As my mother smiled, the door to her bedroom opened.
Ethan: "Excuse me."
Sara: "Oh! You're the swordsman from the day of the attack!"
Ethan: "Im sorry I couldnt tell you my name that day."
Sara: " Think nothing of it. Im grateful for the help you gave me."
???: "Your Majesty, you summoned me?"
Queen: "Yes, thank you very much of coming."
Surely... This is the mage, Ray. I saw him speaking with my father once or twice.
Ray: "...Why must I be stared at by some strange woman?"
Sara: "Excuse me. I am Sara of Theodore."
Ray: "I see. You are he princess the Queen mentioned in her letter."
Ray looked at me over with cold eyes.
Queen: "Ethan, Ray. King Arthur has stolen this country's sacred sword. The sacred sword is our country's precious treasure. Wont you please lend your strength to Sara so that she can get it back?"
Ethan: "Of course. In order to repay my debt to the former King, I will accompany the princess."
Ray: "..."
Queen: "Ray, is it difficult for you, after all?"
Ray: "No, I will of course do what I can."
My mother nodded approvingly at the two replies.
Queen: "Sara, I have asked one other person to accompany you."
Sara: "Who is it?"
Queen: "Please travel to the Elven Village. There you will find an elf named Estel, who will also hel you. I have already written a letter to Estel."
Sara: "I understand."
Queen: "...Sara! Please, do not...do not place yourself in danger unnecessarily."
It was bound to become hazardous on this journey. I could not lightly promise that there would be no danger.
As I stood there, not knowing how to answer, Ethan moved to stand next to me.
Ethan: "Please dont worry, Your Majesty. I will protect Princess Sara."
Sara: "I... Im not some weakling who needs protecting!"
Ethan: "What are you talking about? Its only normal to protect women."
Sara: "I am not that weak!"
Ethan: "Well, you were certainly no match for King Arthur, were you?"
Sara: "Th...that was..."
Queen: "Sara, these men will be sharing your journey. Please dont be so stubborn."
Sara: "...Yes, mother."
We're going to be traveling together for some time. Its probably best not to start off fighting, I suppose.
Sara: "Ethan, Ray. I look foward to traveling with you."
Ethan: "Yes, me too!"
Ray: "Yes."
Three day later.
We set out as soon as possible to recover the sacred sword.
Sara: "Logres is to the south... But first we must head to the Elven Village, so we must travel in a southwest direction."
Ray: "That's out of our way, isnt it? How tiresome."
Ethan: "What are you talking about?"
Ray: "I hate tiresome things. Why couldnt the elf just come here?"
Ethan: "It's just a stlight detour."
Sara: "Elves dont usually leave their village. We have to go to him."
Ray: "If he wont leave the village, how is he going to travel with us?"
Sara: "...Erm."
Ray: "You're pretty clueless about such things, arent you?"
Sara: "Am...Am I?"
Ray: "This journey will be tiresome, but it also might prove to be interesting."
What does he mean by that?
Ethan: "Forget all that! Let's proceed to the Elven Village!"
So saying, Ethan extended his arm as if to escort me.
Sara: "U..uhm. What is this?"
Ethan: "The role of the man is to Escort the woman isnt that so? Come, wont you take my arm, Princess Sara?"
I understand that he doesnt mean to offend. He's just a very kind man. But... But...
Sara: "We're not going to a party, you know! I dont need an escort!"
Ethan: "But no matter the setting, the man should escort the woman."
Sara: "Im fine!"
Ethan: "No, no, no... I will escort you."
Sara: "In what world does someone ask to be carried at the beginning of a journey!?"
Ethan: "None, I suppose. So I must start a trend."
His smiling face made my head hurt.
Ray: "Cease this foolery, and let's get started."
Ethan: "Wait, Ray. First I have to pick up Princess Sara..."
Sara: Just stop that!"
I turned my back on Ethan, and began walking ahead of them. With companions such as these, could this quest possibly be a success?
Sara: "..."
Ethan: "..."
The only noise was the sound of our foot falls in the forest.
Sara: ".."
Ray: "...Sigh. Would you both cut it out?"
Ethan: "What?"
Ray: "Neither of you has said a word since your little squabble."
Ethan: "You speak out of turn."
Ray: "Im just telling it like I see it."
Sara: "That's..."
Ethan: "Its because Sara had to butt in."
Sara: "I helped defeat that monster."
Ethan: "Thats not the problem! Its dangerous for women to wield swords. You have to stop now!"
Sara: "I've had more training in swordplay than any of those other men. Im just as much a swordsman as you are."
Ethan: "No, you're just a woman."
Sara: "Ooh! You make me so angry!"
Ray: "I said CUT IT OUT!"
Ray's angry shout echoed through the forest.
Ray: "I have no particular desire to be friends with either of you. So, aside from this quest, keep me out of anything that's going on between you."
Sara: "...Im sorry."
Ethan: "Sorry."
Ray: "As long as we understand each other."
Ray expelled a short breath, and began walking briskly. We followed behind.
Ray: "Hey, Sara."
Sara: "Wh..what?"
Ray: "There's something I wanted to ask you... Did King Arthur really steal Excalibur?"
Sara: "There is absolutely no doubt."
Ethan: "Yes, I saw him, too."
Ray: "I find it really difficult to believe."
Sara: "Why?"
Ray: "King Arthur is also known as the King of Love. Aside from those who harm others... And in particular, he was quite friendly, with the former king of Theodore."
To be sure, when I was a child, my father often exchanged letters with King Arthur... My father often said that King Arthur was much loved by his people...
Ethan: "Well, no matter what rumors say, the sacred sword was definitely stolen. Our only duty is to carry out our mission!"
Ray: "Eh, I dont care either way."
Sara: "Such a cavalier attitude is unbecoming. We must retrieve Excalibur as soon as possible..."
Ethan: "And that's excatly why you should go back now."
Sara: "Wha...? Are you still on about that!?"
Ethan: "I dont want to see you injured."
Sara: "...Ethan, thank you for your kind feelings. But I cannot withdraw from this task. My role is to protect the sacred sword. So I must also be apart of the mission that retrieves it."
Ethan: "But...!"
Ray: "Would you two PLEASE cut it out."
Ray hit Ethan in the head with the staff he carried.
Ethan: "What the hell!"
Ray: "Would you stop going over and over the same argument. If Sara wants to take part in this journey as a swordswoman so badly, then just let her."
Sara: "Yes, that's right! But how do I get him to accept that?"
Ray: "Do you have anyway to convince him expect with your sword?"
He could have put that better, but Ray is right...
Ethan: "Hold on! Im not going to raise my sword against a woman!"
Sara: "So you accept my presence on this journey?"
Ethan: "That's...! No, I mean... But..."
Ethan's brows furrowed, and he looked perplexed.
Ethan: "... If I win, will you go home?"
Sara: "I will continue the quest. That is my duty."
Ethan: "Your duty, huh? Well, that is important. But that means hat there would be no meaning in my winning."
Sara: "Yes. So I have another proposal. If you win, I wont lead in the field of battle."
As I offered this proposal, I looked up at Ethan.
Ethan: "Well, I guess that would be OK..."
Sara: "Its decided, then. Ray, will you act as referee?"
Ray: "I'll do anything if it means you two will be quiet."
I nodded, and raised my rapier. As I did so, Ethan reluctantly drew his sword.
Ray: "Ready..."
Ray raised his left hand. And suddenly dropped it.
Ethan: "Ha!"
Ethan swung hs sword down at me, not holding back at all.
Sara: "Urk!"
I blocked the blow with my rapier, and dodged around Ethan.
Sara: "Ha!"
Without pausing, I thrust the tip of my rapier toward Ethan's chest.
Ethan: "Wha...!?"
Eyes open wide, Ethan jumped backward, a beat too late.
Ethan: "I see... So you're not just all talk. Sorry, I was a bit careless there."
Sara: "Are you conceding defeat?"
Ethan: "No way. I wont go so easily on you the next time."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ethan swung his great word at my legs. I avoided the blow by jumping over it, and aimed at Ethan from overhead.
Ethan: "Nice try!"
Without even looking around, Ethan used the base of his blade to block my attack. I was unable to react to his movements in time...
Sara: "Oh!"
In the blink of an eye, I was falling forward.. And Ethan was pinning me to the ground with his sword.
Ethan: "My victory, I believe."
Sara: "Not...not yet."
Ray: "Give up, Sara. However you look at it, you've lost."
Sara: "...Alright."
The difference in strength was like that between an adult and a child... I would never be able to rival Ethan...
This understanding was a bitter one, and I was unable to raise my head. Than Ethan called my name.
Ethan: "Sara, are you OK?"
Ethan was holding out his hand to me.
Sara: "Th...thank you."
Ethan: "It's ony natural, as I am a man."
Sara: "Natural..."
Ethan: "Yes."
He's really a gentle, genuine guy. But... I still dont want just to be the protected one...
Ethan: "Pfft..."
Sara: "Hey! What are you doing?"
Ethan: "Oh, sorry. Your face is a little dirty."
Sara: "What! Where?"
That probably happened when I face-planted in the dirt.
Flustered, I wiped my face furiously, and finally Ethan broke into a loud laugh.
Ethan: "Hahaha- you're just making it worse!"
Sara: "I asked you where the dirt was! I hate you!"
Ethan: "Sorry. It's on the top of your nose."
Sara: "Thank you. But... but I cant really see it..."
It was mortifying to be laughed at like that.
Ethan: "That's a different look for you."
Sara: "What?"
Ethan: "You always look so angry, which doesnt really suit you. You should smile or look shy more often."
Sara: "What!"
Ethan: "Also, you shouldnt sit on the ground so long, even if you are worn out."
Before he finished speaking, Ethan grabbed my hand. With one jerk, he pulled me to my feet.
Sara: "Hey!"
I was unable to maintain my balance, and Ethan put his arms around me to hold me up.
Ethan: "Are you alright?"
Sara: "Y...yes. Im fine."
Even through his clothing, I could feel how muscluar Ethan's body was. Snap out of it! This isnt the time for such thoughts!
Hoping that he wouldnt be abe to see what I was thinking, I disengaged myself, keeping my eyes down cast.
Sara: "Thank you for helping me up."
Ethan: "This would also seem to be my role. Think nothing of it!"
Ray, looking disgusted, stood next to a loudly laughing Ethan.
Ray: "Is this boring fight finally over?"
Ethan: "It wasnt boring. Anyway, you're the one who suggested it."
Ray: "Your arguing was annoying me. Sara, no more complaints."
Sara: "Alright... As I promised, I will not lead any fights. However, if any enemies come to the back, things will be different."
Ethan: "Hey! ...Nevermind. Your Promise was not to fight in the front."
Ray: "So, after all this, we're right back where we started. Im done with this subject. Just dont involve me in your problems from now on."
Ethan: "No! Ray, you have to tell her too. Women dont belong on the battlefield."
Ray: "Im not interested."
Ethan: "Ray!"
Ethan appealed to Ray again, but Ray just shrugged his shoulders.
Ethan: "Damn it."
As Ethan sighed, he stared at me.
Ethan: "Why are you so stubborn? You habe some strength and skill but you have to know that its still dangerous."
Muttering in annoyance, Ethan turned his back on me.
I also wonder Ethan, why are you so dead set against women fighting.
Ray: "Hey, how long are you going to stand there in a daze?"
Sara: "Oh.. Oh, you're right. Let's get going."
Ethan: "...Yes."
The atmosphere seemed somehow heavy, but we set off once again.
Sara: "The sun is beginning to set."
Ethan: "The closest village is..."
Sara: "Its dangerous to wander around the forest in the dark, so let's make camp here. There are lots of dead branches around, so we shoul be able to keep a fire going all night."
Ray: "..."
Sara: "Huh? What's wrong Ray?"
Ray: "Nothing... I just didnt expect yo to suggest something like that."
I tilt my head in confusion, not understanding what Ray was talking about.
Ray: "Who could possibly imagine that a spoiled, protected princess would suggest sleeping in the woods!?"
Sara: "Well... Of course a bed would be nicer. But I dont expect to live in the lap of luxury on this journey."
Ethan: "No, no, not possible."
Sara: "What?"
Ethan: "There's no way Im letting you sleep out here, where who-knows-what danger might come along at any minute!"
Sara: "This forest is very safe. I dont think there's any danger."
Ethan: "No, I really think we should go to the village..."
Ray: "What kind of idiot are you? It would take us atleast six hours just to get out of the forest from here."
Ethan: "Urk..."
Sara: "See! So tonight we'll just camp in the forest. Im going to get some water."
Ray: "I'll start a fire, because that's easiest for me."
Sara: "You can do it with one wave of your wand, right? I'll leave that to you."
Grabbing the wooden bucket, I turned my back on them and headed for the river. Ethan immediately followed me.
Ethan: "I'll go with you."
Sara: "Even though Im just going to fetch water?"
Ethan: "Even so! Something dangerous could be lurking!"
He's a real worrywart.
Smiling wryly to myself, I walked toward the river with Ethan.
Ethan: "Sara, I'll walk in front."
Sara: "Im fine."
Ethan: "But... There's no telling when an enemy could attack!!"
Sara: "You worry too much."
As we talked, the river came into view.
Ethan: "I'll drink first to make sure it's safe."
Ethan dropped to his knees and drank some water fromt his cupped hands.
Sara: "How is it?"
Ethan: "Its delicious!"
Sara: "Great! My turn to drink."
Before I could put my hands in the water, Ethan scooped more water up in his hands and turned toward me.
Sara: "...What?"
Does he mean for me to drink water from his hands?!
Ethan: "We've been walking all day. You must be tired."
Sara: "Well... Just a little."
Nervously, I brought my lips closer.
Ethan: "Uhn!"
Sara: "Oh! You got wet."
Ethan: "I...Im sorry. It tickled."
Sara: "Im sorry- I should just get my own water after all..."
Ethan: "No, let me do it."
When he says it like that, I cant refuse...
Slowly, I once began drinking from Ethan's hands.
Sara: "Umm..."
Ethan: "How is it?"
Sara: "Oh, its delicious!"
Ethan: "Right? Oops, I spilled it again. Have some more."
Sara: "Im fine- you drink some now. You must also be very tired."
Ethan: "Im used to it-Im fine. But you're a woman. Women get tired a lot more easily than men, so you should just rely on me."
Sara: "Ethan! Why do you always have to compare men and women?"
Ethan looked briefly away, with a stricken look on his face.
Ethan: "I..."
He looked back at me.
Ethan: "Its just nature. Women are weaker than men."
Sara: "I am not so weak that I must be protected all the time, though."
Ethan: "But you lost to m. Its not like Im trying to put you down or anything. Its just that... I worry about you..."
Sara: "I welcome your feelings, but I can protect myself."
I lowered my face and scooped up some water.
Ethan is definitely strong, and he doesnt waste any movement. I can respect that about him, and I would like to learn from him, but...
No matter what, I cannout agree to just being the kind of person who has to be protected.
Ethan: "Sara, I'd like you to tell me something. Why do you hate being protected so very much?"
Sara: "... Because there is something that I must proctect."
Ethan: "Do you mean...the queen?"
Sara: "Yes, but not just the queen. When my father died, the people felt very insecure. So, from my position above them, I must protect and lead them."
Ethan: "...I see."
Sara: "And more than that, I promised my father that I would protect Excalibur!"
As we spoke, the feelings of mortification I had felt when the sword was taken came back to me. I picked up the bucket full of water, and looked at Ethan.
Sara: "So... I wil be OK."
Ethan: "But, Sara, that means..."
Sara: "Let's go. Ray is waiting."
As I began to walk, Ethan gently took the bucket from my grasp.
Sara: "Hey! I can carry that."
Ethan: "I still have plenty of engery, so I want to work some of it of. OK?"
Sara: "...I understand."
Ethan really is a nice guy. He worries about the feelings of is companions. But... When he makes such broad distinctions between men and women...
Ethan: "Sara, hurry up. When night falls, dangerous things may emerge from the forest."
As he said this, Ethan suddenly grabbed my hand.
Sara: "I told you that I dont need you to hold my hand!"
Ethan: "Just making sure that you dont fall."
Sara: "I...Im fine!"
My hand looked small engulfed in his large one.If I mentioned that, I was sure he'd just say again,"Its because you're a woman." I immediately removed my hand. At that moment...
???: "What are you two doing in my garden?"
Sara: "Wh..What is that!?"
Ethan: "Danger! Sara, get down!"
Dropping the bucket, Ethan drew his sword.
Letter from Ethan
I'll protect you.
Your sense of responsibility is very strong.
I respect that about you. But now Im here.
I think that women should just meekly let men protect them.
AUTHORS NOTE
SO HERE IS CHAPTER 1 OF ETHANS STORY. AGAIN DONT REPORT THIS STORY FOR WRONG WRITING THING. ITS MAINLY MENT FOR MYSELF.