The Demon King's Paladin

Chapter 24. Lunch Date and A New Friend

After finishing my mana blade practice, I bid farewell to Crest and Paul. Crest was upbeat in his farewell. Paul was shy. I hope we can grow closer through our training together. I decided to speak with Anna while traveling to my lunch.

" Anna, you seemed very worried about my sword training. Was there something I was doing to upset you?"

" Master..."

 Anna looked conflicted. Trying to see what she truly was thinking, I stopped and turned to her and spoke to her.

" Anna, I don't know how typical master servant relationships work on Gaia... But I want you too always be honest with me. If you hold back, I'll feel bad. If you can't do it all the time, at least do it in private. I value your opinion. Would it be easier for you if I ordered you to?"

Anna's eyes were darting back and forth before settling back onto me. She spoke in an apprehensive tone, but she answered none the less.

" Master I.... I just think that you're putting immense strain on yourself at the moment. Your mana is barely contained, and you are already doing intense physical activity. I fear for your health."

" I understand I as well find that I'm spreading myself thin... But something drives me to do it Anna. I understand that what I'm doing may seem very extreme to others, but I have no other choice but to push through."

"Are you referring to defeating Promethia's new Hero?"

" Yes, that man has said such horrible things to me, but I held back for 4 years from truly speaking my mind. That anger has slowly changed to near hatred. Before I was brought here, my anger reached a boiling point. In my world, there are harsh laws attributed to being the first to strike another in a fight, so to advert that, I started speaking my mind in an effort to goad him into attacking me. So, I could let loose for the first time. But due to an interruption, the fight was stopped before it began. Then while I was speaking to someone, Warrick brought me here."

" So, you view this as a chance to exact vengeance?"

Anna's eyes flashed with understanding; she wasn't too far off the mark. Sure, I want to fight Luke, but I have no reason to kill him. I just want to really hurt him. That may be a bit psychopathic, but he has it coming. however, there was another reason why I wanted to become strong. As I was mulling it over in my mind, I remembered to answer Anna.

" Yes, in a nutshell. All this training I'm doing is to fight the hero... But also, I'm training because I'll be sticking around here. I feel I need to be able to protect the people I care about to the best of my ability. That includes you as well by the way."

" But I'm simply a maid Master!"

" No, you're not, you are Anna! The exclusive maid of John the Paladin! you are someone worthy of protection in my eyes. Granted you are most likely better than me currently. But in 3 months' time I want to see how far I can go."

" Master!..."

Anna's Green eyes teared up a little but then she looked at me warmly. I smiled and said we can continue to walk after she calmed down. We arrived at a balcony with a few tables with umbrellas above them for shade. At one of these tables, I saw the long white hair of my date. Anna and I walked over to her, and I greeted Sarah.

" Sarah good afternoon! How are you!"

Sarah turned to me, covered in dust and bruises, and looked at me and Anna, who was behind me, and her eyes went sharp for a moment. After looking for a moment she turned back to me and smiled as she spoke.

" Good afternoon, John! I'm tired and sore. But I suppose that's normal after not moving my body for so long!"

After she answered, her eyes looked at me a little sharper than before. then she began to speak.