Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 192 – I listened to the request

After witnessing Yuuga’s unexpected growth, some time passed… well, maybe not that much time. What started as a simple effort to encourage them had somehow backfired, leaving us weighed down with our own doubts. I was even starting to question whether I was enough for Cecilia. What kind of boyfriend was I if I couldn’t take any real initiative? Planning a trip felt like a huge step, but there were other things on my mind too – like getting a place of my own. With an already overwhelming list of things to do, it felt like new complications kept piling up.

“Cecilia, could you repeat what you just said?” [Youki]

That day, when Cecilia showed up, I was excited to see her, but the moment I heard her news, I was left speechless. She looked tired as well, and I couldn’t blame her, considering the topic.

“Yes, it’s a request from the king. Our task… is to make sure Yuuga and Mikana’s wedding goes off without a hitch.” [Cecilia]

“Why did he issue that request!??” [Youki]

Was he actually expecting something to go wrong at the hero’s wedding?

“Do you not remember what happened when Hero-sama proposed to Mikana?” [Cecilia]

“Ah, that. You mean when Yuuga’s feelings unlocked the holy sword’s power, and he flew off all the way to the girls’ academy to propose?” [Youki]

There was quite a misunderstanding between the two back then, so I gave Yuuga some encouragement. He filled in all the gaps before proposing to Mikana, which left Cecilia and me stunned.

“At that time, Hero-sama made a meticulous preparation before proposing to Mikana… but, as a result…” [Cecilia]

“As a result?” [Youki]

“Now, there’s suspicion among other nations that Mikana’s marriage to Hero-sama is actually a political alliance orchestrated by the Kingdom of Clariness to keep them under control.” [Cecilia]

“How did it come to that!?” [Youki]

The whole conversation felt off-track. How did a story about Yuuga’s sudden outburst of motivation turn into an international issue?

“Before Hero-sama got engaged to Mikana… he had feelings for me, didn’t he?” [Cecilia]

“Oh, uh, yeah. That’s true.” [Youki]

It was natural for Cecilia to hesitate. She wasn’t exactly comfortable stating things like this so openly.

“Even though he had feelings for me, he never brushed off others who showed interest in him. He was always kind to everyone, smiling at everyone.” [Cecilia]

“It was like a harem! Like that time when he went to buy an accessory. His fans swarmed the shop when they recognized him. If I remember right, even the princess of this kingdom had a thing for him…” [Youki]

“Yes, apparently, royals and nobles were all pressuring him for an engagement. But he turned everyone down so abruptly and with the king’s support, no less. And… people generally believed Mikana had little chance with him.” [Cecilia]

People must have thought that a childhood friend relationship would never actually turn romantic. Many probably assumed Cecilia had better chances. That’s likely why.

“So the news of this wedding caught everyone off guard. With Hero-sama’s almost over-the-top enthusiasm and the king’s support, it started looking suspicious, like there might be some hidden agenda behind the marriage.” [Cecilia]

“But there isn’t! It’s a genuine marriage born from love.” [Youki]

The whole mess probably stemmed from Yuuga trying too hard; given his position, some misunderstandings were inevitable.

“Hero-sama and Mikana’s wedding will be a huge event. Royals, nobles, and even emperors from various nations are expected to attend. Ideally, everything should go smoothly, but just in case…” [Cecilia]

“I get it, but isn’t that Raven’s job?” [Youki]

The royal knights should be able to handle the security.

“Of course, on the day of the event, the knights, led by Raven-san, will be in charge of securing the venue. But they want us to operate in secret, as assurance.” [Cecilia]

“Hmm. So they want me to be involved, too? Not only you?” [Youki]

“Maybe the king has taken a liking to you.” [Cecilia]

But I’ve only met him once. Did I do something to catch his interest? All I could remember was doing something incredibly foolish at the time. I regretted it instantly and vowed never to act on impulse like that again.

Cecilia smiled, probably recalling the same incident, but she didn’t bring it up. Best to keep it unspoken; that’s for the best.

“…But, is it even right for someone like me to attend a wedding with so many important people?” [Youki]

Cecilia was a former member of the hero’s party, a close friend of the couple, a noble, and… well, she was captivating, so it made sense. However, I was just a B-rank adventurer from the guild. Even as their friend, I’d feel completely out of place there. I could already picture the judging states, the loud whispers, and people intentionally bumping into me to cause trouble. If it came to that, we’d be too distracted to focus on the job.

“In that case… how about you attend as my escort?” [Cecilia]

“No, that’ll just invite more envious stares, and having a male escort would be too conspicuous… Guess I’ll just decline.” [Youki]

“Wait, you mean you’re going to turn down the request?” [Cecilia]

“Yeah, I’ll just tell them that I had to leave for another engagement. Then I’ll explain that we have a reliable substitute coming in my place.” [Youki]

I rummaged through my dresser, pulling out what I needed, and quickly changed. Yes, Youki would not be attending their wedding.

“Cecilia, you’ll attend the wedding and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity inside the venue. I’ll handle everything outside. As the Magic Knight of Black Lightning and an A-rank guild member, I’ve gained the knights’ trust, so going undercover shouldn’t be a problem.” [Youki]

“…Are you serious?” [Cecilia]

“Absolutely. I’m always serious. The Magic Knight of Black Lightning completes all missions without fail. I’ve stood by those two through countless ups and downs to get them to this point. I won’t let anything ruin it now that they’re finally together.” [Youki]

“That might actually make things easier, but… are you sure this will work?” [Cecilia]

My girlfriend really was a worrier. But as the Magic Knight of Black Lightning, defeat, failure, or retreat weren’t in my vocabulary. I’d be there, supporting their wedding from the shadows.

“Rest assured. With me on the job, nothing will go wrong.” [Youki]

“…I’m worried that something will go wrong precisely because you’re involved…” [Cecilia]

Everything would go smoothly. No question about it.

“Now then, Cecilia. Are we set on this plan for the mission?” [Youki]

“Once Youki-san’s in this mode, there’s no stopping him. Besides, it’s not a bad idea. Raven-san and I will handle explaining things to the king.” [Cecilia]

“Heh, then it’s decided. Now, do you have any plans for today?” [Youki]

“Uh, well… yes, since we’ll need to coordinate with Raven-san, so today I…” [Cecilia]

“Good, then let’s move out.” [Youki]

I firmly took hold of her arm. It might have been a bit forceful, but I wanted to take her somewhere. I had a few things of my own to settle. I could make the wrong decision if I handled it alone, so I needed her help.

“W-Wait a second. You might be dressed like that, but I’m only in a light disguise.” [Cecilia]

True. Cecilia was just wearing glasses and a hat with a casual outfit today. Her identity would be obvious. We couldn’t risk revealing the connection between the Magic Knight of Black Lightning and Cecilia. But!

“With this, we’ll be fine.” [Youki]

I pulled out the ‘Cecily Disguise Set’ from the dresser – her outfit, glasses, and spellbook from when she was disguised as ‘Cecily’ before.

“Why do you have something like that ready!?” [Cecilia]

“The Magic Knight of Black Lightning thinks a step or two ahead.” [Youki]

I had a feeling it might come in handy someday, so I bought it. Looks like I was right. With this, the duo of the Magic Knight of Black Lightning and Cecily the Guide of Compassion could make a comeback.

“Wouldn’t it be faster for you to just take off your disguise?” [Cecilia]

“A fair point. But now that I’m dressed like this, I can’t stop until I’ve accomplished something!” [Youki]

If I took off my disguise now, it’d feel incomplete, like I’d lose all my momentum. In the end, Cecilia gave in and agreed to become ‘Cecily’ again.

While she changed, I made sure not to peek. I covered my eyes and cast ‘Nightmare Sleep’ on myself, entering a dream world. There, I was laughing triumphantly, cutting down countless enemies, until suddenly, I was pulled back to reality.

“I’m ready… but, what kind of dream were you having? You were saying things like, ‘There are no foes for me; everything lies in my hands; eternal slumber awaits you!’” [Cecilia]

“Heh, heh, even in my dreams, I‘m unstoppable.” [Youki]

“So, what kind of request are we taking on today?” [Cecilia]

She brushed it off as casually as ever. That’s Cecily for you. She knows how to handle me.

“Actually, we’re not doing any guild missions today.” [Youki]

“Then what are we going to do?” [Cecilia]

“House hunting!” [Youki]

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