Idio

Idio: Nope. No way. There’s nothing in it for me. Training’s just a “broken bones and sore muscles”.
MC: ...You mean "All pain, no gain"?
Idio: Yeah, that’s it. I messed it up a little.
MC: A little...?
Alex: Hmm? Idio, if you're unsure about words, how about we study together—?
Idio: No way! That’s even worse!
Without another word, Idio quickly disappeared into his magical key.
Alex: Haha, that’s a shame.
Seeing Alex chuckle softly, I couldn’t help but laugh along too.

Chapter 3 - The Remnants Of Being Together
That day, I visited a lecture hall in Alstoria with Idio.
Idio: Whoa, this place is pretty big. And it’s already completely full, even though it hasn’t started yet.
MC: That shows how popular Alex is.
To help people better understand the role of knights and get more people interested in it, a lecture by Alex was planned to be held here today.
MC: I helped with the preparations, and there were even knights and nobles from other countries who wanted to attend.
Idio: Ugh… that guy is seriously something. The knights already love him, and he’s always super serious. He’s like a saint or something—too much, if you ask me.
MC: Isn’t that a good thing? Actually, kind of wonderful?
Idio: Hmm, maybe. But the person I gave my blessing to back when I was a fairy wasn’t like that.
MC: Blessing…? You mean back when you were a fairy? Can I ask what kind of person they were?
Idio: He was a poor scholar. Really smart—or actually, more like super serious. Not a genius type, but he studied really hard.
MC: So he was someone who worked hard?
Idio: Yeah, he worked his butt off and finally started getting recognized. But in the end, he died all alone.
MC: What? Why…?
Idio: He got cocky and started acting all high and mighty. People praised him too much. He thought, 'I’m amazing!' and stopped trying. Because of that, everyone turned on him and left. He worked hard to climb up… and then fell down. What a joke. So smart, but such an idiot.
Idio told the story in a weirdly cheerful tone.
I couldn’t find the right words to say.
(But… his face looks softer than usual. Maybe he really liked that person.)
Maybe the reason Idio sometimes uses strange sayings is because of that scholar’s influence.
“Choco and farmers,” “broken bones and sore muscles” — he always gets the phrases wrong, but still…
I felt like I was seeing some precious memories between the two of them.
Idio: —Oh, look. The star of the show finally arrived.
As Alex appeared on stage, all the guests focused their eyes on him.
We also fell silent and listened to Alex’s clear, strong voice.
Alex: …I know I still have a lot to learn. But I want to fulfill my duty, and be someone worthy of this position, for everyone’s sake.
The honest and powerful ending to his speech filled the hall with claps and cheers.
Idio: Everyone trusts that perfect knight guy… It’s annoying how flawless he is.
...
MC: Alex, great job on your speech!
Alex: Thank you. I hope I did well.
Idio: It made me really sleepy.
Alex: I see. Then I’ll need to improve it next time so you won’t get sleepy. I’d love to hear your thoughts. How about we review the lecture together later?
Idio: Huh? No thanks! What’s with that bright smile? You’re definitely going to drag me into something. Ugh… Did I say too much? Like ‘poking a sleeping snake’ or something?
MC: You mean ‘poke the bush and out comes a snake,’ right?
Idio: Yeah, that one.
Alex: Idio. Then how about we study together soon—?
Idio: No way. Absolutely not.
Their funny back-and-forth made me smile.
But then, it happened.
Unknown Man: …You’ll see. Just wait, Alex.
MC: !
I heard a whisper as someone passed by, and I turned around quickly.
(Did I just hear someone say Alex’s name…?)
Alex: MC, is something wrong?
MC: Ah, no…! It’s nothing.

Chapter 4 - Revenge Against Justice
A few days after Alex’s very successful lecture, I was working as usual when I was suddenly called to his office.
Alex: MC, sorry for the sudden call.
MC: No, it’s okay.
Idio: Huh? Looks like the usual gang is here too.
Alex: Yes, I called them as well. Before telling others, I wanted to ask you all for help first.
MC: Help...?
Alex: Please look at this document. It arrived at my office a few days ago.
I leaned in to see what was written—and I couldn’t believe my eyes.
MC: Wh-what is this?!
Idio: Lemme see... "Resign from your position as Knight Commander"? What the heck? Alex, are you being kicked out?!
Cyrus: …Judging by the format, it’s just a petition. Not an official order.
Emilio: But the signature... it seems this was made by a noble from another country.
The petition had many signatures from people who agreed with the idea.
Harriet: I looked into that noble, at Alex’s request. Turns out, he’s one of the relative of a corrupt noble who was once arrested by the Chevalier.
Emilio: So this petition... is a payback against the Chevalier?
Idio: That’s just pure revenge.
Cyrus: …No matter how you look at it, this is unfair. It shouldn’t hold any power.

Harriet: If only it were that simple. Here—this is another report we received.
Harriet handed over a report, and Emilio quickly read through it.
Emilio: “…In the past few weeks, a group of knights leading bandits were seen causing violence and looting in several countries.” And apparently, some witnesses say they saw Alex there too.
MC: That’s… impossible!
Cyrus: Exactly. Anyone who knows him wouldn’t believe it.
Harriet: Yeah, it’s such a dumb story it’s almost funny. But in distant countries where people only know Alex’s name and not his face, someone who fits the description could easily be mistaken for him.
Alex: …Wearing a mask to pretend to be me, huh. It’s extreme, but an effective way to frame someone.
MC: But Alex is so well known. Would people really believe it just because of that...?
Harriet: That’s the point.
MC: Huh?
Harriet: It seems there’s physical evidence found in the places that were attacked—equipment that only members of the Chevalier Knights should have.
MC: …! That can’t be...
Emilio: …This is bad. With this much trouble, we might not be able to avoid a tribunal.
Cyrus: Yeah… and the noble who made the petition probably wanted that all along.
A tribunal is a council made up of 3 people: one from Alstoria’s top officials, one from the people, and one from the Chevalier.
It’s used during serious times to ensure fair decisions.
Emilio: There are so many clues, and it’s taking time to investigate… In the meantime, the rumors have probably already spread. Whoever did this made a bold move—but they also planned everything carefully.
Alex: Seems like it. They really want to bring me down.
(With evidence like that, things could turn bad for Alex...)
Even though the air felt heavy, Alex stood calm and strong.
Alex: Either way, this is something we can’t ignore. First, we’ll send people to the countries where the crimes happened, to explain and gather information. I also plan to talk with the noble who wants me to resign. I’m sorry, but I’d like to ask all of you for your help.
After discussing what to do next, we each left to finish our own tasks.
Idio: ......
MC: Idio?
As everyone else left the room, Idio walked up to Alex, who was still looking at the petition.
Alex…Hmm? Something bothering you, Idio?
Idio: …Hey. Why don’t you just quit? Protecting people, being a knight—You don’t have to do it here. You can do that anywhere. So why put yourself through all this?
Alex: I’m a holy knight, the leader of the Chevalier, and I want to be a hero. I can’t just walk away.
Idio: Wow, that’s a lot of big titles. Must be exhausting. But… if you keep pushing like this, those same titles might end up crushing you one day, you know?
Alex: ......
After a short silence, Alex gave a small smile from behind his mask.
Alex: You’re not wrong. But even so, I won’t choose to throw away these titles. This is my duty… something I have to carry.

Chapter 5 - An Outlet For Hatred

~Flashbacks~
Alex: I’m a holy knight, the leader of the Chevalier, and I want to be a hero. I can’t just walk away. This is my duty… something I have to carry.
~Flashbacks~

After talking with Alex... for some reason, I remembered something from a long, long time ago.
Scholar: I may not have talent or a brilliant mind, but because I'm just average, I have to work harder than anyone else. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses—but at least I have patience.
He was a poor, ordinary scholar. Someone you could find anywhere in any era.
But there was one thing that made him different—he had the talent to keep working hard.
Fellow Scholar: Amazing...! Thanks to your research, many people will be saved from suffering.
Young Scholar: Your work in medicine is incredible! Please let me help you with your research!
At last, the scholar achieved great success and was recognized by the world.
The praise and respect from those around him brought him a sense of satisfaction…
But like a ripe fruit that slowly begins to rot, he stopped putting in the effort. He forgot the goal he once chased—and began to fall, like a stone rolling downhill.
Scholar: Why… why am I no longer being invited to academic meetings!? 'You haven’t produced any results lately'? Do they even know who they’re talking to!? Why is no one paying attention to me anymore!? No one listens to me now! I worked so hard! I struggled to get where I am! That’s how I earned their recognition! So why—why won’t they praise me, admire me, acknowledge me…!?
Once he reached the heights he had always dreamed of, he could no longer see anything beyond them.
I could only watch in silence as the scholar sank into despair.
...
Idio: ...Back then, I wonder if there was anything I could’ve done.
Lying on top of a wall, I muttered the answer I already knew.
Idio: (Yeah, no way. Fairies are too harmless and powerless. Even if I had someone important to me... there’s nothing I could really do.)
...

Rumors began to spread that Alex was going to resign—and within just a few days, the gossip had spread across the entire country.
Knight A: ...Did you hear? Emilio went on an expedition to investigate the commander’s case.
Knight B: Yeah, I heard. Cyrus and Harriet went with him too...
MC: ......
At the usual morning meeting, even the knights watching Alex looked a little uneasy.
Alex: With all the rumors going around, I know you’re all worried. But don’t be. No matter what happens, I will protect Chevalier to the very end.
Idio: ......
MC: Idio, what’s wrong?
Idio: Huh? Ah... nothing. I just don’t get why I’m so pissed off right now...
As the meeting was ending, a loud knock suddenly hit the door.
???: I came because you said you wanted to talk, Holy Knight Alex! With all these nasty rumors lately, how are you holding up?
(! This person... could he be—)
Even though the man spoke rudely and acted arrogantly, Alex calmly stepped forward.
Alex: You must be the one who submitted the petition... I never expected you to come to the church yourself.
Nobleman: I figured it’d be faster to talk in person. So? Have you decided when you’ll resign?
Alex: ...At the very least, I can’t step down while the knights’ reputation is still in doubt. I plan to do everything I can to clear my name.
Nobleman: Hmph. Depending on how you handle things, I might consider withdrawing the petition.
(What...!?)
Nobleman: But in return—Alex, You’re going to fight me in a duel, in front of the people.
Alex: A duel...?
...
A few days later—
Idio: Whoa~ So this is the arena, huh? Feels like some kind of festival with how lively it is. It’s even more packed than that last public speech.
MC: ...I think that just shows how much attention this whole thing is getting from the townspeople.
The knights who knew the truth behind the situation all wore heavy, grim expressions.

~That Day~
Nobleman: But in return—Alex, You’re going to fight me in a duel, in front of the people.
Alex: A duel...? A knight must not fight someone who isn’t an enemy. You are one of the people we swore to protect.
Nobleman: Hahaha, what a noble hero you are! But there’s no need to betray your ideals. Just kneel and bow your head at the end—that’s all.
Alex: …You mean, you want me to lose on purpose?
Nobleman: It’s a simple deal, isn’t it? Of course, if you refuse... well, let’s just hope the real criminal keeps quiet until the knights are cleared of suspicion.
His words hinted that he was the mastermind behind the crimes.
Alex frowned deeply.
Knight A: Ridiculous! There’s no way we can allow that—
Knight B: Commander, give us the order! Let’s arrest this man right here and now!
Alex: Stand down.
Knight A & B: !!
Alex: This man is cunning. If we act carelessly, we might lose even more trust than we already have. And more importantly—We absolutely cannot allow any more harm to come to anyone!
Knight A & B: ...!
Nobleman: Heh... you really do understand, don’t you?
Alex: Why... Why go this far to bring me down?
Nobleman: Because I can’t forget—the unbearable humiliation you put me through. I’ll make you crawl in front of the public and suffer the same disgrace I did!
~That Day~

(Alex...)
Idio: ...He really is too damn serious.
Then—
The signal for the duel echoed across the arena, as everyone watched with bated breath.

Chapter 6 - You're Not Alone
Alex blocks the man’s downward strike head-on.
Even though the blades are dulled for the duel, the heavy impact echoed so loudly, it felt like I could feel it through my own body.
(Even though this is a staged fight to let the other man win, so far the match looks evenly matched—huh!?)
Alex: Ngh…!
Alex, who had been nimbly dodging and parrying, suddenly starts to slow down.
As he staggers from a string of blows, cries of alarm rise from the crowd.
MC: Alex, what’s happening all of a sudden…!?
Idio: Alex...
Nobleman: Ugh, how annoying…
Boy: Sir Alex~!!
Woman: Sir Alex! We believe in you!!
Nobleman: Even with nasty rumors flying around, the hero’s popularity sure is stubborn. Listen closely—no dodging or blocking allowed!
Alex: …I understand. I’ll take every strike head-on… If doing this lets me protect Chevalier.
Alex keeps taking hit after hit with no resistance.
The arena is filled with a heavy, painful silence.
MC: This is awful…!
Idio: That noble’s not even trying to hide the fact that he’s blackmailing Alex.
Suddenly, blood splashes—probably from a cut on Alex’s lip.
MC: —!
The heartbreaking sight paralyzes me.
But I’m not the only one—
Idio: ……
MC: Idio…?
Even when I call out to him, he doesn’t move an inch.
He just keeps staring at Alex, who is silently enduring the onslaught.
...
Idio: (Ah… this feeling… it's painfully nostalgic.)
Someone getting hurt right in front of me… and all I can do is watch.
The helplessness eats away at my heart like ice.
Idio: (I finally get it. This irritation I’ve been feeling lately—it’s because Alex reminded me of him… of that scholar I once gave my blessing to.)
So damn serious, always pushing himself.
Alex didn’t fall into despair like that guy did, but still.
Titles, voices around him… letting them all get to his head—it felt the same.
Harriet: —Hey, we’re back!
Cyrus: Sorry we’re late.
Emilio: Looks like we made it just in time.
MC: Welcome back! How did it go!?
Emilio: Don’t worry—we’ve got all the evidence.
Harriet: We’ve got proof that the nobles who signed the petition are the real culprits behind the incidents happening in each country♪
Cyrus: We've already submitted it to the tribunal. …This will prove the commander’s innocence.
MC: Thank goodness…! We have to tell Alex right away!
Idio: Even if you yell, there’s so much noise he probably won’t hear you.
MC: Idio?
Idio: …I’ll go tell him.
...
Idio: Yo, pretty boy. Getting your face bashed in—how’s that feel?
Alex: Idio? Why are you here…?
Nobleman: …Huh? Who the hell are you talking to? Got hit in the head too hard and started seeing things?
The noble, who can’t even see me, mocks Alex with a sneer.
Idio: Yeah, this guy’s definitely a mess—fake smile, lame comebacks, always trying to force some lesson on you.
Alex: …Haha. That’s a bit harsh.
Idio: Hey, I just say what I think. If something’s messed up, I’ll call it out. So here’s what I’ve got to say—watching you act all tough, getting beat up alone like it’s your job to carry everything... it’s seriously pissing me off.
Alex: ……
Idio: For someone who cares so much about what others think, you really don’t notice the people around you. Don’t you think it’s okay to lean on us a little more?
When I point it out, Alex turns his gaze toward the audience.
Alex: …You’re right. You’re absolutely right. By the way, Idio. Could I ask you for one more favor?
Idio: Huh? What is it?
Alex: I’m sorry to make you play messenger again, but could you go back to the others and tell them I’m okay? Since I accepted this duel, I don’t want to walk away from it halfway. And I want you all to watch—how I stay true to my beliefs.
Idio: …Fine. But you owe me for this.
Nobleman: What the hell are you mumbling about…!?
The nobleman yells, but Alex calmly looks him in the eye.
That strong gaze causes the man to falter.
Nobleman: Wh—!?
Alex: —As promised, I won’t dodge, counter, or block. No matter how long this match continues.
Idio: Ha... still as stiff and serious as ever. But damn… look at that face.

Last Chapter - A Place My Voice Can Reach
Under the clear blue sky, the knights’ armor shone brightly in the sunlight.
Alex: Don’t be afraid of your opponent. Step in deeper!
Knights: Yes, sir!
I happened to walk by the training grounds and squinted my eyes at the bright scene.
(It really feels like daily life has finally returned to the Chevalier Order.)

~That Day~
After the duel, right after Idio walked over to Alex—
Nobleman: Ugh… Y-you monster…!
Breathing heavily and in pain, the man dropped to his knees.
Idio: Finally gave up, huh? You held out way longer than I expected~
Alex: Felt like three hours, didn’t it?
(Amazing... Alex doesn’t even look tired.)
Alex: …So, what will you do? Like I promised, I won’t lay a hand on you. But if you’re still not satisfied, I’m happy to keep going.
Nobleman: …Who could keep going after this!?
He turned his back on Alex and ran for the exit. That single act decided the winner—and the audience erupted in cheers.

MC: Alex, are you okay? You need to get treated right away—
Harriet: Did you really get that badly hurt?
Idio: You look… totally fine though.
Alex: Yes. Sorry to make you worry.
While they talked, a few people from the audience began approaching.
Noble A: To think you’d win under those conditions… Incredible toughness, really.
Alex: Excuse me, who are you?
Noble B: We’re the ones who suffered losses from the knights’ raids. We came to discuss compensation—
(Wait… aren’t these the nobles who signed the petition…?)
Emilio: I see. That means you’re involved in the incident.
Cyrus: ...Arrest them all.
Knights: Yes, sir!
The knights quickly surrounded them. The nobles turned pale with fear.
Noble A: W-Wait! What is this!?
Noble B: Just because we withdrew our demand doesn’t erase what you did!
Harriet: Oh, you mean the evidence? Don’t worry—we’ve already found out that the middleman was bribed. The knights’ weapons were being funneled straight to you nobles. Even the weapon makers from that other country are furious. This is going to turn into a major international investigation… so you’d better be ready, okay?
Noble A: Y-You mean they… confessed!? Even after we paid them so much—
Idio: Man, they’re cartoon villain level scumbags.
Cyrus: Even the middleman had a conscience.
Emilio: They said the captain’s efforts to protect peace with his life really moved them.
Alex: ......
As Alex silently watched, the nobles were all arrested one by one.
And just like that, the whole resignation scandal involving Alex, the leader of the Chevalier Knights, came to an end.
~That Day~

Alex: ......MC, Idio, and so many others were affected because of me.
MC: No, I’m just glad everything was solved safely.
Idio: Aw, what a shame. I was really looking forward to laughing in your face if you got exiled.
Alex smiled gently at Idio’s usual teasing.
Alex: ...Idio. What you said to me during that duel was absolutely right.
Idio: Huh? Did I say something?
Alex: You told me, “You should rely on your friends more.” I’m still inexperienced, and that’s exactly why I shouldn’t try to carry everything by myself. I’ve realized—I need to lean more on all of you, and on the rest of the knights.
Idio: ...Whatever. I was just being a messenger pigeon. And I only said that preachy stuff because I figured it’d suck if someone I knew disappeared. So really, I did it for myself. Like ‘picking chestnuts out of stew’.
MC: ...Stew?
Alex: You mean, ‘pulling chestnuts out of the fire’, perhaps?
Idio: Ah—yeah. That one.
Alex: It means doing something for others even if it doesn’t benefit you personally.
Idio: ...Huh. Looks like I got the meaning wrong.
MC: Hehe.
Even when Idio mixed up words before, he always understood the meaning.
But this time, Alex chose not to correct him too harshly.
Alex: I suppose we should study together more. I’m not that good at it either, but maybe we can improve side by side.
Idio: Shut it! Who said I was gonna study!
...
Feeling their warm gazes on me, I felt all itchy and awkward inside.
Yep, “chestnuts out of stew” was definitely the wrong phrase.
Idio: (...It wasn’t really for Alex. I was just scared of losing someone again.)
That scholar—so serious and hardworking. I didn’t hate him at all.
But Alex? He’s even more uptight. Even more dangerously serious. That’s what scared me.
Idio: (...But this time felt different. Alex actually listened. When I talk, he hears me. He sees me. And for once, there’s something I can actually do for him.)
I might be dumb, but I think... I want to keep talking to Alex. I think I should.
So maybe... I might actually try studying a little. Just a little.