After that, I - well, not just me, but everyone who rented space from the Hollow Bottom branch - was busy with the prep work.

　This is because, not to mention the paperwork, there are various preparations that need to be completed in preparation for the opening of the store.

　For example, they had to decorate the space for the store, bring in display cabinets and storage units, and so on, all of which took a lot of time and effort.

　The store is not the only place that needs to be prepared.
　The amount of time and effort required to prepare the products to be handled there is also enormous.

　In my case, this is a big problem.

　In order to be able to provide a sufficient number of products at the time I opened the branch, I had to [Restore] a large amount of scrap armor procured through the guild.

　Of course, I had to ask Noir, Erica, and Alexia to do additional work as well, but in terms of just the amount of work that had increased, I was definitely the one with the most work.

　I spent my free time over several days, working steadily, and eventually, when the extra thoughts didn't pass my mind at all--

"It's over ......!

　After finishing the last swing [Restoration], I lay on my back on the floor of the living room.

　The living room was stacked with crates filled with weapons and armor, and there wasn't even half of the original living space left.

　It was completely dark outside, and the sounds of birds singing in the night could be heard from outside the house.

'Goodnight. Sorry I can't help you with these things.
We've been pushing ourselves to do other things, so it's a win-win situation.

　Garnett stood by my head as I lay on the floor and bent forward to look into my face.

　Because of my recent busyness, I hadn't had a chance to talk to Garnett about anything not related to work.

　Was that a good thing or a bad thing?

　It was probably good that I didn't have to remind myself of all the unanswered questions, but seeing Garnett again, I felt like I hadn't been able to talk about anything but work for a while.

'So, what do we do now?　I know it's a bit late, but should we get a bite to eat?　If it's a bar, it's still open.
...... Right. And while we're at it, let's get that bath done.

　I get up in a big way and get ready to go out.

　In the meantime, I keep thinking about what I'm going to talk to Garnett about on the road.

　Do I ask him about Garnett's father, former leader of the Silver Wing Knights, or do I ask him about Garnett's father?

　Do I ask him how long the escort mission will last?

　Or do I talk about the 'love counseling' that I had previously exchanged with Sylvia and the others - no, this is no good. Let's remove it from the list.

　In the end, we were able to narrow the topic down to one, just before we locked up the house and were about to head towards the town.

'I heard from Dorothea from the Sun Dial Trading Company that your father, what do you call him, ...... doesn't have much of a reputation?'
So you're Sylvia's grandmother. I'm sure your father is an old man, so he won't be well received by that type.

　I thought I was being rude to ask, but surprisingly, Garnett affirmed it without a care in the world.

'Well, did I ever tell you about my family structure or anything?'
I guess the only thing I know is that the former Commander is my father and the Commander Carmine is my brother.
Not even close.

　Garnett began to talk roughly about her family in the same manner as if she were really just making small talk.

　-- according to him, Garnett is the youngest of five brothers and sisters.

　Technically, three brothers and a sister are the children of his former wife, and apparently Garnett is the only child of his remarriage.
　I've only heard about the circumstances in this area before.

　The eldest son was a hard-headed man who was the living embodiment of his father, while the eldest and second son were in agreement with their hard-headed father and brother.

　Commander Carmine, whom I know well, was raised relatively free due to his delicate position as the third son, and was apparently in a position to be half-abandoned as an uninhibited prodigal son.

　It's a background that explains why Commander Carmine's personality is like that.

　However, in the middle of the war, his eldest son, who was his successor, was killed in action.

　The second son also fell ill or cursed - Garnett doesn't know much about the situation - and was unable to take over the reigns, so Carmine, who had been wandering around the country, was brought back.

　Shortly thereafter, he was defeated by an army led by Alfred the Great.

　It is said that as a condition of surrender, the chieftain was ordered to be replaced and the legion was reorganized in the form of the Silver Wing Knights, which it is today.

'...... Still, the former Commander retains considerable influence ...... or so it was said.
It's a good thing that you're not the only one. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　I've lived my life far from any kind of knight's family situation, but I can't help but imagine the amount of hardship I have to endure just by listening to it.

　Garnet seems to have the same feelings, and has been speaking with a bitter smile on her face since a while ago.

　Nevertheless, I found myself talking about something that was quite in-depth.

　We're almost to the middle of town in Green Hollow.
　Can we still bring up one or two more topics before we get to the tavern?

'By the way, ...... you were sent here on escort duty, right? The Demon Lord's War is over, but you're still on duty?　Maybe you have plans to finish or something: ......

　I tried to regain my composure, but I found my heart racing so hard it hurt.

　What if they returned to me that the mission was scheduled to end?
　How should I react then?

'Well?'

　However, Garnett's response was blunt.

'What about ......?'　No, come on, what?!
That's all right. I don't know when it's gonna end.
On your own mission?
"To begin with, the instructions I was given were 'Guard Luke in the White Wolf Forest until further notice.

　Garnett walked around in front of me with her large legs and lightly poked me in the chest with her thin white fingertips.

I'm not going to be able to say anything about it, so you can take it as our policy to maintain the status quo. There's no need to think too hard.
'Does that mean the ...... escort deadline wasn't set from the beginning?
'Simply put, yes. Are you convinced?

　Convinced or not, it made perfect sense.

　It was nothing. It was a problem that could have been solved with a single shot if you double-checked the details of the terms and conditions before worrying about it.

"Are you ...... worried for your age because you thought you were going to lose me or something?

　Garnett looked into my face with a smirk.

　I suppose it was a teasing remark, but my chest was so clear that I couldn't help but give a response that didn't mend any of it.

''Yeah, I'm really relieved. I was rather seriously worried about what I would do if you suddenly disappeared.
"......!　Hey, you!　It's more like this there: ......!

　Garnett suddenly panicked, turned his back to me and ran off a few steps.

　Then he raised and lowered his shoulders once to regulate his breathing and cowered his shoulders in the same tone of voice as usual.

It's up to your brother and ...... the rest is up to your father to decide whether or not to pull out. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. Well, if you are knighted as a silver winged knight ......

　After saying that much, Garnett cut off the words and shook his head.

'...... No, let's not talk about this for now. Anyway, let's just go get a quick bite to eat!

　Garnett turned around and gave a radiant smile.
　It was as if she was trying to cover up another emotion with her radiance.