We followed Inez and were led to a plaza-like area in the compound.
　There was no one else in sight but us.

Inez said, "...... around here, okay?

　Inez said, and suddenly.
　Inez said, then suddenly dropped to one knee facing me.
　Inez then suddenly knelt down on one knee facing me and bowed her head with one hand on the ground.

...... First of all, let me apologize for my rudeness.
　The way I had behaved earlier was not the way I would have behaved to a benefactor like Mr. Linneburg.
　I'm sure you felt uncomfortable with the way I was judging you.
　I hope you will forgive me.

　Inez bowed her head deeply to the ground.
　Her long blond hair spread out on the cobblestone floor.

No, I don't care about that. No, I don't mind. Don't mind me so much.

　I thought he was going to be angry with me for what I had just said and done, but .......
　I didn't expect him to apologize.
　But I don't remember anyone ever going so far as to apologize to me.

　I was a little concerned about the way he reacted to my words and actions, but I'm sure it was because I was rude in some way.
　I still don't know much about this culture.
　I'd rather know what's wrong with it. .......

I don't remember anyone doing anything to me to make me feel that way. Just look up at me.

　At my words, Inez raised her body and slowly stood up.

Inez stood up slowly. "...... I see. Thank you for accepting my apology.
　I apologize again for my rudeness.
　But our job is to protect the people of House Crais from all danger.
　That takes precedence over everything else. You must understand that hospitality will take a backseat.

　Protecting the people of the house from danger?
　Come to think of it, she's wearing a heavy armor over a skirt that looks like a maid's uniform, and I thought she was unfit to do domestic work.
　So that means...

"So, ...... you're not a maid?

　When I asked her that, she blinked.

...... I haven't introduced myself yet.
　I am Inez Harness.
　I am a member of the Warrior Corps under the House of Crais and I am the Vice Commander.

　It seems that she is not a maid after all.
　She's also the vice-commander of something.
　I don't know what it is, but it sounds awesome.

In addition, since childhood, she has been called the "Divine Shield" and has been asked to serve as Linneburg-sama's "shield.


　Although I am no longer in charge for some reason, it was originally my duty to protect Lord Linneburg at all costs.
　And you did it for me.
　I can't thank you enough for that.

　Then she looked me straight in the eye and said.

"Lord Linneburg is the one I would give my life to protect.
　If you are the one who saved my life, you are as good as saving me.
　I want to show my heartfelt gratitude.

　Inez placed her right hand on her silver breastplate and gave a small bow.
　It wasn't a big movement, but she bowed her head quietly, and I could feel the sincerity in her voice.
　It seemed that she was telling the truth when she said that Lean was more important than her life.

I'll help you as much as I can from now on. If you need help, just let me know.

　You're really overreacting.
　I was only there when the cattle were on the loose.
　But I'll take the sentiment.
　Otherwise, I don't know what I'll be forced to do.

Yeah, we'll be there for you if you need anything.

　Inez smiled gently at my answer, but then quickly returned to her stern expression.

But don't get me wrong. But don't get me wrong, I haven't accepted everything about you yet.
　I'll give you some advice.
　The manner in which you have behaved until now... Mr. Linneburg seems to have forgiven you, but your behavior in the audience room is disgusting.
　"Feel free to lean on me.
　That kind of condescension is unacceptable.

　I see.
　I kind of understand why she was giving me such a hard time.
　She had called Leanne ...... something-sama.
　So I'm sure she wants me to call her that, too.

It's okay this time.
　But if this happens again in the future, the rudeness that has been overlooked will not be overlooked.
　Especially not in front of so many other retainers.

　I called him "Lean" because he asked me to call him that, but in this family, it is better to call him "Lean" for a long time.
　You can't understand such a culture without being told.

Yeah, thanks for the tip.

It is our duty as vassals to advise outsiders of such things. ...... I thought I should tell you that.

　But don't tell me you didn't ...... go to the trouble of calling him off to tell him that?
　It's really a lawful thing, the people of this house .

I also want to remember the name of my benefactor. If you don't mind, I'd like to know your name.

　Inez's face broke into a smile again.
　By the way, I haven't told you my name yet.


　I'm kind of getting asked my name a lot today.

"Is it me?　Noor.
"...... Noor. ......?

　Inez's smile instantly faded from her face.
　...... What's wrong?

...... Did I offend you in any way?
No, ...... no. I'm talking about here. ...... I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to leave you here.

　I don't know.
　Did he suddenly feel bad?
　Inez walked away without looking at me.

　But just as I was thinking that I could finally go home and take a bath, I was approached from behind again.

Oh, you're leaving already?　In the event that you're looking for a great deal more information on this, there are many databases you should consider investigating.

　A man with a spear emerged from the darkness.
　I hadn't seen him before, but I knew he was near us.
　I think his name was Gil ......?
　No, no. .......
　...... Yes, Albert.
　I don't know what the hell I'm supposed to be going out with.

What do you want me to go out with?
Well, let's just say it's real-world training, mock combat.
A mock fight.

　This man may be a soldier in the employ of the house.
　I'm curious to know what kind of training he's doing.

　Well, now's your chance.
　I don't know how much of a match I'll be for him, but I'll try to ...... take him on.

Yeah, I'd love to go out with you then.
The barracks are just around the corner. Follow me.

　And so I followed the spearman, Alba ......, no, no.
　I followed Halbert to the training grounds.