Chapter 34

As the sun began to set, I returned to the town and carried the unconscious Gilbert into a room borrowed from the lord's mansion.

Dorf and the clergy, along with the mercenaries, were by his side.

I wanted to stay with him until he woke up, but more importantly, I had to prepare the dinner we had promised. I was surprised by his words at the time, but they seemed like a promise that he would definitely return, which made me happy.

I borrowed the kitchen of the largest cafeteria in town and, with the help of the chefs and staff, gathered several large pots to make stew.

After a while, the sound of multiple horses' hooves could be heard, and the outside became a bit noisy.

Peeking through the doorway, I saw a well-built man in armor, holding a shield painted black, dismounting his horse. It seemed that Lord Lionel and the others had returned. Apparently, the containment operation went well, and the lord's expression showed relief as he listened to the report.

"Is Gilbert here...?"

A voice mixed with surprise and confusion could be heard, and soon the figure of someone running towards the mansion was visible. They must have gone to Gilbert's side.

The lord, left behind, took a deep breath and walked over. Then, with a somewhat gloomy expression, he spoke to no one in particular.

"Lord Lionel's shield was painted black... So he was a Black Knight. I didn't notice it earlier because I was distracted by other things..."

At his words, the residents and the lord's private army, who were present, lowered their heads with a difficult expression and silence.

In this country and the surrounding area, a knight's shield bears the crest of their lord. A shield painted black is proof that the knight has no lord to whom they swear loyalty, hence the name Black Knight.

I knew the situation because Gilbert had told me, but for the people of this town, the meaning of the royal knight commander coming to their aid changed somewhat.

The lord raised his head, clapped his hands, and smiled.

"Well, we need to regain our strength. Everyone, I'm counting on you to prepare a grand dinner for tonight! Eat well while you can!"

With the lord's command, which he tried to deliver brightly, we returned to preparing the meal.

While preparing the stew, Barbara was toasting barley and almonds in butter and solidifying them with syrup made from maltose. It seemed to be a snack for the town's children.

"Flora, when the preparations are done, could you take some tea and snacks to Gilbert and the others?"

"Yes! Many people must be hungry, so I'll also bring the leftover bagels from earlier."

With the kettle of boiled tea and some light snacks prepared, I headed to the lord's mansion.

When I entered the room where Gilbert was sleeping, I could see Lord Lionel sitting in a chair beside the bed. On the other side of the bed, Dorf was sitting with his arms crossed.

"Excuse me. I've brought some tea."

As I quietly entered, Lord Lionel turned around.

"Oh, thank you... By any chance, are you Flora?"

"…! Yes, that's me."

I was surprised to be called by name. I thought Dorf had told him, but his expression suggested otherwise.

"No, I apologize for the suddenness. He's been mumbling your name in his sleep for a while now."

"Wh-what!?"

While I was surprised, I placed the basket of tea and light snacks on the table beside the bed, but my face gradually grew hot. Gilbert was sleeping peacefully, breathing steadily. Lord Lionel's gaze returned to his face.

"By the way, Flora has been mentioned eight times, and I've been mentioned twice..."

"Are you counting!?"

I couldn't help but raise my voice a little, and I quickly covered my mouth. Lord Lionel had a slightly troubled smile and was pressing his forehead. He was about a head taller than Gilbert, but his face was very similar to Gilbert's.

"...Ah. I was looking forward to being called brother. I didn't expect to hear it first in his sleep..."

Lord Lionel, looking somewhat dejected, seemed different from the strict figure I had seen from a distance before. He looked more approachable. Dorf was laughing in the background.