Chapter 33: Becoming a Knight?!

“Is that true?”

I couldn't believe it.
This is a crisis that could determine the fate of our nation!

“It's the undeniable truth,” Iris confirmed.
“After the attack, I personally went to confirm the state of each city.
――My magic weapon, Excalibur's legend is 'Holy Light.' If you consider the overflowing energy as propulsion, it's faster than a surging horse.”

Iris boasted proudly with a large smile (and two big bazookas).
I remembered how she sliced through the monsters with incredible speed.
Although it should have taken days to travel to each city by horse, it must have been no problem for her.

“Anyway, let's get back to the main topic.
After that, I informed the situation to the capital.
Currently, the knight order headquarters have deployed troops around the capital to intercept the monsters.

“However, the monsters are cunning.
Few attack the capital head-on, and many nest in the mainland or try to invade secretly from the sewer.
Their search and elimination are also necessary,” said Iris, looking tired.

Upon closer inspection, her hair was also disheveled.
From the story, it seems that Iris has been working hard while…
I was sleeping.
She is human and will tire if she work continuously.

She almost got killed when she met me unexpectedly, so I know she has impressive mobility.

“We also searched for the attackers, but it is difficult to find them since their tracks are mysteriously interrupted.
Except for protecting Salem, it was a complete defeat for the empire,” Iris said, exhaling heavily.

Her happy aura subsided, and she emanated fatigue and a sense of defeat.
So that was the situation in this country.
It will be really dangerous if there are further attacks from “Vamprugis.”

“Now then, Deputy Commander Iris is in trouble.
So, what do you think, Kurou?” Hypno said, placing a case on the table.
When he opened it, there was a pure white costume inside!

“This is…”

“Yes, this is the official attire of a magic knight.
Originally, one had to take an examination or an interview in the capital and perform a loyalty ceremony to His Majesty the Emperor to become a magic knight.

“But because of the situation, the Deputy Commander and 'Commander Blackmore' asked His Majesty for a favor.
They said, 'Make available any suitable personnel as soon as possible.' Of course, I wrote a recommendation letter too and the result is this.”

Hypno said as he held the military uniform in his hand, urging me to put it on.

“Although it was heavily resisted, we were able to get the okay in the end.
The conditions were, 'Immediate disposal of the recommending parties if the person acts against the royal family,' 'Disposal in case of incompetence,' and 'Starting as a minimum Rank 6 knight.' But I think Kurou-kun will be okay.
Right, Iris?”

“Yes, we trust you,” Iris said, looking at him with a trusting gaze.
They nodded to each other, then they opened the uniform jacket and draped it like a coat on my back.

“I’ll be in your good hands, Kurou-kun.”

“From today on, you're one of the knights,” she said.

The pure white fabric fluttered in the air.
And so, with the trust of the unknown knight commander, I became a magic knight with them.

“…So, I'm a knight now.”

――I was bewildered by the unexpected exception.
But for once, I

was motivated.
After all, I'm still a guy, right? I am not interested battles, but as all boys I can’t let off the feeling of being a knight.

And, I can’t let Iris take the burden all alone.
There's no escaping fate with Muramasa, so if I have to fight, I want to complete my duties as a knight and indirectly reduce her burden.
That's what I truly feel.

“Leave it to me.
I'll protect this country and Iris with my sword.”

“Nngh!? Wow, you're going to proted me!”

Iris blushed as Hypno played along, hyping up the atmosphere in the temporary reception room.
Once peace was restored, I’d like to invite Vita-chan and everyone else to spend time together and have fun.

‘Alright, I'll do my best as a knight!’ I thought to himself with an unusual motivation.
I wanted to help Iris, of course, but there was another reason.

‘Starting as the lowest rank knight? What a sweet deal from His Majesty the Emperor.
Thanks to that, I can become a knight with peace of mind,’ I chuckled to myself.

Considering the strength of his Muramasa operation mode, the lowest rank seemed too low of an evaluation.
It could be a prank or harassment, but maybe it also meant I wouldn't be assigned to any dangerous missions.

‘Haha, if it's just taking out small fries, I'll gladly do it.
I might get sore muscles, but I'll take on as many as I can if they're not life-threatening opponents.’

With Muramasa controlling me, I am impervious to sneak attacks and can easily handle small fries.
If I do that, the other knights will have more free time, and Iris can also relax.

Just then, “Oh, Kurou-kun.
I have more than just a uniform for you to wear,” Hypno said clapping his hands together loudly.

Then several staff members enter the room pushing a tray with numerous ominous-looking equipment on it.
What?!

“Now that you've become a knight, we can finally hand over the magical weapons owned by the Knight Order.
Well, they are all problem children with curses that are too strong, but you're a 'legendary conqueror' so it should be okay!”

Huh…
um, that's a misunderstanding…!

“Oh, and should you tell him about it too, Iris?”

“Yes!” Iris said, slapping my shoulder.
“The Emperor is close with the militant aristocrats.
He didn't want to create another me, so he assigned you the lowest rank that can only hunt small fry…
but look at this!”

Iris took out a letter from her chest.
On it, under the name of ‘Commander Blackmore’ or something like that, it said: “Acknowledging that you are Deputy Commander Iris' apprentice, that you performed well during the attack, and that you are a legendary conqueror, you are allowed to take on tasks above your rank.

“Go get 'em, Kurou-kun! Fight for peace!”

‘Wha-wha-whaaat!?!?! Wh-what are you doing, Commander!? It's completely unnecessary!’

“Commander has give you some difficult missions, so start by completing them! As a 'condemner,' I'm glad to have you!” (Iris)

“Do your best! Oh, and as a 'legendary conqueror,' you should take some cursed equipment with you!” (Hypno)

With a smile, Iris handed me the mission documents, and Hypno pushed the ominous weapons onto me.
As they eagerly approached me, I shouted in my mind, ‘Why did this have to happen to meeeeeee!?’