After finishing breakfast, I went to the first floor of the fortress to see what was going on, as Raquel told me that she was gathering the commanders of each unit for a morning meeting on the first floor of the fortress.

''The first attack squad will be conducting a vigil around the fortress today. The second squad will conduct training under my guidance. The third squad will be on standby today. You will be allowed to leave the fortress, but not unless it is an important requirement. Don't get me wrong, it's not a rest day. Those who seek out what they can do and make a difference will be given the credit they deserve.
""Yes, sir, Herr Knight!"

　It seems that in this knightly order, putting a hand on the chest and looking up to the heavens is the way to show respect to a superior opponent.

　Raquel-san continues to make an offer to the other squads. There are three attack squads and two archers. You will find that Presha-san is the captain of the third squad, so he will be on standby for the day.

　After the total of fifteen captains were dismissed, I decided to stop Raquel before she returned to her office.

''Knight-Captain Raquel. Glass Weed, I'm here to report to you.

　Raquel-san slowly turns around - when she looks at him with her slit eyes, her whole body is still tense.

''You don't have to dare to use military-like words like ...... surrender, though.
'Haha ...... I'm not just a doctor, I'm a military doctor. I feel like I'm a military man too, and I want to do my duty.
'I've received reports from Deite and Katie. They said they did a good job in last night's enemy raid ...... and that we've only just arrived, so we'll have to get used to it first. There's nothing for me to tell you at the moment.

　I told him to come to me yesterday to ask for instructions, and I'm not even upset that there's nothing there - and I'm not upset about it. It's because they may have heard about last night and taken it into consideration.

'As for the ...... POWs, it will be some time before we can interrogate them. From what I've heard, your magic is not so much about interrogation as it is about being able to make the enemy do everything you say. That girl Alraune had that kind of power?
'Yes ...... I didn't expect to use it that way either. I'll continue to use Alraune's help when I need it.
I don't blame you, per se, and I'd rather say thank you for your contribution. As long as you don't abuse that hypnotic magic.
'Sir Knight Raquel, do you see Master Glass doing that?

　I'm sure you can't blame me for being suspicious, but you're right, Lendl, I would never do that.

'...... Right. You were just eager and honest when you went to treat the ranchers. I'm sure it was the same last night ...... Katie and Dite looked good when they talked about you. Even that manly Presha seems to respect you, rather than approve of you.
'Then why do you doubt Master Glass: ......?
It's ...... too much, because it's too much to do. It's impossible for even a military officer educated as a commander's candidate to take control of people's minds at such a rapid rate. Objectively speaking, it's extraordinary.

　Sure, I've been able to make good use of my spirit magic so far, and it's all been meshing together.

　However, I haven't been able to get through this on my own. It's only because of the strength of everyone in the Knights, and because Rendle-san was there too.

''I'm ...... no for the sake of this Order. I originally came here as a court mage serving His Highness Astina. The spirit I signed up for was something no one in the Academy of Magic would recognize. But I wanted to put it to good use for others. I figured if I became a doctor, I could do that.

　Raquel-san was listening to me in silence. If you look away, you won't gain my trust - there's nothing I'm guilty of, so don't look away.

　Eventually, Raquel-san takes a small breath. Then he looked behind me.

'Presha, what are you looking at? I thought you said the Third Squad was on standby.
...... La Raquel. I may have spoken poorly, but it's not like Raquel to question Dr. Glass. If you all do your best, you'll appreciate it and you'll always be fair to me. ......

　It seems that Presha-san has been watching us with concern - she blushes when she meets my eyes, but continues to appeal to Raquel-san.

I trust Dr. Glass. It's not just because I want you to continue to help me. If you're here, this order will be better: ......
...... Maybe so.
...... Huh?

　Raquel affirmed Presha-san's words. I thought I misheard her, but before I confirmed it with her, I had a suggestion to make.

''Knight Captain Raquel, if you don't have any specific instructions, may I make a suggestion about today's mission myself?''
Dr. Glass, is there something you want to do?
'This fortress is in serious food shortage at the moment. This is clearly evident from the content of our dinner and breakfast. If the diet continues to be chronically monotonous, all sorts of obstacles will arise.
"We have received requests from farmers near ...... to exterminate the demon. But that demon is not something that can be easily eradicated. And once it appears, its fields will become useless. Even the members of the Knights of the Order are too strong to easily defeat it. ...... That makes it difficult to send out troops.

　Zirconia is not the only enemy. A threat that rivals it -- a powerful demon that undermines the field is plaguing this knighthood.

　-- but as for the field becoming useless, I might be able to take countermeasures. The crops in the field are also plants, and there is a close relationship between the plants and the soil.

''Raquel Knight Captain, please. Could you let me go inspect the field that was attacked by the demon?
...... No. I'm sorry, I can't risk the military doctor who just arrived .......
In that case, I'll go with you.　You're on standby, so you're not prohibited from moving to solve problems in the territory.
'What are you talking about, you have subordinates too. Only the captain goes out on his own, etc. ......
'Then I'll be happy to accompany you. Only a person of captain or higher can chaperone Mr. Presha: ...... I was on guard last night, so I've been ordered to stand by.

　Deethe-san will accompany me - if the two captain-ranked people are with me, it's certainly reassuring. However, I also have the feeling that it's really OK with me.

　In the face of such a question, Deite-san meditates on one eye with a snap.

''Raquel Knight Captain, it's quite heartbreaking to see that you and His Highness Astina are the only ones eating the same food as the lower-ranking military graduates, without restricting the diet to the other officers. Please don't give such gentle consideration to them, thinking they won't notice.
'What ...... was that?　I also shared the fruit with the guys in the squad when it was served: ...... Sister Raquel, you said that food is the source of your body, and I can't believe I'm unhealthy.
...... food supply from the center is lagging behind, but it will go away eventually. Until then, the entire fortress will be conserving food, and so should I.

　That's not enough to sustain Raquel's body as a heavy cavalryman. It's not just a matter of nutrition, she is putting too much strain on her body and not enough care for it.

'Our stockpile of medicines is low and we need to solve the problem of food insecurity in order to solve it. I pledge not to take any unnecessary risks. ...... Please, please let me go on a visit.

　Once again, I bow my head. Beside me, Mr. Rendle follows suit.

''...... I understand. Even though it's difficult to resolve, leaving it unattended is also the raison d'être of the Knights. Since we can only be knights if we protect the people.
"Raquel's sister... ......
''That's what the Knight-in-Chief ...... is all about, and you'll listen to me at the end. That's why I like you so much.

　At Deite's words, Raquel closed her eyes and sighed. It seemed to be directed at me as well.

'Be back by sunset. Don't touch the demons if you deem them to be dangerous. You can promise me that much and go.
"Yes!

　Our replies came together. Presha and Deite looked at each other and smiled.

　We want to get a clue to solve the food shortage through this inspection. Food is not only a matter of nutrition, but also a problem that directly affects the morale of the members of the knights--we must restore the food production capacity of the territory at all costs.