Chapter 110 - Gratitude and Donation
“Before I guide you to the reception room, I would like for us to head to the unit’s waiting room. I apologize, but not everyone can fit in the reception room, you see.”
“...Not everyone can fit?”
Walking down the hallway of the Monster Subjugation Force building, Dahlia couldn’t help but murmur in response to Grizelda, who was leading the way.
“Yes. We distributed one pair of socks each to the unit members who requested them, as an advance from the Tailors Magic Workshop. They were very well-received. Some even wash them in the evening and wear them the next morning. Along with the drying insoles, we would like to express our gratitude. Captain Grato is also in the waiting room.”
Looking to the side, Lucia’s dayflower-colored eyes widened.
Glancing back slightly, Ivano had plastered on his professional smile.
It’s delightful to know that they’re happy with the products, but there’s also the matter of the previous foot fungal infection incident. If possible, it would be great if the number of people could be fewer and the matter could be brushed off lightly.
Thinking this, they proceeded, only to find all four doors of the waiting room wide open.
“I have brought the head of the Rossetti Company and the head of the Workshop Head Fano from the Tailors Magic Workshop.”
Grizelda announced at the entrance of the room.
Ivano’s name wasn’t mentioned, but this is because the Rossetti Company is considered as a single entity, and attendants, companions, and guards are not counted separately.
This was also something taught by Ozwald. Had they not been informed, they would surely have been flustered.
“Welcome, Head of the Rossetti Company, Workshop Head Fano.”
Greeted by Captain Grato’s voice, they entered the room to find unit members lined up in eight rows facing the entrance. Dressed in dark gray uniforms with black vests, some wearing partial armor, all had bright, cheerful smiles.
Hesitating, Dahlia slightly shifted her gaze but didn’t see Volf among them.
“Thank you for inviting us. I am Dahlia Rossetti of the Rossetti Company.”
“I would also like to express my gratitude for the invitation. I am Lucia Fano of the Tailors Magic Workshop.”
The two greeted and lightly clasped their hands in a bow.
“It’s my first time meeting Workshop Head Fano from the Tailors Magic Workshop. I am Grato Bartolone, captain of the Monster Subjugation Force. I thank you for coming.”
“Thank you very much. It’s an honor to be invited to the royal castle.”
Lucia’s composed smile was enviable.
“Those gathered here are the ones who wished to express their gratitude directly. We’ve left out those on missions, but even so, the number is quite large. Please bear with the cramped space.”
With that, Grato stepped forward in front of the unit members.
“All, salute!”
At the captain’s command, everyone placed their right hand on their left shoulder. The perfectly synchronized movement left Dahlia momentarily frozen.
This gesture, as noted on the flashcards, is a sign of respect from knights, directed only towards guests and high-ranking nobles.
“Thank you very much!!”
The unified, wave-like voices that followed pushed Dahlia to the limit of maintaining her composure.
They couldn’t understand why they were being shown such high respect.
“On behalf of everyone, I express our gratitude. The socks and insoles have greatly improved our foot environment. During expeditions and training, concerns about sweat and discomfort in our boots have decreased, and the number of those visiting the church due to discomfort has significantly reduced.”
Many nodded deeply at the captain’s words.
Whether they were pleased with the improved boot environment or happy about curing foot fungal infection, Dahlia preferred not to judge.
“We have hurried production, causing you a considerable burden. But thanks to that, this summer we can kick away monsters without worry.”
The unit members chuckled, but Dahlia couldn’t help but sense a slight ferocity in some.
Perhaps they were imagining the unfortunate monsters descending upon human settlements this summer.
Afterwards, they left the room, seen off by everyone except the captain.
・・・・・・・
Their next destination was the same reception room as before.
In the spacious room, a glossy black table was surrounded by five from the Monster Subjugation Force and three from Dahlia’s side.
Volf was not here either.
“Now, we have gathered the same members as last time. The guild leaders should be arriving shortly. Before that, I would like to express our gratitude to the head of the Rossetti Company for last time.”
After the maids served the tea, Grato began speaking a bit hurriedly.
“In our unit, many suffer from foot fungal infection due to keeping boots on during long expeditions. Since implementing what we learned from you last time, the situation has dramatically improved.”
“...I am very pleased that my advice was helpful.”
“We compiled the advice into bullet points and distributed it to all interested members. Those with or suspected of having foot fungal infection were sent to the church and returned with new boots. Old boots were cleaned and purified with magic. Ah, we also changed the barracks’ bath system. Now, towels are distributed individually, and foot mats are smaller, to be placed in a basket after each use. Those who had it before were prioritized for socks and insoles, but no one in the Monster Subjugation Force has had a recurrence.”
Grato spoke with a bright face, with Grizelda and two older knights nodding beside him, along with Randolph.
It must be a trick of the eye that everyone except Grato seemed to be smiling.
Dahlia desperately maintained her professional smile, though her cheek muscles were starting to twitch.
Following last time, this meeting also couldn’t stray from the topic of foot fungal infection.
“We’ve recommended the ‘treatment methods only’ to other knight orders, as we don’t want the infection to spread.”
“Absolutely. We wouldn’t want it to spread to us from them. Previously, it was often said, ‘The Monster Subjugation Force is unsanitary, that’s why they have it.’ But now, our unit is free from it.”
“The strange superstition that ‘foot fungal infection is something the Monster Subjugation Force gets from monsters’ should also disappear with this.”
Despite their cheerful tone, there was a coldness in their voices.
It seemed there was a lot of pent-up frustration within the Chivalric Order. It would be unwise to interject here.
“...It’s not like you can get it from monsters.”
Suddenly, Lucia let slip.
“M-My apologies! I just...”
“Not at all, please don’t worry. We appreciate your sentiment, Workshop Head Fano.”
“Um, my grandfather used to say, ‘Those who have foot fungal infection are those who work so hard that they don’t even have time to take off their boots.’ Of course, it’s best to cure it quickly and prevent it from happening again...”
As Lucia struggled to connect her words, Randolph across from her nodded.
“For both knights and civil officials, those are words of honor.”
“Indeed, working tirelessly is also a cause... Perhaps the entire royal castle should focus on curing and preventing recurrence.”
It seemed they felt a bit awkward discussing internal Chivalric Order matters. The middle-aged knights exchanged glances.
Grato gave a light cough.
“We will prioritize our unit for socks and insoles for a while, but if production allows, we may request them for the entire royal castle. Oh, if anyone tries to pressure you or buy from the side, don’t hesitate to tell us. We’ll handle it.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Although the mass production system by the Tailors Magic Workshop was somewhat in place, immediately supplying the entire royal castle was impossible.
This offer was a great help in case of any eventualities.
“We are truly grateful for this. Though with the number of those going for treatment likely to decrease significantly, the church might be in a bit of trouble.”
Grato joked with a laugh, but beside Dahlia, Ivano’s shoulders trembled slightly.
Dahlia didn’t know how much the treatment for foot fungal infection costs.
But if it was a regular income for the church, it might be a bit problematic.
“...Chairwoman, may we make a regular donation to the church from the profits of the socks?”
“Please do...”
At Ivano’s whisper, Dahlia nodded deeply.
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