LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 75.2
Stage 3-8. Lilishane Spride
“Welcome, Chris Ragnika. I’m Lilishane Spride, captain of the Holy Knights. I look forward to working with you.”
“I’m Chris Ragnika! Pleased to meet you, Captain Spride!”
“Ahaha, relax, relax. Just call me Lily. All my knights do.”
That was the first conversation I had with her, the woman known as the ‘Holy Maiden of War’, admired throughout the land.
Lilishane Spride was so famous in the Kingdom of Rondism that everyone had heard her name at least once.
Born a noble, she joined the Holy Knights with the conviction of “bringing smiles to the world,” rising to captain with her innate talent.
She was also blessed with the beauty befitting the title of [Holy Maiden of War].
Her silver hair danced like feathers on the battlefield.
Her flawless, pure white skin.
And her deep crimson eyes that captivated all who saw her.
Of all her features, I loved Captain Lily’s eyes the most.
Sometimes sharp, sometimes gentle—eyes that carried unshakable resolve.
They say heaven does not bestow two gifts, but she must have been an exception, beloved by the gods.
In recent years, many recruits had joined the Holy Knights inspired by Captain Lily.
I was one of those who couldn’t help but admire her.
When someone you idolize trains early every morning, how can an inexperienced recruit like me not follow suit?
And early morning training meant a chance to practice with Captain Lily alone.
With a mix of duty and a bit of selfish desire, I often sparred with the captain at dawn.
Neither the scorching sun nor heavy snowfall mattered.
Today, despite the biting cold winds stinging my skin, we faced each other, crossing swords.
…Though, at the moment, I was flat on my back, staring at the sky.
“Wow, Chris, you’re a natural. You pick things up so quickly; I’ll be surpassed in no time.”
“N-no way! I could never surpass you, Captain Lily!”
“Ahaha, still so stiff, Chris. But I don’t give empty compliments. Hmm… let’s do this.”
Captain Lily crouched and held her beloved sword out in front of me.
“If you ever beat me, this sword will be yours.”
“R-really?!”
“Having a goal helps with motivation. Besides, I’d be happy to see my adorable subordinate grow stronger. Keep up the training!”
“Y-yes! I’ll do my best!!”
Lying spread-eagle on the ground, I shouted back at the captain’s cheerful encouragement.
Naturally, I was the loser, and she was the winner.
I couldn’t even imagine surpassing her.
Even now, I’d only managed to land a single strike on her.
Next time, I’ll aim for two hits…!
“Chris, congratulations on your promotion!”
“Ah, thank you…”
“What’s this? You’re embarrassed? Adorable~!”
“C-captain! The drinks will spill! Please don’t hug me so suddenly!”
When my efforts were recognized and I was promoted to squad leader, Captain Lily declared it a celebration and took me to a fancy restaurant.
It was a place famous among nobles, one I could never have entered on my own as a commoner.
The dishes on the table were things I’d never seen before, leaving me unsure of where to start.
“Don’t worry about manners. Today’s a free-for-all, so dig in. I ordered plenty, so keep eating!”
“O-okay!”
I began devouring the food in front of me.
At first, I wasn’t sure I could eat so much, but one bite was all it took to make me forget everything else. Plate after plate piled up.
“Is it good?”
“Huh? Ah… yes… it’s delicious…”
Noticing Captain Lily’s gaze and smile, I felt embarrassed and my face grew hot.
To act like this in front of someone I admired so much…!
“I’m glad. I’ve been meaning to ask—Chris, you train morning, noon, and night without rest, don’t you?”
“Well… I thought that’s what it would take to catch up to you, Captain Lily…”
“I told you before, Chris. You’ll surpass me someday. You’re steadily improving. But training alone isn’t enough. You need to broaden your horizons.”
“…Is that really necessary?”
“Yes. From my experience, those who focus too narrowly are the ones who stumble. Don’t let that happen to you, Chris.”
“Y-yes! I’ll be careful!”
“Good answer. You’re going to have subordinates now. If you focus only on training, you’ll stifle them, and they won’t follow you.”
“Ugh… I’ll be careful.”
She hit the nail on the head, and I shrank in response.
The schedule I’d planned was packed with training, leaving little room for anything else.
Sensing my dismay, Captain Lily patted my head reassuringly.
“If anything happens, come to me. Don’t hesitate. You’re my precious subordinate.”
…Why do her words and smile warm my heart so much?
When I first joined, I saw her as someone far beyond my reach.
But the more I knew her, the more I admired her, the more I wanted to be like her.
Still, I couldn’t imagine surpassing her.
I wanted to wield my sword under her command, as her subordinate.
Her eyes, reflecting my image, were filled with strength and kindness today, as always.
Every day was filled with failures, occasional achievements, and renewed goals.
Until, three years later, the greatest tragedy in the history of the Holy Knights struck.