Chapter 7

※ Perspective change

The 9th Squadron of the Kingdom's Knights is in charge of the northern fortress.

Grail, the deputy commander – the second-highest position in the squadron – has recently found something to look forward to.

Although respected by his subordinates, who are also a bit afraid of him, he now relaxes his sharp gaze and gazes at a certain creature.

A white kit has taken up residence in the small shed next to the barracks for about four days. Although Grail hasn't confirmed it, he thinks it's probably a female. It seems shy and cute, giving off a "girl" vibe.

Usually, she wakes up earlier than Grail, but today she seems to be oversleeping. She is snuggled up in a blanket in the old shed, breathing softly.

Grail thinks she is still too small to be on her own, but there is no sign of her mother. He suspects she might have strayed from her mother or been abandoned and wandered here alone. She doesn't seem to be able to hunt for food on her own yet, and he has never seen her hunting.

With a side glance at the sleeping kit, Grail moves away from the window. After changing and getting ready, he heads to the cafeteria within the compound, which is exclusively for the knights working at the fortress.

It's still early, so there are only a few people inside. In about 30 minutes, it will be much busier.

"Deputy Commander, good morning."

"Ah, good morning."

Exchanging greetings with his early-rising subordinates, Grail takes his breakfast on a tray. Sitting alone, he eats quietly, then returns the dishes and speaks to the head chef, a middle-aged, stout man who has worked here for a long time.

"Can I have the morning portion?"

"Oh, Deputy Commander. I've set it aside for you."

He knew about the kit from Grail and always prepares food for it. It's not much trouble, just a lighter version of the knights' meals. Today's breakfast for the kit is soup with turnips, cabbage, and bacon, with bread soaked in it. The morning menu often includes soups.

Grail thought foxes preferred meat, but this kit doesn't seem to. She enjoys vegetables, bread, and fruits. On the other hand, she seems to dislike raw meat. She happily eats meatballs and cooked meat, but when he gave her fresh, bloody deer meat once, she made a face and backed away.

"Maybe she was raised on mother's milk and doesn't recognize raw meat as food?"

"I'm giving her turnips for the first time. I hope she likes them."

The head chef said, handing over the plate. The knights eat anything heartily, but the kit's meals require more care. She didn't like green peas, as evidenced by the clean leftovers from yesterday.

"It should be fine. Thanks as always."

Grail replied, and the head chef smiled.

"It's fine. I'm happy when she finishes it all."

He seems as excited as a grandfather with a new grandchild, even though he hasn't met the kit yet. He plans to make jerky for her today.

Grail chuckled at the enthusiastic chef and returned to his room in the barracks with the kit's breakfast.

When he opened the door, the kit was pressed against the window. She must have woken up while he was at the cafeteria.

She was standing on a wooden box, stretching her neck, but from Grail's side, only her front paws on the window, large ears, and the upper half of her face were visible.

She must be hungry. Her small nose twitched as she peered into the room, a sight so adorable it had a powerful impact. Even the usually expressionless Grail couldn't help but smile.

"Here's your meal."

As Grail approached and opened the window, the kit quickly hopped off the box and kept her distance. He thought she had gotten used to him, but she still seems afraid when he gets too close. When he placed the bowl of soup on the second level of the box, she wandered around but didn't come closer.

However, once Grail closed the window, she slowly climbed back onto the box and started eating.

At first, she would tense up if Grail looked at her, but now she seems comfortable with him watching from the other side of the window. She occasionally looks up to check on him while munching away.

"See you tonight."

Grail tapped on the closed window and called out to the kit. Her every move is fascinating, and he could watch her for hours, but unfortunately, it's time for training.

He leaves his room and heads to the training ground outside.

As the deputy commander, Grail's work mostly involves paperwork. He also supervises training, so he no longer exhausts himself with physical activity.

Therefore, he exercises alone every morning before work. His routine includes strength training, running, and sword practice (a regimen that would leave other knights unable to move for a day). After completing his exercises, he starts his work.

Unbeknownst to him, his subordinates secretly call him "The Iron Man" with a mix of admiration and fear.