Chapter 92 - The Junior's Diligence
Once the joint training session was wrapped up, the day’s work was officially over.
Since things had ended much earlier than expected, the squad members were buzzing with excitement, debating whether to head out for drinks or find other ways to spend their free time.
However, their lively chatter abruptly quieted when one of the knights ahead veered off the path.
When he turned his gaze, he saw the black robe of the Mage Division making its way against the flow of people.
"Volfred, it seems the drill finished early today."
The one approaching with a warm smile was none other than Volf’s older brother, Guido, who also happened to be a company commander in the Mage Division.
"Brother, what brings you here?"
There had been no prior arrangements, no letter to announce Guido’s visit. Could something have happened to their father or their other brother?
Volf’s alarmed voice drew the attention of those around them.
With silvery-blue hair and piercing blue eyes, Guido bore no resemblance to Volf. No one would guess they were siblings without being told.
"Sorry for the sudden visit. Do you have any plans for the evening?"
"No, nothing in particular."
“I found a place that serves delicious rock oysters. Care to join me? I’d like to chat at our leisure over some good food."
"Thank you. I’d be delighted to join you."
"Then, let's go after you change. Oh, there's no need to hurry. I'll be in the office, taking care of some paperwork while waiting."
The knights nearby watched the exchange with curious eyes, intrigued by the easygoing demeanor of the man.
Guido, unconcerned with the attention, turned his gaze to Volf’s companions.
"You must be Goodwin-kun and Barty-kun. I’ve heard you’ve been looking out for my brother—thank you. If you’d like, why not visit Volfred’s estate sometime? You’d be most welcome."
"It would be an honor."
"Thank you very much."
Guido returned their polite gestures with a smile, then spoke briefly to Volf again before heading back the way he came.
"Volf, that was your brother... Guido-sama, wasn’t it?"
"Yeah, that’s right."
Given how little the two looked alike, the question was hardly surprising. Volf glanced at Dorino, who tilted his head thoughtfully.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, it’s just... he gives off a completely different vibe. When he was leading the Mage Division during the previous drills, he gave off... all calm and composed mage vibe."
"Well, that’s because it was work."
He hesitated to mention that he and Guido had only recently started talking more openly. He was able to easily share it with Dahlia, though.
"Volf, hand over your practice sword. I’ll take care of cleaning it up. You shouldn’t keep your brother waiting too long."
"Thank you, Randolph. Sorry, but I’ll be counting on you. I’ll head out a bit ahead."
Handing over the practice sword, Volf briskly made his way toward the barracks.
"...Hey, what happened to all that talk about him being 'abandoned by his family'? They seem pretty close to me."
"He actually came all the way here himself... Even my own brother wouldn’t do that."
The members of the First Knight Order, who had caught up from behind, whispered among themselves in hushed tones.
"Just now, he mentioned 'Volfred’s estate,' didn’t he?"
"I heard he’s been staying in the barracks because he couldn’t go home though..."
Dorino and Randolph turned around at the same time and addressed the group that had been talking behind them.
"If you’d spent years donning the Scarlet Armor of life-or-death battles, you’d probably want some space from home too."
"Volf isn’t unwelcome at home. He chooses to stay in the barracks to dedicate more time to his training."
In front of the pale-faced knights, a young squad member stepped up and stood beside Randolph.
"When Senpai was captured by the wyvern, the Scalfarotto family even sent mages to aid in the search. I don’t think it’s possible for him to be abandoned by his family."
"Well, maybe, but... he doesn’t even attend the Scalfarotto family’s tea parties, does he?"
"I’ve heard he doesn’t go to the balls either, even when invited."
"That’s because, unlike your unit, ours gets sent on sudden expeditions. Tea parties and balls aren’t things we can commit to. Unless the timing happens to line up perfectly, I don’t attend them either. In fact, very few from our unit manage to attend such events."
As Kirk finished speaking, his green eyes narrowed slightly. Despite the still air, his hair seemed to sway gently as if stirred by an unseen breeze.
"First Knight Order-senpais, I have a question. May I ask?"
"What is it? Speak your mind."
"The Scalfarotto family is already guaranteed a marquisate under Guido-sama’s leadership when he takes over as the family head, right? So, don’t you think concentrating your attacks on his favored younger brother is a bad idea?"
"You—!"
"Volf-senpai isn’t the type to tattle to Guido-sama. No one in our unit would go out of their way to report it either. But, during exercises, there are noble daughters and even maids watching him from distant buildings. I just hope strange rumors don’t start spreading."
"...!"
Kirk turned to the speechless knights and flashed them a bright, cheerful smile.
"By the way, I hear the new 'binoculars' offer quite an impressive view."
・・・・・・・
With the First Knights trailing behind like a somber funeral procession, Kirk and his group returned to their unit’s section.
Once they were far enough that their voices wouldn’t carry back, someone broke into laughter. That spark quickly spread, and soon everyone was laughing uproariously.
"Well said, Leonardi!"
"You’re the best junior ever!"
It was Kirk who had his back firmly patted by those around him.
When the chorus of praise finally died down, Randolph placed a hand on Kirk’s shoulder.
"Kirk, let me cover the drinks tonight."
"Thank you, Randolph-senpai. I’ll enjoy the treat without hesitation."
"Leonardi, I thought you were the quiet type, but you’ve got some bite."
"Please just call me Kirk, Barty-senpai."
"Then you can call me Dorino."
"I was incredibly nervous. Well, I might still be, actually."
His open palm trembled slightly, and sweat beaded on his forehead. After putting away the practice sword, he vigorously shook his hands, trying to rid himself of the lingering tension.
Behind him, some members of the unit were still laughing, their voices bright and carefree.
"Kirk, do you regret what you said? Or are you worried about your family?"
"No, I don’t regret it. And I think my family will probably be fine."
"Your family’s a viscount’s house, right?"
When Kirk nodded again, Dorino leaned in and spoke quietly into his ear.
"...If those First Knight Order guys give you trouble, don’t hesitate to tell us. We’ll make sure it’s taken care of.”
"Thank you. If anything happens, I’ll be sure to consult you. Though... it might be a bit of a problem if my grandfather hears about it."
Dorino looked at his junior, who had a deeply troubled expression, feeling puzzled.
"Your grandfather?"
"Please keep this a secret, but... I’m actually the child of a former marquis’s youngest daughter. My grandfather often visits our house in secret to see my mother..."
It seemed the world was indeed a small place.
Dorino gave Kirk a reassuring pat on the shoulder and began chatting about the place they’d chosen for tonight’s drinks.
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