Chapter 46
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Ashley Noble is a Holy Knight.
At the tender age of thirteen, she became the youngest Holy Knight in history, celebrated throughout the Arcana Kingdom.
Unswayed by pride, Ashley is described as integrity clad in armor. She tirelessly devotes herself to rigorous training and her duties as a Holy Knight, never neglecting either.
In the Arcana Kingdom, the position of Holy Knight bears responsibilities that cannot be replaced by anyone else, considered as important as noble titles.
Ashley Noble, guardian of 《Sword of Affirmation (Affirmative)》.
Nelly Virtuous, guardian of 《Shield of Comprehension (Grasp Damage)》.
Adam Arrogance, guardian of 《Armor of Acknowledgment (Nodding Gear)》.
They are the only three Holy Knights in the Arcana Kingdom.
Among the three, Ashley boasts unparalleled renown.
Whether drawn by her earnest personality, her delicate yet beautiful appearance despite her mere thirteen years, or calculating the benefits of befriending the kingdom’s favored Holy Knight, many flocked to her manor.
While entrusting official duties to those who served since her predecessor’s time, Ashley had to make appearances to avoid being rude to her numerous visitors. She didn’t find it bothersome, but grew weary of the sheer volume of people, many times her age, constantly dropping by.
However, that was all in the distant past.
Now, the merchants who once brought rare gifts, the noble daughters who admired her demeanor, the military aristocrats who insisted on sharing drinks as fellow protectors of the nation – the many who used to visit daily no longer come near the manor.
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The story, of course, traces back to that day.
The day the fourth Holy Knight was summoned.
Some time after his arrival, word spread of a peculiar individual who became a Holy Knight without undergoing the ceremony.
Apparently, he was working alongside the Hero to clear the 《Newly Constructed Most Challenging Dungeon》.
Curious about the fourth Holy Knight, Ashley was unfortunately unable to meet him in person due to circumstances keeping her bound to the manor.
So Ashley penned a letter, conveying her sentiments: 「I will protect the world from here. Therefore, please do what you can. Though our positions are indispensable, I pray for your safety.」 Wishing the boy summoned from another world well in his struggles, she tucked away the undeliverable thoughts in her desk drawer.
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The tides noticeably shifted after the Hero conquered the seventh dungeon, the 《Blade Dungeon》.
According to the Hero’s party, the Holy Knight, once synonymous with , had shamelessly neglected his training and indulged in pleasure. Ultimately, he dragged down the party, drove them into a predicament, hurled abuses, and deserted their world-saving journey.
His actions brought infamy not only upon himself but also upon the other three Holy Knights, including Ashley.
A deplorable precedent had been set – a Holy Knight, the epitome of integrity, proven otherwise.
Some began to question whether the three Holy Knights, despite receiving special treatment from the kingdom, were truly deserving individuals.
Ashley forcibly convinced herself it couldn’t be helped.
While undeniably saddening, as one who inherited the title of Noble, her path was singular.
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「Well then, I shall head to the shrine.」
As Ashley Noble, the Holy Knight, speaks these words, the entire manor staff prostrates themselves with a resounding 「Yes!」
She spends half a day each week in this place.
This shrine work is the long-standing duty passed down through generations of Holy Knights.
For Ashley, who has been educated to become a Holy Knight since gaining self-awareness, fulfilling her duties is only natural.
The cave lies within walking distance of the manor.
Not particularly large, Ashley reaches its depths within minutes.
Enshrined at the deepest point is a shrine. Inside rests a hidden sword. Its name is 《Sword of Affirmation》.
Using the 《Sword of Affirmation》 within the shrine as a medium, Ashley casts 《Demon Seal》, the Holy Knight’s unique skill, on the source of the evil energy permeating the cave.
Once she enters the cave, she does not emerge for half a day. This is because using 《Demon Seal》 consumes that much time.
Moreover, it’s not only time that is expended. With each 《Demon Seal》, Ashley senses a significant drain on both her physical strength and mental fortitude.
Though only nineteen, the day she can no longer use 《Demon Seal》 due to age will mark the end of her life.
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On this particular day, call it a premonition, various worldly desires inexplicably well up in her mind during the half-day of casting 《Demon Seal》.
Ashley secretly loves cute things.
Once, a merchant brought a teddy bear plushie.
Graciously accepting it out of courtesy, Ashley found herself deeply intrigued.
Imbuing it with mana and registering a name, it became a unique item that could say 「I’m a bear」 and 「I love Ashley.」
She adored that plushie.
After some pondering, the plushie was christened Kumanda.
Despite her fondness, a part of her had resigned herself to the notion that cute things didn’t suit her, given her mission as a Holy Knight.
Thus, she never once displayed her affinity for cuteness in front of others.
Additionally, Ashley harbored an interest in fashion.
In the past, a few young ladies considered her an elder sister figure. Though they no longer visit, they used to bring clothing as gifts whenever they came to the manor.
With sparkling eyes, they would say, 「I thought this would look perfect on you, Big Sis,」 presenting Ashley with a wide array of outfits, from frilly, adorable dresses to alluring, backless adult ones.
Embarrassed, Ashley would hold the dresses up in front of her and thank the ladies with a charming smile, saying, 「Thank you, I’m truly delighted,」 without actually trying them on.
Of course, she never changed clothes even in front of the manor staff, but she was so intrigued by fashion that she secretly enjoyed trying on the dresses alone at night, making sure no one would find out.
I’ll wear a dress when I get back.
I’ll sleep with Kumanda tonight.
Worldly thoughts that normally wouldn’t cross her mind during 《Demon Seal》 aimlessly drifted through her head.
In short, she was exhausted.
The endless mission.
The soul-crushing skill usage.
The completely unfounded slander.
The people who believed the bad rumors and distanced themselves from her.
Even if not consciously aware, fatigue was slowly but surely permeating her being.
That’s why she didn’t notice the approaching presence until it was right behind her.
The sound of footsteps crunching on the ground reached her ears.
Ashley whirls around without breaking her focus on the skill, startled to find three women.
「Who goes there?!」
「I am Saint Mika. Pleased to make your acquaintance.」
Introduces a woman in an extravagant nun’s habit.
「Sword Saint Eris here requires a new sword.」
The self-proclaimed Saint explains, gesturing to the petite woman clad in a circlet and battle dress.
「To save the world. We have come to take the 《Sword of Affirmation》 enshrined behind you.」
Ashley’s heart pounds with a heavy thud.
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