My Role And The Kingdom's Crisis

“So, what exactly is this crisis threatening the kingdom?”

I asked Millet.

“The most terrifying monster tamer spoken of in ancient legends—a being known as the ‘King of Calamity.’”

Millet delivered the name with theatrical flair.

“Huh? Isn’t that something from a novel or a play?”

“No, it’s not fiction. The King of Calamity is—an enemy we must fight.”

Millet looked from me to Flare, giving us equal attention.

“An enemy…?”

“We’re gathering people to fight that enemy. To protect this kingdom.”

“Wait, you mean Flare and me?”

I was astonished by the sheer scale of what she was talking about.

“Well, we don’t actually know whether the King of Calamity will appear, or even whether Tilt will be attacked. But we need to be prepared.”

Millet explained.

“Other warriors recruited for the same purpose have already gathered at the royal palace. I’d like you two to join them.”

With that, Millet rolled up the sleeve covering her right arm.

“…!”

A gruesome scar was visible beneath it.

“I got this from one of the King of Calamity’s subordinates—an ‘Apostle.’ They’re incomparably stronger than ordinary monsters. I barely managed to escape with my life…”

For an A-Rank Adventurer like Millet to speak of them that way…

I could finally understand why she believed the King of Calamity and his army posed such a grave threat to the kingdom.

“I—want to protect this country. I want to protect the smiles, the happiness, and the lives of everyone who lives here.”

Millet spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

“That’s why I’m searching for people who might be able to help. When I saw you two, I thought you might be exactly what we needed—and that’s why I approached you.”

“Millet…”

At first, I’d thought she was simply a cheerful, easygoing person.

But she was genuinely… desperately searching for people capable of protecting her country.

Of course, being asked to confront a crisis threatening an entire kingdom was a little frightening.

“My skill really might be useful for something like this.”

“I’m sure it will be, Onii-sama.”

Flare nodded in agreement with my words.

“All right, Millet. Count me in.”

“Me too!”

Flare chimed in.

“No, Flare. It’s too dangerous, so I’d rather you stayed out of this.”

“But I’m strong, you know.”

Flare puffed out her cheeks in a pout.

“B-Besides, as your little sister, I have to keep an eye on you to make sure no undesirable women get their claws into you!”

“Wait, why would you need to do that!?”

“Why doesn’t she just come along as Aerial’s assistant for now?”

Millet stepped in to mediate.

“Well then, I’ll invite you both to the royal palace. Can you come to the main gate at ten tomorrow morning? Let’s meet there.”

Millet continued.

“I’ll introduce you to the warriors we’ve selected. I’m grateful to both of you for agreeing to help… Thank you, truly.”

With those words, she bowed deeply.

The following day.

Flare and I arrived at the royal palace of Tilt.

“Whoa, what a beautiful building!”

The pure-white palace was both majestic and beautiful.

I’d heard it was a famous tourist attraction, and now I could see why.

“I’ve always wanted to see this place! I’m so excited~!”

Flare was delighted as well.

“Ah, there you two are!”

Millet approached us.

“Welcome! I’m glad you’ve come to the royal palace. And—”

She flashed us a bright smile.

“Welcome to the unit formed to fight the King of Calamity—‘Shield of Hope.’”