The Tin Knight-Chapter 20: The Tin Knight and The Lions Bloodline (3)

That night.

The girl went to see her mother.

“...”

The sleeping face of the lady of the domain, lying peacefully in bed, looked incredibly serene.

The girl believed that perhaps her mother was dreaming.

A dream where neither the girl’s father, nor brother had died, and the entire family was smiling together in happiness.

Perhaps the reason for her mother’s continued slumber was the fear of leaving behind happiness, only to return to cruel reality.

The girl understood her mother

If she were in her mother’s position, she, too, would be reluctant to wake up.

Even if it meant the girl would be left alone in reality, it was better than seeing her mother crying and suffering.

One hour, two hours, three hours.

Holding her mother’s hand, the girl fell deep into thought.

— The rest is up to you. If you’re serious about trying, try putting in the effort to become a knight here. If that seems impossible, discuss it with Giselle. She’d prefer the image of the heir actively cooperating and acknowledging the new lord rather than casting the heir into obscurity. Thus, she’ll create a situation where everyone will nod along in agreement.

That was the witch’s final piece of advice.

While she had created an opportunity for the girl, she showed utter disinterest in whether the girl seized it or not.

The witch had outright stated that she merely indulged the knight’s unnecessary meddling in exchange for compensation.

As for the knight himself, all he did was give the girl a simple thumbs up.

The witch and the knight planned to leave the domain the next day.

After all, they saw no reason to stay any longer after receiving compensation from Giselle.

Only then did the girl realize that neither of them was particularly interested in her.

Whatever choice the girl made, whether she overcame her trials or gave up, it mattered little to them.

Someday, while walking down the street, they might idly chat, “Hey, you remember that silly young lady from back then? Do you think she succeeded in the end? Or maybe she just gave up?”

They’d casually talk about the girl without a second thought before forgetting about her again.

It wasn’t malice. It wasn’t wrong. Rather, it was only natural.

They weren’t characters prepared for a fairy tale centered around her, but adventurers with their own goals.

Tears streamed from the corners of the girl’s eyes.

She was pained by her own weakness—her tendency to unilaterally expect help, depend on others, end up disappointed, and fall into frustration.

Even at this moment, her weak will tempted her, saying, “Wouldn’t it be easier to just leave everything to Giselle?”

She despised how pathetic she felt, and her inability to properly voice a single line of objection while everyone chattered about her as they pleased.

Thus, the girl finally rose to her feet.

She wiped her eyes and cleared her throat.

She resolved to at least give her mother a proper farewell.

“I’m sorry for leaving you alone, Mother. But please wait just a little longer. As the daughter of my brave father, I’ll become an heir you won’t be ashamed of anymore. I’ll make everyone acknowledge that I’m worthy of continuing this family line. I’ll make sure of it. I promise I’ll become such a person and return.”

Her unconscious mother didn’t open her eyes, nor did her hand so much as twitch.

Nevertheless, the girl thought it to be fine.

She didn’t need a “wonderful miracle” out of a storybook—not now at least.

The girl left the room.

Ronnie was standing next to the door, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

As if guessing the girl’s resolve, she spoke with a determined attitude, “Young Lady. If you command it, I will follow you til the ends of this earth.”

The girl gave a bitter smile.

Ronnie had finally become the knight she had so longed to be.

While she was still considered lacking in pure skill, everyone acknowledged her loyalty and achievement in chasing after her lord and people to that city of vicious criminals and rescuing them.

If she stayed in the domain, her future success was assured. Yet here she was, reading to abandon it all to follow the girl. The girl found it hard to express gratitude with words.

However, the girl shook her head.

If Ronnie were to go with her, the girl would end up relying on her again.

She would depend on her, whine to her, and show her weakness.

Ronnie was the one she could trust more than anyone, after all. However, it was precisely for that reason that the girl couldn’t let her go with her.

“It’s okay. Can you stay and protect Mother until I return? The new lord—or rather—the acting lord is taking good care of her, but you’re still the one I trust the most, Ronnie.”

Ronnie’s eyes shook violently.

She answered with a resolute expression, “I will protect the lady, even at the cost of my life. You must return safely, Young Lady. Please.”

“Thank you. But don’t overdo it. You’re as precious to me as Mother, Ronnie.”

Suppressing her desire to talk further, the girl turned her back.

There was much to prepare before the sun rose.

***The next morning.

Watching the rising sun, you twisted and stretched your body in an odd sort of warm-up routine.

Dorothea watched you stretching with a creaking metallic sound, her gaze seeming to say, “What’s wrong with this idiot?”

“What are you doing?”

[The 'Tin Knight' proclaims that stretching in the morning is essential for a pleasant day!]

“That only applies to living bodies. What kind of stretches does a tin can need? One’s where you freeze to death?”

[The 'Tin Knight' argues that Dorothea should do them then!]

“No way, too bothersome.”

Whether Dorothea grumbled beside you or not, you steadfastly continued your stretches.

There was absolutely no physical recovery effect, but mentally it felt refreshing.

[The 'Tin Knight' wonders what choice the girl will make!]

“That kid? Won’t she end up hesitating, read the room, and get recruited by Giselle?”

It was an utterly cold assessment.

You had no particular reason to argue, but being bored, you voiced an objection to continue the conversation.

[The 'Tin Knight' argues that she might make a proper effort!]

“I’m not so sure about that. If Giselle sweet talks her about, ‘Working together for the future of the domain,’ or, ‘I sincerely care about this domain too,’ or, ‘I’ll create a story that the retainers can accept, no one will deny your efforts.’ That fragile kid will probably give in quickly.”

You pondered for a moment.

Unfortunately, you came to a similar conclusion as Dorothea.

It was a bit disappointing.

While Dorothea seemed to be freely underestimating the girl, you—or more precisely, the insight possessed by “your body”—had roughly grasped the girl’s outstanding potential.

The software might be problematic, but in terms of hardware performance alone, calling it innate talent wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

[The 'Tin Knight' laments missing out on newbie training content!]

“...This guy’s vocabulary seems to get weirder by the day. It’s more annoying that I can roughly understand the meaning.”

Dorothea shook her head.

“Even if we take a huge step back and assume that kid seriously challenges the lordship, she won’t be adventuring with us. She’ll either work with the knights or focus on administration or social duties. Why would a noble young lady go on a journey?”

[The 'Tin Knight' declares that adventure is the standard route for glory!]

“Yeah, yeah. Enough with the nonsense. Let’s get going now that we’ve finished your replenishing mana.”

Just as Dorothea opened the door to leave...

Knock, knock.

Knocks came from the door.

“Excuse me. May I speak with you for a moment.”

It was the girl’s voice.

Your gaze met Dorothea’s for a moment, and her eyes blinked two or three times.

As Dorothea opened the door, the girl’s figure came into view.

You were a bit surprised.

Clothing made of leather and cloth, prioritizing mobility and durability. A backpack filled to the brim with various items. And even a sword, which, though still awkwardly worn, clearly showed her enthusiasm.

Without a trace of her ornate dresses or anything similar, the girl, dressed like a novice adventurer, was staring at you and Dorothea with a determined gaze.

“I have a request. Please take me along on your journey!”

Dorothea, who rarely looked genuinely flustered, cleared her throat before speaking, “Um, I don’t understand what you’re saying. You seem a bit too excited right now. It might be better to cool your head first.”

“No, I’m serious. And I didn’t make this decision impulsively.”

The girl’s gaze was unwavering.

“I want to prove that I’m worthy of succeeding my father.”

“If that’s the case, you don’t need to follow us. You can do that here, can’t you? It’s easier to show the people around you how much you’re trying.”

“No, if I stay in this domain and fight on the same stage as Acting Lord Giselle, I’ll never be able to surpass her. Everyone will cheer me on. Everyone will say I’m trying hard, that I’m making an effort. But that’s how people look at a child. Adults may watch a child’s growth with fond eyes, but they won’t acknowledge them as a superior. Especially if there’s already a fully accomplished competitor nearby.”

They’ll acknowledge the effort, they’ll know I’m trying, they’ll think it’s pitiful, they’ll think it’s cute, but, but, but.

The girl didn’t want such an evaluation.

She firmly asserted that to be truly acknowledged, she needed to build her skills and achievements somewhere other than here.

“At first, I thought about leaving alone. But with my inexperience and foolishness, if I set out on a journey with just enthusiasm, I’d only reach a miserable end before long.”

“So, you decided to tag along with wanderers who seem to have some skills? You think you can gain experience by being with us, and won’t die easily? Well, it makes sense. If we only consider your position, Kid.”

Dorothea folded her arms.

Looking down at the girl with an arrogant expression, Dorothea said, “But what about our position? What benefit is there for us in dragging around a burden like you?”

The girl stepped outside for a moment, then lifted something like a sack from the corner of the wall and held it out in front of you.

“This is all my personal wealth that was left in the domain, and all the support funds I received from Acting Lord Giselle. It’s all yours.”

Chink.

As the sack touched the floor, revealing its heavy presence, Dorothea’s eyebrows twitched.

But the girl wasn’t finished just yet. She knelt on the floor and bowed her head.

“You don’t even have to treat me as a companion. It’s fine if you use me like a servant. So, please, help me.”

Silence fell.

Dorothea didn’t open her mouth, and the girl didn’t raise her body.

So you stepped in.

[The 'Tin Knight' insists that now is the perfect chance to take on a student!]

Dorothea looked at you, raising her eyebrows unevenly.

“What are you talking about?”

[The 'Tin Knight' honestly asks if you don't want to try bossing around a student like your teacher used to do!]

“No, I don’t particularly... Hmm.”

Dorothea’s expression changed subtly.

“Still, she’s not a student. It’s not like I have anything easy to teach, and besides, she only looks young, we’re not that far apart in age.”

[The 'Tin Knight' argues that it's even better if you can just boss her around one-sidedly without the responsibilities of a teacher!]

“...”

[The 'Tin Knight' points out that if she's of noble status, her very existence will be useful in many situations!]

“...”

[The 'Tin Knight' whines about wanting to take in a pupil!]

“Argh! Fine! I get it, so shut up already!”

Clang!

Dorothea swung her staff with all her might, hitting your head, then let out a deep sigh and helped the girl to her feet.

Dorothea asked the tense-looking girl, “Your name?”

“Pardon?”

“I’m asking your name. I can’t keep calling you ‘Kid’, can I?”

In other words, it also meant that there would be occasions to call her name in the future.

The girl’s expression visibly brightened.

Not wanting to be outdone, you held out the brooch hanging at your waist.

Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.

To the girl who had a question mark on her face, Dorothea said, “Can you handle mana?”

“Yes, yes! At a basic level!”

“Then try infusing it into that brooch. I’m not sure if it’ll work or not.”

The girl tilted her head but placed her hand on your brooch and infused it with mana.

The brooch, imbued with radiant golden mana, emitted a short, strong glow.

[The 'Tin Knight' asks if she can hear him!]

“Huh?”

The girl looked at you with a startled expression.

[The 'Tin Knight' requests the girl to raise her right hand if she can hear him!]

“What? Ah, yes! I can hear you! It’s like... it’s resonating directly in my head...? Is this magic too? It’s amazing!”

“Amazing, my foot. Before a day passes, you’ll think it’s more comfortable when you can’t hear him.”

After blurting that out grumpily, Dorothea resumed the self-introduction that had been interrupted by your intervention.

“Dorothea Aschengard. Occupation: Witch.”

[The 'Tin Knight' proudly declares his occupation as Knight!]

The girl answered, “I’m Adelaide von Lennart! Please call me Adel! My occupation is, um, apprentice adventurer...? Anyway, I look forward to working with you!”

The Cowardly Lion Has Joined The Party