"We need to protect the villagers," Leon said, his brow furrowed with worry. "They are terrified to even step into their fields with Gluttony on the loose."
"I'll take care of Gluttony myself," Kenta stated calmly.
Eidolon blinked in surprise. "You're going after a Demon General alone?"
Leon chuckled, patting Eidolon's shoulder. "Eidolon, don't underestimate him. Kenta is the kingdom's greatest knight. He has ten years of brutal experience and training under his belt. He's defeated hundreds of S-rank monsters and even slayed a dragon."
Eidolon's jaw tightened. A dragon? He looked at Kenta with newfound respect. This guy is way more powerful than I thought.
"In the meantime, Eidolon, I need you to head to the border village with Leon," Kenta instructed. "Check on the citizens and make sure Gluttony hasn't left any traps behind. If you see anything suspicious, report directly back to headquarters. Do not engage."
"Yeah! It will be a perfect first mission for him," Leon agreed.
Eidolon screamed internally. I don't want to go! This is a mess for regular knights. I'm just a personal bodyguard! He opened his mouth to protest, but then he thought of Seraphina. If he left, who would protect her?
As if reading his mind, Kenta smiled. "I will stay behind and look after the Princess. You and Leon handle the scouts."
"Alright, deal!" Leon stretched. "I need to go grab some supplies from the armory first. See you at the carriage, Eidolon!"
As Leon walked off, Eidolon groaned inwardly. How do I keep getting trapped in these life-or-death situations? I need to get out of this mission.
Kenta looked at him curiously. "You seem nervous, Eidolon. Is something wrong?"
This is my chance, Eidolon thought. He knew Princess Seraphina was secretly hiding around the corner, listening to them. If he acted like a jerk, maybe they'd let him stay behind!
"I'm just worried about the Princess," Eidolon said loudly, making sure his voice carried. "Her safety is my top priority. After all... she is so childish. She can't do anything by herself except cry. If I leave her alone, she'll probably burn the castle down."
Behind the pillar, Seraphina's face turned a furious shade of red, though her heart fluttered slightly at the words 'top priority.'
WHOOSH.
A sudden fireball zipped through the air, narrowly missing Eidolon's head and scorching the stone wall behind him.
"How dare you call me childish!" Seraphina shouted, stomping out from her hiding spot. "I am not afraid of anything, and I certainly don't cry! You should stop making excuses and go to that village right now, you dumb Eidolon! Hmph!"
Eidolon sighed, watching her stomp away. Mission failed. Terribly.
Kenta burst out laughing. "Relax, Princess! I apologize for his rudeness. But I think Eidolon just wants to eat your apple pie so badly that he's cranky."
Eidolon shot Kenta a look of pure gratitude. Bro, thank you for saving my life.
Seraphina paused, her anger deflating slightly. "Fine... come to the dining hall."
A Taste of Home
A short while later, the three of them sat around a table, enjoying fresh slices of warm apple pie.
"This is incredible," Kenta said around a mouthful.
Eidolon took a bite, and for a moment, he was rendered speechless. The sweet, warm flavor filled his senses, reminding him of a comfort he had never truly known in his harsh past life. "Wow... Seraphina, this is amazing. You are an incredible cook."
Seraphina blushed furiously, looking down at her plate. "W-well! I am a princess, I'm supposed to have many skills."
"Gosh, I could eat this every single day," Eidolon muttered, genuinely happy.
"Well... I could make it for you every day," she whispered, her face growing even redder.
"Don't forget to invite me too!" Kenta laughed.
Watching them, Eidolon let out a soft, genuine laugh. It was the first time he had laughed without malice or pain since arriving in this world.
Kenta smiled warmly at him. "You know, that's the first time I've seen you laugh. You have a good smile, kid."
Eidolon quickly wiped the expression from his face, coughing awkwardly. "Right. Well."
Seraphina watched him out of the corner of her eye, her heart beating a little faster. He's actually really handsome when he smiles...
The Village of Shadows
"Let's go, Eidolon! The carriage is packed!" Leon called out from the courtyard.
Eidolon stood up and sighed. "Coming."
"Take care of yourself out there, Eidolon," Seraphina said softly, her eyes locked onto his.
"If something goes wrong, remember to contact headquarters immediately," Kenta reminded him.
"Roger that," Eidolon waved. He climbed into the horse-drawn carriage next to Leon, trying to convince himself. This is just a quick trip. We check the village, come back, and then I can finally get back to planning my shop.
As the carriage rolled out of the capital gates, Leon tried to break the ice. "So, where are you from originally, Eidolon? You don't look like you're from the outer territories."
"I'm just from a distant, isolated village," Eidolon lied smoothly.
"Well, when we get back from this mission, you have to come to my house for dinner," Leon smiled proudly. "My children love meeting new knights."
"You have kids?" Eidolon asked, surprised.
"Yep! I'm twenty-three, and I've got two beautiful daughters and a wonderful wife," Leon said, pulling a small locket out from under his armor to show a picture.
"That's... a really nice family, Leon. I'm happy for you."
"How old are you, anyway?" Leon asked.
I was seventeen in my old universe, Eidolon thought, but physically, I think this new body is around eighteen. "I'm eighteen. And very unmarried."
Leon laughed loudly. "You, unmarried? With looks like that? I don't believe you. Don't worry, once we get back, we will find a beautiful girl for you!"
Eidolon just stared out the window. Not going to happen.
"Oh, look. We've arrived," Leon said, his voice dropping an octave as the horses slowed to a stop.
They stepped out of the carriage. The village was eerily silent. No children playing, no farmers in the fields, and no smoke coming from the chimneys.
Eidolon closed his eyes, his senses flaring. A heavy, sickening chill ran down his spine.
"This village has dark energy," Eidolon whispered, his eyes flashing purple as he reached for the invisible hilt of his sword. "I can feel it. Something is very wrong here