With the trio of new maids and the Woodmen managing the farm, our newly expanded party, including Claudia-san, set off for the Kingdom of Xenodia.
But first, we needed to meet up with Luke-san in Driessen.
Once we arrived, our first stop was the Rymal Company. I also wanted to greet Gregory-san before heading out on such a long trip.
Inside the building, we were met with an unexpected sight.
「You’ve come.」
「Huh!? Lawrence-san!?」
Standing there was Charlotte’s older brother—and infamous siscon—Lawrence-san.
Was he here to see his sister off?
But this wasn’t her first trip, and as a knight, he should be on duty. Surely he wouldn’t skip work just to—no, knowing him, he very well might.
「You seem to be having some unwholesome thoughts… But even I don’t abandon my duties just to visit Charlotte.」
「‘Even I’? So it happens sometimes…」
Sounded like he had a history of this.
「Why are you here, onii-sama!?」
Charlotte pushed me aside to confront Lawrence-san, her eyes blazing with frustration over his overprotectiveness.
He faltered for a moment, then cleared his throat and explained.
「This time, it’s purely coincidence. A colleague told me a friend was visiting, so I came to pick up a sword I had left with the smith.」
「A friend? Don’t tell me…」
「Yes, Luke—the knight from Xenodia whom you’ve met.」
I was surprised.
Lawrence-san and Luke-san were friends?
「We’re actually heading to Xenodia with Luke-san.」
「I know. You’re participating in the vegetable contest.」
「Yes.」
「Considering how you improved the knights’ mess hall menu, I believe Martina’s cooking skills played a big role, but the quality of your vegetables was just as important.」
「Lawrence-san…」
I hadn’t expected such straightforward praise.
This is the first time, right?
「However, representing the Kingdom of Krentz means failure isn’t an option. Make sure you win.」
「Y-Yes, sir!」
And there was the pressure. Well, I’d take it as a sign of his high expectations.
According to Lawrence-san, Luke-san was currently in the back room discussing something with Gregory-san. Once they were done, we’d set out.
「I’ve greeted Luke-san already, so I’ll return to work now.」
「Thank you for your time.」
「It’s nothing. And make sure to report the results to me.」
「U-Understood.」
Yikes… He wasn’t joking.
That was one more reason we couldn’t afford to lose.
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