Gilbert, a Knight of the Golden Fang Order.

　He was the person who had previously expressed his opinion on behalf of the Golden Fang Knights when he had attended a meeting on the construction of the fortress at the call of King Alfred.

　I thought he must be a high-ranking knight, but I didn't expect him to be the head of the Golden Fang Knights.

It's a strange thing to say, Sir Felix. What is the problem with a knight leader visiting the knight's front line base?
No, I just didn't expect you to come to the White Wolf Store. I thought you were quite a heavy-handed person, unlike our commander.

　Felix was smiling at Gilbert, but you could sense the wariness and intimidation that lurked behind the smile.

You can see it on the outside," he said. This is the scene of a major incident involving the Demon King's Army. And moreover, when it is the residence of someone who has made great contributions, it is only natural for me to go there.

　In contrast, Gilbert's words and actions also show the thickness of the psychological walls.

　In the past, the Knights existed as the armies of different countries.

　That conflict has not completely ended even now after unification, and although no overt conflicts have occurred, they are still competing for increased authority and influence within the kingdom.

　The knowledge of ...... was gained from Garnett, but when you actually see a glimpse of the conflict, you are forced to understand that it is not something that an outsider can stick his or her head in without thinking.

　But what about this situation?

　I'm not in the mood to ask them out for tea in the back of the house, but that doesn't mean I can't ask them to do it outside.

　I turned around to ask Garnett for his opinion, but for some reason that guy wasn't there.

'Is that ......?　Where did he go: ......?
"...... here, here ......!

　A whispered voice called out to me in an extremely low volume whisper.

　The voice came from behind the accounting counter.
　Somehow, Garnett had bent down to hide there.

'What the hell are you doing, man?'
'Shh!　It's the same as the last Dragonslayer. I've been associated with the Gilbert family since my father's generation, and I've met them a few times.
Oh, I see. So there's a lateral connection between the Order's captains.

　The rival Silver Wing Knights have been secretly sending members to the Golden Fang Knights to the White Wolf Shop - they don't want their rivals to realize that fact in this way.

　Felix has been standing so casually that Gilbert's gaze is not directed towards him.

　I didn't expect Gilbert to come to my shop," he said.

''For now, on the contrary, it's too suspicious, so you should wear this one too.

　The protective gear that was to be sold on the side of the counter - a large hat for wind and cold protection - was placed on Garnett's head.

　The cloth on either side hangs down enough to cover the sides of his head, and the eaves are large enough that it should be difficult to see his face.

I'm busy, unlike Carmine of the Silver Wing. I don't have time to waste.

　Gilbert seemed to have given up on his exchange with Felix and switched the subject of the conversation to me.

　Apparently, he hadn't yet noticed Garnett pretending to be just a clerk.

　The way Garnett was wearing a bare face with a cold sweat on his face was bad for the person with a cold liver, but I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of humor.

''Luke-dono of the White Wolf Forest. Your activities and contributions have helped me on a regular basis. If I cannot adequately repay you for this, I would have to say that the knightly order is broken in name.
'I'm overreacting. I'm not in trouble financially, and when people say they're going to reward me, I'm not: ......
'Yes. For our part, we have decided that the gift to be given should be honor rather than money.

　And Gilbert continued to speak without a single change in expression.

''We are currently pushing forward with our preparations to welcome you as a member of the Golden Fang Order.
Nah. ......!
What?
What did you say?

　I wasn't the only one who screamed in surprise.
　Garnett and Felix were astonished at the same time.

'Wait, Sir Gilbert. Lord Luke is not a knight. Do you think that such a side note tearing is acceptable?
'No way. I'm recommending His Majesty Alfred for a knighthood. A knighthood for membership in the Order of the Golden Fang.

　I have a strong feeling that this is a terrible thing that has happened.

　A knighthood, you say?　And not the silver wings, but the golden fangs?

　What would happen if they turned down something like this?
　On the contrary, it would be at a level where it would be doubtful that it would even be given a veto.

'Perhaps His Majesty will approve the nomination. I look forward to the day when I can call you Sir Luke.
'Oh!　That's a good call!

　-- Suddenly, our nobody's voice echoes through the store.

　Everyone, including Gilbert, turned their gaze at once to the doorway.

　There was one blonde haired, blue-eyed man with an aloof atmosphere.

''Brother(ani)u......!
"Lord Carmine. Why are you here? I was informed that Lord Felix was in command of the Silver Wing contingent?

　Garnett almost gibbered in surprise, but Gilbert's eyes narrowed as if he hadn't heard him at all.

　He remained as expressionless as ever, but his voice had taken on a distinctly uncomfortable tone.

''Haha. I hope you don't have such a scary look on your face, Sir Gilbert. I only came to the hot springs to receive the leave specified in the knight's charter. I would stay here for a month if I could.
...... Hmm. You're trying to tell me that it's just a coincidence that you ran into me.
I'll tell you one more thing. In fact, I've just advised His Majesty of Luke's knighthood. Well, coincidences are scary!

　Gilbert stared at Carmine, me and Garnett were speechless as we looked at each other, and Felix had anger on his face, beyond surprise.

'Oh, you person!　What are you doing!

　Felix walked past Gilbert, who was supposed to be his avenging enemy, and grabbed Carmine, who was supposed to be his boss, by the shoulders and shook him violently.

'That's not what I'm hearing at all!　If you haven't even talked to the XO-rank, well, that's your own opinion!　Again!　Who do you think is going to make the adjustments in the group!
''Good things must come first. Besides, if we started planning countermeasures now, wouldn't they have taken Mr. Luke to the Golden Fang?

　Carmine gave Gilbert a generous look, and Gilbert returned his unfeeling, cold stare.

　What a mess.
　I'm supposed to be a party to this, but I don't feel like an outsider.
　I feel like I've been completely left behind and the conversation is still going on.

　I'm sure the top brass of the king and the top of the knight's corps are working on it, so I don't think I'm in a position to interfere in any way.

　I was pondering what to do, when Sylvia came running in with a panicked look on her face.

''Luke-san!　Can you come to town, please!　The bell in the belfry for the time signal has broken, and they want to have it fixed right away!

　Hearing that, I was almost reflexively moving.

'So, I'm sorry!　We'll talk about that later!

　He grabbed Garnett's hand and ran out of the shop in a great hurry, leaving the knights who looked dumbfounded.

　As I was running down the hill leading to the town with the same momentum, Garnett held his hat in his hand and opened his mouth in confusion.

'Oh, hey!　It was good!
You can't do anything about it without me, right?　Then I'd be much better off doing this!

　Garnett rolled his eyes for a moment and immediately smiled his usual smile, then grabbed my hand back hard and quickly quickened his running pace.

'Then I'll stay with you until the end!　Brace yourself!

　In the end, I ran as fast as I could up the hill leading to Green Hollow Town, with Garnett pulling me along as forcefully as I could.