03

As Ains followed behind Sophia, he thought to himself.

‘Before, there was nothing on the road from the great tree to the settlement. Now it’s lined with all sorts of stalls.’

Along the neatly paved stone road, lively shops stood in rows.

Fruits, daily necessities, sundries—there was a wide variety on display, and most of it was unfamiliar to Ains.

“…Wow, I’ve never seen any of this before. Sophia, I’d like to make a little detour. I really want to know how that thing over there is constructed!”

“Ugh… Even if you say that with sparkling eyes. Once you’re done speaking with the captain, I’ll accompany you.”

“Well, that’s true. There’s time—no need to rush.”

As he walked, Ains rubbed his stomach and swallowed, thinking,

‘Breakfast comes first.’

Passing through the street vendors, they reached the area Ains remembered as the settlement. However, the buildings were no longer the kind that would collapse in a strong wind. Many were solid structures made from well-processed timber, and quite a few were built of stone.

Ains busily looked around at how much the residential area had changed. Among it all, one particularly large building came into view.

The white stone structure featured curved decorative details down to the smallest parts, clearly displaying a high level of craftsmanship and architectural skill.

“Ains-sama, this way.”

The entrance had massive, imposing double doors. On either side stood two male guards, clad in armor over white garments like Sophia’s, swords at their waists.

The severity of the security, combined with his hunger, made Ains’s stomach ache sharply.

“Sophia-sama, you’ve returned early. And who might this be?”

One of the guards asked.

“He may be someone who forms the very foundation of our knight order.”

Sophia spoke quietly, but with unmistakable seriousness.

Reading the gravity in her expression, the guard silently stepped aside.

The doors slowly opened, and the two entered.

Inside, there were many knights wearing white garments and armor. There were even reception counters for handling the town’s disputes.

Large tables and chairs were arranged about, and deeper inside stood rows of bookshelves packed with numerous volumes—this place also served as a kind of library. Knights could be seen reading or writing while consulting books.

“Hey, Sophia. Don’t I really stand out?”

The building was white-themed, as were the knights’ uniforms. In that space, Ains was dressed entirely in black.

“…Well, a little. But I’d say it’s within acceptable limits.”

Judging Sophia’s strained attempt at reassurance, Ains thought that wasn’t true at all, but decided there was no point arguing.

As they proceeded deeper inside, passing knights stared him down from head to toe.

‘Well, I’m not a knight, and I’m dressed like this. Of course they’d be wary.’

They continued on until they reached a room marked Knight Commander.

Sophia knocked, saying, “Excuse us.” A short “Enter” came from inside. She opened the door quietly, and Ains followed her in with a small bow.

Inside, a heavily built man sat at a desk piled high with documents, a large window behind him.

‘One light hit from him and I’d probably break a bone.’

He had short-cropped hair, sharp eyes, and a beard around his mouth. His outfit was open at the chest, revealing well-trained, powerful pectoral muscles.

“Oh, Sophia. What’s the matter? At this hour, I expected you’d still be training before the sacred mark.”

The man’s gaze lingered on both Sophia and Ains.

“…What’s this, did the ever-unromantic you get picked up? Cutting training short to bring a man along—your growth as a woman moves me to tears!”

The man laughed heartily, fitting his rugged appearance.

“Commander Gaus. Shall I file a harassment complaint?”

Sophia, holding a communication magic device, shot Gaus a cold look as he cheerfully said,

“Gaus here! Today’s a celebration—order some red rice! Hey now. I’m practically your foster parent, you know? You’ve been an adult for two years now, and I’ve never sensed even a hint of a man around you. Thinking of you charging straight toward spinsterhood breaks my heart.”

“W-Who are you calling a spinster-in-the-making?!”

Sophia shouted, her face flushed red with anger.

“Hm? Isn’t it true? Every time you hear about your colleagues getting married or having partners, you sigh so sadly. Or was that just my imagination?”

“W-W-W-What are you—!”

Sophia’s face was so red it looked like steam might rise from her head.

“Huh? Is that true?”

Ains interjected from the side.

“It is not!!”

Sophia denied it so forcefully it seemed like spit might fly.

“Then what is it? You didn’t just reunite with a long-lost brother, did you? And as you know, outsiders aren’t normally allowed in here.”

Gaus shifted his gaze from Sophia to scrutinize Ains.

Sophia took a breath, regaining her composure.

“I have no concrete proof, and this may include a fair amount of wishful thinking. However, I judged that this person should be introduced to Commander Gaus, and so I brought him here.”

“…Well then, standing around won’t do. Have a seat.”

Between Gaus’s desk and where Sophia and Ains stood were sofas facing each other across a square table, clearly meant for receiving guests.

“Before that, Commander, there is something I would like you to arrange first.”

“What is it?”

Gaus replied, observing Sophia’s dignified posture.

“Breakfast for this gentleman. And after the meal, dessert and coffee as well.”

Sophia glanced at Ains, checking his expression.

“That’s correct, isn’t it?”

“Coffee’s a favorite of mine.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“…What exactly is going on here?”