第３７１堀：学長と竜騎士とその他の大本命 (Part2)
After wiping myself down, I headed toward the well behind the house to wash my gym clothes, only to find Master Deryu visiting.
"Oh, there you are, Amanda."
"My, Amanda. Deryu-san has come to visit. Look, she even brought us cake. You should thank her, Amanda."
Mother showed me the box of cake with a delighted expression. I really wish she wouldn’t shake it so much; it’ll ruin the shape.
"Thank you very much. Are you finished with your business? If this is about resuming training, I’m afraid I can’t... my clothes are..." I said, gesturing to my gym uniform.
"Ah, I’m not here for training. The request is for you to bring Amanda and Eoid to the Principal’s office."
"Us?"
"Strictly speaking, it’s a matter for the Dragon Knight, Amanda."
Hearing that, Mother’s face clouded with worry.
"Um, Deryu-san. Is my daughter going to be in...?"
"My apologies. But it isn't as dangerous as the other day. It’s just an escort mission. I, along with Taiki, will be accompanying you, so please don't worry. I will bring Amanda back safely."
"I see... Please, take care of my daughter and Eoid-kun."
After that conversation, I changed into my school uniform and headed straight back to the academy.
"Oh, Eoid."
Eoid and Taiki-san were already standing in front of the academy gate, waiting for me.
"You’re here. Let’s go to the Principal’s office together. Taiki-san says we can’t move forward with the discussion until everyone is present."
"Though, Eoid is basically just an extra. The Dragon Knight is Amanda, after all."
"Ugh."
"Well, he’s a fine knight, so it should be fine."
"Thank you. Eoid, let’s go to the Principal’s office."
When we arrived, Principal Popuri and Vice Principal Lara were processing documents with incredible speed.
"Ah, you’ve arrived. Faster than I thought. I assumed you’d be more exhausted from the training with Deryu-dono and Taiki-dono."
"Excuse me. Please wait a moment. I intended to speak with you after clearing these documents. Please, have a seat on the sofa."
"Yes, understood."
I sat on the sofa while watching the two of them work, thinking how tough they had it. Wow, the sofas at the residences of Roday and August were comfortable, but this one in the Principal’s office was just as good.
Meanwhile, Master Deryu, seemingly familiar with the office, went to the tea set area and brought back a full tea service.
"I’ll help myself."
"Ah, go right ahead."
She brewed the tea as if it were second nature, despite getting permission after the fact. Her movements were graceful, and the tea was delicious. Honestly, the world is so unfair.
"Right, that’s a good stopping point. How about you, Lara?"
"Yes. I’m finished as well. The rest can wait until after our talk."
While I was busy contemplating the unfairness of the world, the principals finished their paperwork and joined us.
"Deryu-dono, could we have some as well?"
"I don't mind. Here."
"Thank you."
The principals took a breather, sipping the tea they received from Master Deryu.
"Phew. Now then, since we’ve had our tea, sorry to keep you waiting. Amanda, Eoid, are you ready to listen?"
"Yes."
"We are."
"You might have heard from Deryu-dono, but this isn't a particularly dangerous mission. We just need you to escort Lara and me to the capital of the Kingdom of Ex."
"Is that all?"
"No, it will also serve as an introduction for you as a Dragon Knight. But the visit to Ex is primarily for our sake; you two are just the extras."
"I see, extras. What exactly is..."
"A summons from an acquaintance. There’s no reason to take a carriage all the way there, and it’s two birds with one stone since we can introduce you. Even if something were to happen, Deryu-dono, Eris-dono, and Taiki-dono will be with us, and we’ll be there too, so it shouldn't be a problem."
I see. With that lineup, I suppose there really wouldn't be any issues. Especially with Master Deryu and Master Eris there, I have nothing to worry about.
"That is the mission. Will you accept?"
"Yes. It doesn't seem like there will be any problems."
"I see. That’s good."
"I’m glad, Principal."
For some reason, they seemed incredibly happy that I agreed. Why? It wasn't a dangerous task, so I had no reason to refuse.
"Now that you’ve kindly accepted, we’d like to depart tomorrow morning. Can you prepare by then?"
"That’s quite soon."
It was already nearing nightfall. We had less than half a day left.
"Yes, I have a rather troublesome acquaintance I’d like to meet as soon as possible."
An acquaintance the Principal calls "troublesome," huh? ...Are you sure this mission is going to be fine?