I Got My Engagement Annulled… Even Though We Were Never Engaged - Chapter 18

A griffin is a high-ranking monster with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion.

Its state-designated subjugation difficulty is Rank A.

When facing such a creature, if knights alone were to attempt its defeat, it would require a force of about a hundred. Even with the inclusion of mages or magic knights, a minimum of twenty would likely be necessary.

That said, if the individual levels of the mages, magic knights, or knights were high enough, this wouldn’t necessarily apply.

If Mother were here, she could probably take down one griffin by herself, as long as she didn’t have to worry about collateral damage. Against two, she might struggle a bit.

“Father, I’m going to set up a barrier, so please stay inside it.”

“But…”

“I don’t want to say this, but I won’t have the leeway to protect you while fighting a griffin.”

I may be a powerful mage myself, but this is my first time encountering a griffin.

It seems it flew here to lay its eggs.

The reason I didn’t sense any other monsters was because they were lying low, afraid of the griffin, which had grown ferocious in preparation for egg-laying.

“This is bad if we don’t deal with it.”

“Yes…”

Although this forest is a bit away from town, allowing the griffin to lay its eggs here would be dangerous.

After the eggs hatch, the griffin will start hunting to nourish its young. And often, people being easier prey than monsters are the ones attacked. If it heads to town, there are plenty of people. For the griffin, it would be an ideal feeding ground.

…On the other hand, should I consider it fortunate that we discovered it at this timing? But given that we have to handle it with just our numbers, should I instead think it unfortunate?

I don’t know Lord Fevan’s capabilities.

He was selected as a state-sponsored international student and is the crown prince’s aide. I don’t think his abilities are low, but it would be dangerous to overestimate him in this situation.

If Mother were here, the two of us could have handled the subjugation without issue.

But while I’m dealing with one griffin, will Lord Fevan have the strength to handle the other?

Having never seen a magic knight in battle, it’s hard for me to judge.

“Lord Fevan, do you have any experience with griffin subjugation?”

“None.”

Of course. Opportunities to encounter high-ranking monsters like griffins are rare.

If I were to engulf this area in blazing flames, Father—who wants the Tsukikusa herbs would probably burst into tears.

I, too, don’t want to cause major damage to the forest.

But can I really subdue a griffin while worrying about that?

…No time to dwell on it.

It seems they’ve recognized us as enemies too.

They’re growling, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they lunged at any moment.

“Lord Fevan, this may sound unreasonable, but can you handle one griffin? I’ll take the other. I’ll assist you as soon as I finish.”

“Don’t worry, it’s fine. I may not have experience with griffin subjugation, but…”

Smoothly, Lord Fevan drew the sword at his waist.

In that instant, the air around him seemed to grow taut.

…Ah, he’s strong.

I may not know the capabilities of magic knights, but my intuition told me so.

It seems I had been thinking something quite rude. I had underestimated Lord Fevan’s abilities far too much.

Lord Fevan’s light blue eyes held a combative gleam as he smiled faintly.

“I do have experience subjugating Quetzalcoatl.”

As he said this and kicked off the ground, dashing forward at an incredible speed, I couldn’t help but let out an absurdly startled cry, despite the tense situation.

“Huh?!”