I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 122: Events in the Holy Kingdom [SIDE Eleanor]

“Ah, that sign says ‘Holy Kingdom’!”

It seems we’ve arrived in the Holy Kingdom about half a day after parting ways with Captain Justin and his group. I pointed to the sign visible from the carriage window and informed Jeanne, who nodded gracefully with a smile.

“Indeed. From this point on, consider this land as hostile territory. The people of the Holy Kingdom will likely try to detain you, but I do not intend to stay long. Once we meet the Pope, we shall return promptly.”

“Hehe, that’s true. Without Jest-chan, it’s much quieter and lonelier in the carriage, isn’t it?”

“Not necessarily. Even alone, you’re lively enough. However… it is indeed more comforting to have Jest around.”

Jeanne’s gentle smile made me think of the family I left behind in the village. I wondered if they had read my letter. With that thought, I gazed out the window. The sun was reflecting off the dewdrops on the grass, making them sparkle. It was probably because it had rained this morning. Just then, the carriage stopped.

“We’re taking a break here to rest the horses.”

Vice Commander Orel informed us from outside the carriage. Since the order from Captain Justin, he had been looking after us since we left Salamona. He’s probably younger than my father, but I think he might be the oldest among the Third Knights.

As I opened the carriage door, the Holy Knight Commander Axel offered his hand to escort me out. I’ve grown quite accustomed to being escorted like this. But just as I was about to take his hand, it disappeared, and Vice Commander Orel moved in.

“Oh, the ground is a bit muddy here, so excuse me.”

“Ah!”

Before I knew it, Vice Commander Orel had lifted me up. This is just like the princess carry in the romance novel the female apprentice priest secretly lent me to encourage me to study reading. Though I still find it hard to read smoothly, I’m motivated to learn.

Instinctively, I clung to his neck so as not to fall. But Vice Commander Orel smiled kindly and joked that he wouldn’t drop me, making me laugh. I had thought he was a more serious person, but it turns out he’s quite fun.

I could tell how strong and well-trained his arms were, holding me up, as well as the body I was clinging to. My father and brothers work in the fields. They are also strong, but this felt different.

When we arrived at the resting spot, prepared with mats by the Holy Kingdom’s delegation, he gently set me down. The people from the Holy Kingdom seemed displeased seeing me being carried like a princess, but I smiled and thanked Vice Commander Orel. Soon after, Jeanne came over with her steps squelching in the mud.

“Oh, my shoes got quite dirty just walking this short distance. ‘Cleanse’.”

Jeanne’s shoes were instantly cleaned by her magic. Perhaps she dirtied them on purpose to prevent the Holy Kingdom people from complaining.

“We expect to reach the Holy Capital by tomorrow evening. Would you like to ride in our carriage until then?”

During the break, the priests from the Holy Kingdom suggested this. However, I honestly didn’t want to ride in such a tense carriage. As I thought that, Jeanne and Vice Commander Orel exchanged glances and nodded.

“Forgive me, but it is not appropriate for a noble lady to ride in a carriage with a man who is not her fiancé. Therefore, how about only the female priests ride with us? Since they have been assisting the Saint, there should be no issue.”

The “female priests” refer to the apprentice priests who came from the Holy Kingdom to take care of me on this journey. We’ve become close enough to chat a bit since we first met, but the idea of being in a carriage with them the entire time made me a bit anxious.

After the break, it was decided that the two apprentice priests would ride in our carriage. They seemed nervous about being in the same carriage as Jeanne, a dragon.

“Hehe, there’s no need to be so tense. I won’t bite… By the way, do you know that Eleanor is studying reading?”

“Yes.”

“There is a sensible priest at the Grand Temple of Rafios Kingdom who has been taking care of Eleanor. She gave her a romance novel to spark her interest in learning. So, what titles do you recommend?”

“What!?”

“N-no way…”

I had told Jeanne about it during our journey, but I never expected her to reveal it like this! While I was flustered, Jeanne looked at the two of them with eyes full of curiosity. Wait a minute… these two are definitely surprised, but they aren’t denying it… Could it be…?

“If you have any recommendations, please let me know! Actually, when Vice Commander Orel carried me in a princess carry earlier so my shoes wouldn’t get dirty, my heart skipped a beat! It was just like the illustration in the book!”

“Oh, I understand! Unlike the members of the subjugation squad, the knights who are accompanying us as escorts look so dashing in their formal knight attire! If it had been the Holy Knight Commander, it would’ve been even more picture-perfect!”

When I probed them, one of the apprentice priests was unable to hold back anymore. She leaned forward and started talking excitedly. The other one nodded enthusiastically. Maybe Jeanne and Vice Commander Orel had figured out these two’s personalities, which is why they allowed them to ride with us.

And so, we continued toward the Holy Capital, chatting and giggling about things we couldn’t let the men hear.

Original Author’s Comment:

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The upcoming chapters will cover the events leading up to their reunion. The next one will likely be from Eleanor’s perspective again, but after that, I’m torn between focusing on Jeanne’s or Orel’s point of view.