Chapter 67
The Ice Nieshock.
That is the nickname of the commander of the Second Knight Order.
Always expressionless and sparing with words, Nieshock's refined appearance draws admiring gazes from ladies everywhere.
When it comes to popularity with women, Nieshock is every bit as popular as Rays-sama and Lucifal.
Furthermore, on the battlefield, Nieshock is feared by enemy commanders for a decisiveness that can turn the tide with a single stroke, as though bringing down a blade of ice.
That is how Nieshock came to be known as the Ice Nieshock.
We were welcomed into Yufe Fort, where Nieshock-sama was stationed.
As soon as we entered the fort, Wickhart stopped us.
"I'm sorry, but Nieshock-dono is a somewhat eccentric person, so if possible, we'd like to limit the number of people who meet Nieshock..." Wickhart said, and Captain Rezor chimed in.
"It's not mandatory, but we'd appreciate it if you could accommodate us. Nieshock can be rather difficult to deal with."
With Captain Rezor asking as well, it was hard for us to insist.
"In that case, we'd like to speak with the Second Knight Order's unit commanders. Dick, what will you do?" Ryuzel and Frein readily backed down. When asked, Dick replied, "It's my job to stay by Roa's side~."
"I see. Then, Captain Rezor, could you arrange that for us?"
"Then I'll show Ryuzel-dono and Frein-dono to the barracks first. Roa-dono and the others, I'm sorry, but could you wait here for a little while?"
With that, Captain Rezor led Ryuzel and Frein away. After watching them go, I quietly asked Wickhart:
"Is Nieshock-sama really that difficult to deal with?"
But the answer to my question was rather vague.
"I suppose. It's not so much that Nieshock is difficult... Well, you'll understand once you meet Nieshock."
Wickhart apparently had no intention of explaining further, so I had no choice but to wait for Captain Rezor to return.
After a while, Captain Rezor returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Shall we go?"
Following Captain Rezor's lead, we headed to the top floor of the fort.
"Excuse me. I've brought Roa-dono and Wickhart-dono of the Tenth Knight Order."
Captain Rezor's words were met by a curt reply from inside: "Enter."
The heavy door opened with a groan, revealing a commander with a physique rivaling Zackhart-sama's of the Third Knight Order and a finely featured face. It was Nieshock-sama himself, whom I had seen from afar once before.
Before I could even open my mouth to offer a greeting, I understood why they had limited the number of people meeting Nieshock.
His doll-like, finely featured face suddenly melted into a floppy grin.
"Oh my! It really is Wickhart-chan! My, my! It's been ages!"
The Ice Nieshock came rushing over.
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"So you're Roa-chan! Nice to meet you. I'm Nieshock. I'd be delighted if you'd call me Hock-san, or something equally casual."
"Ah, yes. I look forward to working with you."
Though I understood the words, my mind wasn't processing them at all, so I looked awkwardly at Wickhart.
"As you can see, that's what Nieshock is like. Since the commander of the Second Knight Order is expected to behave a certain way, the king tells Nieshock, 'Don't speak in public. Behave yourself.'"
"Rude, isn't it~? What exactly is wrong with it, I wonder!? Well, in exchange, I've been told I can do whatever I like with the Second Knight Order, so I have no complaints~. Oh, would you like some tea? We have some delicious baked sweets! Let's all eat together, shall we? Rezor, you'll join us too, won't you!"
"Yes. I'll prepare it." Rezor was used to this and promptly began making the preparations.
"So, what brings you all the way out here?"
Once things had settled down, Nieshock-sama got straight to the point.
What had we come for...? To put it simply, I'd come to confirm whether Nieshock-sama had betrayed Ludeck—but there was no way I could say that aloud.
"Well... I simply came to say hello..."
"To say hello? I don't mean to be rude, but coming all this way just for that... I find it hard to believe."
"Is that so? I suppose I just thought... it was only right to pay our respects..."
"Pay your respects?"
"Yes. This area falls under the Second Knight Order's jurisdiction, and since we're entering it, I thought it was only right to say something first. Of course, I assume the knight orders have already contacted each other beforehand. Still, I felt it would be better to greet you in person."
At my words, Nieshock-sama tilted their head in puzzlement. Keeping it tilted, they placed a hand against their chin and stared intently at me.
"You're... awfully young to be saying something so old-fashioned."
I have lived another forty years beyond this point, after all, so I suppose old-fashioned ideas are only natural for me. If we're talking about the wisdom that comes with age, I'm the most experienced person here. It's something I learned over those forty years.
"Is that so?" I played innocent, and Nieshock-sama grinned.
"Well, I don't dislike that way of thinking. All right. Since you've come all this way, stay and take your time."
Apparently, I'd made a favorable impression, at least. Now then, how much could I draw out of Nieshock-sama—Hock-san? The real work was only beginning.