Sword, Magic and Academic Society-Chapter 284Vol. 1 - - Johnny’s Duty

"I would like to hear who you're, what's your purpose behind the visit?"

Johnny was perspiring in cold sweat, his expression tense, as he posed that question. Finding himself at the receiving end of interrogation suddenly, the man flailed his hand in fluster.

"What? N-no, I am not what you think—"

"I am sure I didn't accuse you of anything, though. You climbed down the mountain road running toward Ninni Mountain, didn't you? You must have used the abandoned, old highway extending from Moonlit Viscounty. And don't bother with excuses, the hem of your pants have silver beet's seed stuck to them."

Branch Manager's eyes squinted when he glanced at the hem of the middle-aged man's pants, pointed by Johnny's spear tip. The hem of the pants indeed had a bunch of black-stripes, needle-like seeds sticking to it.

"The old highway... You couldn't have come all the way from Dosperior, did you? The only one who can dare to walk down that path here is only Dio!"

"Old highway? ...Ah-hah, so it really wasn't the correct route. I see, it explains why the roads were rouge, and monsters were handysome…”

The middle-aged man murmured, and rummaged through the bag he was carrying before pulling out a neat, however well-worn, blue mantle from it. He draped it over himself.

"I apologise for the late introduction. I am Weiber, a knight belonging to the 7th Legion of Knight Order. It's a bit embarrassing, but I thought I would be better crossing the mountain, and left my horse at the Moonlite Viscounty. Well, I clearly picked the wrong route as it appears... The weather is so stuffy I forgot I had stashed away my mantle."

The middle-aged man, introducing himself as Weiber, scratched his head wryly.

"You, you're from the Knight Order...? You really are?"

Branch Manager's eyes had already turned wide-eyed at the sudden exposition. He immediately scrutinised Weiber with a doubtful gaze.

He might have been a Branch Manager of a hillbilly land, but his position had allowed him to meet with individuals of many calibers. To put in short, he also had a discerning eye to see if the opposing person was truly what he claims to be.

Yet, the man in front of him had not a single strand of aura that could expose his strength. If anything, every aspect of him had this 'weary' vibe, like a burn out salaryman. It truly was impossible to see the middle-aged man as part of Knight Round extolled as Yuglia's ace, someone whose mention alone could stop a child's crying, and feared by many.

"Haha, I have been often told I do not look the part, at all. Well, Knight Order is just an affiliated organisation, I was already out of any hope for promotion long ago, and at present, just an eternal ordinary member of the order. Anyway—"

Weiber explained, perceiving Branch Manager's confusion, and then turned his smile to Johnny.

"I watched everything, and I must say, your discerning sight is quite impressive. You also knew your fair share of knowledge, and are courageous. The Branch Manager here trusts you despite your retirement. It's no surprise the Rovenne family would entrust the important role of gatekeeper to you. If it's fine, I would like to make an acquaintance."

Weiber then held out his hand in a friendly gesture, startling Johnny. The latter had excused the retirement stating 'well, with so many strong people around, a person of my strength can barely catch up to them, so I am quitting' to everyone, including Branch Manager.

But only he knew how that was mere cover. He didn't dislike being an explorer, and he hadn't been at the age where he would've to retire, especially given his knowledge regarding Claubia range.

He was born of this town, and had always loved its idyllic scenery. The change happened when the town suddenly became a hotspot for visitors, adding to pressure. He began to fret about its future, and eventually he felt he needed to protect the town.

He contemplated hard, and asked himself 'What could he do for the town?' At the end, he decided he could be the guard of the town.

He brought in help from his old friend Oliver, the gardener of the Rovenne family, and requested him to recommend himself as the guard. As for the reason, he had told him the same excuse—"Well, I amn't earning enough as an explorer nowadays. Atleast, a guard's post has job security, and doesn't require effort. I just want to earn enough now, and live without worrying about it everyday."

The latter saw through his excuse, however he decided to not probe into it. Oliver trusted Johnny, and recommended him to Bellwood.

Since then, Johnny had assumed the position of guard, keeping an eye on the visitors. He would mentally jot down the time of entrance, exit, whom they mingle with, or any suspicious signs. Of course, to keep any unwarranted attention from drawing to himself, he would often put up stupid acts, sometimes approach others like their best friend from a long time, forming ties with them.

He was spurred by no one, but himself to take such actions. However, facing the weary old man—atleast, that's how later appears to be at a glance—and his friendly gesture, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had been completely seen through.

".....I am Johnny—Johnny Walkerhill. I must say, you are quite a curious personality to shake hands with the bottom-barrel of an explorer given your esteemed status."

Johnny kept his words to a minimum while shaking hands with him. The cold sweat covered him yet again.

In this world, a handshake gesture also held the significance of scrutinizing moves, to probe into an opponent's expertise of Physical Strengthening Magic. However, Johnny just couldn't notice any fluctuation of Physical Strengthening Magic. It felt as if he had grabbed the hand of a young kid who had yet to develop their mana organ.

Wieber squinted his eyes in joy, noticing Johnny's attempt to hide his internal tremor.

"Hehe, I knew it. You are skilled. ......To speak of me, I have been dispatched to oversee the protection policy, and their implementation since Claubia Mountain-Forest Range is now a royal family administered sanctuary. I am aware Shiza-kun should be appointed as the counselor here, but my presence is mainly to deal with the situation, you know, that might be beyond a civil officer's payload. And from the situation, it seems you're already facing some restless bunch.

Well, the tradition is often to dispatch someone from Central to inspect the situation, and oversee them until the newly administrated land has been on the track. It's truly quite uncommon to dispatch a knight order's member."

Wieber explained his situation in detail as he broke the handshake, and lowered his head in politeness.

"So, as you know, I will be staying for some time here. In the meantime, I would be very much delighted if you can teach me *everything* about this town."

"......Y-yes, it would be my pleasure. But keep your expectation in check, alright. I am just a simple guard, the best I can tell you is the finest tavern you can find here, or what seasonal snacks to try. Branch Manager, I am sorry to impose it on you, but can you bring him to Shiza-san? It's just to make sure we have the right person, just in case."

"Leave it to me! I am Dordo, the Branch Manager of Rovenne territory. My appearance might not be convincing, but believe me, I have risen to this promotion through official work. If there's anything, speak unhesitatingly!"

"Hmm, understood. In that case, Johnny-san, let's keep the chat for later during drinks, oh and I would very much love to know about seasonal snacks. I am taking your words, alright?"

Johnny watched Weiber leaving alongside Branch Manager, and couldn't help but murmur out of dumbfoundment.

"......The esteemed knight, capable of even stopping a child from crying, they say. And that person is just an ordinary member?"

Once the two's shadow had disappeared at the turn of intersection, Johnny regripped on himself, and resumed his duty.