21st Century Archmage

Translator: Lei

Proofreader: Imagine

“Derval, what do you think I should have done…”

We had returned to the covert, with the family of three that would have certainly faced retribution because of my actions.

I quietly asked Derval that question while stroking Bebetos leg inside the hangar.

It hadnt even been a few days, but I already could not simply stand by and watch the suffering of the Nerman Plains people. The monsters were on the verge of breaking in, but these people were in an extreme situation where they had nowhere to go.

“I like you, my liege.” My question was about what I should have done, but Derval suddenly said he liked me instead. “You always have a bright smile on your face, but you sincerely worry about people like me, the weak… That spirit will be the solution.”

Dervals Zen riddle-advice made my chest feel even stuffier.

‘Just like how Pikachu wont save you any electricity bills, this place wont make any money… Damn.

From the first time I heard the nameNerman Plains, I had felt strangely drawn to it. But it was too burdensome a fish for me to swallow.

“Hohoho. Bebeto! Boo~!”

Behind me came the voice of the kiddo, who was teasing and playing with Bebeto, a wyvern, without any sense of fear.

Da-da-da-da.

“Mister!” The kiddo ran into the hangar. Seeing me, she flashed a radiant grin and ran up.

‘M-Mister! Arghh.

Lucia KOd a fresh young lad not even twenty years old withmister. She tackled herself onto my leg and held on with two little arms. “Gotcha! Hehehe, tag, youre It!” she warbled.

Just moments ago, she had bravely charged at a knight upon seeing her bloody father, but somehow she was already beaming with a bright smile free of all the worlds worries. My chest prickled with heat.

“L-Lucia… Q-Quick, let go at once!”

Lucias mother appeared as well. Worried about the retribution of Viscount Lukences soldiers, I had brought Lucias family here. And as soon as they arrived, Lucias mother had taken charge of dinner. Looking at Lucias unguarded behavior, the aproned woman made a flustered expression.

“Its alright.”

“Hehe, Mister really dotes on Lucia. Right? Handsome mister~!”

Little blond Lucia had to tip her head way back to look up at me with her short body. The sight of her joyful, blooming smile warmed my heart.

“Of course, Ive never seen a lady as pretty as Lucia.”

“Uwah! Are you proposing to Lucia right now? Hohoho. Then when Lucia becomes an adult later, Lucia will get married to you, Mister!”

“…..”

Lucias eyes sparkled with happiness. I smiled helplessly as I lightly patted her head.

“I apologize. The child still has no sense of manners…” Lucias mom approached, bowing her head politely.

“Has the move been uncomfortable?” I asked.

I had given one of the nearby hangars in the area I could protect as a temporary residence for Lucias family.

“No, sir. We are very comfortable. I cannot remember the last time we could be so carefree… Thank you. Sir…”

Waving her hand, the woman teared up a bit as she relayed her thanks. I could discern the breadth of Viscount Lukences lawlessness.

“Mister, will you be protecting our family from now on?”

As her mom dragged her away by the hand, Lucia asked with a curious voice.

“Hm?”

“Mister is a Skyknight. A Skyknight, who defeats those bad dragons and monsters! My grandpa whos gone now said, that Skyknights are the guardian knights of the sky who protect our dreams!”

‘Guardian Knight of the sky who protects their dreams…

Lucias words crashed into my heart with a resounding thump.

“Of course, my liege will definitely protect Lucias dream.”

“Right? Hoho. Mister, thank you. Lucia will grow up fast and get married to Mister.”

Lucia dipped into a deep bow.

“Ye…yeah.”

Faced with Lucias extremely pure and honest intentions, I inadvertently ended up nodding as well.

[TN: Calm your tits, this is a brother/sibling relationship and will never ever progress.]

‘Dammit… It wont even make money.

My face hardened with a bitter smile.

I was looking forward to the rugged future ahead of me.

* * *

“It would require a troop at least 100,000 strong. In addition, at least one of the continents seven magic towers active support and a temple that can make a great deal of holy water, as well as an intimate relationship with one of the major merchant groups on the continent.”

“A troop 100,000 strong… magic tower, temple?”