Hubert’s Strength

Once it was decided that Lancian-sama would join us, Ann smiled happily and then glanced at the clock.

“Now then… there will be a strategy meeting for the faction planning the coup in about twenty minutes, and Hubert will participate in that. But before that, I want you to explain your fighting style to Luca and Rebecca. Basically, the ones fighting together will be these two and me.”

“Understood. Once again, Luca-san and Rebecca-san, I look forward to working with you. Please call me Hubert.”

He said that while extending his right hand, and we took it as we reintroduced ourselves.

“Likewise, I look forward to working with you. You can just call me Luca. You don’t need to use honorific language either.”

“You can call me Rebecca too.”

“…Then I’ll call you Luca and Rebecca. You don’t need to be polite with me either. Let’s work well together.”

“Got it. Hubert, I’m counting on you.”

“Nice to meet you.”

As we grew more comfortable with each other, Ann happily leaned in to look at Hubert’s face.

“You should call me Ann too. Since we’re supposed to be fellow adventurers, honorific language is forbidden.”

“…U-Understood.”

“No honorific language.”

“…O-Okay… Ann…”

“That’s better.”

Hubert seemed extremely uncomfortable calling Ann by her nickname without honorifics, frowning as he forced the words out.

Ann looked amused watching him. If he stayed this awkward it might give us away quickly… but he would probably get used to it soon enough.

“Now then, I’ll explain my fighting style. My most proficient weapon is the greatsword.”

As he said that, Hubert grabbed the hilt of the massive sword on his back with his right hand. The blade was nearly as tall as he was, and it looked heavy just by glancing at it.

“I’ve been curious about that sword for a while.”

“Didn’t you use a one-handed sword when you were a knight?”

“Palace knights were forbidden from using greatswords because they could block the field of vision and be dangerous. But I always preferred sturdy greatswords that could also act as shields, so I used this one whenever I had time off.”

So palace knights even had forbidden weapons. They might be elites, but it sounded rather restrictive.

“My fighting style is basically defending with this sword while crushing enemies with it. I specialize in the front line.”

“Only Luca can really handle the front line among us, so it’s helpful if you can take that role.”

“Yeah. Especially having someone handle defense is a big help. I’ll be relying on you.”

“Leave it to me.”

When fighting alongside Hubert, it might be better for me to move as a mobile attacker rather than both of us standing on the front line. Swinging such a massive greatsword would probably make it difficult for him to fight properly if allies were too close.

“Can I ask what level of monsters you can defeat?”

“Of course. Let’s see… I encountered them several times on the way to this city, but I could defeat a Black Bear alone without much danger.”

Oh, that was quite impressive. Black Bears were monsters that even adventurers would struggle with at Third Rank, so if he could defeat one alone without trouble, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he was roughly Second Rank.

“Hubert, you’re really strong. Are all palace knights that powerful?”

“No, Hubert is exceptional. That’s why he was selected as a palace knight when he was still young. At the time, he was the youngest.”

Hearing that added detail from Ann, Hubert scratched his cheek slightly in embarrassment. Being assigned as a palace knight at the youngest age really showed how outstanding his ability was.

“Hubert, that’s amazing.”

“I’m glad you joined us.”

If he was that strong, then there was nothing to worry about regarding Hubert’s individual combat ability.

“Before the main operation, let’s go to the forest and check our coordination. It’s hard to understand someone’s fighting style without seeing it in action.”

“Agreed. I was going to ask the same. I’d like to properly observe everyone’s fighting style as well. If possible, I’d also like to see the abilities of divine servants in person…”

“Of course, I’ll show you. Then… shall we go to the forest tomorrow? It’s almost time today, and we have the strategy meeting at the base.”

“Oh, you’re right. We should get going.”

When Rebecca checked the clock and said that, we all headed toward the base.

“Hubert, make sure you act like a proper adventurer. I’ll play the role of the adventurer Ann as well.”

“Understood. I will perform my role properly.”