Chapter 33: Kakeru's True Worth
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Andrea, who will be serving as your guide today. Thank you for having me."
I am Andrea, the captain of the Information Division of the Primera Knight Order's Third Division.
I was originally in charge of investigating the abnormalities in the Western Forest, but due to a sudden change in plans, I ended up being assigned as a guide for an adventurer party.
Apparently, thanks to the adventurer with black eyes and black hair who came from another world, there is now a possibility of advancing the investigation in the Eastern Territory. It is indeed a great joy for our country. However...
It seems that our esteemed commander, Celeste, who is like a goddess to us knights, has taken a particular interest in that adventurer.
Why... Until now, there were no rumors or signs, and she was a noble and solitary figure. Why has she... Moreover, I have received information that she is already referring to him as her husband. It may be an abuse of my position, but I hope you can forgive me. This is the most important matter for the Knight Order.
Fortunately, now that I have been assigned as the guide for that adventurer, I will thoroughly assess whether he is truly capable of being entrusted with the commander!
"I am the adventurer Kakeru. It's a pleasure to meet you, Andrea-san. I'm counting on you."
Oh, I thought he must be some kind of monster after hearing that he single-handedly defeated an Orc General, but he's actually a polite young man... The impression is not bad.
"Well then, let's depart immediately. From here on, it's a race against time."
There are many things that need to be done. It is my duty to guide them swiftly to the site.
"Milord, I'll be the first one!"
"Master, I apologize, but could you wait a little longer?"
"Eva, could you tighten it a bit more?"
"Darling... That place is sensitive, please be gentler."
"...Um, Kakeru-sama? What exactly are you doing?"
"Huh? Oh, well, I guess this is how it is when we move?"
Damn it, moving while being close to four beautiful women... How envious-- No, that's indecent!
I take back what I said. The commander cannot be entrusted to someone like him. Wait... but could it be that he's also training his body while moving? No, rather, it wouldn't make sense otherwise.
Indeed, Kakeru-sama maintains his speed without falling behind other A-ranked adventurers or the selected members of our Knight Order, all while carrying the four of them. It's an unbelievable level of physical ability.
What's even more surprising is that Kakeru-sama remembers the faces and names of all of us perfectly. Our Information Division is supposed to consist of members without distinguishing features due to the nature of our missions.
During the journey, Kakeru-sama asked me various questions. He arrived in this world only three days ago and wants to know more about it.
Geography, history, culture, customs—Kakeru-sama's questions seemed endless.
"Kakeru-sama, why do you gather such detailed information?"
Even our names were not directly related to Kakeru-sama, yet he showed interest in things seemingly unrelated. I couldn't help but question this and decided to ask him directly.
"I don't want to see anyone else die in front of me. Neither my comrades, nor the townspeople, and of course, not you knights either. What I lack is information and time. I don't want to waste a single moment!"
Kakeru-sama laughed as if it were a matter of course.
I felt as if I had been struck in the head. Not letting anyone die... wasn't that what the commander always said? Determining what is worthy of a commander, huh? I felt embarrassed for fixating on trivial matters.
I made up my mind. I would support this man with all my strength. Because supporting him would also mean protecting the commander.
"Master, aahh."
"You, too, aahh."
"You, sir~ *kiss*"
"Oh! Sara! Didn't you say no feeding each other?"
"Darling, please feed me too."
...Not yet, it's not too late to gather a bit more information. Commander! Are you sure this man is suitable?!
"Andrea-san, this sausage is delicious. I made it, so please try it."
Ugh, it's delicious! He's even a top-notch cook. It's frustrating, but I understand why he's popular. I get it.
"Katarina... Andrea has been changing expressions and looking busy since earlier."
"Yes, I can roughly tell what he's thinking... but more importantly, Cecilia, we should go get some sausages too, or they'll run out."
"Oh no, that's a big problem. Kakeru~, there's still plenty left, right?"
"Don't worry. I made some prototypes this time, so I want to hear feedback."
"Leave it to me! Oh, rabbit and orc mixed minced meat... this one is ferocious."
In the camping site, the scent of roasting meat and the laughter of adventurers filled the air. Looking closely, even the members of the knight order joined in, starting to grill new sausages.
Speaking of rabbit ears and cat tails, they belonged to the famous A-class adventurer party in Primera, known for being a peculiar group that never mingled with other adventurers.
Perhaps Kakeru-sama's true value lies not in combat strength, but in his charm that attracts those around him.
I realized that the tension of infiltrating the enemy's stronghold, which should have still been there, had completely disappeared, and I smiled wryly inside.
"Kakeru-sama! Can I have some minced meat sausage too?!"