48-a great appointment (1/2)

”Oh?　You rejected the Konoe's offer and the Medal of Honor is no longer on the table?

Yes.

The next day.

The next day, when I told him what had happened, Bolton gave me a dumbfounded look. The cigarette in his mouth fell to his lap.

”Ouch. Ouch.

Bolton hurriedly brushed the ash from his lap.

You've got me all flustered, you know.

”I'm sorry,” he said.

I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... Are you stupid?　If you become a member of the Praetorian Guard, you will be treated and honored far better than you are now.　There's no reason to refuse.

I'm a member of this city's guard. I want to protect not only Her Royal Highness, but also the people of the city, my colleagues, and all the people of King's Landing.

”I feel exactly the same as you do, Zeke.

Seira agreed with my words.

I thought it wasn't so bad, to be honest. The money. Besides, I get paid. I get paid and I get to drink all the booze I want every day without worrying about the bill.

Why didn't you just go?

No. I don't like formalities.

...... Well, your lifestyle and attitude is only tolerated because you're in the Guard, and the moment you become a member of the Kingsguard, you'll be purged.

I'm sure you're right.

It's like a fish accustomed to dirty water can't survive in fresh water.

”....... A strange sense of justice and obsession is the most destructive thing you can do to yourself. It's easier to bend your core and go with the flow.

But then you'd be as good as dead.

”Ha. So I'm a dead man by your standards,” Bolton said with a self-mocking smile.

I can't cover for you guys.

”I'm prepared for that.

Bolton clicks his tongue briefly before putting out his cigarette in the ashtray. I'm about to put the next one in my mouth.

His expression twisted into one of displeasure.

”......, what the f*ck are you doing here?

Gregor was standing at the end of the piercing gaze. I'm not sure why the leader of the Knights went all the way to the guards' barracks.

”Bolton. Don't look so scared. Don't worry, I have no use for you. I'm here for the guys from the 5th squad.

What?

...... No, I'm not exactly here for you. You guys... Master Sonia has sent us to the castle.

”Her Highness is ......?

I thought the medal deal was off the table.

What do you want with me now?

Mmm-hmm. You were disrespectful to Miss Sonia yesterday. I'm sure you'll be dealt with.

Gregor's mouth twisted in amusement.

”...... Hey. If that's the case, take me with you to the castle. I'm the boss of these guys, and I'm the Commander, and I'm responsible for them.

”Hmm. Don't butt in. You little worm. You're an insult to Her Royal Highness. This is not a matter for you to handle alone.

”Huh?

I'm fine. Commander. I'll take care of myself.

I said this with the knowledge that I would be punished.

I can't bring the Boltons into this because of one person's words.

”Let's head for the castle. --Whoa. There's no point in trying to escape. There'll be knights around the barracks.

”That's very thoughtful of you.

I said.

Don't you have better things to do with your time than to devote to this?　I guess the Knights have more time on their hands than I thought.

”You're taunting the Order, ......!

This is a great way to make sure that you will be able to get the most out of your vacation.

I'd cut you off right here, but... Well, okay. I'm enjoying this. I'd love to see you all destroyed.

The knights took us back to the castle.

”Gentlemen. You've come a long way.

The light maiden, Princess Sonia, greeted us as we sat on her throne. This time, there was no king on the throne next to her.

”Thank you, Gregor. You may step back.

Gregor and the other knights left us, grinning. He had the look of a hyena.

Sonia glared at us as she knelt down.

What the hell will she say?