I Was Reincarnated As The Brother Of A Villainous Young Lady, But I Couldn't Use Magic, So I Used My Sword To Slash Down The Doom Flag - Chapter 16

One month after I began serving as a retainer for Like Hartmann at the marquis household, I finally took part in a dungeon extermination operation led by Like. During that time, my father recovered from his injuries, and when my mother learned that I—the eldest son—had been given the honor of serving as a retainer, she cried bitter tears. Later, without any discussion, my mother even sent a furious letter when she found out that Tilti and I would live at the marquis house together. But now all those troubles have settled, and we are living peaceful days.

That is why I have not told anyone about the extermination operation. I only said that I have a big job coming up soon, and once it is finished, I will return to the Ranger household for a while. After all, a ten-year-old would not normally charge into a dungeon. I knew my mother and Tilti would oppose it, so I kept quiet. It seems that Like has also not told any of his retainers—or even Siluria—about it.

“So… does this mean that everyone here is all of Like’s available forces?”

“Well, yes.”

In the past month, we have become more familiar with each other, and in casual settings I speak informally. In answer to my question, Like gave a troubled look and replied. Like himself has no combat power, which is not surprising given the game. But the fact that the only fighting forces under his command, aside from me, are just three knights—doesn’t that seem too few?

“According to the information I gathered, there should not be any very strong magic beasts. This force will be enough. I expect we can manage even without you.”

“That’s right, so don’t worry too much, kid. Even if you lose your nerve, I’ll protect you.”

The one who patted my head was the oldest of the three knights. He is an old knight with a big scar on his face, named Ain. He was not present during the training I attended, so he does not seem to consider me a strong fighter. A younger knight named Zwei, who had watched my training, looked at me with a hint of awe in his eyes. I was happy to be seen as a valuable part of the force, although Mr. Ain still seemed a little doubtful. And then there was the last knight—one named Dry—who just stood there silently like a shadow. I even said, “Hey, say something,” but he did not speak.

“Well then, let’s depart.”

In the early morning, before the sun had fully risen, we got into the carriage and set off. I felt as if someone was watching us, but it did not feel bad, so I decided to ignore it. We were heading to a mountain deep in the remote part of the Hartmann Marquis lands, where few people live. A dungeon is said to have appeared there. Normally, one is supposed to exterminate a dungeon as soon as it is found, but because this place is far from any town, it has been left alone for a while. The magic beasts coming out of the dungeon are weak goblins, so they are almost forgotten. In a large noble house like the marquis’s, many dungeons must be exterminated, so smaller ones are often postponed.

“But even a small dungeon is still a dungeon. By exterminating it, I will build the foundation for my own power.”

That is the rough plan. He kept saying it was not a major dungeon, but I could see his hands trembling a little. Perhaps he was nervous about going into battle with no real combat power.

“Isn’t it funny? You plan to take over the marquis family, yet you can barely conquer a goblin nest.”

“It’s not funny at all. In fact, I respect you for risking your life to change this powerless state, even though you have no real strength.”

When I said that, Like looked surprised—as if he expected me to burst out laughing. I wondered if he really thought that, which would have shocked me.

“I became strong because I had a sword, but without it, I wouldn’t be able to use magic. I don’t know if I could have stood up like you did if I didn’t have a sword. That is why you are amazing, Like.”

I have regained the experience and knowledge of my previous life as a reborn person, so I am no longer a typical ten-year-old in spirit. But Like is truly ten. Even though he has no real strength and is trying to stand on the battlefield, there is no way I could laugh at him.

“Right now, I am your retainer—your sword. Swing with confidence for your goal. I guarantee its sharpness. …But do not cause trouble for Tilti or our father, that I will not allow.”

“Heh, hahaha…!”

As I reiterated my point, Like burst into laughter. I protested that it was important, but Like waved his hand as if to say, “It’s not that serious.”

“You are the first one to say that to me. Thank you, Sold. I am glad I chose you as my retainer.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Though I had never worked even once, his praise made me accept it gratefully.

After talking like that for half a day, we finally arrived at the village at the foot of the mountain where the dungeon is located.
“Now then, everyone, I ask you once again: please lend me your strength for my sake, and for the future of the marquis family.”

Like, who had been very tense when we set out, now seemed relaxed, as if his resolve had hardened by the time we arrived. Leading a strange group of knights, all headed by a ten-year-old, we drew curious stares from the villagers. Then Like declared:

“We now begin the dungeon extermination operation.”