LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 61 - Chapter 61: Three-Day Weekend (First Day)
Chapter 61: Three-Day Weekend (First Day)
“So, it’s been decided, we’re going on an expedition.”
During dinner with everyone assembled, I announced to my subordinates after we finished eating. The dining hall erupted in what seemed like vibrations of joy. Just how much did they dislike the days filled with nothing but training, I wonder?
“I’m going to find my mom!? Yay!! Let me introduce her to Justin!”
Perched on Simon’s head and fluttering his wings, Jest exclaimed. Since Jest never grabs onto my head, maybe he only considers Simon as a subordinate.
“Jest seems happy too. That’s good; he’ll surely get to see his mom.”
Though it probably sounded more like chirping, Simon somehow understood that Jest was happy.
“This time, instead of a subjugation, we’ll be searching for Jest’s mother and hopefully get her to become an ally. It wouldn’t be wise to bring a large number of people along. So, I plan to deploy one or two squads to each territory facing the forest. In case it’s not Jest’s mother but a dragon causing trouble, the monsters will likely flee, so protect the residents of the assigned territories.”
“Captain! What if no monsters come? You’re not planning to let us train all the time in the assigned territories… right?”
Cassius from Elliot’s squad raised his hand to speak.
“To regain your instincts, it’s fine to go into the forest for subjugation. If there’s a request from the lord of that territory, feel free to accept it proactively. However, the cost of staying there will be covered by the lord, so behave like well-behaved watchdogs. If you cause any trouble… I’ll personally retrain you thoroughly, so be prepared.”
With a smile, I made the remark, causing my subordinates to gulp audibly. They really aren’t reacting appropriately to someone’s smile; they’re quite rude.
“There are various preparations to be made, so we’ll depart in five days. I’ll give you three days off starting tomorrow, so make sure to prepare your equipment and take care of your physical and mental well-being!”
“As expected of the captain, you understand us so well!”
“Awesome!”
“The red-light district is calling me!”
The subordinates cheered excitedly one after another. To prevent them from causing mischief in the territories they’ll be staying in, it’s better to let them let off steam here first. Since I’ve received permission from the Knight Order’s commander for the break, naturally, I also have three days of free time.
On the first day, I’ll have to meet with the commander, which will probably tire me out, but what should I do for the other two days? Last time during the break, I went back to my hometown, so it didn’t feel much like a break. Maybe I’ll take it easy this time since most of them probably won’t be in the dorms during the break. I should take this opportunity to make some snacks for Jest.
The next day, seeing that many people were out enjoying their stay, I left the deserted dormitory and headed to the commander’s residence. Dressed in my nobleman’s attire with a coat draped over it, Jest was hidden inside the coat. Taking along Jest was also the commander’s intention.
Accompanied by my beloved horse Eleanor and Jest, we moved amidst thick clouds that seemed likely to bring snow. Arriving at the gate of a vast estate in a corner of the noble district, I saw former knights whom I had seen in the Second Knight Order before standing guard.
It’s a well-known fact that the commander actively hires retired knights of a difficult age to continue serving as security at his home. Naturally, they need to have the necessary skills to be hired.
The two gatekeepers seemed to be curiously observing me. Ah, perhaps they’ve heard that I’m bringing Jest along.
“I’m Vandière. I’ve been summoned by the commander. Please inform him.”
“Ah, understood! Please come in.”
As we passed by them, I felt their gaze piercing into my back. Even though Jest is snugly hidden, it’s quite obvious that something is nestled against my back.
Passing through the symmetrically laid-out spacious garden, we reached the front door. The stableman took care of my beloved horse, and when I stood in front of the door, the housekeeper emerged from inside.
“Welcome, Lord Vandière. It must have been cold; please come in. I’ll take your coat.”
With fluid movements, the housekeeper helped me remove my coat. He paused awkwardly halfway through, probably because of Jest hiding on my back.
“Jest, come here. Let me hold you.”
“Okay!”
Fluttering his wings, Jest nestled into my arms and rubbed his cheek against my chest. Perhaps because he’s still a child, he often displays such affectionate gestures. The housekeeper regained his composure and hung up the coat on a nearby coat rack before leading us into the reception room.
“Master, Lord Vandière has arrived.”
“Ah, they’re here! Let them in!”
“Excuse me.”
As the steward opened the door, it wasn’t just the commander in the reception room. The moment I saw the people inside, my instincts warned me to leave immediately.
Though I actually wanted to turn around and leave, it wouldn’t be allowed in front of these people. That’s because accompanying the commander were the former Third Knight Order Commander and the High Priest.
“So, you’ve come. Haha, you look like you’re wondering why I’m here. You wouldn’t come even when I called for you, so I had to ask the commander to bring you.”
The man with salt-and-pepper hair, who hadn’t changed his physique at all despite being over fifty and retiring as the knight commander two years ago, laughed with the face of a mischievous child whose prank had succeeded.