I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 67: Setting Out to Find the Mother

The long weekend had ended, and messengers were already on their way to the various territories where the subordinates were to stay. Except for the Taleraan March Earl’s territory, due to military considerations, the territories had smaller areas bordering the forests. However, since monster materials were a source of income, most of these territories were economically prosperous.

On a frosty morning, at the usual training ground, all the knights and squires of the Third Knight Order were assembled. If their equipment hadn’t been enchanted with temperature-regulating magic, they might have gotten frostbite from the chilling armor.

“Everyone ready? First, we’ll head to the Great Temple to pick up the Saint. Departure!!”

Responding with spirited affirmations to my command, the subordinates set off from the training ground. Fully equipped and all mounted, their fifty-member group was quite conspicuous.

However, perhaps due to Jest’s usefulness when she came to the capital or in other instances, there were hardly any cold glances from the Taleraan March Earl’s territory upon their return, unlike last time.

Upon arrival at the Great Temple, twenty holy knights and the Saint, riding in a carriage, were waiting. Although it was a small carriage, capable of running through the forest, they would probably leave it behind at some point.

“Lord Vandière, I’m counting on you from today,” said the knight captain Axel as he extended his hand while still on horseback… was it Axel?

“Yes, I’m counting on you. Until the ten members of the Third Knight Order who will accompany us to the end, it’s quite a large group as you can see, so let’s do our best to keep an eye on our subordinates and avoid any trouble,” I replied.

“…! Haha, indeed. I’ll be looking forward to witnessing the leadership skills of Commander Vandière, who leads the Third Knight Order.”

It was a remark made with the expectation that there might be those among the holy knights who wouldn’t follow orders, but surprisingly, it seemed to have an effect on Axel. After all, the biggest concern until they reached the forest was internal discord.

“Then, we’ll head north along the western forest border, leaving the territories except for the Vandière Marquisate, placing our subordinates in each territory as we move. We’ll lead the way. The holy knights will be responsible for the Saint’s protection.”

“Understood, please leave the rear guard to us.”

With a nod to the Saint, who seemed ready to jump out of the carriage at any moment, I moved to the front of the formation.

“Let’s go!”

This expedition was not widely publicized among the general population. It was decided that it would only cause panic at this stage to talk about the revival of the evil god, so it was desired to at least announce it when there was hope with Jest’s mother on board.

In the novel, just the existence of the Saint should have been enough to inspire hope. Maybe it was because she was paired with Crown Prince Ernest that the people harbored hope…? No, it’s not like it would be impossible without Ernest, right?

Leaving the capital, they rested in the neighboring territory. It was a place usually used by adventurers or merchant convoys for rest and camping, where they let the horses drink water and rest.

“Justin! Break time? Eating sweets!”

As soon as he dismounted, Jest emerged from behind me. Initially, he seemed to intend to hold onto Simon’s head and move, but unable to withstand the cold, he ended up clinging to my back. Since he had been making sweets since yesterday afternoon, he knew that my magic bag was filled with plenty of them and was eager to eat.

“Alright, alright. Just one, okay?”

“Yay!”

I took out one of the sweets I made yesterday, a stick cheesecake. Actually, this cheesecake was occasionally made at home because my mother said it went well with alcohol. It was easier to make than other cheesecakes because it didn’t use crushed biscuits.

Sitting on my beloved horse Eleanor in my place, Jest ate the cheesecake with gusto. And the subordinates looked on with envy.

(Note:”Gusto” is a noun that means a strong enjoyment or enthusiasm for something. It can also refer to a keen interest or zest.)

“Captain, what about the cute subordinates?”

Simon asked with an exaggerated pout. The others from the Justin squad who were nearby were also looking at me as if in agreement. I looked around ostentatiously.

“Cute… subordinates? Where are they?”

“Damn it! Jest, you’re so unfair!!”

“Haha, sorry!”

Jest licked the crumbs off his hand while giving Simon a triumphant look.

“Well, if there’s enough for everyone, then fine. But if only you guys eat, others might complain. …You can have some after we enter the forest, so bear with it until then.”

“Yay!”

Lastly, speaking in a hushed tone, Simon also whispered and made a small victory pose. However, it wasn’t just the subordinates who had seen Jest eating the cheesecake.

“Captain Justin… did you give sweets to Jest? Um… I also have something I made, so would it be okay to give it to him?”

It seemed that they hadn’t caught on to the fact that I had made it, but there were two holy knights standing nearby with the Saint.

“Whether he eats it or not, we’ll have to ask Jest. Jest, the Saint made some sweets, do you want to try them?”

“I’ll eat them! The Saint’s magic is delicious too!”

“Oh, right. Come to think of it, Jest was eating the purified magic stones that the Saint made too. Jest says he’ll eat them.”

“Oh, great! Jest, if you’d like, would you ride in my carriage from here? It’s warm and you can enjoy the scenery. While it might be warm riding on Captain Justin’s back, you won’t be able to see the view, right? What do you think?”

It seemed that being alone in the carriage all the time was also boring. Even if the conversation didn’t flow, it seemed like they wanted someone to talk to.

“Jest, what do you think? Since we’re going to the same place anyway and won’t be too far apart, do you want to ride in the Saint’s carriage?”

“Um, giving me sweets is fine! Justin, call me if you get lonely!”

“Haha, alright, understood. Saint, it seems Jest will ride in the carriage with you. I’m counting on you, Jest.”

“Got it! Jest, come on! Let’s go together because there are sweets in the carriage!”

The Saint spread her arms wide to welcome Jest. With words that sounded like the cliché of a kidnapper, she took Jest with her. A few minutes later, I left the rest area with a slightly lighter back.