Chapter 12

As Otto-sama was led into the garrison of the Kingdom of Light Knights by Referee-sama, all the knights present, regardless of what they were doing or training, stopped their movements, faced Referee-sama, stood at attention, and saluted by raising their right elbow to shoulder height and placing their fist on their right chest.

When Referee-sama said, "At ease," they would return to their tasks, but they would glance at me and make faces as if to say, "Who is this dirty boy?"

The Kingdom of Light Knights is, as its name suggests, a country of "knights." This is not in the sense of the title "Knight," but rather in the literal sense of "mounted soldiers," and all military personnel of the Kingdom of Light Knights must be able to fight on horseback.

Of course, there are ranks among the knights, and while I am not well-versed in them, Referee-sama must be a top-tier knight.

"At ease. At ease."

Continuing to say this—perhaps over a hundred times—I finally arrived at what seemed to be Referee-sama's tent. It was a simple tent with only a large table and ten plain chairs.

When I was offered a chair and sat down, I suddenly felt very tired and wanted to fall asleep right there. However, I couldn't relax because Wilhelm-sama and the others who had confronted me first were standing at the entrance of the tent.

"Because we are on the front lines, we cannot offer proper hospitality. Please forgive us, guest."

"I do not intend to stay long, so it is fine."

When I said this, the onlookers became hostile, saying, "Refuse Referee-sama's offer...?"

"Since Lord Sylph is staying at the 'Moonlit Beauty,' I have sent a messenger. We can wait for a reply."

"Will I be questioned during that time?"

"Even if you spend time listening to the idle chatter of an old man, you won't be punished."

Referee-sama brought a pot that seemed to have been heated by a magical device and poured tea into a cup. I was surprised, but what came out was green tea, and it smelled just like Japanese tea. Moreover, the analysis by [All Things] confirmed that it was indeed Japanese tea.

"Although it is different from the tea served in the Holy Kingdom of Kurvaan, our country's tea is also quite good."

Despite the mismatch with the teacup, the steaming green tea was placed in front of me, with fine tea leaves floating in it. I swallowed hard and took the teacup.

"You might think it's strange to drink hot tea on such a hot day, but it's good to drink it in the shade. It makes you feel refreshed—hmm? Do you like it that much?"

I drank it in one go, feeling a cool scent pass through my nose. Ah... it's green tea. I never thought I'd encounter it here.

"Can I have another cup?"

"Of course."

I waited for it to be poured and drank about half of it again.

Perhaps because I had been struggling to survive, or because of the harsh days I had endured, or because I had been living in this world for a long time, I hadn't felt much nostalgia for Japanese food. However, drinking the green tea made me suddenly miss Japanese cuisine.

I had heard that the body odor of Japanese people is the smell of soy sauce, and I wanted to eat something with a soy sauce flavor...

"I have been well entertained."

Seeing me enjoy the green tea, Referee-sama seemed to relax a bit. Tea is great, isn't it?

Referee-sama sat down across from me and said,

"Is the Margrave of Mule well?"

"He is as lively as if you couldn't kill him. He even said he wanted to come here."

"Be honest, how do you think the Margrave compares to Wilhelm and the others in terms of strength?"

"..."

"Feel free to speak frankly. I won't be offended, and I won't go back on my promise to help Lord Sylph."

"...Ah. Yes. I'm sorry, but I think he's not nearly strong enough."

"Hmm."

Referee-sama raised an eyebrow in surprise, but the people at the entrance of the tent sent another wave of hostility. I don't think they were really offended...

Then Referee-sama said to the onlookers,

"Are you trying to tarnish my reputation? In any case, getting angry at someone who has been utterly defeated is just the whining of a loser. —I apologize, Lord Reiji. They are excellent, but they lack experience fighting abroad and are like frogs in a well. This experience will be a good lesson for them."

That's fine, but I really don't want to be used as an example. Yes.

"However, Lord Reiji, you are amazing. To dodge Wilhelm's thrust like that..."

"If I hadn't dodged, I would have died, right?"

"...My voice to stop him was just a bit too late. Wilhelm, come here."

A beautiful, androgynous figure with a sullen face approached. Even when sullen, they looked good, which I think is unfair (the second unfair person after Lord Sylph).

"Apologize."

"...But, Referee-sama."

Just as he was about to speak,

"Knights do not make excuses!!"

Standing up, Referee-sama punched Wilhelm-sama in the cheek.

Even though he is old, my eyes can't be fooled. Referee-sama has steel-like muscles under his clothes, and his fist is huge. Despite being well-trained, the tall Wilhelm-sama floated in the air for a moment and then fell to the ground.

Everyone was shocked, but no one moved.

"I am very sorry..."

"Why are you apologizing to me? You should apologize to Lord Reiji."

"...I am very sorry."

Holding his cheek, he staggered to his feet and bowed. A hellish silence descended, and I couldn't say anything.

No... what am I supposed to do with this atmosphere?

"Will you accept his apology?"

"Yes, I accept it."

"That's good, Wilhelm. —You may step back."

Wilhelm-sama walked away unsteadily and stood at attention at the entrance of the tent again. He didn't get treated. He just stood there.

"Truly, Lord Reiji held back in the fight, and you didn't even notice and used 'Instant Step' with the intention of killing him."

The word "held back" from Referee-sama caused a stir among the onlookers.

I didn't hold back; I just didn't want to kill or seriously injure him, which would have caused problems. He already knew that much.

This person, with his mysterious voice skill—probably a natural talent—and his physical strength, is quite strong.

But I should check it with [All Things] later. It might be useful in a pinch. And Wilhelm-sama's "Instant Step"?

"However, why did Lord Sylph let go of such an excellent guard as Lord Reiji? How about coming to the Kingdom of Light Knights? I can recommend you. Then, of course, you can become a knight and even take a high position."

"No, I decline."

"Is it because you want to continue adventuring?"

"Yes."

After saying that, I realized something.

"I see. So Lord Reiji is indeed the same person who was part of the adventurer party 'Silver Scales.'"

Referee-sama continued casually, but...

"However, it's strange. I heard that the boy from 'Silver Scales' was sucked into the Red Gate... but here you are. What's going on?"

His tone was filled with certainty.

He had known from the beginning. He knew I was a member of "Silver Scales" and that my claim of being a "messenger of the Margrave" was a lie.

Even Yua from the caravan knew that there were adventurers helping Luluza, and that they were being pursued. Therefore, everyone here must know that "Silver Scales" is being pursued by the Lev Magic Empire.

A different atmosphere spread among the people behind me, a tense and hostile one, as if they would attack me if I made a wrong move.

(I knew Referee-sama was a cunning person... but he led the conversation to this point to make me say I was an "adventurer.")

With a bitter sense of regret, I thought,

How should I answer?