costumes, so they can easily blend in anywhere, and they’re the most agile.”

“Whoo. I’ll allow them a little rest, but if they neglect the mission, then tell them that they’ll be in big trouble.”

“I don’t think I’ll have to tell them that, but I see. I’ll let them know.”

Next was the formation of a patrol team. The patrol would be in groups of two.

First off, Shine and Louise, Ditto and Melson, Raihan and Anna, Paul and Marie, and Jean accompanied by Lin and Lan both. There were five groups in total.

Lin and Lan were admittedly the secret weapons of the Knights, which could display absurd abilities when they were together; but they were still young, so they were most likely to get distracted.

“So… who is my partner then?”

“Her Highness Serena won.”

“We’re going to take turns during the festival anyway, so let’s just relax.”

Astray patrolled the central street where the eve event was being held as groups. When one of the females became Evan’s partner, she would enjoy the festival and dates with Evan, so the female members competed for the right to become Evan’s partner.

“Then the remaining ones are Lua, Arisha, and Mirole.”

“Mirole is an apprentice, but she’s the best in terms of ability. Can’t you just let her go alone?”

Certainly, Mirole could overcome the situation in case of an emergency and would be the fastest in delivering information on the situation to other patrols with the Spirit of the Wind.

Clearly, there was no problem with this. However…

“Then it’ll be eight groups, um… I don’t think I need up to eight. So let’s put these three together. No matter how strong they are, I’m worried because they are still apprentices. I put you on the team leader list because Louise is an apprentice, you know.”

“Well, seven groups are enough. Then let’s do that, shall we? Oh, I think Paul and Marie’s group will be fine. Is it okay to leave Ditto and Melson alone?”

“Yes, they’re a perfect match for patrol.”

Ditto was originally a child with an aptitude for the ax. He was big and strong and had been taking defense lessons from Raihan for several years.

Although it was easy to forget him because he had no presence inside Astray, he was a competent warrior. If he showed off his absurd skills outside, no one would believe the 15-year-old’s strength.

“The combination of the two is perfect for trapping an enemy and finishing them. Trust me, they’ll do well.”

“Are these guys already at that level…?”

“You’ve already captured one of the Four Heavenly Kings at their age.”

Evan snorted.

“All the members of the Astray Knights shall be gathered to announce the formation of the group.”

It was only 6 p.m.; however, the whole city was already dominated by an atmosphere of excitement.

The streets were full of street stalls, and the number of tourists coming from outside was increasing exponentially. The patrol had to begin immediately.

“Oh, I need to eat before we start.”

“It’s okay. We can just buy food from the street vendors!”

“These guys are just thinking of playing around!”

Evan set out the patrols one after another. The other group had no problem, but the group, consisting of Arisha, Belois, and Mirole, didn’t want to go out; they just longingly gazed at Evan while frowning at Serena.

“This festival is for three days and today is the eve, so there are only three more days left.”

“…I see. I’ll be right back, Master.”

“I can’t do anything about it… Don’t be so frivolous, thinking that it’s just you and Evan.”

“Behh. I’m going to walk arm-in-arm with the Master.”

Arisha and Belois accepted these words and left. They seemed to feel better when Evan kissed them on the cheek with encouragement.

“I’m still an apprentice, and how can I… without the help of the leader…?”

“This is the leader’s instructions. There won’t be any problem with the second Vice-Commander Arisha next to you.”

Only Mirole had tried to hold out until the end, but if she did not follow these instructions, there was no reason to have her in the Knights. Evan spoke in a rather harsh tone and directed Arisha.

“Arisha, please.”

“Leave it to me. Mirole, let’s go.”

“Kkh….”

The high elf had gotten dragged away.

“Whoa…is everyone out?”

“We’re still here.”

It was none other than Shine who answered and went forward. Shine and Louise’s group remained.

“Louise, let’s go.”

“Yes. I’m ready now.”

Louise, who remained inside the headquarters building until the end, stood up along with Shine, shaking slightly.

It was the first time she had been out without Evan since she came to Sherden and asked Evan to mentor her. It took such great determination for her to do this.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, I can’t always act with my teacher. What’s more, you’re a strong man.”

“I’m weak compared to you, but I’ll do my best to protect you, even if the Demon King himself appeared before us.”

Her previous encounter with Evan and Shine worked well for her.

Evan’s power was beyond recognition, but Shine’s impression of fighting back and stopping him was also intense. Shine’s words to stop the Demon King was within the realms of possibility and was no joke.

“Louise, your skills are growing a lot. Don’t be too afraid to go.”

“…I see.”

While under pressure, Louise crawled out of the headquarters. Shine saluted Evan with a bitter smile.

“I’ll be back.”

“Please take good care of Louise.”

“She’s the only one who doesn’t know, but she’s already a decent explorer.”

How would he know how to train Louise, who had the highest aptitude for shortswords and shields? She even had the Yo-Ma Great War tricks Evan used himself for several weeks! Evan had personally trained her himself!

During that short period of training, Louise had climbed unreachable heights. She lacked experience, but she wasn’t weak.

“It’s hard to realize it on your own.”

“That’s deep, especially, since it’s coming from the Master…”

“You punk.”

“We’ll be back.”

Shine giggled and led Louise around. Evan looked back, leaving the headquarters with Serena, who had been waiting patiently, and looked back. It was Diona, Evan’s maid, who was still dressed as a bunny girl.

“Diona, you’re in charge of the command center. Check the communication and maps.”

“Yes. I will, so don’t worry.”

“Okay, then we’ll go.”

“Okay. I’ll protect you, Oppa.”

It was good to speak bravely, but when she approached Evan, she looked at him with impatience. Evan understood and laughed.

“You can put your arms in.”

“Then… can I think of this as a date?”

“No, it’s patrol duty.”

“Aw…”

Though Serena pretended to cry, she didn’t give up holding Evan’s arms. The cozy touch that passed over his forearm made Evan smile. Serena looked satisfied.

“Well, I think it’s pretty good if you think it’s a secret date on duty!”

“We’re on duty.”

“When tomorrow comes, I know I’ll lose you to another woman, but I don’t think about it, and now I’m just enjoying this moment…… For today, I am your only lover.”

“Well, don’t forget we are still on duty.”

Evan led her out of the headquarters, tackling Serena’s lingering delusion and ignoring Diona, who sent them off with an expression of envy.

* * *

The Dungeon Festival in Sherden was the same, but this festival was also held for the first time in six years from the previous festival, so it was quite grand compared to the eve festival.

The Brotherhood Skewer’s owner, who was gaining more fame day by day, also opened several stalls. The Brotherhood Brewery also distributed honey strawberry wine in large quantities during the festival and promoted the product.

The wounds left by the Demon invasion three years ago had not healed yet, but these humans had overcome them and would move forward anyway. This Dungeon Festival was a sign of unity and the ability to overcome difficulties together.

“This is delicious, Oppa!”

“Ray, you eat so much that you might become a pig.”

“Hehe, that’s all right because it’s all going to my chest.”

Most women would get angry and rather not talk about such things. However, there were other girls like Serena who would simply say, “Yumm!” and would bite into the deep-fried food.

However, there was definitely no fat in her body. Her figure, which had a narrow waist but a full chest, was in a mysterious area beyond human understanding.

“Eat some too, Oppa. Ahm!”

“Yeah, yeah, ahm.”

Well, this service should be fine. Evan gently opened his mouth and ate the fried food in Serena’s hand. They seemed to be playing around in earnest while dating, but in fact, it was probably their group who was on the most thorough patrol mission right now.

Serena’s four slimes monitored a wide range of territories every moment, and as soon as they found anything strange, they were required to report to Serena.

“Shall we have a drink?”

“Hold on.”

“Oh, I’ve never seen that street vendor!”

They leisurely followed the patrol route and enjoyed a date under the guise of Serena’s mission.

Sometimes, when they met with other groups, they shared what they had bought from different stores and exchanged information.

“There is the Lute Girls’ performance over there.”

“Don’t worry. I can see them all day, starting from the eve.”

“Oh, the princess and the leader are crossing arm in arm!”

“It’s real!

“Go to your route, you guys.”

It was not just the knights. The employees of Brotherhood Pharmacy, temple figures, and other close guild members also came and met face to face. Most of them wore smiling expressions. Evan felt a vain pride.

“Master Evan is having an affair with his future fiancé.”

“A man should be able to have such power.”

That was, until they started to pick a fight with Evan.

“Oh, go away, please.”

“Master Evan, play with me!”

“I’m on patrol. Later.”

“Eat this before you go!”

“I’m full now!”

By the time the majority of the street stalls were cleared, and their stomachs were somewhat full, the fireworks finally began.

In addition to purchasing a large number of Mana Road’s special firecrackers, which improved with Ctheasil’s modification, they all exploded in a grand manner, filling the sky of Sherden.

“Wow.”

“Awesome, right?”

“Yes. I’ve wanted to see this since I heard about it from you.”

Serena smiled back and clung closer to Evan. Evan’s previous site of this magic firecracker was the day of the tragedy three years ago, so it was quite touching for Evan.

“Oppa, you’re not nervous anymore, right?”

“Huh?”

“You used to be nervous all the time.”

“Oh… that.”

Evan looked up and shrugged his shoulders at Serena, who asked him questions.

“I’m nervous. I can’t be completely relieved just because we managed to defeat two of the Four Heavenly Kings. The Demon tribe that covets your talent is bound to reappear someday. Life is not easy.”

“Wow, that’s not the answer I was hoping for.”

Serena complained, puffing her cheeks. Of course, Evan knew what she wanted to say. He giggled, lightly stroking Serena’s forehead, and whispered.

“So, stay with me, Ray. Then I can relax.”

“……What did you just say, Oppa?”

“Never mind if you didn’t hear it.”

When Evan answered calmly and tried to turn his head, Serena was stunned and clung to him.

“No, I heard you! I’m going to stick with you all the time!”

“Okay, okay.”

“So close that you’ll be annoyed… Oh, but I won’t bother you too much because I’m a big, mature lady now!”

Indeed, she had no sense of what she was doing. This was okay because this was her cute side.

Evan turned his head up from looking at Serena, whose cheeks were red and gibberish, and looked at the magic fireworks that were popping in the sky.

Evan was so nervous when he remembered the incident three years ago while watching the wonderful fireworks… Fortunately, nothing seemed to happen today.