The winds were blowing violently, causing those who were caught up by it were barely able to maintain their balance. It was especially so for the boy who was almost as thin as a piece of paper. However, he did a trick with his powers to prevent himself from getting blown away. It was the same thing that he did as when he knocked out Proxer back at the hospital.
The trio were currently on a grassland with the woodland behind them. The abandoned house which was within it couldn't be seen at all, albeit being somewhat close to the woodland's edge.
"WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
Suzannia, who was still in Proxer's arms, screamed as she was woken up by the noise made by the flying vehicle that was about to land, was aghast by it and the strong winds as she shrieked while covering her ears.
Proxer gently patted her back to calm her down. Luckily, Suzannia managed to do as he wished. She gazed up at the vehicle that was the culprit of the noises.
"MEANIE!!!"
She furiously yelled at the vehicle which couldn't hear her at all as it slowly descended until it landed. As soon as that was done, the noise and winds alike came to a halt.
What followed was the stairs extending from the vehicle as the door opened. The first one to make an appearance was Captain Ryov, and the one who came after him was someone who made Suannia's eyes sparkle with joy.
"Grandpa Grunmyt!!!"
She vigorously waved at Kapel, who waved back in response. As soon as he got off the stairs and took his first step on the grassland, Suzannia leapt off from Proxer's arms and made a dash towards Kapel, who received her by carrying her in his arms.
Witnessing this seen, all members of the Second Order were in disbelief, as it was the first time they saw Kapel in this state. They never took Kapel for someone who'd be caring for the little ones.
Having perceived the shock from the Knights, Jogrin glanced at them. As expected, other than Captain Ryov, who was the only Knight without a helmet on currently, he couldn't recognize any of them with "emotional perception."
He had a theory regarding this phenomenon: if he was to directly look at the faces of the Knights, "emotional perception" would be able to recognize them even if they put their helmets back on afterwards.
"Welcome, everyone, to the neighborhood. I'm grateful for your commitment to this operation. Please forgive my lack of accommodation."
"It is no problem. As discussed, we have brought the necessary equipment for staying here. As for whether they will be of use. It is up to the decision of Naytia, who should arrive soon."
"Hueh?"
Upon Kapel's announcement, Proxer let out a weird voice. Even Jogrin was caught off-guard by that.
"Also, she told me that she will be bringing Zanphia and Zenover along. I believe I should let you know."
"She never told me about any of this... Oh no... This is a first sign of a married couple losing love, isn't it?! It's all my fault, isn't it?!"
In a panic, Proxer who went pale blurted out something inappropriate in front of his colleagues, despite being on leave, at least on paper.
"Umm..." Captain Ryov, who was at a loss for words, stole a glance at Kapel to see his reaction.
"Proxer... What are you saying..." Even Kapel didn't know what to say to that.
Jogrin wanted to speak up, but he decided against it for his own benefit.
"Oh, um. I believe the three people coming this way are the ones that's been mentioned..." Griston directed everyone's attentions by pointing at a direction.
They were indeed Naytia, Zanphia, and Zenover.
"Ah! Its Big brother and big sister!... Hmph, Meanie Mama is here too!"
Suzannia wasn't making anything better. Jogrin could clearly perceive slight stress and a great deal of awkwardness from all the Knights present.
"Woah... What's with the occasion? Is there someone wanted on the loose?" Zanphia exclaimed, then she noticed Kapel. "Oh! Grunmyt is here too! Looks like today's a good day!"
"Your words flatter me, Zanphia." Kapel politely replied.
"What's with the formality? Don't be shy, Grunmyt!" Zanphia said smugly.
"Um, long time no see, Grunmyt." In contrast, Zenover spoke with a rather meek tone, barely able to make eye contact with Kapel.
"Hello to you too, Zenover. Have you been well?"
"Yeah."
"Uncle Grunmyt. It's been a while."
"It has indeed, Naytia. I am glad to see you doing well."
The four people excahnged their greetings while Suzannia looked at each of them with excitement... except for Naytia, whom she pouted at. Naytia pretended that she didn't see it.
"Good day to you too, Jogrin."
"Hi." A curt greeting from Jogrin, which incurred a glare from Kapel.
Following that, the Knights bowed at Proxer and the other Maladins, and finally bowed at Jogrin hesitantly.
"Um... Naytia..."
"Yes, darling?" A smile floated on her face, yet there was immense chill exuded from her. Proxer felt chills down his spine.
'Interesting interaction.' That was what Jogrin thought about them currently.
"WAAAAHHH!!" An abrupt scream came from Zanphia. That was because she noticed Jogrin's tail just now.
With Jogrin's current outfit, she thought that he was just a normal soldier, but it turned out that he was nowhere close to "normal."
"What's wrong with you... Suddenly scr- WAAAAHHH!!" Zenover, annoyed by Zanphia, complained, only to scream like she did when he also caught sight of Jogrin's tail.
"Why are you guys screaming?? He's an angel!'Not a ghost!!" Suzannia furrowed her eyebrows and yelled at them.
"A-angel...?" The two of them said in unison.
Both Kapel and Captain Ryov also gave dubious looks.
"Yes! Angel! He's the best! He plays with me every day!" Suzannia became even more joyous.
Kapel's glare at Jogrin became even more fierce, as if insinuating that he'd suffer severe consequences if Kapel found that Suzannia had been hurt.
Jogrin, on the other hand, griped internally about Suzannia blurting, though he couldn't really blame her.
"Come on, Jogrin. Greet my son and daughter, Zenover and Zanphia. You two, this is Jogrin. He has some... special circumstances..." Proxer prompted the three of them to break the ice. But in all honesty, would that really work?
"Hi. I'm Jogrin. I traveled a long distance to arrive at Zuta. Sorry for scaring you just now."
"Oh, um, hello. I'm Zenover. Sorry for acting rude just now..."
"Zanphia here... So you're from another planet, huh... Wait, you've been playing with little Suzannia? Suspicious..."
"Zanphia."
Naytia's glower was now directed at Zanphia, whose body became stiff.
"Um... Sorry for being rude... Please forgive me."
No one, even Kapel, dared to mutter a word under the blizzard inflicted by Naytia. It was as if Naytia held the highest authority here.
Despite her words and behavior, Jogrin could tell that she felt conflicted from "emotional perception," probability due to the decision she was about to make. That was also probably why she brought Zanphia and Zenover as well, since they also had the right to vote, as a Maladin.
"If I may. We should get to the main topic of this gathering." Kapel urged. "This is about Jogrin, and the Second Order of the Royal Knights and I will respect the choice you shall make."
With that suddenly thrown at them, Zanphia and Zenover alike couldn't comprehend the situation, as they skeptically looked at Naytia for affirmation.
Naytia, in turn, looked at Kapel for the same reason. He nodded in response. Hence, she began explaining everything she knew to her son and daughter.