Chapter 52

Returning with Alyushia, Lucy, and Mui, we found ourselves in front of the Revelio Knights' headquarters.

In the end, the maintenance and management of the scene were left to the regular knights. It wouldn't do for me or Mui to linger there, nor could we tie down heavyweights like Alyushia and Lucy.

Well, this is right in the heart of the Central District, surrounded by many residential areas, so nothing out of the ordinary should happen. Even if something were to occur, the knights are used to handling such situations.

"Where are they?"

"Hmm. They've been taken to the basement and detained."

After returning to the headquarters, Alyushia caught one of the knights who had returned earlier with Yoiyami and inquired about their whereabouts.

Oh, I didn't know the headquarters had a basement. I never had a reason to go there, so it makes sense I didn't know.

However, the Revelio Knights are not just a formal organization. They also maintain the security of the large city of Bartrean and sometimes act as a field team, as in this case.

I don't think the organization is entirely clean, both on the surface and behind the scenes. Of course, I'm not saying they're doing anything bad, but they probably have to deal with both the good and the bad. There are likely aspects of that, big or small. It's not something that concerns me much, though.

"Well, I'll head back for now. I'll come again tomorrow. I have a lot I want to ask them."

"Yeah, sure. Thanks for today?"

I'm not sure if saying thanks is appropriate in this situation. It feels like I was just dragged around.

But from the perspective of how quickly you acted out of concern for Mui, I should be grateful.

"Here, Mui is this way."

"...Tch, I know. Let go of my hand."

Lucy, pulling Mui's hand, walked ahead.

Watching them, I couldn't help but feel a parental emotion, hoping that Lucy's toughness and her ability to handle such situations would help her get along well with Mui.

"See you again, Mui."

"...Hmph."

As I called out to her back, she responded with a snort.

Hmm, I don't think she dislikes me, but I'm not sure how to navigate this relationship that's more than an acquaintance but less than a friend. We know too much about each other to be just acquaintances, and the age difference is too large to be friends. If we had a clear relationship like master and disciple, it would be different.

"Well, then."

Looking up at the sky, the crimson light was shining brightly, as if trying to dye the land of the Gallea continent. The last rays of the day were stretching out, about to be swallowed by the darkness.

Hmm, it's good that everything was settled before sunset.

Physically, I'm not that tired, but mentally, it's been a bit tough.

Still, today's work is done.

Lucy said there might be someone pulling the strings behind the thieves, but that's not my job to find out. It wouldn't be appropriate for someone with my title to get involved in such matters, and I don't want to get too deeply involved either.

"I'll work on refining the patrol routes and frequency. Can you go home now, sir?"

While lost in thought, Alyushia called out to me.

"Sure... I think I'll head back to the inn today."

Turning my gaze back, I replied to her.

The patrol routes are probably being adjusted due to the capture of the thieves. It's unlikely that all of them were caught, and the fact that they had a base right in the heart of the Central District means they need to strengthen security in that area, I guess.

"See you tomorrow, sir."

"Yeah, don't overwork yourself, Alyushia."

We exchanged goodbyes and left the headquarters. I added a bit of nagging about not staying too late, given Alyushia's tendency to be overly serious.

I think she takes care of herself, but it's just a precaution, or maybe a habit.

"Phew..."

Sighing lightly, I made my way back to the inn.

Today was tiring, no matter how you look at it. On days like this, the best thing to do is to go to a nearby bar and have a drink.

Despite still being unfamiliar with Bartrean's geography, after living here for a while, I've gotten a sense of the nearby shops and locations.

I even have a regular bar. It's close to the inn, not too noisy, and the food and drinks are delicious, so it's a no-brainer to visit.

Today, a significant event occurred, depending on how you look at it, with the raid on the thieves' hideout. But emotionally, I'm pretty calm about it.

It's not like this will bring any major turning point to my life.

I'm already over forty-five. I don't expect or wish for such things anymore.

"Well, I'll do what I can."

There's no point in overthinking things.

My muttered words naturally dissolved into the sky of Bartrean.

The interrogation of the thieves will take some time.

I don't know if there's a mastermind, but even if there is, verifying the information will be necessary. I don't expect new facts to emerge immediately.

So, my job as a special instructor will continue as usual. I'll just have to keep training with the knights as I always do.

"Ah, this alley... there it is."

Of course, it's only right to work hard, but a little reward for a day's effort isn't bad.

The bar I headed to is tucked away on a side street, a bit off the main road. It's not the most convenient location, but being in the capital, Bartrean, it always has a steady stream of customers.

On days like this, when I'm a bit tired, a drink is the best solution.

The slight commotion from the open door suggests the bar is doing well, which is a pleasant sight.

"Excuse me."

After taking in the exterior, I slipped through the door.

Today, I'll have a quick drink and a quick sleep. Then, I'll just keep doing my usual thing from tomorrow. Alyushia and Lucy will handle everything else. They always do. Tomorrow will bring its own wind.