Waga Aruji [Private]

Amid the peaceful intermittent rays of sunlight shining in through the windows of the castle, soldiers and generals were carrying out orders, guarding their respective posts. As Kayneth traversed the stairs towards the grand entrance, indeed all he could see was squires and soldiers and the occasional diplomat. Why? The answer to that question was simple. The escort chosen for today is a decision that was made at the last moment, causing the person in question to traverse each part of the castle in order to find who he was selected to escort to a meeting. Naturally, it was unlike this sole knight to be tardy for any task bestowed upon him. His loyalty was as his strong as his talent as a warrior. His name was one that could not be mistaken for any other around this royal castle; Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, the warrior who wielded two spears with godlike skill and acrobatic-grace. In each battle, he would fight valiantly, encouraging all soldiers to fight on in the honor of their queen and king.


In each battle, no matter how mighty or deadly a blow he suffered, he would fight on in the name of his leaders. “a loyal and earnest man who will never betray those around him,” that is the reputation he had gained throughout this entire castle. Brotherhood, honor, chivalry, and bravery were the facets he embraced most and followed them as though it were breathing. Arriving late is an inexcusable disdain for a knight, a stalwart soldier who generally follows rules down to the very bone. In retrospect, however, Diarmuid was not perturbed by his current situation. No matter how much he failed – though failures for him were few and far between – this knight would always prove that he was worthy of his title not only as Misaiko’s top knight, but as the venerable Lancer that everyone regarded him as. So, despite his tardiness, he was nevertheless certain that he would erase a failure with success.


As luck would have it, he had sensed a spiritual pressure somewhere around this castle, at the grand entrance that takes one out of the castle and into the outer-lands of the Sugiura’s people. First of all, not many people left this castle unless they were going on a mission, carrying out an errand, or otherwise entering with permission from either the Queen or King. That said, Diarmuid predicted that if someone was indeed located at the grand entrance, then it could be no one other than the advisor he was ordered to escort. Concentrating all of his spiritual energy on transportation, he de-materialized his body into spiritual particles, disappearing from his current area. In a flash, his body rematerialized in full detail as he appeared before Kayneth at the front of the entrance. Gazing upon Diarmuid, one could not help but feel entranced by his intrepid features. He was a handsome man, with quirky long hair combed roughly backward.


A high bridge of the nose and a valiant eyebrow only further emphasized his masculinity. Despite his hard cut mouth denoting a stoic air, his eyes seemed to hide a quiet grief, yet a strong, manly scent rises from him. Although this was charming on the first glance, the most noticeable trait, however, was a love spot under his eye that could enthrall and make any woman of meager existence fall in love with him with only a single glance. Yet, while some would’ve considered this a blessing, this accursed beauty spot had brought about a tragic ending that he would rather not recall. Unlike most knights who wear heavy set armor as a form of defense against an enemy’s weapon, Diarmuid’s lightweight armor prioritized his ease of movement.

Although there were normally two spears of differing sizes readied within both of his hands, he felt that it was needless to use them at the current moment. Even if danger were to come upon the man he was guarding, the spears would materialize within his hands in an instant. With a deep sigh, the scrupulous knight bowed before Kayneth, kneeling with one knee to the ground and his right arm crossing his chest. “Although I have arrived late, allow me to express my deepest apologies. I was chosen at the last moment, and most of my time was spent in order to find you. Am I correct in thinking that you are Kayneth El-Melloi?” Diarmuid asked, staring up at the high-rate magus with serious curiosity. In order to know that this was the man he was ordered to watch, he had to confirm that he was the same man Misaiko had told them about during their conversation.

Although Diarmuid found it difficult to solve what he had done to earn this man’s ire, he could neither rebuke nor disrespect him. Many people would’ve likely found Kayneth’s harsh words an insult. However, Diarmuid’s goal was to protect him. He, much as any knight-bound soldier, knows that one must stay stalwart in the face of all opposition; including something as trivial as an insult.

Actually, Diarmuid was not at all insulted by this man before him despite his being called a knave. He wasn’t some street punk, or a middleclass plebian who acts high and mighty just because of higher income. No, he possessed class. A grace that Diarmuid had long thought died out. He was a true noble. Therefore, there was not a hint of discouragement in his heart, only the drive to perform as effortlessly as possible and earn this man’s respect rather than his anger. The Knight was actually counting his blessings that a woman hadn’t graced his presence.

The love spot beneath his eye would’ve made the trip quite uncomfortable, if that were the case. “Once again, excuse me for my insolence, Waga Aruji. “ As he dutifully raised himself from his kneeling position to accompany Kayneth on their journey, he decided he would introduce himself when they entered their transportation. He walked side by side with Kayneth, scanning the area for any discrepancies. Thought it was highly unlikely that someone would be so foolish as to attack Kayneth in broad daylight, Diarmuid could not help but be cautious.

As a knight, or rather, bodyguard, one had to be prepared to protect those they were assigned without the slightest ounce of hesitation. One had to be prepared at any moment, lest they risk the lives of those they were ordered to protect. From what Misaiko told him, the man was an accomplished magus. His name was revered around the entire castle, and he was even a critically-acclaimed teacher at the ubiquitous clock tower, one of the great branches of the Mage’s association.

In other words, it almost seemed like a cruel joke to pair Diarmuid with a man who could even perhaps give this spear-wielding knight a run for his money. However, Diarmuid was confident that he would complete this mission and earn this man’s respect, though it would not be easy. The only thing he could do for now was to progress towards the next goal, achieve it, and continue forward. As Kayneth entered, Diarmuid nodded assent, as he boarded the ornate carriage with Kayneth. He sighed deeply before bringing his attention towards Kayneth. “Allow me to apologize for my earlier rudeness, Waga Aruji. I acted out of place. I was more worried that I was going to miss you, so the thought of introducing myself completely escaped me. I hope I can erase this mistake with success. My name is Diarmuid Ua Duibhne. “