Chapter 6

"Here is a store that sells confectionery and such. It's quite popular even among the knights."

"Hmm, confectionery. Not bad."

After leaving the knight headquarters with Alyushia, we made our way to a section near the carriage stop where several souvenir shops lined up.

In the end, Kurni stayed behind... or rather, it seemed this summons was a temporary one to introduce me, and he had returned to his regular duties. I still remember his puppy-like expression when he was left behind. I feel bad for Kurni. Maybe when I have some free time, I can accompany her on a walk. It feels a bit like walking a dog, though.

"...But, as expected of Alyushia. You're drawing quite a lot of attention."

"The Leberio Knights are a well-known organization among the people."

Alyushia's response was casual, and there was no sign of tension or any such emotion. It was clear that she was spending the time as usual, which was a good thing.

The distance from the knight headquarters to the souvenir shops wasn't that far, but her beauty and popularity in this Balthrain were indeed overwhelming. We were exposed to a considerable amount of attention from passersby. Most of it was admiration or longing, but there were also some curious gazes.

"But, isn't it a bit difficult for me to be here with you?"

"Not at all. You're overthinking it, sir."

The curious gazes were mainly directed at me. It's natural to be curious when a renowned active Leberio Knight Commander is seen with such an unremarkable middle-aged man. No one approached to talk to us, but I could feel several curious gazes while browsing the items in the souvenir shop.

"...This is almost a d---"

"Hmm? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing. Ah, how about this?"

"Let's see. Hmm, it looks delicious and should last a while."

I thought I heard a whisper from the side, but maybe it was just my imagination. The item Alyushia pointed to seemed to be a baked good. It was small and seemed to be something that both the old man and my mother would like. The relatively low price was also a plus.

"Excuse me, two of these, please."

"Sure thing! Thank you!"

If it's Alyushia's recommendation, it can't be bad. I don't know, though. I quickly decided and called out to the shop owner. The owner cheerfully greeted me back, quickly bagging the items while glancing at Alyushia and me alternately. It's probably because such a beautiful woman and an unremarkable middle-aged man together look so mismatched.

"The great Knight Commander shopping with a man? You seem quite relaxed, don't you?"

After paying, I was thinking about what to do next, considering we still had some time and maybe I could look at some swords. Then, an aggressive voice came from behind. It seemed Alyushia heard it too, as we both turned around almost simultaneously.

"Risandra? What do you want?"

"Nothing in particular. I just thought you looked relaxed."

The woman called Risandra didn't change her attitude. With a voice and expression that could be interpreted as either intimidating or aggressive, she glared at Alyushia.

She was taller than Alyushia, about the same height as me. For a woman, she was quite tall. Her fiery red hair reached her shoulders, and her eyes, which seemed to burn with a fierce heat, glowed intensely. She wore a breastplate that, while not as ornate as a knight's, emphasized practicality, giving her a warrior-like presence.

In short, she could be described as a strong-willed beauty. To put it more simply, she was a handsome man with breasts.

Two wide sheaths were attached to her waist, likely broadswords, and she seemed to be a dual-wielder. It was quite a rare setup.

And on her chest, a black plate was displayed, indicating her status as a Black-ranked adventurer.

In the kingdom of Leberis and the entire Gallea continent, there exists a profession known as adventurers.

Under the jurisdiction of the Adventurer Guild, an organization that spans national borders, their work is even broader than that of the knights. From errands for ordinary citizens, guarding merchants, slaying monsters, investigating ruins and dungeons, to exploring uncharted lands, adventurers are a profession that spans the world without being bound by any country. It is considered one of the most dreamy professions.

However, not everyone can pursue their dreams.

The guild ranks adventurers based on their abilities. Generally, they cannot accept quests that are set above their rank to prevent them from taking on tasks beyond their capabilities and getting seriously injured or even killed.

The ranks, from lowest to highest, are White, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Ocean, and the highest, Black.

In other words, this woman, Risandra, is extremely powerful.

No kidding, Black! I've never seen one in person before. While adventurers sometimes visited Biden Village, the highest rank that ever came was Gold. Especially those above Ocean are few in number and travel the world, so it's rare to see them.

"Please stop making trouble. I am doing my job properly."

"Hmph, I doubt it. You can't see the world if you're always holed up in the capital?"

The conversation was unfolding between the two, with me on the sidelines.

It seems this woman, Risandra, doesn't think highly of Alyushia... or rather, the knights in general. I don't know what her motives are, but I wish they would consider my feelings a bit. The pressure is intense.

"We are not idle either. Sir, let's go."

"A, ah, yes."

Alyushia, who didn't seem to want to engage, quickly ended the conversation and tried to leave the scene.

Well, I don't feel good being glared at by a Black-ranked adventurer either... I'll follow Alyushia's lead and leave honestly.

"Hmph, a man whose name and origin are unknown... as a teacher...?"

For the first time, Risandra's gaze met mine. The eyes that had been glaring intensely a moment ago now seemed to be filled with confusion and doubt.

What? Did I do something? I don't think I did anything. Buying some baked goods shouldn't warrant such a reaction.

"E... Ah... Beryl... Sir...?"

"Huh?"

Wait.

I don't know any handsome man with breasts like you.