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Ryder had a sharp look in his eyes… Back when he used to furrow his brow all the time, people might’ve thought he just had a bad attitude. But unfriendly? That was hard to imagine now.

“Mmfgh mff mbuh? (Even the captain was completely helpless against him) Bufuhm Mmfhg! (Can you believe it)!”

Raisa tried to talk through a mouthful of food, but I had no idea what she was saying! Djimon smacked her lightly on the back of the head, scolding, “Don’t talk with your mouth full!”

Her cheeks puffed up just like a squirrel’s… That was just too cute!

“When it came to battle, he would always be the first to step forward, and defeat more enemies than anyone else… Especially when a certain kind of monster appeared, his fighting was nothing short of ferocious. The very definition of ‘terrifying.’”
“But if an ally was ever in danger, he’d always rush to their side, never retreat, and no matter how injured he was himself, he’d make sure to rescue them. I can’t count the number of times he saved me personally.”
“In time, everyone in the unit came to respect him… but even then, I never once saw him smile.”

Magritte spoke with a lonely expression.

(…Damn it, Ryder. How often did you make Magritte look like this, huh…)

“But I’ve heard he smiles a lot now. I’m glad… truly. Still, I wish I could’ve seen that smile just once.”

(Honestly, Ryder, what are you even doing?! Really!! Then again, to make a woman wear that kind of expression… I guess that means he must’ve done something worth remembering, huh? After all, he is a man of the Haggard family. I see… so that’s how it is, Ryder. Hmm, I understand now…)

Just as Magritte murmured those words, an out-of-breath official from the town office burst into the dining hall. Apparently, two of Magritte’s subordinates, who had stayed behind with the main force, had just arrived in Amukham.

It was the afternoon of the 25th day of the Second Blue Moon. News had just come that the main knight division had departed from Cope Town.

◆◆◆◆◆

“Susie, it’s all right, you look wonderful.”
“Indeed. A daughter of our house, we can be proud of anywhere.”

(Nuuu… even Papa Howard is calling me princess now…)

Right now, the three of us, Papa Howard, Mama Sonia, and I, were waiting at the front entrance of the Amukham House, dressed formally to welcome the diplomatic survey delegation. Mama Sonia wore a white gown, while I had on an ice-green afternoon dress. My hair was neatly tied in a small bun at the back, and Anne-Marie had even put a little rouge on me; it honestly felt a bit embarrassing.

When I looked up at Mama Sonia beside me, her hair was elegantly pinned up. She looked so beautiful. I couldn’t help but let out a quiet sigh.

Noticing it, Mama Sonia smiled down at me warmly. “You look lovely, Susie,” she complimented. Feeling my cheeks heat up, I whispered, “Thank you,” and lowered my gaze.

The road from Cope Town to Amukham ran along the east side of the Amukham House and connected to Station One. It was the same main street used for the Harvest Festival.

The delegation had already crossed the village border and was approaching. They were about one kilometer away. Using my sensing magic to scout, there were about a hundred people in the group who would definitely need lodging.

Soon, over the rolling hills, a group appeared in the distance. Led by a dozen or so riders, a particularly lavish carriage caught the eye. Behind it followed more horses and carriages, one after another, emerging from beyond the hill.

The leading riders passed through the southern gate and entered the estate grounds. Even from here, we could feel the tremor of hooves striking the earth.

The riders split to the sides, making way as the main carriage advanced straight toward us. It stopped directly before the entrance.

The carriage, made of ebony and inlaid with gold decorations everywhere, sparkled so garishly. All the other carriages were plain and utilitarian, which made this one look even more absurdly showy.

Before that extravagant carriage, Village Chief Dulles and the heads of the three great families stood waiting in formal attire rarely seen. After the carriage halted, it took its time, as if deliberately teasing us, before its ornate side door finally swung open.

Out stepped a man whose large nose and plump belly were visible even from here, his demeanor radiating arrogance.

(Huh? This is the captain of the delegation? He looks completely different from what I imagined!)

I could see the Village Chief, August, greeting the man and exchanging words. The man listened to August with a pompous air. (I really don’t feel good about him.)

Behind him came a dark-skinned man with sharp, nervous eyes who also greeted August.

Then, to my surprise, two women in flashy dresses climbed down next. (Wait, seriously?! Are they… companions? N-no, they must be his wives… right? There’s no way he brought women like that along otherwise… right?)

Before long, the big-nosed man was escorted by August to stand before Papa Howard.

“I am Cameron Fourier, Deputy Assistant Director and Acting Head of the Northern Division of the National Disaster Countermeasures Committee of the Daypahra Response Office, and the leader of this Daypahra Investigation Delegation. Lord Howard Cloud, thank you sincerely for accommodating our sudden and unreasonable request.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Howard Cloud of Amukham. Welcome, Sir Fourier. You have come a long way. First, rest and recover from your journey. We shall do all we can to support you during your stay. Please be at ease.”
“Thank you. Your kindness is most appreciated.”

After the formal greeting between Papa Howard and the man called Fourier, Mama Sonia and I were introduced and exchanged courtesies as well. Thanks to Miss Elrose and Anne-Marie’s thorough training, I believe I managed a proper and graceful greeting.

…But I couldn’t shake the feeling of being looked over, every inch of me, by a gaze that clung uncomfortably to my skin. I’d never been stared at like that before. It made me feel sick.

After that, I think I greeted a few scholars or researchers, but honestly, I wasn’t paying attention. I just felt awful.

When Papa Howard and the others led the delegation into the Amukham House, I clung to the hem of Mama Sonia’s skirt.

She gently rubbed my back for a while, comforting me.