"Phew, that's refreshing."
That night, while camping at the Ugon Settlement, the female knights were able to bathe thanks to the village's hospitality.
Though the bathtub was small and could only fit two people at a time, the knights were in high spirits as they washed away the sweat of the past few days. Reaching their first destination had naturally loosened their tongues.
"Say, don't you think Lord Fritz is wonderful?"
"I know, right? And he's so strong!"
"I heard he's still single."
"Really? Maybe I should make a move."
Two of the younger knights were chatting idly. Gloria and her adjutant, both older than the pair, worked silently to scrub the dirt from their bodies.
"Vice-captain Gloria! Is Lord Fritz going back to his country once this investigation is over?" one of the younger girls asked.
"Hmm? Well, rather than going back immediately, he'll be entering the Kingdom of Egerea once we've finished clearing the road. I haven't heard what his plans are after that."
"I see..."
"That's a shame."
As she listened to them, the adjutant remained silent, sinking deeper into the tub. Gloria, noticing her withdrawn behavior, spoke up.
"Shia, is something on your mind?"
"Shia" was the nickname Gloria used for her adjutant, Cynthia, in private.
"No, Vice-captain... it’s nothing."
"It doesn't seem like nothing. You're usually quiet, Shia, but it’s rare for you not to say a single word in a place like this."
"...You're very observant."
"Well, I was an instructor once. It comes with the territory."
Having served as an instructor for novice knights, Gloria was exceptionally attentive toward her subordinates. It was no exaggeration to say this was why she had been entrusted with the position of vice-captain of the Female Ritter Order.
"I'm truly fine."
"Are you sure? You don't look like you're feeling unwell, at least."
"Yes, I'm alright. I apologize for causing you concern."
With that, Cynthia climbed out of the tub and walked toward the changing room.
The night was clear, the sky ablaze with twinkling stars. There was no wind, and despite it being January, the air wasn't particularly cold.
"Night watch is easy enough tonight," Gloria muttered to no one in particular.
They took turns standing guard. Even within the settlement, it was a necessary precaution while camping. While Gloria had exempted her two youngest subordinates, she, Cynthia, and the male knights were all part of the rotation.
"Oh, Gloria-dono."
It was Fritz. It appeared it was his turn for the watch.
"Fritz-dono. Nothing to report on this end."
"Nothing to report here either."
The conversation hit a lull. Gloria suddenly recalled something from earlier that day.
"Fritz-dono, this may be an impertinent request, but would you allow me to see your sword?"
"Hmm? I don't mind, but it’s nothing special. Besides, I only have a short sword on me right now."
"That's perfectly fine."
"All right then... Here."
Fritz unfastened the short sword from his waist and handed it over, sheath and all. Gloria accepted it and quietly drew the blade. Holding it up to the rising moonlight, she gazed intently at the steel.
"...This is quite a masterpiece. The Shouro Empire certainly produces high-quality blades."
Gloria sheathed the sword and returned it to him.
"Thank you for showing me such a fine piece of work."
"Haha, hearing you say that is a bit embarrassing. This is just standard-issue equipment."
"Is that so? How enviable. I suppose the Shouro Empire must be blessed with high-quality iron ore as well..."
Gloria was well-versed in such matters; she knew that a good sword required good steel, which in turn required good ore.
"I don't know much about that myself. However, I have a cousin who's an expert on the subject."
"A cousin?"
"Yeah. Reinhard Randol. He's a brilliant magi engineer who was recently made a baron."
"Lord Reinhard... I’ve heard the rumors. The one who created the golem known as the Schwarzritter?"
"That's him. He’s a cousin I’m proud of."
"Fritz-dono, do you have any other siblings?" Gloria asked as they walked slowly under the moonlight.
"An older brother and a younger sister. Both of them are high achievers who didn't take after me at all. Hahaha."
"I see. I'm an only child, so I'm a bit envious. Are they both in the military?"
"No. My brother has a weak constitution. My sister... she’s the most successful of us all. She’s a magi engineer and has been appointed as a Reichsarzt."
"A Reichsarzt..."
Gloria suddenly remembered. Not long ago, a Reichsarzt from the Shouro Empire had treated their King's illness. There couldn't be many women holding that title.
"...Could your sister perhaps be Lady Elsa?"
"Oh, that's right. You know of her?"
"Know of her? She’s the one who cured our King just the other day!"
Fritz scratched his head at her exclamation.
"That's right. Honestly, it’s humbling. That sister of mine is the star of the family now."
"But wait... I thought Lady Elsa was Lord Jin's sister?"
During Elsa's previous visit, Gloria had been busy instructing apprentices and hadn't met Jin's group personally, leaving her unfamiliar with the specific details.
"Ah, well, there are some complicated circumstances there," Fritz said. Being honest to a fault, he ended up explaining everything to Gloria as they continued their patrol.
"I see. So that's how it is."
"Yeah. Elsa is the head of House Randol now. I can get by as a soldier, but she's the one supporting our parents. Honestly, I can't hold a candle to her."
As they talked, the light of a magi-lamp approached through the darkness. It was one of the male knights.
"Gloria-dono, it's time for the shift change."
"Ah, is it that time already?" Gloria looked up at the sky. The moon had risen quite high. "Well then, Fritz-dono, I'll be heading off."
"Right. Get some rest."
Gloria parted from Fritz and headed back to the tent she shared with her adjutant. As she wrapped herself in her blanket, she found herself reflecting on the conversation.
(I see. When I first met Lady Elsa and Lord Jin, I thought they didn't look much like siblings, but there was a reason for that. Fritz-dono has quite a lot on his plate too...)
With those thoughts in mind, she eventually drifted off to sleep.
On January 7th, Jin was in Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias. He was accompanied by Reinhard and Elsa, as well as Marchioness Firenziano.
They had arrived aboard Jin's airship. Having covered the distance of roughly 110 kilometers in just two hours, the Marchioness was thoroughly impressed.
"It’s fast. This is truly revolutionary. I suppose the only drawback is the transport capacity?"
She had already correctly identified both its great utility and its inherent weakness.
Since they had sent word in advance, an audience with the King was granted immediately. They were received not in a grand throne room, but in a more modest space called the Small Hall, which served as both an office and a reception room.
There, the King of the Kingdom of Elias, Blitzen Skala Elias XII, awaited them. The King was fifty-nine years old, with white hair and gray eyes. He was of medium build and height, and remained full of energy.
Also present was the Chancellor, Marquis Godfar, who served as the lord of Toves Province in the western region of the kingdom.
"Welcome, Magi Craft Meister, Lord Jin Nidou. And his squire, Lady Reiko Nidou."
Jin and Reiko bowed to the King.
"And it has been a while, Lord Reinhard Randol. Welcome, Lady Elsa Randol."
Reinhard bowed deeply, while Elsa offered a respectful curtsy.
"Please, there is no need for such formality. First, let us sit."
At the King's invitation, everyone took their seats, and the meeting began.