The Mushroom Knight
The esteemed Mia Luna Tearmoon, the Empire’s Great Wisdom, found herself in a demanding position. The fate of the Empire and, it seemed, the entire continent rested on her capable shoulders. Despite these weighty responsibilities, Mia, in her own measured way, dedicated herself tirelessly to the cause. Nevertheless, amidst these pressing matters, she presently indulged in a well-deserved respite within one of Count Lampron’s guest rooms.
Originally tasked with averting Sion’s assassination, Mia had successfully accomplished that mission. She had also thwarted an attempt on King Abram’s life and managed to rescue Sion’s brother, Echard, from an impending execution. Now, it was finally time for a moment of relaxation.
Reflecting on her upcoming journey to the Equestrian Kingdom with Miss Rafina, Mia acknowledged the need to remain vigilant, especially given the potential consequences of any lapse in attention. The specter of danger, including the ominous possibility of facing a guillotine with legs, loomed large. Thus, Mia understood the paramount importance of staying alert.
She mused, “Even if it’s just for some quality milk and butter, visiting the Equestrian Kingdom with Miss Rafina means that I can’t afford to let my guard down. I’ll have to teach her how to ride horses too…”
The thought of any harm befalling Rafina was unacceptable, and Mia recognized the gravity of the situation. Despite these concerns, Mia saw the present moment as an opportunity to rest and recharge. Contemplating a plan to tour the sweets shops in Sunkland, she envisioned a relaxing indulgence in bed with a slice of cake.
However, Mia’s nascent scheme was abruptly halted as the negotiations between Rafina and King Abram concluded swiftly. Just two days later, Mia’s party departed from Sunkland. Ludwig, along with Rafina’s attendants, had efficiently handled the preparations for the journey home. Mia, receiving a report from Ludwig, learned about the protective measures in place for their return trip.
Ludwig informed her, “There will be four carriages for our return trip with guards positioned around them. The Princess Guard will be the center of all protective operations.”
Perplexed, Mia tilted her head at this unexpected arrangement. While Belluga had voluntarily limited its military involvement, Rafina’s convoy usually relied on the soldiers of the host country or nearby mercenaries hired by Belluga. However, this time, the protection was entrusted to the Princess Guard.
Mia pondered, “Nothing’s the matter with there only being a few guards from Belluga, but… What about the convoy from Remno?”
A combined force, comprising knights from the Greenmoons’ personal army, the Princess Guard, and soldiers dispatched by Count Lampron of Sunkland, had ensured their safe passage to the current location. The intricate coordination of this security detail had demanded considerable mental effort from Ludwig. This time, with the addition of Belluga, Abel, and the guards from Remno, Ludwig’s task became even more complex. One might have expected him to assess the situation with a grim expression, but that wasn’t the case.
“Well, the Kingdom of Remno only brought one knight with them,” Ludwig reported.
Mia’s eyes widened in surprise. “Just one?”
“Indeed. Apparently, Prince Abel’s attendant would like to specifically greet you.”
“Very well. I’d be happy to meet with him.”
Despite her agreement, Mia couldn’t help but feel a twinge of worry. This concern only intensified when Abel’s lone protector stood before her.
“It brings me the deepest of pleasures that you would take the time out of your busy day to allow me an audience, Your Highness. My name is Grammateus, and I am the knight tasked with overseeing the protection of Prince Abel.”
Kneeling respectfully before her, head bowed, was a solitary elderly man. Just him. That was all.
Mia, despite her qualms, lifted her skirt slightly from above the ground with a smile. The expression she wore was a flawless facade—so amicable and princess-like that it completely masked the anxiety she felt.
“The pleasure is all mine, Sir Grammateus. I am Mia Luna Tearmoon, princess of the Tearmoon Empire.”
Her greeting was as impeccable as her smile. However, when she raised her face, she found herself captivated by the sight in front of her.
Oh, my… He’s…
She couldn’t help but be struck with wonder. The elderly soldier was adorned in golden armor that enveloped his entire form. The rounded metal bore numerous scratches, a testament to Grammateus’s many battles. Yet, more noteworthy was the expression on the old man’s face. Despite the weight of the armor, he wore a debonair grin. His movements betrayed no burden, and he exuded a brisk energy that defied his advanced age.
To the discerning eye, it was evident that this was no ordinary man. However, Mia’s eyes were far from sharp—they were more akin to pebbles or marbles. While they might be considered pretty, they were ill-suited for gauging the strength of an opponent. Thus, that was not what had captured Mia’s attention.
“The helmet you have there is simply marvelous, Sir Grammateus. Would it be possible for you to put it on? I’d love to see what it looks like,” Mia inquired, noticing the helmet Grammateus held by his side and deciding to make a request.
“It brings me the deepest of pleasures to hear such praise for my battle attire. If that be your request…”
The moment Grammateus adorned his full suit of armor, Mia’s initial impression turned into a resolute conviction.
Oho ho! He looks like a mushroom!
Such was the whimsical thought that occupied Mia’s mind. A single glance at the helmet’s round protrusion and the gentle curves of the armor was all Mia needed. In her discerning eyes, she could find a resemblance to a mushroom hidden within anything!
Mm-hmm! Only someone of my caliber would have been able to notice! Mia perhaps indulged in a bit too much pride. I’ve heard of this before, though. Soldiers often dress like mythical beasts to intimidate their opponents or gain inhuman powers!
Another look at the man in front of her and the metallic mushroom armor he wore led Mia to a whimsical conclusion.
Sir Grammateus is dressed like a mushroom, which means he’s channeling their power! He’s a Mushroom Knight! I’m sure I can count on him! At times, mushrooms use their virulent toxins to slay their foes, and at others, they use their supple grace to evade enemy attacks.
To Mia, mushrooms symbolized strength!
She nodded approvingly. “I see. That armor of yours really is magnificent. I’m sure we can count on you.”
Mia’s remarks left Grammateus with eyes wide open in shock.
Abel mirrored the sentiment with a wry smile. “You really know everything, don’t you, Mia? Grammateus has trained our royal family in swordsmanship for quite a while now. He’s worked both my brother and me to the bone over the years.”
“I see.”
Oho ho, if he teaches swordsmanship, then he must be strong! That’s a Mushroom Knight for you—his choice in armor exudes an aura of strength!
While Mia was lost in her thoughts, the Mushroom Knight (a.k.a. Grammateus) was warmly welcoming the sight of Dion Alaia.
“My, oh, my! You are Dion Alaia, are you not? I heard you even bested the Adamantine Spear!” With that, he made his way over to Dion, stopping just a few feet in front of him. “Hah! I see that there was truth to the rumors! You seem to be quite the man.”
With a hand on his chin, Grammateus gave Dion a once-over.
“Not at all,” Dion replied. “If it isn’t Sir Grammateus of Remno, the Sword Saint. I’m surprised you’re still kicking.” The smile on Dion’s lips was warm, but his eyes were cold, busy with the task of appraising his opponent. “So? How do you suggest we position the troops, Sir Grammateus?”
“As if you needed to ask me! A man of peerless valor such as yourself should prove to have no trouble. I mean, you bested the Adamantine Spear! I think it would be wise to leave everything in your capable hands.”
After waving the old soldier goodbye, Mia turned to Dion.
“Do the two of you know each other?”
“Nope, but I’ve heard stories of him. He’s the one who invented the fundamentals of Remno swordsmanship. Whether it be ‘Master’ or the ‘Sword Saint,’ he’s got a bunch of fancy nicknames surrounding him.” Dion shrugged with a grimace. “Looks like even you managed to figure out how strong he is. Well, he lives up to his name. A pity that I couldn’t have met him in his glory days… Anyways, I don’t think we’ve got anything to worry about. I might even ask him to help train the Princess Guard.”
“My! He really is strong!”
As she watched the departing figure of her Mushroom Knight, Mia realized her intuition had proved true.
Mushrooms. Are. Strength!
