It had almost been a month and a half since Jogrin arrived at the Maladin household, and Zanphia was about to take the entry exams for entering university. Though her mood had been improving ever since she heard what those girls said, she still wasn't in her best condition to take on the exams.
Unfortunately for her, time waited for no one.
She was aware of this, so she had been painstakingly studying every day. Her low mood had already thwarted her studies by a lot, which was why she'd been sitting at the dining table, completely immersed in the world of knowledge. It was only during the study sessions that she could forget about the bad memories, despite only temporarily.
On the other hand, today, Kapel and Tyron were on shift, to oversee Jogrin. He didn't get many chances to go outside previously, and even if he did, he didn't encounter an opportunity to enact his plan regarding Zanphia and her bullies, which definitely consisted more than just those girls from before.
There have gradually been more and more Knights volunteering to exchange shifts with one another, causing the schedule to be messed up entirely. Because of that, Captain issued a new order to forbid them from doing so unless something urgent came up.
And today, the rotation started over again. Tyron was the the first one to be on shift once again, just like last time.
Kapel, with Captain Ryov's consent, went out with Tyron and Jogrin to purchase supplies for the Knights. They went to the same store that they tried to bargain with during Jogrin's first outing. Without much setback, they successfully procured a large quantity of rations. It looked like Kapel's strategy worked wonders, as the shop owner even threw in some freebies, to secure good business relationship.
"Thank you very much for all you've done for us, Grand Commander Kapel." Captain Ryov expressed his gratitude with a bow.
"Do not mention it. It the least I can do to repay those who volunteered to take part in this operation."
After a series of returning gratitude back and forth between Kapel and Captain Ryov, which Tyron and Jogin could only awkwardly watch on and pray that it'd come to an end soon, the three of them returned to the house, while Captain Ryov stayed at the campsite to observe the Knights' training.
...
"You returned so early!" Proxer, who was sitting in Jogrin's usual spot, put down his phone and walked toward the front door as soon as he heard it opening.
"Yes, the purchase went very smoothly." Kapel explained the reason behind it.
"You did something clever to bargain, didn't you..."
"You could say that."
"But... were there no people surrounding Jogrin this time...?"
"There were, but a lot less compared to the first time."
"So it was just recency bias or something..."
"Not exactly, but you are not that far off... I do have to ask, Jogrin, why have you not doffed the backpack and your contact lenses?"
"Because Garty's here."
"Oh?"
Kapel wondered why Jogrin didn't remove the disguise since that was what he'd always done once they reached home after every outing, but with Jogrin's direct answer, he figured out why. Even Tyron, who wasn't wearing his helmet, understood as he nodded.
"Yeah. They're studying together with Zenover, while Naytia and Suzannia are currently tending to the plants in the backyard."
"I see. The three of them are hardworking, which is admirable." Kapel expressed his approval of the three high school students.
He peeked at those three who were completely concentrating on their books and notes. As the eldest one of the three, Zanphia would also answer any questions from any subjects Zenover and Garty had, precisely and concisely. If they still didn't understand, she'd write or draw on a piece of paper to further elaborate.
According to Proxer, Zanphia had been able to effectively teach the other two that they quickly understood her teachings. Kapel found that really impressive.
"Um... How long have you guys been standing there...?"
It was Zenover who first noticed Jogrin, Kapel, and Tyron. He was a little taken aback and asked.
"Sorry to be bothering you, we've only just come back..." Tyron spoke up in return.
"Zenover! Focus!!" Garty urged Zenover to continue with his studies. "There's still half an hour before the session ends!!"
"Oh, sorry..."
Despite the somewhat boisterous exchange between Zenover and Garty, Zanphia didn't pay any mind to it, as her eyes were still glued to her study materials. However, Jogrin noticed that she took a peek at him once, but ignored it.
"Let us not bother them until they are finished with their study session." Kapel suggested so.
"Sure."
Jogrin heeded Kapel's advice. However, as he was about to sit down at his usual spot, Kapel stopped him.
"I believe it would not be ideal for them if we stationed here."
"Oh, in that case, why not go to the backyard and join Naytia and Suzannia? I'll come with you guys too."
"Sure."
Without thinking for a second, Jogrin headed straight for the backyard and met up with them, the three men followed behind him. The mother and daughter welcomed them warmly before the men began to help them out with gardening.
Half an hour wasn't a long time. It didn't take a long time before Zanphia, Garty, and Zenover appeared in the backyard.
There stood Proxer, who was holding a large pair of scissors, Tyron, who was stacking up piles of pots, Naytia and Suzannia, who were helping with distributing fertilizers to Kapel, and Kapel, who was laying down the fertilizers.
Then there was Jogrin, who was standing on the side, doing absolutely nothing. Garty stared at Jogrin with a weird look. Leaving aside the fact that he still had the backpack on him, he was totally not being helpful at all.
"Ah... You see, he isn't really fit for labor work..." Zenover tried to explain the situation.
"But Suzannia is...?"
"Well, it's true..." Zanphia followed up.
"How's he in the military in the first place then..." Garty whispered to the two siblings, but Jogrin caught what she said. He understood why she'd be so inquisitive about this, so he didn't mind it. Besides, he was occupied with something in his mind.
"Special circumstances, which I am afraid that I am unable to disclose to you. My humblest apologies, Ms. Baham." Kapel came over, with dirt all over his hands, and addressed Garty's queries.
"Oh... Sorry for prying."
"Please do not worry about it."
Despite still having many questions regarding Jogrin, Garty decided that it'd be best not to pursue for answers. Both Zanphia and Zenover breathed sighs of relief.
"Thank you everyone for your efforts! We finished everything in just about half an hour! Suzannia, say thank you too."
"Thank you for your help! I'm so happy that you helped us!!"
Both Naytia and Suzannia were grateful for all the help they received. For some reason, Jogrin also received gratitude from Naytia and Suzannia.
...
"Whew~ I'm totally beat..."
Those who had a study session and those who took part in taking care of the garden in the backyard used up a lot of their stamina, as all of them sat down on the couch or the chairs. Zanphia expressed her exhaustion in words while she leaned on the table.
Even Kapel, who washed his hands, sat beside Proxer to rest a little, though their postures were more straight. They'd undergone rigorous training after all.
Of course, Jogrin, who didn't exert any of his energy, didn't feel tired at all. He stood at the border between the living room and the dining room, and glanced around, before becoming deep in thought again.
"Jogrin? Are you alright? You seem troubled..."
Proxer walked towards Jogrin and asked. Jogrin returned his gaze and remained silent, his expression the same as always.
"Troubled? Do I look like it?"
Proxer nodded once at Jogrin, who sighed softly in response. Having no choice, he decided to reveal what'd been on his mind.
"It's about 'emotional perception.'"