Chapter 33

Chapter 32

Tear-soaked Tasting - 2

Vilar's appearance was like a ray of light to me. The club members, who seemed to be instigating a confectionery revolution, had brought out all sorts of things, and there was no way I could eat them all alone. In such a situation, Vilar's participation would undoubtedly be a great help.

Thinking about it, there's no need to feel guilty, as a knight cleaning up after a prince's misdeeds is nothing new. Besides, knights eat a lot, and Vilar would be a perfect addition to the group.

Of course, I didn't call Vilar just to handle the snacks. I'm not crazy enough to do that. I was planning to meet him today anyway, and it just so happened that the snacks piled up.

'What a stroke of luck.'

I'm not sure if it's a stroke of luck for Vilar, though.

First, I offered Vilar a seat. Naturally, it was in front of the desk where the club members' passionate creations were displayed. None of us can leave until everything is finished.

Vilar's expression turned grim at the sight of the mountain of snacks. It probably looks like they were left for him to eat, but this is the first time he's been offered such a large amount. However, there's a bit of the prince's share in there.

"Perhaps because the fair is coming up, the club members have been quite enthusiastic. I felt it would be a shame to eat all this alone, so I wanted to share it with you, Sir Vilar."

"I am truly grateful."

With a smile, Vilar had no choice but to nod. It's hard to refuse an opportunity to eat something made by high-ranking individuals.

I walked to the shelf, thinking that at least having something to drink would help him eat more. These club members didn't even give me water and just let me eat. The more I think about it, the more it feels like I was subjected to a form of torture. How can I get back at them?

While thinking of ways to get revenge on the club members, my hand, which had unconsciously reached for the cookie jar, suddenly stopped.

'This is mine.'

I quickly changed my hand and took out the tea leaves I had stored for a long time, not the ones Louise gave me. It would be a waste to give away the gift.

"The academy is quite lively these days with the fair preparations. I'm worried that visitors from other countries might be inconvenienced."

While steeping the tea, I casually brought up the topic. The fair is a huge festival within the academy and a day when outsiders can enter. For the three countries' forces stationed at the academy to protect important figures, it's an event that requires heightened alertness.

"Not at all. It brings back memories of my school days, and I'm quite excited."

"That's good to hear."

I smiled and picked up the teapot, sitting across from Vilar. I watched as he gratefully accepted the teacup I offered.

The fair was a light topic I brought up while steeping the tea, but it was also the reason for our meeting. The fair itself isn't the problem; it's the fact that the academy will be open during the fair that's troublesome.

'He must be quite troubled.'

The fair is a long-standing annual event at the academy. It's not something the empire or the academy is pushing for suddenly, and the three countries are aware that the fair is held during this period. Therefore, there's no room for blame.

However, no matter how much one prepares, actually experiencing it is a different matter. It's like knowing about the harsh winter training but still wanting to resist when the time comes. Vilar just said that it brought back memories of his school days and made him excited.

Even without the preceding adjectives, the word "excited" is enough to convey Vilar's true feelings.

'He must be quite excited.'

With a large influx of outsiders, the academy will be crowded and bustling. In such a situation, Vilar will be on high alert, worried that something might happen to the important figures from his country. After all, when the higher-ups move, the lower ones are always on edge.

"From what I understand, there will be more external guests this year compared to previous years."

Vilar's eyebrow twitched slightly at my calm statement. He must be wondering if it's just a coincidence that the number of guests will increase or if the empire is using the fair as an opportunity to strengthen its forces. Of course, it's the former. It's only right to avoid causing mutual distress.

I learned about the increase in guests through the student council. Since nobles don't just show up without prior notice, the academy maintains a list of visiting nobles during the fair period, similar to a reservation system.

However, the list showed a significant increase compared to last year and the year before. It seems that this year, with various unique factors, the number has increased.

"Over the years, the empire has faced various challenges. Now that things are peaceful, many people want to see the next generation of leaders."

"Is that so? Even from my perspective, I see new talents emerging each time. I can only imagine how impressed the visitors from outside will be."

"Indeed, it makes me feel proud."

By mentioning the "various challenges" that the empire's nobles would rather not talk about, Vilar's expression softened. I didn't bring up anything particularly unpleasant and emphasized that the increase in external guests was purely coincidental.

"Actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you, Sir Vilar."

"Please, go ahead."

Vilar nodded, his expression more relaxed. This expression will become even more relaxed. I don't usually go out of my way to be considerate, but Vilar seems to embody the struggles of a civil servant, so I'm making an exception.

"As I mentioned, the crowd at this year's fair will be significant. Our club's booth is likely to attract a lot of people."

Vilar's expression stiffened. His task is to protect important figures amidst the crowd at the booth.

He might have guessed from the earlier conversation about the increased number of external guests, but there's a big difference between thinking about it in his head and hearing it directly: "You're going to have a rough time."

"That's why I'd like to ask for your help, Sir Vilar, and if possible, from other representatives of the three countries."

"Help, you say?"

"Yes, the more people we have at the booth, the better. Is that possible?"

It will be possible. If it weren't, they would find a way to squeeze out the manpower and come. If the three countries had made this request first, they would have had to beg on their knees.

Originally, the three countries' forces were supposed to patrol near the booths as security. They would also have to engage in a power struggle with other nobles and their guards. Just thinking about it is exhausting.

However, if they accept my offer, they can stay at the booth as participants in the fair. There's no need for unnecessary power struggles, and the important figures they need to protect will be right in front of them. It would be strange to refuse such a legitimate and close protection opportunity.

Look, Vilar's stiff expression is now shining.

"We owe you a lot, Inspector. How can we refuse such a small request?"

"Ha, thank you. I was worried about the fair, but now I feel relieved."

We've reached a mutually satisfying agreement. The three countries' forces can legally guard the booth with minimal risk of conflict with the empire, and I've found someone to monitor the club members who would otherwise be a headache. If these club members cause trouble outside the booth, I'll have to clean up the mess. I can't let that happen.

Moreover, by showing such consideration, the three countries are more likely to cooperate or make concessions when I need them. Since there's no downside, it's good to build up such goodwill.

Feeling relieved, Vilar picked up one of the snacks on the desk and put it in his mouth. It's one of Louise's cookies.

"...A unique flavor."

After a few chews, Vilar spoke softly. Indeed, as a knight, his reaction is more composed compared to the club members, who were visibly struggling to hide their dislike.

However, if Vilar shows his dislike and hears, "That's something Lyutis made," he'll be in a tough spot. It's a pity.

"Isn't it? I personally enjoy this flavor."

Of course, I have no intention of revealing who made what. That way, Vilar will eat everything evenly.

With a small smile, Vilar quietly finished the cookie. Again, none of us can leave until everything is finished.

The performance of the temporary snack handler was satisfactory. As expected, knights have a high basal metabolic rate and eat well. When I said I would send the club members' creations to the three countries' side tomorrow, Vilar quietly lowered his eyes and expressed his gratitude. He must be looking forward to sharing the delicious snacks with his subordinates.

Well, what else can he do? If he wants to work at the booth, he has to eat what's given. A snack handler doesn't have the luxury of being picky.

"There are more people to eat, so feel free to make as much as you want."

That's why I confidently said it in front of the club members. Now that we have a way to handle the excess, there's no need to hesitate. If there's any left, we can just send it to the three countries' side. How many mouths are there? Six club members can't possibly produce more than they can handle.

- Inspector, I appreciate your consideration, but you don't need to go to such lengths.

They couldn't handle it. These crazy kids are producing snacks at a factory level.

Vilar's eyes, visible through the communication device, were dark and sunken.

Author's Note

I'm the author who, once again, posted in the morning with a low probability. When building trust with readers, it's rare for an author to break their own promises and erode that trust. I'm particularly regretful that I'm one of those rare authors...

It was a miraculous feat, as I was less drunk than I expected. Normally, I wouldn't even be able to sit in front of a computer, but perhaps I've been drinking too much lately and have built up some tolerance.

Thank you for reading this chapter!