The knights who entered the town found themselves struggling against a far greater number of monsters than anticipated.
Although the herbal concoction they carried effectively repelled monsters from a distance, it didn’t help in close encounters. For instance, when turning a corner and coming face-to-face with a monster, they had no choice but to fight.
“Is anyone here?”
“If you are, please respond! We’re knights here to rescue you.”
The knights called out at every building, carefully checking each one to avoid missing anyone inside. Even if no response came, they assumed there might be survivors unable to call for help and thoroughly inspected each location.
“P-please help me…”
A weak voice reached the knights. The three knights, moving in a group, all froze in their tracks.
“Say something again!”
“H-here, I’m here…!”
The voice seemed to come from a room at the end of the hallway. A knight cautiously approached, opened the door, and found an elderly man lying on the floor with an injured leg.
“Are you alright?”
“Thank… you. I thought this was the end for me.”
“That won’t happen. Now that we’re here, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”
“Is there anyone else in this building?”
“No, I… I don’t know.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
The knights quickly assessed the elderly man’s condition. Upon confirming that his injury was limited to his leg, one of them secured the man onto his back.
“This might be uncomfortable, but it’s the quickest way. Please bear with it; we’ll get you out of here soon.”
“Thank you, truly.”
Carefully avoiding monsters, the knights carried the elderly man out of the town. Within about ten minutes, they successfully brought him to safety outside the town.
There, other knights waiting on standby received the elderly man and placed him on a stretcher.
“Leave the rest to us. We’ll escort him further. You all go back in.”
“Understood. Please take care of him.”
The stretcher-bearers transported the elderly man to a temporary station outside the town, where Martina and others awaited.
“Another rescue. His leg is injured, so please administer first aid.”
“Understood. Lay him down here. Don’t worry; you’re safe now.”
Martina greeted the man kindly as he was placed on a cloth mat. A healer specializing in light magic brought over medical supplies. Since healing magic required significant energy, it was reserved for severe cases, while general first aid sufficed for others.
“I’m Martina, a civil officer. Could you tell me your name, where you lived, and your family details?”
“Y-yes, I can.”
“Take your time.”
The information gathered was carefully recorded. The number of rescued individuals had already exceeded twenty, with about half suffering injuries.
“Martina, another survivor is coming in. Could you ask those able to move to make space?”
“Got it. Sylvan , this person wishes to speak with someone. Can you handle it?”
“Understood. Leave it to me.”
Sylvan , a member of the Cadule family, responded to concerns and grievances voiced by the survivors, despite the family’s reputation for its aristocratic supremacy. Though often met with harsh words, Sylvan remained composed and earnest in addressing the people.
“Has he changed a bit?”
“Maybe… I’d be happy if we could get along better.”
Martina smiled warmly at Roland’s observation as they glanced at Sylvan .
“Yeah, me too.”
The rescue efforts continued into the evening. When the knights returned, darkness had already fallen. After a roll call, Escoffier addressed the group.
“Good work, everyone. That’s it for today. We’ve relocated the rescued individuals to a nearby town, and we’ll head there too. Tomorrow morning, we’ll resume rescue operations. Rest well tonight.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Be careful on the way—it’s dark out.”
The group reached the nearby town, about a thirty-minute walk away. Unlike the ravaged town, this one had sturdy walls and remained unscathed, though it was chaotic due to the influx of refugees.
“This might get worse as time passes,” Roland muttered.
Sylvan , tightening his lips, quietly replied, “…What can I do? My strength feels so small.”
Hearing this, Roland and Martina exchanged glances before simultaneously addressing Sylvan .
“Everyone feels like that. That’s why we help each other.”
“One person’s strength may be small, but together, we can do great things. Look at me—I couldn’t do anything without the knights who can fly or those who protect me while I map out rescue routes.”
“You did well today. Just keep working within your reach, step by step.”
Sylvan widened his eyes at their words, looking between them before glancing at his hands. Finally, he nodded firmly.
“…You’re right. I’ll give my all again tomorrow.”
“Yes, let’s do our best!”
“Alright, but first, let’s get some sleep.”
“We haven’t eaten yet! I’m starving!”
Sylvan trailed behind, smiling faintly as Roland and Martina chatted. When Martina noticed, she turned back and called out with a grin.
“Sylvan ! Hurry, or there might not be any dinner left!”
Hearing this, Sylvan chuckled softly, his usual confident smile appearing—now without its sharpness.
“Don’t compare me to a glutton like you. Skipping a meal is no trouble for a noble like me.”
“There you go again…”
“It’s fine, Roland. This feels more like the Sylvan we know. And even if he hasn’t changed, it’s clear he has.”
Sylvan turned away, his ears reddening slightly at Martina’s comment.
“I haven’t changed at all.”
“Sure, sure. By the way, what’s your favorite food? I love stews, though it’s hard to choose.”
“…Steak.”
“Oh, something hearty! Unexpected!”
“Not at all. A noble steak is a masterpiece of delicate cooking and intricate sauces.”
The three grew noticeably closer that night, sharing dinner before drifting off to sleep.
