Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 23.2

“Fram-sama, everything suits you well. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? Is there anything that hinders your movement?”

“Err… not really.”

“Is that so? That’s great to hear.”

Like Lowendal had done earlier, I circle Alfred once, before stopping next to Lowendal. I inspect him from head to toe and nod in satisfaction.

Hmm, looks pretty nice. I give Lowendal my approval.

And so, the Owen family has gained a strong family escort. One that regularly works during the weekends and occasionally during weekdays.

In the first place, I don’t intend to let the future hero do anything, but with how things are going, I can’t stop the disaster without making some sacrifices. 

To ensure the survival of the people in the village and myself, I am willing to do anything.

I will use all the resources I have in hand, even if it’s the future hero. I won’t accept any complaints from the Goddess.

Well, she still hasn’t contacted me anyway.

That’s okay. I don’t expect anything from her in the future. Nor would I ask for her help!

In fact, I’ll just pretend that she gave me free rein to do anything.

“…Fram-sama. Please take care of Lian-sama at all costs,” says Lowendal, staring at Alfred before giving him a deep bow. “I have heard about Fram-sama’s strength on various occasions. There’s nothing more reassuring than having someone like you as Lian-sama’s escort. After all, Lian-sama can be quite dull with matters concerning himself.  His calm temperament is very likeable, but his sense of crisis is practically non-existent. He insists that he doesn’t need an escort… I worry for him every day.”

“Yeah, I understand your feelings. His actions often worry others.”

“That’s right! Ah, I’m happy to find someone who can relate. Then I hope that Fram-sama will support Lian-sama from now on.”

“Got it.”

…Now they’re just saying all sorts of things about me.

“What are you talking about? I can protect myself just fine.”

I’m learning swordsmanship and magic techniques eagerly for that purpose, okay.

Alfred and Lowendal turn their heads towards me at the same time. Their eyes are narrowed and filled with reproach and doubt.

I shrink into myself, uncomfortable from their scolding gazes.

The incident involving Serpentine came to mind. Ah, I remember now. That indeed caused a great inconvenience for them… I’m sorry. I guess I really don’t have a sense of crisis. I will reflect on it.

“Please take care… of me.”

Both of them simultaneously nod.

Eh, what? Why is it 2v1? And with me on the ‘1’ side?

“Then, I’ll immediately prepare some tea. Please wait.”

Lowendal offers his usual butler-esque smile, pairing it with a perfect 45-degree bow before gracefully leaving the room.

“Ah, Alfred. The thread used for the outer jacket is imbued and reinforced with defensive magic. The jacket can block physical and magical attacks a few times. You can use it as a shield as well, so remember it!”

Due to the added magic reinforcements on the jacket, its price increased considerably, but it can be considered cheap in the long-run.

When that day comes, this will surely protect him.