The next morning, shortly before work started, Martina was walking with Roland to the First Knight Order’s station.
“Today is the meeting with the person who will be acting as my bodyguard, correct?”
“That’s right. You’re an important figure now, Martina. The selection of your bodyguard was delayed because of all the commotion, but Lambert sent word yesterday that it’s finally decided.”
“I’m grateful. Perhaps this will lighten your workload a little as well, Roland?”
Martina’s bodyguards were to consist of Roland and one other person whom they were about to meet. Roland was chosen due to his proficiency in dark magic, which made him suitable for the role, and because he was usually close to Martina. Another factor was the opportunity to improve the perception of dark magic through this arrangement.
“I wouldn’t say it lessens my workload, but it should make things less restrictive for you. I’ve been asking you not to move around when I’m not nearby, after all.”
Since movement posed the greatest risk, Martina had effectively been confined to her room whenever Roland wasn’t with her.
“That’s true… isn’t it?”
As Martina tilted her head, not recalling any particular difficulties, Roland smiled wryly.
“Well, for you, being confined for half a day probably feels like nothing as long as you have books.”
“Yes! I could go for a whole week with just books…”
“No, deny that at least a little.”
“But it’s true.”
As the two bantered lightheartedly, they soon arrived at the First Knight Order’s station. After speaking to a clerk behind the counter, they were promptly guided to a meeting room on the first floor.
A few minutes after they entered, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Roland called out as both he and Martina stood. The door opened, revealing Lambert, the captain of the First Knight Order, accompanied by a man who was a member of the same order and whom both Martina and Roland recognized.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Not at all, we just arrived ourselves.”
Once Lambert sat down on a sofa, Martina and Roland resumed their seats, while the man, presumably assigned as Martina’s bodyguard, stood beside the sofa.
“Let’s keep this brief, as I know we’re all busy. This is Lasha , a member of the First Knight Order. I personally selected him to be Martina’s bodyguard.”
“I’m Lasha ! Nice to meet you!”
The man named Lasha , with his spiky yellow hair, bowed energetically.
“Lasha , it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Martina replied.
“As you might already know, Lasha is lightning-elemental and excels in combat against other people, making him well-suited for bodyguard duties. I also vouch for his character.”
“That’s very reassuring.”
“I’ll protect Martina with everything I’ve got!”
Lasha clenched his fist with enthusiasm, clearly fired up.
“As you can see, he’s quite eager. If he gets too overbearing, let me know,” Lambert added with a smirk.
“Understood.”
Though Martina smiled wryly, she felt relieved. She preferred having a cheerful and talkative person as her bodyguard over someone overly quiet, which could create an awkward atmosphere.
“I apologize for any trouble I may cause, but I look forward to working with you,” Martina said as she stood and extended her hand.
“Not at all! It’s an honor to protect someone as amazing as you, Martina,” Lasha replied, shaking her hand with a bright smile.
(Amazing… I’m glad he thinks that. I’ll keep working hard to live up to it.)
As they shook hands and exchanged smiles, Roland also stood.
“Lasha , I’ll be working alongside you. Let’s coordinate well to ensure Martina’s safety.”
“Of course! Roland, you’re a dark magic user, right? I’ve always wanted to see dark magic in action. Please show me sometime!”
“Sure,” Roland replied with a chuckle.
“Oh, and no need to use formal language with me. I’m just a commoner, and I’m only twenty—a young guy,” Lasha added, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Roland.
“Got it. Looking forward to working with you.”
With that, the three concluded their introductions and left the station. From today onward, Lasha ’s new role as Martina’s bodyguard began in earnest.
