Chapter 11: Marching Training Begins (※ A Little)

The group appeared out of nowhere. Men with faces hidden by black cloths flanked the “prison wagon” used for transporting prisoners from front, back, left, and right. The cage was covered with dark curtains so the inside couldn’t be seen. They left the highway and entered the forest. Unlike the deepest parts, this section of woods allowed wagons through. They advanced carefully, watching for tree roots. Eventually one man raised his hand.

“Stop. This spot should be fine.”

The wagon stopped. They unfastened the latches and separated the horses from the carriage. They removed the dark curtains and unlocked the cage. From inside came a snoring-like sound. A sinister growl fitting its reddish-black appearance.

“Hurry, the drug’s about to wear off. Let’s get out of here fast.”

The men vanished. Shortly after, the cage began to shake violently. Cracking sounds. The carriage couldn’t withstand the impact and broke. With a low growl, IT emerged from the cage and started walking into the forest.

Dozens of wagons left the royal capital Istaloon. Not passenger carriages with roofs, but closer to “war chariots” used on battlefields. Each vehicle carried two parties—three Paladins and one Chevalier each, totaling eight people—plus the driver holding the reins. Kaito’s group shared a vehicle with the party of Elcreid Osmeyer, one of the top second-year Chevalier candidates. Elcreid, who went into heat every three days, was a handsome man with refined features, and his three Paladin candidates were beautiful too. Probably one of them would become his Paladin.

“You’re Kaito-kun, right? I’m Elcreid Osmeyer. Nice to meet you.”

They shook hands. The wagons were arranged with one second-year and one first-year party per vehicle. Probably to promote senior-junior interaction. Elcreid sat at the very front, Kaito at the very back, with Paladins lined on both sides.

“Still, five gold coins is lavish. The town of Lisben we’re stopping at is famous for textiles, right? Tons of stylish clothes. I’m excited.”

Sasha gave the excited Elsa a cold voice.

“Elsa. Hand over all those gold coins to Kaito right now. If you hold them you’ll just waste them.”

“W-what are you saying, Sasha! Those gold coins are mine! Why give them to Kaito…”

“Yeah, you’re misunderstanding again. Kaito, explain…”

Kaito accepted Sasha’s words and turned to Elsa.

“Elsa, what did they say when distributing those gold coins? Think back carefully.”

“Eh? Um…”

“You got excited over the five thousand krone amount and didn’t listen? They said this: We are distributing marching funds. During training you may use it however you like.”

“Y-yes. So however I like…”

“Marching funds, remember? Not allowance. Probably the remaining amount at the end of training will reflect in the grades. And that’s not all. Since they called it marching funds, it means all expenses during this training must be covered by these coins. Meals and lodging in Lisben might have to come from here too.”

“I agree with Kaito. Handing out five thousand krone per person is suspicious no matter how you think. I bet it means cover even the training’s rations procurement with this. So no buying clothes. Ten days to Luca, one week in Alsace Great Forest, ten days back from Ryune to capital… basically a month’s expenses. Honestly, it might not even be enough.”

Elsa’s face paled. The second-year Paladins exchanged looks. Elcreid cleared his throat and scolded Kaito.

“Kaito, that’s just your guess. We won’t know until we go, right?”

“True. It is my guess. But we won’t know until we go. So ‘let’s just spend freely’ is stupid. We are Chevaliers. We must do our best so the Paladins can show full power. Best here means anticipate crises in advance and prepare for them.”

“The Chevalier’s role is to always be ready to get hard so Paladins can show full power. Aren’t you misunderstanding the Chevalier’s role a bit?”

“Maybe…”

Kaito didn’t deny it, just nodded and said no more. If something happened they’d be the ones in trouble, not him. Kaito changed the subject.

“By the way, you seniors will each choose your Paladin and Chevalier next summer, right? Have you found partners yet?”

“O-oh, I wanna know too! Elcreid-senpai is top of the year so you’ve got tons of offers, right?”

Elsa jumped in nicely. From there he listened as juniors to seniors’ stories. Kaito showed a sincere listening attitude on the surface. That night they camped in a corner of a farming village. Food etc. was prepared in advance by the academy. The students were half in vacation mode, eating as they liked and chatting mixed gender. Kaito sat a little apart, watching.

“What is the year valedictorian doing in a place like this?”

A deep voice, he turned. A tall, well-built man stood there. He remembered him. The guy who ran without losing to the girls in health class. Name was…

“I’m Carlos Rodriguez. Officially, eldest son of Baron Rodriguez house.”

“I’m Kaito… commoner so no family name.”

Carlos laughed and sat beside Kaito.

“I’m similar. They call it baron house but Rodriguez was originally imperial nobility. Great-grandfather suspected of treason, fled to the kingdom. They gave us baron out of pity, but the pure nobles whisper ‘traitor lineage’ behind our backs. Way before I was born. Annoying.”

“I see. So that’s why Chevalier. If the heir becomes Chevalier it shows loyalty to the kingdom…”

“Don’t misunderstand. I’m here by my own will. As you see, I’m confident in stamina and strength. Above all I love women. But I don’t have the brains to protect the Rodriguez house in its complicated position inside the kingdom. I’d choose fists over words.”

Kaito laughed. Rare for someone to be this open on first meeting. Above all, loving women was good. He thought he was the only abnormal one, but a “kindred” was right here.

“I love women too. I’d fuck every day if I could.”

“I manage every two or three days, but when in heat I can’t hold back. Gotta let it out.”

“I get it. Can’t think of anything but women, right? Extreme, you’d skip class to cum. After all, surrounded by girls. This academy feels like it’s deliberately starving us.”

They laughed together. From there, talk of preferences. Big breasts good. Ass first to check, etc. Men bonding over dirty talk.

The camping tents were nominally gender-separated. But the arrangement was left to each team, so if wanted, same tent with liked woman possible. Kaito and Elcreid shared one tent, other women three each in separate tents. Departure at sunrise tomorrow. Kaito put luggage in tent and immediately went out. Headed toward the village. Things to do by tomorrow.

“…Hey! Why is there more luggage? What did you buy?”

In the carriage, Elsa made an unhappy face and pressed close. Half-forced to hand over gold coins, and shopping done without her knowing. Roksane and Sasha scolded the angry Elsa. Kaito calmly explained.

“This is my own money. So nothing to do with you. You’ll understand soon. Break time coming up.”

Departed at sunrise so no one had breakfast. Two hours after leaving village, wagons stopped.

“Alright, one-hour break here. Everyone eat.”

“Fuu… finally food. I’m starving.”

Elsa jumped down from carriage. But soon everyone sensed something wrong. Wagons stopped on wide open field along highway. No fields or houses around.

“Wait… breakfast?”

Elsa let out a strange voice. Buzz grew louder. Kaito stayed on the cargo platform, watching. Clap clap sound of hands. Instructor yelled loudly.

“What are you doing! Start eating fast! Water spring ahead!”

“Um, you say eat but there’s nothing?”

Some second-year asked. Instructor looked around. Brow furrowed but somehow smirking. Seems on target.

“What are you saying? This is marching training! That’s why we gave five gold coins each! Didn’t you procure supplies in yesterday’s village!”

Everyone stunned. Instructor’s yell continued.

“Yesterday’s dinner was academy-prepared to deepen your bonds. But after that, what were you doing! You know this is marching training, right? We gave you five gold coins as funds, right? And we told you first stop is Lisben, right? Meaning until then it’s continuous camping! With all that info, what were you doing? Especially second-year Chevalier candidates! What did you learn this year! Anyway, no food for you! We reach Lisben day after tomorrow evening, endure until then!”

Instructor turned heel in exasperation. Dead silence. Kaito got down from platform. Unloaded luggage a bit away from the stunned group. Took bread from leather bag. Not military hardtack. Arrive Lisben evening day after tomorrow. Regular bread should last until then. Cut hard cheese, put on bread and started eating. Some noticed, soon all eyes on Kaito. His Paladins came out.

“Roksane, Sasha, Elsa. I have yours too. Come here.”

Kaito beckoned. But not atmosphere for eating. While gnawing jerky, Kaito said flatly.

“Let them be. Instructor’s words are completely right. Can’t argue. I secured your shares. Relax.”

The second-year valedictorian Chevalier Elcreid came out.

“Kaito, you knew this would happen? You knew and stayed silent!”

“Silent is wrong wording. I properly gave my opinion. At that time, Elcreid-senpai said ‘your guess’. I moved as Chevalier to protect Paladins. Meanwhile senpai laughed ‘just guess’ and did nothing. This is the result.”

“Y-you bastard!”

Enraged Elcreid lunged at Kaito. But then Elcreid was blown away. Elsa stood in front.

“What are you doing to my Chevalier? You were just stupid, right? Know some shame.”

Kaito unconsciously whistled. Thought she was simple hothead, but as warrior before Paladin, definitely excellent.

“Kaito, you too! If so say from start! I got embarrassed too!”

“Sorry. And thanks. You saved me.”

“Hmph! I didn’t save you. Just didn’t want to miss breakfast!”

Red-faced, she sat beside Kaito and took bread. Roksane sat sandwiching Kaito. Sasha sat expressionless beside Elsa and started eating.

“Fuu, mean training but thanks for this. Can’t stand that tense carriage anymore.”

Instructors worried about conflict between second-year top Elcreid and first-year top (sort of) Kaito, quickly separated wagons. Since all second-years might turn enemy, Kaito requested same carriage as Stefan’s. Elsa relaxed, head on cargo edge lounging. Kaito handed Stefan a small pouch.

“Can stretch a bit. Not much but enough for tonight’s dinner.”

“Thanks, Kaito. You’re really amazing. Compared to me, I’m useless. Didn’t notice at all…”

Kaito patted self-mocking Stefan’s shoulder. Not just Stefan, among hundred Chevalier candidates, only Kaito actually acted. Some probably felt doubt. But Kaito who acted was indeed abnormal existence.

After dinner Kaito took Roksane’s hand and entered the forest. Confirmed no one around, hugged from behind. Savored the bouncy ripe fruit elasticity, rubbed his hot hard lower half against her.

“K-Kaito-san… like this… if someone sees…”

“Let them watch if they want. Couldn’t yesterday so my thing is starving. Throbbing to eat Roksane.”

“Kaito-saaan…”

To the sweet-voiced female Kaito could no longer hold. Grabbed thick branch from tree, ordered her to stick out ass. Roksane wore travel pants to knees. Untied waist string, slid them down. Plump white peach with fat appeared. Normally want to savor slowly but no time. Removed shorts, flower garden already overflowing nectar. Roksane hurriedly bit cloth.

“Going in. Itadakimaasu.”

“Fuuunnn!”

Thrust in all at once, Roksane let muffled voice. Nectar overflowed, dripping to thighs. Taste of his exclusive beautiful meat, Kaito narrowed eyes.

“Delicious… see, Roksane’s taste making my cock happy too.”

Stroked from thigh to white peach, hand around front to toy bean. Shame of maybe being seen and tension further burned Roksane’s body.

(Aah… outside like this… but, but feels good)

Soon exploded at deepest. Fully released, Kaito finally calmed. When pulled out, lots of white turbidity overflowed. Sensation of heat gushing from womb, Roksane trembled.

The academy students who endured two days starvation finally arrived at Lisben. Had to cover lodging and meals with first distributed gold coins. Students who learned seriousness with their bodies hurriedly ran to shop. But Kaito’s group had margin. Called Stefan and Carlos, decided joint purchase supplies to Luca. Bulk buy lowers unit price, same supplies allow cooking cooperation.

“Kaito-san. No need to teach those two? Even if procure in Luca…”

To Roksane’s opinion Kaito shook head. Joint buy benefits us too so proposed, but from Luca settlement it’s competition. Those two are also Chevalier candidates. They should notice that much themselves.

Stefan and Carlos parties together twelve people. Took four triple rooms, reported to academy. One room one silver, 100 krone. Tomorrow full day procurement, depart morning day after, three days camp to arrive Luca. Put luggage in rooms, Kaito’s group immediately started meal prep.

“Wait. I’ll make quick.”

Kaito’s party energetic but Stefan and Carlos exhausted from two day fast. Even Elfina and Sofia face down on table. Kaito chose this inn because room rental cheaper with three, and kitchen usable. Eating out expensive, bread only tasteless.

“Now, something easy…”

Put oil and chopped garlic in copper pot. When nicely colored add carrot, onion, mushrooms, red tomato, quick heat. Add water, cut salt meat bite size. Salt and umami seep from meat. Very simple dish but taste not bad. Slice hardtack thin. Dip in soup, special taste.

“First fill stomach. You fasted so don’t gulp suddenly.”

Everyone ate absorbed. Kaito ate bite. Not comparable to academy “land turtle soup” but good for little effort.

“Joint buy and self-cook should save decent expense. After shopping tomorrow, go to communal bath. Want bath.”

Topic especially excited girls. Of course Kaito didn’t bring up from pure kindness. Naturally had ulterior motive.

(Pay money, private room usable. Used for adultery or secret meetings so probably enjoyable. Time to train Roksane too)

While soaking in bath, wanted to devour Roksane’s beautiful meat. Also teach how to please man. For Kaito, Roksane important Paladin and at same time his exclusive female slave maid. Eventually increase to two, three. Must persuade that too.

Wiped body in room, entered bed. What Kaito remembered was up to there.