The Knight Commander of the Second Male Lead [Novel] Chapter 24

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 24

Chapter Title: Knight Captain Nina la Del's Report

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The room assigned to Nina was a large one right next to Adrian's.

There was a door connecting directly to his room, but it was always locked, so she never had any reason to use it.

Nina changed her clothes and sent North Wind to scout, tracking down Adrian's location.

"Duke."

She whispered his name softly from the edge of the private training ground.

Adrian, who had been swinging his sword, turned his head.

"Your Grace?"

"Uh... As Knight Order Captain Nina la Del, I have a report for you today?"

"Then why does your voice go up at the end?"

"You're right. Knight Order Captain Nina la Del has returned. I have a report for you, Your Grace."

Nina crossed her arms in front of her in an X salute and spoke formally.

Adrian gave a slight nod, then resumed swinging his sword.

His movements were clean and efficient, without any wasted motion.

Now she could finally appreciate Adrian's true swordsmanship skills.

'Still, I bet I'm stronger.'

With that thought, Nina reported on gathering useful plants and bringing back a herd of One-Horned Horses.

"One-Horned Horses?"

Adrian stopped mid-swing and set down the heavy iron training sword as if tossing it aside.

"Yes, that's why it took so long."

She shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were no big deal, causing Adrian to furrow his brow before letting out a sigh.

"Nina la Del."

"Yes."

He smiled helplessly.

"You're the only one who always exceeds my expectations."

"Because I'm your Nina, Young Master."

Nina clasped her hands together and grinned brightly. Adrian beckoned her closer with a flick of his hand, so she hurried over with quick steps.

"Good work. Shall I give you a reward?"

He leaned down slightly to ask, his eyes shimmering a bright pink in the afternoon sunlight.

Nina spread her arms wide. "Hug me!" she declared triumphantly.

He froze for a moment. She slowly lowered her arms, clasping them behind her back instead.

"Um, or something else?"

"No, I'm covered in sweat right now."

Nina didn't mind, but since Adrian did...

"Then give me a proper hug after you wash up later."

Adrian pondered for a moment with a troubled expression before nodding.

"Anything else?"

"Um, I was planning to send the report to the Isle of Sages first."

At that, Adrian tilted his head quizzically.

"Why there?"

"Kiril said she'd like one more person for her research. That's the only place where people like that gather. Maybe one will be intrigued enough to come."

Adrian fell deep into thought at her words. While waiting for him to consider it fully, Nina recalled the novel's male protagonist.

Isle of Sages.

Its name came from being made of blue stones, but it was more famous by its nickname.

Island of the Sages.

Sages who made their staffs glow, defied the laws of physics, divined the future by observing the stars.

And above all, they were the ones who conducted the most research in this land.

The male protagonist, Randell, was one such Sage.

One of the seven Great Sages, no less.

True to their nature as research fanatics, they paid little attention to outside affairs. The only times they did were when they foresaw a great calamity befalling the world.

That was why "Sage's tidings" became synonymous with bad news.

'But plant research is Randell's main field.'

In the story, didn't his meeting with the heroine begin when she sent plants to the Isle of Sages?

"Fine. Even if no one comes after seeing the report, they'll at least give an objective judgment."

When Nina asked, "Objective judgment?", Adrian smiled softly.

"They won't spout nonsense like 'devil's seeds from the Violet Forest' or 'fruit of corrupted spirits' just from looking at the plants we cultivated."

"Oh."

She hadn't even thought of that!

She'd just figured if it grew well and thrived, that was good enough.

'In the original story, nothing like that ever came up...'

Ah, right—the heroine was a saintess.

How could anyone claim corruption from plants discovered by a saintess?

'Should I have checked with the temple first? I never saw this blind spot coming...'

As she grimaced, Adrian asked, "What's wrong?"

"Hearing you say that reminded me. Shouldn't we inform the temple ahead of time too?"

"Not in the current situation."

Nina nodded at Adrian's words.

"Well, if my Young Master says so..."

Adrian picked up the iron sword he'd tossed and returned it to its place. It seemed training was over for the day.

"Anything else?"

His question implied there was more to discuss, so Nina spoke up.

"When's the exchange meet? We need to reclaim the land quickly."

"In two weeks."

"Ah, before planting season."

At least that was fortunate. Nina nodded.

"We have to sow the millet fast."

Adrian chuckled lightly at Nina's confident declaration that they'd surely win the exchange meet.

With his long strides, he walked ahead, and Nina followed a step behind. Without even looking back, he slowed his pace slightly.

-Walk beside me.

Understanding the gesture, Nina smiled and quickened her steps to match his side.

"By the way, Young Master."

He gestured for her to continue.

"I think I'm stronger than you."

"And?"

"If the temple comes charging in, I'll scoop you up and run, so don't worry."

Adrian burst into laughter.

"In that case, I leave it to you, Knight Captain."

"No need to worry."

With confident flair, Nina slyly added,

"But Young Master, doesn't it bother you at all that I'm stronger?"

"I've thought this before—how about considering the other person's feelings before asking?"

"Come on, between you and me."

Adrian reached out, letting one of her twin braids slip through his fingers as he spoke.

"Why would I get mad?"

"Hm. Pride issue?"

"Nina la Del."

"Yes."

"You're my Knight Order Captain and my sword."

"Right."

"What's the problem if my sword is the strongest?"

Indeed, Nina nodded. Adrian savored the smooth slide of her hair as he whispered,

"I've already told you—you're special to me."

Superiors fear subordinates' power out of worry they'll one day rebel.

That's why they want those below to wear themselves out fighting each other.

Such premises were unnecessary between him and Nina. And yet she asked that?

A bit annoyed, he tugged her hair lightly.

She yielded obediently to his pull, without a hint of displeasure or confusion.

At times like these, Adrian felt a twinge of fear.

When Nina acted like she'd do anything he wanted.

Restraining the impulse surging in his heart was hardest then.

How far would she go?

How much could she endure?

The urge to push her limits.

He didn't know where it came from or where it led.

But she was too precious to act on impulse.

Adrian released her hair.

"Let's head inside."

"Yes."

With an innocent smile, oblivious to his inner turmoil, Nina beamed brightly.