All arrangements would begin the next day, marking the end of the dinner gathering.
Or rather, it seemed we had arrived too early, so they had to make some adjustments.
The magic-powered carriage moves at more than twice the speed of a regular one, and it can travel through the night, so we arrived quite quickly.
I doubt they expected us to arrive this early. Perhaps I should have taken my time.
That carriage is quite comfortable for overnight stays as well.
During the after-dinner tea, I asked about the specifics of the upcoming tasks. It appears we’ll be splitting into two teams, one for subjugating monsters and the other for assisting in the reconstruction work within the capital.
As for the Chevalier investiture ceremony, I made sure it wouldn’t happen—it was agreed that it would be handled privately. I didn’t permit its political exploitation.
They agreed on the condition that it would only facilitate domestic movements.
After that, I was shown to my quarters, where I’d be lodging within the castle.
Along the way, I noticed a familiar mage. They looked visibly tired, so I called out. If I remember correctly, her name is Mira, a mage in the army.
She seemed to have been promoted, as she had more medals than before.
When I called to her, she replied in a dead-tired voice. “Take it easy; Sepia will lighten your workload,” I assured her.
Mira gave a dry laugh.
“I certainly hope so…”
Since she seemed worn out, I handed her a stamina potion. “Hang in there.”
After taking the potion, Mira seemed to regain a bit of energy.
Apparently, she’s directing the reconstruction effort with students returning from the Academy of Magic. The students are probably of noble birth… though it turns out Mira herself is also of noble lineage.
In the army, where the influence of nobility is minimal, things seem to function on the frontlines somehow. We share a slight familiarity, so I lend her an ear.
After a brief chat, Mira headed to the nap room to rest.
“…Will I end up like that?”
“It looks like it. With your skills, you’re definitely assigned to assist her.”
“I-I see. I’ll do my best.”
Sepia seemed a bit taken aback.
I’m expecting solid performance from our senior mage. With Noel and Arnella helping you, hang in there.
A maid showed me to my room.
One room per person. We each spent our free time as we saw fit.
The room even had a private bath—a luxurious touch. I quickly took a bath to wash off the day’s grime.
Afterwards, I dressed comfortably and sat on the bed made up with pristine white sheets.
Chevalier, huh?
It’s purely an honorary title, nothing more than a rank for distinction. It’s not something handed out lightly.
I figured the princess would push it on me at some point, but I never thought I’d end up getting it from the kingdom.
Well, since I have it, I may as well use it effectively. Considering the kingdom is unlikely to engage knights in warfare anytime soon, and provided I forgo the salary, I shouldn’t face issues leaving the country.
What concerns me, however, is the princess’s reaction.
I can already imagine her snide comments.
She has a tendency toward petty remarks, and I’ll likely be subjected to a day of nagging.
On top of that, she’d probably keep me from leaving until I earned the title of Imperial Chevalier.
“What a pain…”
That thought weighed on me the most.
As I idly relaxed, there was a knock at the door.
Upon opening it, a maid was standing there.
Ah, that.
“If you’d like, I could keep you company tonight…”
“I’m too tired. Just tell them I was already asleep.”
With that, I dismissed her.
She seemed about to say something, but I closed the door.
This wasn’t quite a honey trap, but it’s a common enough tactic.
Taking in someone already collared by the kingdom is a bit much. Everything would get back to them anyway.
I’m not interested in such things. While some might enjoy it with a detached mindset, that’s not my style.
If anything, I’d rather call in Arnella or Noel.
Lying down on the bed, I closed my eyes.
I’ve stayed at the imperial residence before, but I’ve never quite gotten used to it.
Still, sleeping when I can is the adventurer’s creed…
I turned off the lights and closed my eyes.
Apparently, I was more tired than I’d realized; I felt a deep drowsiness settle in.
“Are you awake? …Guess you’re asleep.”
It seemed I heard Mastema’s voice.
The next day, I felt unusually refreshed.
Perhaps it was because I’d slept in a bed for the first time in a while.
I felt completely rested, like I could work a full day.
The others had also gathered, and it seemed they all slept well.
I’d told them to wear formal attire, so everyone looked sharp.
I instructed Mastema to wear ordinary clothes, as her formal attire involves appearing in her demon form.
A maid came by to inform us of the day’s schedule, but we still had some time before we could get started.
“Shall we take a little walk?”
“Yes, I’ll accompany you.”
Mastema and Sepia said they were still sleepy and went back, so I took along my two servants for the stroll.
I hadn’t given them any identifiable marks, so no one would know they were slaves just by looking at them.
It occurred to me that I’d been spending quite a lot of time with Mastema. It felt like ages since just the three of us had gone out together.
In fact, it may have been since my time at my home in the empire.
The two followed a step behind me, maintaining a comfortable distance.
The castle was bustling even in the morning.
After wandering for a while, we came upon a garden.
Flowers adorned the area surrounding a fountain.
As we stepped in, I noticed the queen at the far end.
She seemed to be tending to the flowers, assisted by a single maid.
The scene was rather picturesque.
Not wanting to disturb them, I signaled the two behind me to move on.
After passing some time, we made our way to the throne room at the appointed time.
