I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 65: Three-Day Weekend (Third Day)

“Gyuryuugghh.”

On the final day of the three-day weekend, Jest returned to his normal size at the training ground. His purpose was to check if any of his scales had shed.

When asked, Jest mentioned that he hadn’t really been conscious of his shedding scales, only occasionally noticing them falling into his nest.

“Wow, It’s really huge, huh?”

After using substitute swords for training yesterday and mentioning checking Jest’s shedding scales, his subordinates were waiting at the training ground. The source of the information was undoubtedly Simon, not that it mattered much.

“If you find any scales that seem to be sticking out a bit, it means there are new scales underneath. Let me know if you find any, but don’t touch the tail or wings.”

With my response, about ten subordinates surrounded Jest to check his scales. Perhaps they heard Jest’s spell from earlier, as the subordinates who had remained in the dormitory also came into the training ground.

“Captain, what are you doing? Haven’t seen big Jest in a while.”

Cassius from Elliot Squad approached Jest with keen interest.

“We’re looking for Jest’s shedding scales; they can be used for weapons and armor. Let me know if you find any scales that seem to be sticking out. Jest, could you lie down to make it easier for everyone to see?”

“Got it!”

“Jest is changing position! Everyone, temporarily retreat!”

With my command, the subordinates quickly moved away from the area. It might actually turn out to be a good training session. As Jest got into position, the subordinates gathered around again to inspect his scales.

“Oh, Captain! Isn’t this it?”

When Gaspard raised his voice, I went to see, and indeed, one spot on his left arm seemed to be sticking out more than the others. I tapped that spot and called out to Jest.

“Jest, there seems to be a scale that’s about to come off. Can I pull it a bit?”

“Yeah, go ahead. It feels kinda itchy there.”

“Everyone, check the condition of this spot! If this scale comes off, look for another spot in the same condition! …Now, let’s see if it comes off.”

I firmly grabbed it with both hands and pulled down a little. Suddenly, it came off without any resistance.

“Oops.”

“Careful.”

I was about to fall backward, but luckily Cassius, who happened to be behind me, caught me. It was embarrassing to be held like this, although it was fortunate not to show any clumsiness.

“Uh, thanks…”

What’s this!? Is it because I, Justin, haven’t thanked like this before? I feel incredibly embarrassed!! Thanks to the large scale covering my upper body, my face can’t be seen now, but it’s definitely turning red.

“If you find any other scales sticking out similarly, report them!”

I shouted while still hidden behind the scale. Hopefully, everyone will focus on Jest, and by the time they notice, my face will have returned to its normal color. Maybe because I’ve calmed down a bit, the heat in my face seems to have subsided. I looked over at Jest, and our eyes met as I slowly lowered the scale.

“I could see your ears turning red from behind. You looked embarrassed when you almost fell, Captain. Your white face makes it obvious.”

With a mischievous grin, Cassius said so and quickly headed towards Jest, probably predicting my angry voice. No, I can’t shout now; it would attract everyone’s attention. I want to avoid being seen with this still-red face. With my face still hidden behind the scale, I moved closer to Jest’s face, looking only at his feet.

“Jest, I removed the scale that was sticking out earlier. Did it hurt?”

“Yeah! I’m okay! When I felt itchy before, I rubbed it against a rock… Oh, I see, it was because the scale was about to come off.”

I felt warm seeing Jest’s honest reaction.

“If you feel any pain when removing other scales that seem to be shedding, tell me right away. I don’t want you to suffer.”

As I rubbed his nose and closed his eyes in contentment, his face looked just as cute as when he was small.

“I like it when Justin rubs me.”

“Haha, is that so? But it’s too big now, I can’t rub your head. I’ll do it again when you’re small.”

“Yeah!”

In the end, we obtained three shedding scales. Some people brought the scales to the artisans’ place to use them for equipment, and the blacksmiths gathered at the sound of Bosco’s joyous voice.

“Huff, huff, such beautiful luster… and strength! Yet still so flexible. Is it because the dragon is still young? With this, I should be able to process various things with my skills! Dragonscales over a hundred years old tend to be too hard, limiting what I can work with… This is truly a treasure… Huff, huff. I won’t waste a single fragment! How fortunate am I… Thank you very much, Commander Vandière!! Huff, huff.”

To be honest, everyone present was utterly taken aback by Bosco’s level of excitement. Even the fellow artisans couldn’t bring themselves to ask for a share of the scales.

After retrieving their entrusted equipment, they headed to the dormitory to have lunch. Those who had finished receiving their equipment the day before seemed to be in the dining hall already.

“It’s true! I saw it clearly from behind! The last time the captain blushed so much was when I called him ‘big brother’ on the day I got injured, hahaha! Huh? Why is everyone silent… W-w-wait!!”

“Seems like you’re having a good time, huh? Cassius?”

That day, it was whispered within the dormitory that the second victim of the torture game ‘Umeboshi’ had appeared.

(Note:Umeboshi is a traditional Japanese pickled plum. It’s often salty and sour, and it’s commonly eaten as a condiment or served with rice.)