Reborn After A Death March

Chapter 70

"You want to nominate me for the Eight Swordsmen of Shiga?"

"I do. It wouldn't be immediate, but I can introduce you to their leader, Sir Juleburg."

Several days had gone by since the demon Ludaman's destructive rampage. Once again, General Erthal was holding a drinking party in his office. As I allowed the unconscious Sara to rest her head on my lap, the general extended a proposal to Satou.

"Your level isn't high enough yet, but you fought an intermediate demon. Even that hard-headed Sir Juleburg won't take that lightly. If you can't join the Eight Swordsmen right away, surely you'll at least be admitted to the Order of Holy Knights."

I was aware that his intentions were entirely honourable. Still, I knew that it was not something that Satou would appreciate.

"I don't know if you could say I 'fought' an intermediate demon. I didn't really land any hits-I basically ran away from him."

"That's only because your level is still low. Nothing a little training can't fix." General Erthal was as thickheaded as ever. "Besides, you've survived encounters with no less than three intermediate demons now, haven't you?"

"I'm just quick to run away, that's all."

"Sir Pendragon, being skilled at evasion is something to be proud of. It's only by surviving battles that you can build up experience and fight again."

I fully concurred with General Erthal's viewpoint, particularly in a world where levels exist, and strength can be gained through accumulating experience, like in an RPG. Regardless, it appeared that none of Satou's justifications would sway the general. I'm curious about what Satou will propose to solve this situation.

"I'm terribly sorry, Your Excellency. I truly appreciate the offer, but I'm afraid I must decline any such promotion. The only lord I serve is Baron Muno. Truth be told, I only came to Labyrinth City to train with my companions-in-arms so that we might better assist with the barony's revival."

So Satou's going with the direct approach. Although it was not entirely accurate, Satou presumably used it as a plausible justification for declining, and I can understand why.

"I see... He must be a truly remarkable lord to be worthy of such loyalty from you."

"Yes, quite so."

Satou smiled and nodded. Baron Muno really was a good guy, especially since he didn't discriminate against demi-humans and the like.

"Very well. Then, I shall not press you any further. But if you change your mind, come back anytime. I'll gladly promote you."

"Thank you very much. I'll be sure to do so."

General Erthal finally accepted Satou's rebuff of his offer.

"Hey, Excellencyyy! I made some fairy wine as a gift for Sir Pendragon!"

Just as the tension in the room began to dissipate, the foxfolk officer made his entrance, rolling in a wagon. To everyone's surprise, sweet melon whiskey turned out to be whiskey that had been poured into the halves of a small melon.

"These are high-quality melons. Are they from the Eluette Marquisate?"

"I don't know about the quality, but yes, you're exactly right about where they're from."

During my attendance at the tea party, a nobleman presented me with a bundle of lemons, which he mentioned were sent by his wife's family. With the intention of expressing our gratitude, we were considering preparing melon sorbet or another lemon-based dessert for him.