Chapter 39

From early morning, Yae and Ruchika came and took Yuri's measurements. During that time, it was discovered that Yuri had learned some strange things due to the Three Fools, and I seriously considered what to do about it.

...For now, I'll deal with the Three Fools after work is done.

Today, the kitchen was as usual. Yuri was diligently peeling the skin of onions. Holding the small onion in her tiny hands, she placed it on her apron to secure it, and with a small paring knife that fit her hands, she smoothly peeled the skin. She was faster than yesterday, and might even peel more than two cases.

All the kitchen staff occasionally looked at Yuri and smiled faintly. While peeling the skin, Yuri observed the surroundings. In just one day, her gaze had become more focused, and she was able to accurately see what was needed at the moment. I can't wait to see her grow.

After letting Yuri take her lunch break with the first group, she fell asleep immediately after eating, just like yesterday. I put Yuri to sleep and switched with the second group, adjusting the work as we went.

When everyone had finished their lunch, I took off my apron and left the kitchen, entrusting the rest of the work to Schnas and the old man.

Today is the day of the monthly squad leader meeting, a time when the cooking squad takes a break in the afternoon to exchange information for about half an hour.

What I will talk about today, of course, is Yuri's provisional enlistment.

I know the story has already spread to all the squads in just one day. The next three months will be the greatest challenge for Yuri.

When I entered the conference room, most of the faces were already gathered.

Among the nine squad leaders of the internal squads, including myself, there were Elies of the document squad, Vincent of the medical squad, Yae of the equipment squad, Jott of the blacksmith squad, Jean of the agricultural squad, Yahar of the riding beast squad, Asti of the cleaning squad, and Vas of the information squad.

Among the four squad leaders of the external squads, there were three: Wald of the external security squad, Sophie of the mobile squad, and Sherifas of the magic squad.

The remaining two are the two people standing by the side of the Demon King Kaiyu: Loys of the attendant squad and Grandio of the guard squad.

"Dirnan, I didn't see Yuri when I went to eat just now. What happened?"

Sitting next to the empty seat of Vas, Jott spoke to me.

"She's taking a nap."

"I see. ...I heard that Kalf was taken care of during dinner last night."

"Don't worry, he doesn't even think he took care of her."

When I told Jott what he said, Jott raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I fed her dinner after that, so she completely forgot about it."

When I explained further, Jott was speechless. Yae, who heard about Yuri's reaction, burst out laughing. Yae saw Yuri first thing in the morning, so he understood her sharpness and unique sense as a child without needing an explanation.

"Did Yuri do something yesterday too?"

"She did something similar to Kalf. By the way, she also said you were 'cute.' I have no idea what she finds cute, though."

"......Huh?"

When I relayed Yuri's words from lunchtime to Yae, who was listening with interest, Yae asked in disbelief, and a subtle silence spread through the room. The others were also listening intently.

"Vincent, should we have her take a vision test?"

"Let me think about it."

When I threw the question to Vincent, he responded with a laugh.

"But, what Yuri said was probably more about Yae's inner self, or the difference between his appearance and his inner self, wasn't it?"

"Inner self... huh."

"What you see and what Yuri sees are different. After all, that child is incredibly sensitive to people's inner selves."

When I hesitated to agree with Vincent, he continued. The faces of those who knew Yuri reacted subtly to his words.

"Most likely, she felt the malice directed at Kalf in the dining hall more than anyone else. That's why she protected Kalf, I think.

Moreover, the method she used is not something even a grown adult could easily do.

...I can't help but think that this is how she has been protecting herself all along."

"......"

"Personally, I find it problematic that there are foolish knights who direct malice at a child. Moreover, Kalf even said that the clothing department is unnecessary. Does this mean the external security squad won't need to request work from the clothing department in the future?

Kalf didn't even realize that he could be charged with insulting a superior officer. What do you think, Wald?"

Vincent directed his gaze to the external security squad leader, Wald. Wald, who had been an observer, reacted slightly. He probably hadn't heard this part yet.

"I understand that it's impossible to grasp the movements of all the members of the Northern Demon King Castle, which has the largest number of squad members.

And I also understand that the majority of the members of the external security squad are not particularly friendly towards the young provisional member of the cooking squad. This is natural since they haven't shown any real ability yet.

But, Kalf is different. To look down on someone with the potential to become a deputy squad leader based on their appearance is like challenging the blacksmith squad.

—Reinforce your squad once more. If you can't, be prepared to make enemies with several squads."

Wald's expression tightened at Vincent's warning. Without Vincent's warning, the punishment for the external security squad might have started immediately. Essentially, this was a warning not just to the external security squad but to other squads as well. This way, they couldn't take any disciplinary action without a proper reason. ...This sly fox.

At that moment, Loys and Grandio appeared, and the flow of conversation was interrupted.

The meeting proceeded smoothly under Loys, the leader of the attendant squad.

"Everything so far seems to be as usual. Next, Dirnan, it's your turn."

When the plans for the next squad leader meeting were finalized, Loys directed the conversation to me. Naturally, everyone's attention turned to me.

"I think the story has already spread to all the squads, but a provisional member has joined the cooking squad. The three-month trial period started yesterday.

Her name is Yuri. She's about 30 years old. Her place of origin is unknown. ...When we found her in the 'Deep Forest,' she was suffering from amnesia, and I've asked Vas to investigate."

"...Of course, you have Elies' permission, right?"

When Loys directed his gaze to Elies, she spoke.

"Yes. I've given permission for her provisional entry into the castle and the squad.

Dirnan's judgment and, more importantly, the baptism by his riding beast, Retz, which she passed easily, indicate that she is not a problem as a person.

Her abilities are completely unknown, but she has shown some promising signs so far. The key is whether she can demonstrate them in a visible form that we can accept within three months.

As insurance, Dirnan will be responsible for all of Yuri's actions."

"Ah, she passed Retz's baptism? ...But, isn't the cooking squad too much for a child?"

"Regarding that, I consulted with Vincent.

In addition to the cooking squad, she will join the document squad as a second assignment. She will also receive a weekly health check-up from the medical squad and learn basic first aid as a supplementary skill. Her working hours will be shorter than usual."

Loys asked a series of questions, but I had anticipated this much.

"...Honestly, I think it's questionable to make a child work so much, but let's hear you out."

"More importantly, there might be technical issues."

As Loys listened, Asti, the leader of the cleaning squad, spoke, followed by Grandio, the leader of the guard squad, who rarely spoke.

"...I don't think so?"

Before I could answer, Jott spoke up.

"Being able to see the edge of a blade means she can at least handle a basic knife."

"That's true. I can't fully agree with the job, but from what I saw this morning, her movements were efficient, and she seemed to be aware of her surroundings.

Most importantly, ordering a dedicated cooking station for her means the cooking squad has recognized her abilities."

Jott and Yae both supported Yuri's performance to some extent.

"Dirnan, what do you think as a squad leader?"

"There are no particular issues. In fact, among the recent new members, her speed is astonishing. She has received positive evaluations from other squad members for tasks other than preparation."

"Elies, what about you?"

"Her first day in the document squad is tomorrow. I plan to assign her tasks such as data collection and verification.

But, she can read the guardian circle script, and she has already demonstrated her calculation skills to me, Dirnan, Vincent, and Bax. I think she is capable of the job. The key will be how well she can use calculation tools."

When Loys asked about her performance in the cooking squad, he directed the conversation to Elies. When Elies spoke, the others were clearly surprised.

"...At 30 years old, she has calculation skills?"

"Yes. It's hard to believe, but she answered a simple subtraction problem without even thinking. I think she can handle calculations."

When Elies spoke, Loys directed his gaze to Vincent.

"No doubt.

—And this is something I must tell all the squad leaders as a doctor: Yuri is a neutral being."

When Vincent dropped this bomb, the squad leaders who hadn't heard it before were speechless.

"Also, she wasn't raised with care. There's a possibility that she was kept in a state close to confinement for some reason. Her intelligence and responses, which are far beyond those of a child, are likely a means of self-protection. Despite her high intelligence, she is frighteningly ignorant of many things.

She was in a state close to malnutrition, which might have started before she was brought to the 'Deep Forest.'

Given her unique nature, I want to keep an eye on her as a doctor."

"...A child from the Eastern Demon King's territory, and one whose life was in danger."

When Vincent shared his insights, Vas added more information.

"What?"

"What do you mean, Vas!"

Unable to ignore the information, Elies and I reacted.

"Kalf found it in the child's clothes."

Vas took out the clothes and shoes Yuri was wearing two days ago from a subspace. When Vas did something to the shoes, magical words appeared.

"According to Kalf, it's cleverly hidden but made with top-notch materials and craftsmanship.

The fact that she has a gold guardian circle means she's not just a noble child. She has significant value. ...Being a neutral being alone is enough.

But, for now, this is all we know."

As Vas provided the information, everyone began to think.

"...It's hard to say whether I can agree or disagree at this point. Children are treasures to the demon race.

A child whose life is in danger can't be easily released to a nearby village. It might be best to keep her here until we find a trustworthy guardian. The Northern Demon King Castle is not a completely safe place, but it's better than nothing.

Still, I never thought I'd see a neutral being with my own eyes. I think it's best to keep this information from the general members. What do you think?"

"Rather than making rash statements, it's safer for the Northern Demon King Castle to observe the child's