Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 18.2

“U-um, I-I’m really grateful for the offer, but I don’t plan on being a knight. I’m going to return to my village to help out my father and brother! I want to improve the living conditions there!”

Their eyes widened in shock.

“W-what?”

“W-why? It’s the Royal Knights, you know? More specifically, the Royal Palace Knights. The squadron that everyone wants to enter.”

“Yes, but I plan on staying in my home village. I want to use my abilities for the betterment of it.”

While I had still been riding the carriage, I desperately searched for a reason to reject their offer that wouldn’t come across as rude.

But the moment I reject their offer, no matter how hard I try to be inoffensive, the captain snarls and narrows his eyes, causing them to seem even sharper.

I wonder why he’s upset.

Maybe I said something I shouldn’t. I don’t really know.

A wave of anxiety crashes into me. How can I phrase it better?

If Loendal were here, I’m sure he can think of a better excuse for me. Too bad I currently have no one to ask for help.

“Stay in your village? Are you refusing my invitation?”

“I-I’m sorry, but I’ve wanted to do this for quite some time. I’m already resolute in my decision, so I would like to refuse─”

“Lian, if you stay by my side, your life will be smooth sailing from now on, you know?”

I glance up, the gloomy face of the captain in full view. Then I shake my head, nervous.

“No, I don’t wish for an easy life. I’m satisfied with what I have.”

I’ve been allowed to live well enough. No, more than enough.

I’ve got Loendal and the others in that warm mansion. Marie and the kids in that warm church, always ready to welcome me. I’ve also made many acquaintances and friends in the village. They always greet me with a smile.

And then there’s Alfred, who has always been by my side.

If I want more than this, I feel like I’ll incur divine punishment.

Compared to my previous one, my life here has been a dream.

There is always someone with me, treating me with care.

And I finally know that… I am no longer alone.

Hearing my answer, the captain frowns and breathes in hard, as if trying to steady himself.

“You know, I’ve taken a great interest in you. Your abilities are amazing, and above all, you also have that beautiful silver hair. Together with that snowy white skin… It seems like more of the Violet family’s blood runs through your veins that that of the Owen family. If I’m not wrong, your mother should be a daughter of Count Violet’s family.”

“That’s true…”

Lian’s mother was born in the capital city.

The youngest daughter of the Violet family, a famous noble clan in the capital.

Apparently, Lian’s father fell in love with her at first sight. He earnestly chased after her and spilled some money, winning her hand in marriage in the end.

“You also have the crystal eyes unique to those of Violet family blood… And yours are especially clear. Completely unclouded. Very good, even that side of yours mimics that person’s… It makes me want to defile it.”