*

We're here at last.

　Makoto dismounted from the boxcarriage and stretched to relieve the stiffness.
　The sound of beeping could be heard.
　It's only been half a day since they left the inn, but they were quite stiff.
　He let out a small breath and looked around.

''A ... farming village?''

　Alone.
　It's much smaller than the village that was attacked by the giant skeleton.
　I don't know where the boundary between the village and the settlement is, but I get the feeling that this is a settlement.
　The walls surrounding the village are a combination of slightly thicker wood.
　Outside the wall are wheat fields that have been harvested, and further out is a forest.
　There is no sign of the villagers, perhaps because they have already been evacuated.

"There are no signs of the villagers--
I can't get down there if you stand there.
Oh, sorry, sorry.

　Mako said lightly and stepped aside.

'You should feel a little bad,'
I don't feel bad enough.
Tsk.

　Yuka clicked her tongue and got off the boxcarriage.
　She quickly moved next to Makoto.
　I was going to say something sarcastic if I stayed where I was, but I think he might have seen through my thoughts.

''I know what you're thinking,''
What are you talking about?

　He replies with a level head, shivering, wondering if this guy can read minds.

'It just hit a nerve,'
I will not be nice to you in front of your friends.
What?　You said you'd help me as much as you could.
The extent to which I can do it depends on my mind.
That's a breach of contract, isn't it?　I said I'd cooperate to the extent I could, so make sure you keep your word.
I didn't sign a contract, I have to try.
Well, go ahead.
Hey, hey, do you know what effort obligation means?
'I know. I know that obligatory effort means obligatory and voluntary means mandatory.
What special interest group?
There's a lot going on here.

　Yuka said, counting on her fingers.

'I wonder how they can create a system to collect money like that?'
Don't make the mistake of engaging in a Ponzi scheme or fundraising scam.
I don't. I don't want to be a criminal.

　I don't know why I don't feel safe in the least.

I mean, it's legal in your world, right?
Or at least do some honest business.

　Mako let out a small sigh.

'It's a straightforward business, right?'
I won't help you if you get caught in the middle.
I'll think long and hard about it.

　Yuka said with a serious expression on her face.
　Perhaps it occurred to her that she could be fooled.
　That's the kind of woman this guy is.

'Looks like your friend isn't here yet.
I think he's coming.
How do you know that?
There's no one in the village and you know there's a little fancy wagon parked behind the building, a little fancy wagon.

　When I looked around again, I saw a covered wagon parked in the shadow of a building.

'It's definitely stopped,'
Right?
By the way....

　Hmm?　Yuka nodded her head.

'Why did you say luxurious covered wagons twice?
That one's a boxcarriage and that one's a little more luxurious covered wagon. You can tell which one of us is the most precious to you.

　Yuka said with satisfaction.
　Well, as expected--'

'Arrived, right?'
It was a pleasure arriving here without incident.
This is where it starts.

　Laura, Fene and Liv dismount from the boxcarriage.

What are you going to do now?
The boxcarriage will be sent back to Rockwell as is.
What are you going to do on your way home?
There's magic in that. There's magic.
Oh, yes. I'd forgotten about it.

　Yuka scratched her head, looking battled.

'Liv, I need you to help me unload my stuff.
Hey.

　Fene and Liv unload the luggage - food and other items - from the box wagon.

'That's fine for the box wagon, but what about us?
"I greet my Knight Commander, Lord Luke.
You know what?
I know.

　Makoto asked, and Yuka sounded miffed.

'Really?'
Well, I know your name and what you look like.

　When I reminded her, Yuka averted her gaze and pouted her lips in a huff.

'Why are you being so vain?'
I'm not trying to be vain.
'Well, well, well, please stop the sterile conversation, both of you.

　Laura interrupts, as if she should be praised for being a shield.

'All right. So how do you want me to treat this Luke guy?
Please treat him with respect.
Yeah, well, I don't want to put up a fight. Isn't that kind of a power play?
...Yes.

　Laura crossed her arms thoughtfully.

''Lord Luke, you belong to the Knights of the Kingdom of Veris, and we belong to the Knights of the Earl of Elway.
It's like big business and small business. No, wait. Can an honorary knight play the role of a knight?

　In terms of corporate structure, Makoto and the others are like subcontractors to a small business.

Organizationally speaking...
I've never seen an organization chart.

　'What is this half-baked rationality,' grunted Makoto.

'From an organizational chart standpoint, Makoto-sama is Chris-sama's subordinate.
d*mn, you're a tough kid.
You're not so bad yourself.

　Makoto ignored Yuka's prodding.

'Please be humble enough not to be disrespected.
All right. I'll take care of it.
...appropriate.

　Laura looked as if she'd bitten down on a bitter worm.

'I'm not a nobleman, and I don't know how to spoon feed you with subtlety.
Okay. I'll do my best to follow--
Mr. Sato!

　A voice that sounded like it was from somewhere else interrupted Laura's words.
　When I looked at the direction the voice came from, I saw a girl standing near the building.
　She's a beautiful girl with long black hair, neat and clean looking.
　I'm pretty sure her name was Hoshino Kirara.
　Kirara looked surprised and ran over and grabbed Yuka's hand.

'Thank God, Satou-san!　You're safe.
Yeah, well, it's not easy.

　Yuka looked as if she was confused.
　I know how you feel.
　I've been talked about behind my back that much.
　I can't help but think about what kind of response I should make when he looks worried.

''Yuka, who is that person?''
We talked about this before.　Class vice president, Miss Hoshino-Kirara.
Nice to meet you, I'm Ichijo Makoto. I'm the leader of a team of adventurers called Black Flame.
Hey, you're welcome.

　When Mako held out her hand, Kirara was not afraid to grab it back.
　She immediately let go of her hand.

'Where did you and Yuka-san meet?'
'It's the dungeon of the Skeleton King. You saved me from dying and I've known you ever since.

　I'll skip the details and explain.
　Kirara glanced at Yuka.

'If you were safe, then why did you...'
Well, it's just that there's a lot going on.

　Yuka slurred her words and looked at me for help.

'You feel like you've got me going along.
Did you keep him company?
'Yuka wanted to go back to King's Landing, but I didn't have any plans to do so. Besides, even if we were to return to King's Landing, we'd need money, right?
Yeah, right.

　Kirara looked down awkwardly, as if she felt guilty for restricting the information.

'Oh come on, Mako. Introduce us to each other, too.'
Hey, me too.

　Liv roughly puts her arm around Mako's shoulders and Fene jumps up and down.

'The big one is Liv, the small one is Fene, and the last one is Laura.
I see you have an all-female team.
Oh, man, all these girls are in love with you, Makoto.
I'm not in love with you.
Everyone but Yuka is in love with Makoto.

　Yuka protested, and Liv reiterated.
　Kirara raised her eyebrows slightly.
　There was no doubt that she had a bad impression of Mako.

'Oh~ Kirara,'

　Once again I heard a voice that sounded like I had heard it somewhere else.
　I looked at the direction of the voice and saw a man in armor.
　I'm pretty sure he was called Takeshi.

'Satou!'

　Takeshi's eyes widened in surprise.

'Satou?'
Sato, huh?

　Boy and girl after boy and girl came out of the building, one after another.
　They happily surrounded Yuka.
　Well, there were a few girls who looked uncomfortable.

'I'm glad you're okay. We were worried about you, man.'
Heh, heh, heh, heh.

　Yuka responded to Takeshi with a drawn-out smile.

'What about those guys?'
The man with the bad eye is Makoto. He's the leader of our team. So, Fene, Liv and Laura.

　Yuka gave a thumbs up to Makoto, and with the palm of her hand she pointed to Fene, Liv and Laura.
　Still, it's a stranger's expression to be a helpful team.

'How have you been doing?'
You and Makoto are adventurers. Now I've received an honorary knighthood from the Earl of Elway for my activities.
So you're an adventurer now?
''Yes, exploring dungeons and escorting troop merchants was hard at first, but now I'm a B-ranked adventurer.
What are the levels?
'You'd be surprised how much I've gone up. I've learned a lot of magic and a lot of skills.
So you know you can get paid to take them down at the church?
Yes, of course.

　The boys and girls--Yuka answered the questions of her classmates with an expression of strength.
　Apparently, the information about the reward for defeating them is public.

''Yuka, can I go and say hello?''
Good luck with that, leader.
Oh.

　'I hope I don't fail,' said Mako, letting out a small sigh.

'Can I leave it to you?'
Yeah, I'll follow up with Yuka.

　Liv grinned.

'Let's go, Laura,'
Right this way, then.
Oh, um!

　Mako and Laura walked out and Kirara spoke up.

'If you don't mind, I can show you around?'
What do you want to do?
...please.

　Laura made a pretense of thinking before she said.
　I have a general idea of Luke's location, but he decided that it would be better to have him show me around.



Commander Luke is here.
Oh, here.

　Kirara stopped and Mako looked up at the building.
　With its peaked roof, it reminded her of a church from an old movie.
　Since it was in the middle of the village, it could really have been used as a church.

'A moment, please.'

　With that, Kirara walked into the building.

'I was thinking about it when Kirara offered, but was that because you knew where it was?
Yes, this kind of operation requires a command post in the middle of the village.
Is that it?
The layout of the carriages suggests otherwise.

　Makoto looked around, checking the position of the carriage.
　But he couldn't find anything that looked like regularity.

''Knights are awesome, aren't they?''
Makoto-sama is a knight now.
Come on, man.

　Mako muttered, and Laura chuckled.

''I suppose I could be a Knight Commander if I wanted to?''
I'm trying to live a slow life, you know?
Are you serious?
I'm not surprised.
Well, I'll take that as a yes.

　I'm going to have a lot of time on my hands if I save up enough money, Mako said to the heavens.
　The door opened and Kirara peeked out.

'Mako-sama?'
You can call me Makoto.
Okay, Makoto. Please, come in.

　When I was prompted to enter the building, I found it was a hall.
　There was an altar at the back, decorated with the Holy Symbol.
　Apparently, it was really a church.
　Long chairs were pulled up on either side and a large table was set up in the center.
　On the top seat sat a strong man.
　Perhaps he was Luke.
　There were about five other men seated, but Kouki was in the last seat.
　Since we are in a position like a remote islet, I can see that he - Yuka's classmate - is being treated coldly.

''Under Count Elway's direction, Laura Cerberus--''
Don't say hello.

　Luke slowly stood up and approached us.
　He's huge, Makoto said, looking up at Luke.
　He must be well over two meters tall.
　It's also wide.

''I'm Luke. I'm the head of the Royal Knights.''
I'm Makoto.

　I heard a gasping sound.
　When I looked down, I saw that Laura was straining her body.
　Judging from her reaction, she had been rude to me.
　There was no point in mending it now.

''I'm the leader of a team of adventurers called Black Flame. I joined this time because I have been given the title of honorary knight.''
He's young, but he's good, isn't he?
Come on.

　When Makoto cowered his shoulders, Luke's eyes widened in surprise.

'Humility?'
Last time I had a run-in with a big-ass skeleton, I wouldn't be in trouble if it wasn't for your man. His name was Raymond Smithee.
Yeah, Raymond's my guy.
'I thanked you, in case you didn't know, but could you tell him I was grateful to you?
I know.

　Luke grinned and held out his hand.

'It's not Bison Horn style, is it?'
Don't worry. Just a regular handshake.

　I clasp my hand back.
　Surprisingly, it's a normal handshake.
　Luke let go of my hand and gave a small snort.

'What's going on?'
I understand that Lord Makoto has a knack for it, but...
'Yeah, I know what you mean. We're a team of adventurers, and the only one here who knows the ways of the Order is Laura.

　Makoto cut off his words.

─ We are a team of only five people. It would be nice to have your opinion, but we only have a limited role to play.
Of course you do.
So, basically, I'm willing to abide by your decisions.
Basically?
I'm responsible for four lives, for what it's worth. I don't like the idea of a crazy plan. Well, if it's the only way, I'll comply.
Agreed. Lord Mako-dono will work with us... the Knights of the Verith Kingdom.

　Luke glances at Kouki.
　He feels like he's been turned into a broth, but he can't be bothered.

'Where should we stay today?'
I'll have my men show you around. It will be after the meeting that Lord Makoto takes a break, but...

　Luke pulled out a chair that was nearby.
　I guess he wants me to sit here.
　It was closer to the top seat than Kouki.

'Laura, follow up, please.'
Of course.

　Laura nodded widely.

*

Lord Makoto's men are already at home, resting.

　Then Raymond pointed with the palm of his hand to the door of the house.
　It's a house near the church.
　Yuka and the others must be resting in the house because there is a delicious smell in the air.

'Thanks,'
'No, no, it's fine. I've learned to remember the Knight Commander better thanks to Lord Makoto.

　Raymond smiled happily.

'Keep up the good work. 'I'm sure you guys will appreciate the work you do, as well as me as a liaison.'

　To what extent is he serious, Raymond said such a thing.
　The liaison - in essence, he is the one who will inform Makoto and the others of Luke's intentions.
　The merit of Makoto and the others will be Raymond's, and by extension Luke's.
　You might say that Yuka is dirty, but she accommodates me by sharing shifts and roles.
　It's called holding and holding.

'You might want to take an early break today.
Oh, can I ask you something?
What is it?
What kind of a man is Master Luke?
Miss Makoto!

　Laura tugged at her coat in a reserved manner.

'Hmmm, sounds like a jealous hard worker, doesn't it?'
"Jealous hard worker?
'If there's a skill you can't use, you have to work hard to learn it. I'm probably the knight with the most skills in the Kingdom of Veris.

　Raymond cowered his shoulders, "Of course, it's limited to knightly skills, though.

'I'll be the first to call you if anything happens.
Yeah, please.
You asked for it.

　Raymond smiled a fresh smile and left.

''........Makoto-sama.
'Should I have asked what kind of relationship he had with Yuka's classmates?
Miss Makoto!

　Laura exclaims somewhat sharply.

'What?'
Don't ask too many weird questions.
What's the big deal?
But still, sir.

　Laura raised her eyebrows as if she was miffed.

'I got through the meeting well, though!
It was chilling.
Where we want it, we need it, or it'll get used up.
Oh, I see.

　Laura let out a deep sigh.
　Mako opened the door and walked into the house.
　The ground was bare inside the house, and there were chairs and a table just as they entered.
　Fene was preparing the food, while Liv took a seat and poked her cheekbones.
　Yuka was seated and smiling.
　It was a happy smile.

'I'm home.'
Welcome home.
Thank you.

　Mako sat down in the empty seat and stared at Liv.

'What's going on?'
That's what happens when you're getting chewed up by your old friends.

　For some reason, Liv's cheeks are stained with vermillion.

''What's wrong?''
You remind me of the good old days when I was a little wired up.

　Liv covered her face, as if it was a very embarrassing memory.

'Yuka, you ... you're a cholo.
I mean, who is an easy target?
Oh, yeah.

　Makoto pointed at Yuka.

''Hmph, I have plenty of time to spare right now, so I won't get mad at you for that.
You just got mad at me.
That was a no go.
You're a slut.
Say it. I'm in a forgiving mood.

　Saying that, Yuka lost her chemistry.

''Hey, if I........''
"If you want to quit the team, go ahead.
You're gonna be okay without me?
I'm not saying I'm okay with it, but if it's Yuka's decision, it can't be helped.
Hey, bro, it's dry.
It's not like I'm dry.

　I've seen a number of people quit, and I've seen a number of people quit.

'I have a lot of things on my mind, but I don't have the right to stop them, do I?
You're the leader, but don't you have the right to stop me?
Well, if you've got a problem, I'm here for you.

　Fene said in an accusatory tone, but in the end it was up to Yuka.

'Have you thought this through properly?'
I'm just saying.

　Yuka's lips twitched and she turned over in a huff.

'Think about it properly,'
I know.

　I tried to sound gentle, but Yuka turned away.

'So, how did it go?'
I'm more normal than I thought.
Well, there are times when things get exciting in his absence, aren't they?
But I know that's what you meant.

　Yuka let out a grand sigh.

''Now that you're on a higher level, they're counting on you, aren't they?
I don't want to be counted on to be an asset.

　Yuka's lips twitched and she turned away.

'This pattern isn't working.'
What the hell are you talking about?
'This is b*tc*ing mode. You want sympathy, but I tend to come up with solutions, so we don't get on the same page and we end up fighting.

　I don't have a lot of experience with relationships, but this is a case where I've been in one of them many times.

'I thought you were going to ask me for advice?'
I don't mean listening to you complain, I mean helping you solve your problems.
You're useless.
It's ready. Now, for the time being, we're going to eat.
Well, I'll just get my plate ready.

　Fene lifted the pot and the ribs stood up.

'Well, think long and hard,'
I will.

　Yuka said in a huffy voice.

*

Ha, it was good.
Sorry about that.

　Fene stacked the empty wooden plates and placed them in a tub in the corner of the room.
　Makoto leaned against the back of the chair.

'Speaking of which, how are we supposed to move?'
There was a suggestion to provide security, but we're basically on standby.

　The enemy - feigning defenselessness in order to guide the human-faced rabbit.
　That was Luke's plan.
　He's only pretending to be defenseless, but he's on guard.

'You're standing by. That's boring.
Don't say that.

　Liv scowled, but it would be safer than hunting in the mountains.

'If the enemy is out--'
Are we on our own?
No, we leave the tracking to the Order.
We're screwed.

　Fene hung her head and tail in a daze.

'So what are we supposed to do?
'It's like fighting an enemy when they come at you in packs.
So you're going to rake in 10 million A's?　As far as I'm concerned, you're a bastard.
'Don't say anything bad about people.

　I don't know if that's a good idea if it happens.

　--!　--GH!

　Mako held her temples.

'Did you get a signal again?'
It's not a signal, man.

　Focus on the voices.
　There are many, but the intentions in them are similar or different.

'Well?'
'There's a lot of them. I don't know how many there are, but it's a lot anyway. They're like a bunch of emotions, or rather impulses.
What are the impulses?
"Mr. Yuka, you said a human rabbit can impregnate a woman.
Well, that's just the way it is.
Maybe I shouldn't have taken this job.

　After Laura's explanation, Yuka said with a sigh.