Author: Suisei
Translator: Rinkage

Character page: Here

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Chapter 216 – I walked around the wedding hall as a chuunibyou

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Behold! I, the Magic Knight of Black Lightning, have arrived!” [Youki]

“…You’re late.”

I thought I’d hurried as much as I could.

After parting ways with Soleil, I erased my presence just in case, returned home, changed clothes, and rushed straight to the meeting point. Even though I, the Magic Knight of Black Lightning, had always prided myself on completing any request without fail, I had still arrived late. It was a blemish on my record, a mistake I couldn’t refute or excuse.

When I arrived, I noticed Raven wasn’t the only one there. The ordinary knights were present as well.

“…Sorry, everyone. Could you return to your assigned positions? I’ll have a briefing with the late-arriving Magic Swordsman.” [Raven]

Thanks to the knight commander’s gracious words, the knights jogged off to their posts.

“Phew, thanks. That’s a great help. Now we can talk without worrying.” [Youki]

“…What happened? I don’t think you’d get the meeting time wrong. Don’t tell me… were you attacked by someone?” [Raven]

“As sharp as ever. You really know me well. You’re right. I ran into a troublesome obstacle, but I managed to resolve it and make it here.” [Youki]

“Let me confirm something. Is this about Cecilia?” [Raven]

Raven asked with a grave expression. He really did know me well.

Unfortunately, though…

“You’re half right.” [Youki]

“…Then the other half must be related to Yuuga.” [Raven]

This time, his expression looked slightly weary. It seemed he knew Yuuga well, too.

“Correct. That’s Raven for you.” [Youki]

“…For it to take this long for you to regroup with us, Youki, something serious must’ve happened.” [Raven]

“You really do know me… But let me say one thing. Right now, I am the Magic Knight of Black Lightning!” [Youki]

“…Right. In that case, let’s proceed with a security briefing with the esteemed Magic Knight of Black Lightning.” [Raven]

We had already coordinated most of the details beforehand, so there wasn’t much left to discuss.

My role was to investigate whether any suspicious individuals had slipped into the venue. The knights would guard their predetermined positions in pairs, while I was permitted to move about independently. The moment I spotted anyone suspicious, I was to apprehend them and report to Raven.

“I’ll be staying near Yuuga and Mikana. If anything happens, contact me through Duke. When moving around inside the venue, hide your presence as much as possible… no, actually… enter as Youki.” [Raven]

“Why? I am currently the Magic Knight of Black Lightning. To undertake a mission while wielding two identities—” [Youki]

“…You said half the reason you were late was Yuuga, didn’t you? He probably went to pick you up from your house. After that, you came to the venue once already, where something related to Cecilia must have happened. Am I wrong?” [Raven]

His reasoning was sharp enough to make me wonder if he’d seen everything.

“Seems the knight commander possesses not only keen insight but impressive deductive skills as well.” [Youki]

“…I happened to see Cecilia, Youki, and Soleil-dono talking from a distance. As for Yuuga… well, I guessed the rest.” [Raven]

So he had been watching at least a little. That made sense. Piecing things together with absolutely no information would have been impossible.

Still, he seemed to have no trouble imagining what had happened with Yuuga. That must come from how long they’d known each other. Reliable as always.

“Now then, shall we begin? Let us root out every last fool lurking within this venue and bring the hammer of judgment down upon them. Those unworthy of this stage of celebration shall be escorted somewhere more fitting.” [Youki]

“Looks like you’re more than fired up. That said, the chances of an incident are low. Not only do we have our own security in place, but formidable guards have come from every nation. Other countries’ hero parties, including Soleil-dono, are scheduled to attend as well.” [Raven]

In other words, there shouldn’t be anyone foolish enough to try something in the middle of all that. Meaning the Magic Knight of Black Lightning probably wouldn’t get his moment to shine.

“I might’ve said this before, but nothing happening is the best outcome. I’d appreciate it if you kept that in mind while on duty.” [Raven]

I didn’t think I was showing any dissatisfaction. …Then again, I was wearing a helmet, so he shouldn’t have been able to see my expression anyway. Still, maybe I was giving off that kind of air unconsciously, and Raven had picked up on it.

Looks like I still have room to grow. To carry out any request swiftly and flawlessly – that is how the Magic Knight of Black Lightning operates. Even if there’s no spotlight moment, as long as this wedding ends safely, that’s enough.

I thrust out my clenched fist and made my declaration.

“I’ll use every ounce of my power to ensure this ceremony succeeds without incident.” [Youki]

“…I’m counting on you. As the knight commander, I’ll be guarding the most troublesome location.” [Raven]

“You’re placing yourself in danger, then. And where would that be?” [Youki]

“…Near Yuuga.” [Raven]

“That is troublesome.” [Youki]

That post requires skill, judgment, and patience. You can’t guard that spot without all three. With Yuuga around, there’s no telling what he might do, so you have to stay on edge at all times. And if something sudden happens, you must make a split-second decision and move immediately… or it’ll be too late.

“…Of course protecting the bride and groom is a given, but I can’t help worrying. To be honest, I feel uneasy if they’re not within my sight.” [Raven]

“I see. Understood. Leave the outside to me.” [Youki]

“…Don’t stand out.” [Raven]

“Of course. Today’s stars are those two. I’ll gladly become a shadow…” [Youki]

Leaving those words with Raven, I vanished using magic.

Why?

Because it looked way cooler.

Raven, meanwhile, simply headed toward the venue without changing his expression.

…Guess I should do a proper patrol too. Assassins, killers, spies—I’ll eradicate whatever darkness lurks within this venue.

“There was a time when I said things like that too…” [Youki]

Muttering to myself with a hint of loneliness atop the venue’s roof, I, the Magic Knight of Black Lightning, activated my abilities to their fullest and surveyed the area.

Sure, there were guys clearly looking for a bride, and other shady types probing each other with ulterior motives. But that level of thing was within acceptable limits. If you asked whether any of it looked like it would lead to an actual incident… Not really.

“Hmmm… what should I do? At this rate, there’s no place for me to shine.” [Youki]

I was the only “black” presence in the venue. The only one who didn’t belong was me. Come to think of it, dressing head-to-toe in black at a wedding might not have been the best idea.

“Hmph…”

We need vigilance inside as well, don’t we, Raven?

“Hohoh.”

I returned from the Magic Knight of Black Lightning to being Youki. Just in case, I erased my presence and slipped into the venue where the bride and groom were.

Beside Mikana in her bridal gown stood Yuuga in his groom’s attire, both wearing blissful smiles. Around them stood people whose faces I vaguely recognized – probably dignitaries from various countries. They were dressed in expensive clothes and adorned with lavish accessories. Still, it didn’t seem like everyone present was actually close to Yuuga and Mikana. It made me wonder how many people were truly here to celebrate them. I’d hate it if most were here for political motives. But as long as the two of them looked happy, that was enough.

Meanwhile, our dear knight commander seemed to be on edge. His gaze kept wandering, probably because he was worried Yuuga might cause trouble.

No… wait.

It wasn’t Yuuga he was watching. He was looking at Happiness. Earlier, I had asked Cecilia to have her infiltrate the venue as staff, just to be safe. Raven should have already investigated the background of every staff member, yet he still seemed uneasy.

Relax… Happiness was trained by Sophia-san. She won’t make any mistakes.

By the way, Sheik attended the wedding and was probably lingering somewhere with Celia-san as well. My former subordinates were scattered throughout the venue. If someone really tried something here, they were welcome to try. With a lineup this solid, anything they attempted would be futile.

Yes… no matter what happens, I—no, we—will resolve it.

Even if a child suddenly bursts into tears, clutching their stomach…

“Here you go~”

Sheik administered medicine, and the child was taken to another room to rest. Though I didn’t miss the way several ladies were watching him closely.

Even if a staff member named Happiness were to be hit on…

“…Today is the stage for Hero Yuuga and Mikana. I’d appreciate it if you refrained from behaviour that would spoil it. I’ll escort you to another room.”

…Raven would lead the offender away.

Apparently, he had somehow left Yuuga in Duke’s care the moment he noticed someone flirting with Happiness.

So this was what it looked like when someone snapped quietly. All I can say is… tough luck for that guy.

Next was a woman who once admired Yuuga.

When her fiancé pointed out she might still have lingering feelings, she broke down in tears. That reaction could honestly be interpreted either way. But I’d already prepared for situations like this.

“Hahahaha! Oh lambs lost in the maze of love! But today is a wedding! A wedding is the terminus of romance, and the beginning of a new path! Your worries shall be heard by me in another room. Come along!”

I’m glad I called Caius.

Yuuga said he had settled things, but you never know where romantic trouble might appear. Caius more or less dragged them away, but if it’s Caius, he’ll smooth things over.

This was our strength. No matter the trouble, we would resolve it privately – in another room.

Feeling satisfied, I focused on the stars of the day – Yuuga and Mikana.

Everything had gone smoothly so far.

Still not my time to shine.

But then I noticed Yuuga looking puzzled. He glanced around and said something to Mikana.

Deciding it was my cue, I listened in.

“Hey, Mikana, have you seen Youki-kun?” [Yuuga]

“Huh? No, I haven’t.” [Mikana]

“That’s strange. I could’ve sworn I picked him up at his place and we came together.” [Yuuga]

“Huh!? You went to see another guy first on the day of our wedding?! You’re terrible!” [Mikana]

“No, no, no! That’s not it. You know Youki-kun… I just thought he might’ve overslept or something. You’re the only one for me, Mikana, so please don’t be mad.” [Yuuga]

“…Idiot. I wasn’t being serious.” [Mikana]

“Thank goodness.” [Yuuga]

It was a passionate, newlywed exchange.

And it made me regret listening in.

I really shouldn’t have.

Still, the fact that he was looking for me was troublesome. It seemed I’d have to show myself to Yuuga at least once before fading away naturally again. With a venue this large, he probably wouldn’t think too deeply about my disappearance after that.

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