Chapter 122 (1/2)

Volume 2

Atelier Tanaka Volume 1 &2 Chapter 28 Part 2

Conflict 6

“Hurry up and get on.”

“B-But.”

“What’s wrong? Hurry up already. Or would you like it if I destroy this entire castle?”

“alright.”

The Dragon repeatedly urged Fahren-sama until he could no longer refuse her.

After some hesitation, he slowly approached the Dragons back and positioned himself over her before sitting down. He straddled her body with his legs on either side of her. This is a strange feeling.

When he sat on her, her stomach was pushed into the ground and it seemed a little painful.

“U-Um, Ester-sama.”

“Sophie, when you see him, can youno, be sure to ask him about me.”

Ester-sama’s eyes were lost in love and she was deciding things without even asking me if Im okay with it.

I quickly glanced around at our surroundings to see every maid and guard intently staring at us. They were all whispering to each other.

Im embarrassed. Why do I have to do something so embarrassing?

“W-Waitress! Hurry up!”

“Y-Yes!”

Following Fahren-sama’s urging, I approached the back of the Dragon. The noble mage also appears to be uncomfortable sitting on the back of a girl. It seems that he’s actually begun squatting over her, making sure not to actually touch her.

“E-Excuse me.”

Once I sat down, a soft feeling was pressed against my butt.

It’s warm. The Dragon is so warm.

“Are you both on? Then, let’s get going.”

The Dragon began to suddenly take flight.

“Aaahhhhhh!”

I let a high-pitched scream escape my mouth as I began to lose my balance.

I clung to Fahren-sama’s back to avoid falling off.

“I-I-I-I’m v-v-v-very sorry!

“Ah, be quiet! Youre screaming right into my ear!”

“Y-Yes, I-I’m very sorrryyyy!”

I’m afraid I might be killed for doing this. No, I’m sure I’ll die. I’m clinging to the back of a great nobleman. This is serious; a great offence. But if I let go I’ll fall to my death. I’ll fall and be crushed flat. We’re already so high and the Dragon is still climbing.

While flying over the now distant castle, I could feel my heart about to break.

I don’t know anything anymore. I don’t even know who I am.

That’s right. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.

We were now in the same great hall we were in a few days ago.

Mercedes-chan and I were kneeling on the red carpet. Next to us, the empty throne sat on its raised platform with the familiar balding man with a terrible comb over standing next to it. The crowd of nobles were still gathered here as if they never left.

It’s a similar situation to a few days ago.

I wonder if Ester-chan is still out.

“Imperial Knight of the Great Penny Empire, member of the Order, Ser Mercedes. In the few short days since you were dispatched from the capital, you have managed to single-handedly cause the retreat of the enemy’s armies from Sapele Forest. For this great achievement, I award you the title of Senior Imperial Knight.”

“Yes! Thank you very much!”

“In addition to this, this is certainly a rather informal ceremony, but a much greater reward from Her Highness, the Princess, shall be waiting for you upon your return to the capital.”

“I’m very grateful. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this.”

Apparently, this lesbian knight actually accomplished something before we found her.

The general herself was involved in the battle so there’s no doubt it was a great achievement.

However perverted her actions may be, or how depraved her goals are, there’s no doubt that she’s actually a talented knight. Her abilities combined with her perverted motivation actually makes her a formidable opponent.

This lesbian knight is more of an elite than I expected.

I guess I shouldn’t have doubted her being the imperial knight we were searching for.

From what I know, the imperial knights are even more skilled than the Order of the Knights that Allen belongs to.

Moreover, I feel like Mercedes-chan has continued improving herself ever since we first met.

By the way, I wonder if it’s actually possible for an official in Tricklis to further promote an imperial knight. I’m not sure if there’s something like the National Personnel Authority in this world, but, based on what Comb Over has said, I’m guessing he was able to use magic to confer with someone in the capital before deciding Mercedes-chan’s reward.

“We’ve already made preparations for you to leave for the capital tomorrow.”

“Eh!?”

Mercedes-chan’s eyes opened wide in astonishment.

Ah, I know that look.

Those are the eyes of a predator that’s failed to recapture her meat toilet.

“P-Please, wait a moment! I still have my mission to fight on the frontlines!”

“Your duty right now is to return to the capital and receive your reward from the Crown Princess.”

“But, even now, not far from this very city, the enemy’s armies are marching forward! I don’t care about my rank! Not as long as the people of this great empire suffer at the hands of our merciless enemy! Right now, my most important duty as a knight is to defend the innocent people of our great country!”

“.”

An emotional appeal by the lesbian knight.

If I didn’t know her, I’d actually believe she’s a saintly knight.

However, her true personality is the exact opposite.

Comb Over was still standing on the platform. He seemed to agree with Mercedes-chan’s words.

“I understand. What you say is true.”

“Then, please, order me to the frontlines once more! I don’t care what battlefield you send me to, as long as there are enemy combatants there, I will fight to the end! You can send me to another forest, a meadow, or a mountain in an icy storm!”

“As a member of the ruling monarchy, I can appreciate the passion you hold for this country.”

“If so, then there’s no need to worry about my title! That’s not necessary to me!”

“But I can’t grant you your request. Your duty is to report back to the capital. Crown Princess Angelica has heard stories of your great accomplishments here from Countess FitzClarence and she has grown anxious for your safety. An imperial knight’s first duty is to report their well-being to their superiors.”

“this can’t be.”

Mercedes-chan looked defeated. It was as if her entire world had been destroyed.

A few tears fell from her face and stained the red carpet.

She’s seriously crying.

As I witnessed her fall into despair, a few surrounding voices could be heard coming from the nobility. Both men and women, young and old, looked at her with deep respect.

But, of course.

Her tears are real.

This is in no way an act.

Obviously, she isn’t mourning the fact that she can’t fight valiantly on the frontlines.

She’s lamenting the fact that she’ll be separated from her near endless supply of meat toilets until she’s able to return to Tricklis.

“Are you okay, Senior Imperial Knight Mercedes?”

“y-yes.”

Mercedes-chan looked despondent.