A Day in the Life of the Pegasus Knights’ Commander
◇ Janet’s Perspective ◇
I was circling in the skies around the castle. This was technically part of my duties, but with how peaceful the capital was, it was little different than going for a walk.
A sigh escaped my lips. My thoughts were on the events in the cathedral a few days ago. Makoto Takatsuki—the man I harbored quiet feelings for—had set out on a journey to a distant land. According to the goddess, he wouldn’t be able to return...
Even Gerald hadn’t been himself since his rival had gone away. He had traveled to a fort in the northernmost reaches of the continent—an extremely dangerous place close to the demon continent. It was all to get himself back to normal.
I didn’t have the wherewithal to do even that. However, with Iblis back, the army was on tenterhooks.
Ultimately, my patrol ended up with me capturing a single thief, and that was the end of my day.
◇
“Good even— Lady Janet’h?!”
I had arrived at the establishment Makoto Takatsuki had originally introduced me to, planning to order some dinner. The greeter had grown flustered upon seeing my face, and I gestured for her to relax. I took a seat close to the edge of the area and slowly sipped at my wine.
“Here’s your food. Enjoy.”
The food sold here was somewhat avant-garde—dishes thought up by an otherworlder. It was tasty...but somewhat dull.
The food was much better last time I was here. Is it because I’m alone?
Absently, I drained my second glass of wine.
“I’m taking the seat,” someone said, dropping into the chair next to mine.
I wasn’t happy with that—they were disturbing my alone time.
I turned to see who would ignore my position as part of the Ballantine family and intrude on my space. When my eyes met theirs, I found myself shocked.
“G-Grandsage?!”
The strongest mage in the country was sitting right next to me.
“Keep it down. They’ll notice.”
“R-Right... Um...why are you here?”
She responded as if the answer was obvious. “Because the food is good.”
Well, what I’d wanted to ask was more like, “Why did you purposefully sit right next to me?” but the Grandsage was only second in authority to the king and pope, so I couldn’t inquire more openly.
Eventually, a bright red cocktail and a bloody steak were set in front of her. The woman heartily dug in.
“Not bad,” she said when she was done, wiping her mouth daintily. The flush from the alcohol had completely vanished.
“Do you visit this place often?” I asked hesitantly.
“No, this is my first time. The elementalist recommended it, so I decided to see how it was.”
“The elementalist” was how she referred to Makoto Takatsuki... That man! Did he just recommend this place to everyone he knew?!
“Still,” she continued, “you seem rather lifeless. Gerald is training in the north, is he not?”
“Well, my brother has his own plans...but I...”
“The water and moon priestesses are rushing around to prepare for when he returns. Are you happy just letting time pass?”
I jolted at that. “Do you think Makoto Takatsuki will come back?” The goddess had said he wouldn’t be able to...
“He will,” she said simply. There wasn’t a single ounce of mocking in her eyes—she met my gaze steadily and earnestly.
She seems certain he’ll be back...? I didn’t know why, but that was how it seemed. Then this definitely isn’t the time to be moping...
There were almost certainly meetings being held day and night to strategize against Iblis. Once they had decided on a plan, it would be up to us knights to carry it out.
“There. Your face looks much better now.” She grinned. “Also, I’ve dealt with the payment.”
“Huh—?”
Before the syllable had even left my mouth, she’d teleported away.
I stared, gaping. Did she...come to cheer me up? Came here just for a little girl like me?
It wasn’t something that someone in such a high position should have any need to do...but I vowed in my heart that I would live up to her expectations.
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