Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Special Mission Unit

‘Grand Duke Becartan—.’

Information floated into Galahad’s head.

At five years old he caught a wolf with bare hands, at ten years old he killed five mercenaries who attacked him. At twelve years old he defeated a knight with swordsmanship, and at thirteen years old he beat his own father and brothers all to death with his hands.

He was a man no different from the textbook of a madman.

Along with that the hobby was killing the demon race, moistening the throat with that blood, and displaying the leather.

When he first read it he thought it was exaggeration, but actually seeing it there was a sense of insufficiency.

Galahad stealthily moved his finger. An ice crystal sharp enough to pierce even steel armor felt resistance and crackled as it jumped.

‘Skin thicker than iron?’

Galahad’s eyes widened.

Did he become strong by eating the blood and meat of the demon race that contained mana? Then does mana act physically as well?

‘Is mana held in the skin?’

Galahad stealthily poured mana in, and the mana bounced out. Galahad’s eyes widened.

Even raising the concentration and putting it in again it bounced. Oh, mana bouncing! Galahad’s heart pounded.

Then, at the sunken eyes of the Grand Duke Galahad removed his hand.

‘The daughter burns mana and the father bounces mana—. Can there be such an attractive father and daughter.’

Galahad swallowed saliva.

In contrast the emotion residing in the Grand Duke’s eyes was only a very small interest.

“Previously the crown prince came, this time it is a magic guy.”

Magic guy—. At that rough word Galahad smiled bitterly.

Galahad’s head rolled busily. He had sent the crown prince. Seeing that Galahad was sent, it was clear the end was not good.

Then—.

“You almost had a big problem. The crown prince is famous as a guy crazy about women. So much that the nickname is a dog in heat.”

The mouth was bitter, but originally where he is not it was the law to curse the ruler of the country.

“Hahaha! A dog in heat! An accurate expression!”

The Grand Duke burst into great laughter. At that laughter the space fully shook.

‘The crown prince had come to the North—.’

It was a secret history even Galahad did not know.

The crown prince was a guy in heat with great womanizing. If it was that guy it was enough to come this far hearing the rumors of Adrianne.

“He said he loves as soon as he saw.”

That playboy crown prince saying love first—. If Galahad had not actually seen Adrianne he would not have believed it.

But now the thought came that it could be so.

What mage would not fall in love in front of her mana-burning nature.

“He said he would kiss the back of the hand. Even though everyone stopped him he absolutely did not listen—.”

The Grand Duke laughed. That laughter was low and rough exactly like a beast growling.

Galahad admired softly. Kissing the back of the hand—. There was such a clever method.

The crown prince had quite a talent for magic. Until Galahad replaced him he even had the title of the youngest Academy graduate.

If such a crown prince held Adrianne’s hand—. Galahad lightly shook the tingling hand.

“He wailed and screamed. How funny it was that he even pissed while trembling. He even cursed as a cursed witch.”

The Grand Duke laughed out loud, but Galahad felt deep irritation.

A mage giving up just because of pain. It was absurd. So even receiving the enormous support of the imperial family he is still trash—.

If even half of that had come to Galahad, he would have already changed the history of magic.

“The crown prince rode a horse well.”

At the Grand Duke’s words mixed with laughter Galahad squinted his eyes.

There was no way that crown prince would ride a horse instead of a carriage or mana carriage. That such a crown prince went riding a horse meant—.

‘He killed everyone except the crown prince.’

A true madman.

It was clear rebellion against the empire, but rather the crown prince would have welcomed it. Because he killed all the guys who saw his vulgar appearance in his stead.

The crown prince was that kind of guy.

“The next is you.”

‘It is something the crown prince did.’

The crown prince did not like Galahad. Because of the reason that he replaced the youngest record that was the crown prince’s greatest pride.

There would be more entangled interests, but somehow the premonition came that the crown prince’s share would be large.

Ding-ding-ding—. Somewhere noisy bell sounds were heard. The Grand Duke’s head turned. That side profile was exactly like a lion. An aged and sick lion, but the teeth remained.

It was that kind of beast that does not hesitate to bite even if the teeth break.

To such a Grand Duke to hold out Galahad and tell him to marry the eldest daughter—.

There was no way the Grand Duke would accept, and the empire also knew that.

The reason for placing such a move was clear.

‘Is the North becoming coveted now.’

In the war with the demon race the empire pushed back the demon race, but the damage was extreme. Even recovering that the empire was shaken to the extent.

The empire could not even think of cleaning up the demon race that fled north.

The clever emperor bestowed the position of Grand Duke on the hero who cut the head of the great demon race and entrusted the North.

Anyway because the North was desolate, the emperor did not even receive taxes from the Grand Duke. To the emperor the North was only a barrier against the demon race.

Currently the North only raised the name of the empire, it was a state no different from a duchy. The empire also had no interest in the North.

But recently as magic developed the situation changed.

The value of the North where the front line with the demon race is rose quite a bit. In fact quite a lot of mana stone mines were discovered in the North.

Of course, it was still a land with more disadvantages than advantages, but it was clear that interest in the North was growing.

Galahad was an excuse to eat the North.

Would the Grand Duke not know that? There was no way.

“How were you?”

The Grand Duke asked in a subtle voice. The interest contained in those eyes was gradually fading.

Galahad noticed that if that small interest went out he would also be finished.

“I held the hand. It was very warm. I also interlocked fingers.”

The ember grew a little. The Grand Duke squinted his eyes. Looking closely it also seemed like he was smiling.

He had to grow the ember more.

“Please give your daughter to me.”

The Grand Duke laughed greatly.

The head rang and dizziness rose. For a moment the mana twisted. Is that a person?

Galahad stared at the Grand Duke with furrowed eyes. That was closer to the demon race than a person.

Even more than that pervert lord—.

To the mage Galahad it was no different from a natural enemy.

“A crazy guy.”

It was a rough curse, but the Grand Duke’s eyes were smiling.

“Still better than that idiot.”

It was an obvious statement.

“No matter what that guy does he cannot even follow my toenail.”

At Galahad’s words the Grand Duke laughed even more.

“As expected arrogant.”

“I hear a lot that I am humble.”

At the Grand Duke’s raised eyebrows Galahad closed his mouth.

“Hmm.”

The Grand Duke examined Galahad with blue eyes. It felt exactly like a beast licking its lips.

“Yes, it would be better than consuming food in the underground prison.”

In the eyes of the Grand Duke who said that there was still only a small interest.

“You will not regret it.”

The Grand Duke laughed as if he had heard a funny joke.

“I have never regretted even once.”

For a moment it became quiet. As if the room was watching the Grand Duke’s mood—.

“Because I killed them all before that.”

At the real man-like resolution method Galahad smiled awkwardly.

***

The Grand Duke presented two conditions. One was a position enough to become the partner of the hero of the North Adrianne, and the second was receiving Adrianne’s love.

From a state with no connection at all··· no, rather worse than none because he is a mage, to rise to a position enough to become Adrianne’s partner—.

It was a demand close to impossible, but that was not a big problem for Galahad.

Galahad rather felt the latter was more difficult.

If even one of the two failed, Galahad could bet all his fortune that the Grand Duke would pull out Galahad’s head.

Allowing this also seemed like a small amusement to the Grand Duke. That kind of amusement that no matter how it becomes has nothing to do with—.

In the end, it was a situation where the survival of humanity depended on Galahad’s marriage.

‘A real live-in son-in-law who saves the world.’

Galahad clicked his tongue softly.

The weight was severely more loaded, but nothing changed.

“Oh, you survived.”

Gilbert who had been waiting in front of the mansion admired as if truly surprised. Anyway a disgusting guy.

“Would one die at a meeting of the parents-in-law.”

“Hmm, what did you talk about?”

Galahad answered while putting a cigarette in his mouth.

“What would one talk about with the father-in-law. It is a story about marriage. He gave too little dowry.”

“······Dowry? Did His Grace the Grand Duke really permit the marriage?”

“That is a matter of time.”

Galahad roughly answered and organized the complicated thoughts.

The weight was quite loaded, but nothing changed.

“You, where is your affiliation? Coachman? Guard?”

“······What coachman. I belong to the 1st Battalion composed of only the most elite even in the North.”

Gilbert laughed as if absurd.

“Actually I knew, Gilbert of the 1st Battalion. Master of the sword?”

A question rose in Gilbert’s eyes. It was a face somehow uneasy. Quick-witted. Galahad grinned.

“Why are you suddenly asking that?”

“Ah, you were just specially selected into the Special Mission Unit. Thanks is enough. Are we ordinary relation.”

“······Special Mission Unit? Was there such a thing?”

“I just newly established it. Isn’t it cool? Special Mission Unit, abbreviated as Special Forces.”

“What special mission······.”

“Shh, it is a secret. Anyway, from today you belong to the Special Mission Unit.”

“I refuse. Why do I go to the Special Mission Unit.”

“It is not going, it is already transferred. You still have not understood. The Grand Duke personally transferred you. It can be seen as dowry. Where was it here······.”

Galahad took out one paper from his pocket. It was a document stamped with the Grand Duke’s crest. On it was written largely conscription appointment letter. The target was Gilbert.

Gilbert urgently took it and examined here and there. He seemed to be trying to find a flaw, but unfortunately that was real.

At Gilbert’s fully furrowed face Galahad grinned.

“······It is real?”

Gilbert’s words were short for the first time. That face was full of complexity.

“I always speak only the truth.”

“No, why did His Grace the Grand Duke······.”

“Think of it as dowry. Because there is the feeling so far, I will specially appoint you as unit captain. Between us thanks is not needed.”

Gilbert’s eyes wandered for a moment. Gilbert who alternately looked at the document and Galahad tightly closed his eyes and then opened them.

“It is not a dream.”

“Damn. But unit captain. Are there members?”

“That has to be obtained from now.”

“Damn it.”

“Your curses are quite honest.”

Around the time Galahad finished smoking the cigarette Gilbert regained calm. He was a calmer guy than expected.

“So is there a person you thought of?”

“Of course there is. First, one is certain and the remaining three you will find out.”

“You mean there is only one?”

“You have to think positively. There is one.”

At Galahad’s answer Gilbert furrowed his eyebrows. Galahad grinned.

“I am thinking of taking about five, so you make the list of the remaining three. Ability-oriented. Personality is not needed. Because I believe in the theory of innate evil.”

Gilbert who opened and closed his mouth confirmed the document held in his hand again. Veins rose on Gilbert’s hand.

“It is a document stamped with the crest of the great His Grace the Grand Duke. If you tear that it is the death penalty.”

Gilbert powerlessly nodded.

“He said to pick from the standby forces.”

“······Why was such a condition attached? Did you even ask for Lady Adrianne?”

“That is not allowed.”

Gilbert pressed his own temple firmly.

“Anyway please take care of me. Captain.”

At Galahad who laughed heartily and patted the shoulder Gilbert tightly bit his teeth.

Gilbert who was recalling usable people suddenly felt a question.

Galahad who had been imprisoned all along since arriving in the North.

That such a Galahad has a person he has seen—.

Who on earth is it?

***

“Here, Gwen. From today you are the Special Mission Unit. You have succeeded! Congratulations!”

“······Yes?”

The eyes of Gwen who was cleaning became large as if they would tear. The broom held in that hand shook as if wandering.

Slow understanding. Galahad clicked his tongue softly and continued the words.

“From today you are a soldier belonging to the Special Mission Unit. Because we are going to the front line quickly pack your luggage. The demon race is calling us!”

He kindly explained, but Gwen rolled her eyes as if she did not understand.

Galahad drank the astringent tea Gwen had brewed and waited for her for a moment. When he had sipped about twice, Gwen shouted loudly.

“Why am I a soldier! I am a maid! A maid who does cleaning and laundry!”

“You, don’t you do cleaning and laundry terribly badly. Even if you mop the dust remains as is—. You break three plates every day, I wonder how you were not fired. Do you have a solid backing?”

“······Yesterday I only broke two!”

“Great progress. Congratulations. Anyway, you are now a soldier. Hurry and pack your luggage.”

“I hate it! I am a maid! Maid! Not a soldier!”

At Gwen’s intense refusal Galahad realized he had not said the important thing.

“The Special Mission Unit salary is ten times your salary. This is the base pay and if you produce results it rises more. You, didn’t you say money is insufficient while taking care of orphans?”

“······Ten times!!”

Gwen drooled while unfolding her fingers one by one.

“······Then I can bring Dent too, and send Bianca to marry! I can sleep with the children all together on a bed! I will do it!”

“Yes, you thought well. Hurry and pack the luggage.”

Gwen who had been emitting heat covered her own chest with both hands and narrowed her eyes.

“······I will not learn magic! I cannot sell my soul!”

“I also have pride. Magic I will only teach if you kneel and beg me to teach. Do you know how expensive my teaching is?”

“······Is it expensive?”

Gwen’s round eyes rolled. She seemed stuck on it being expensive. How can a person be so materialistic—. Galahad clicked his tongue softly.

“······Anyway! Magic is absolutely hated!”

“Yes yes, your position is my secretary. You just have to do the same work as now.”

“······Really?”

“Of course, have you only lived being deceived?”

“Why me? I do work terribly badly? You always scold!”

“You knew.”

“Of course! Even the head maid gave up!”

At the truly confident confession Galahad clicked his tongue.

“If you hate it then say so. I will find another person. Even if I grab any passing person they will do work better than you.”

“Ah··· No! Just order me! I will do anything!”

Gwen suddenly knelt and grabbed the hem of Galahad’s pants. That movement was so natural it was not the skill of clinging once or twice.

Clinging to the leg and blinking the eyes was exactly like a puppy begging for a snack.

‘She came over.’

He planned to take Gwen and show her a lot of the coolness of magic. Gradually permeating into the greatness of magic, in the end she would beg to please teach magic. Galahad was certain.

What was needed for that was only taking Gwen around.

“Yes, hurry and pack the luggage.”

“That··· What about Lord Galahad?”

Galahad shook the bag he had brought. The luggage was in the state of not having unpacked even one. Occupational disease.

Gwen who saw that said she understood and ran around diligently. Galahad sipped the tea again.

‘She also brews tea terribly badly.’

It is something where you just put leaves and pour hot water, but making it tasteless was also a talent.

Around the time he finished drinking the tea, Gwen shouted.

“I packed all the luggage!”

Galahad who saw Gwen let out a groan.

Gwen was holding a rag in one hand, and a broom like a weapon in the other hand.

Going to the front line with the demon race, a broom and a rag—. Galahad who clicked his tongue softly waved his hand.

“You are short so hold the broom a little higher. That way you can stab the demon race’s neck.”

“·········Yes?!”

Gwen who screamed long shed tears drop by drop and held the broom higher.

“One! Two! One!”

“Oneee! Twooo!”

Gilbert who returned after writing the list closed the door again at Galahad swinging a broom with the maid.

“Damn.”

Gilbert’s low curse scattered in the knife-like wind.