"Leave now?"
"It's still early, we can go now and be back tonight."
"Can..."
"Don't worry, mentor! I will protect Alina!"
Talulah patted her chest, revealing a confident smile, while Alina bowed to Gorth.
"Then let's set off now."
"... Take care on your journey."
Watching the two walk away, Gorth, still worried, summoned Shadow Wolf.
"Awoo~"
Nuzzling affectionately against Gorth's palm, Shadow Wolf rolled over, exposing its belly.
Please.
[Frost Ash Wolf Assault]
The skill was activated, Shadow Wolf's body continued to grow.
His back stretched over the houses, casting a shadow over the Daichi.
The Infected in the distance gasped in alarm, their heavy breathing causing the candlelight to flicker.
"Protect her."
"Roar..."
With a low growl, the Behemoth sank into the shadows.
After watching the two leave, Gorth didn't go back to the house, but instead slipped into the shadows.
Animals wouldn't refuse a forest that could shelter them from the cold wind, and thanks to this, Gorth quickly found a Rift Beast.
As if aware of what kind of being was before it, the Rift Beast lay prone on the ground, too afraid to move.
"Don't be afraid."
Gorth placed the fruit in front of the Rift Beast.
"All you need to do is eat it."
Sensing that Gorth meant no harm, the Rift Beast raised its head and sniffed the fruit in front of it.
I didn't sense any danger...
Open your mouth and bite down; with a crisp cracking sound, the fruit enters your stomach.
Gorth silently observed the changes in the Rift Beast, and after a long time... the Rift Beast remained unharmed.
"It seems it really isn't poisonous."
He patted the Rift Beast's head, tossed it a piece of fresh meat, Gorth turned to leave.
Once the imposing figure had left, the Rift Beast grabbed the piece of meat and fled.
Even though there are many animals in the forest, meat is still a rare commodity.
It's not that the Rift Beast has a low ecological niche; with a height exceeding 2 meters, it is undoubtedly a ferocious beast.
But even the fiercest beast is no match for a monster.
"Roar!"
A piercing roar erupted, filled not with anger, but with primal fear.
The Rift Beast trembled and buried its head in the snow, surrounded by a dense rustling sound.
Dark green vines coiled around her body, tightening continuously.
Knowing it could not escape, the Rift Beast raised its body and tried to struggle, only to meet those cold blue eyes directly in its gaze.
[Mandrake Flower]
This pet, raised by Gorth, is the absolute ruler of the forest.
Unbeknownst to the others, the reason the camp was never invaded by wild animals was because a monster was constantly hunting in the vicinity.
Amidst the Rift Beast's mournful cries, vines wrapped around its head, and then...
Frenzied masturbation!
"Awoo!"
After the painful screams, the vines silently withered away.
The Mandrake Flower retreated back underground, leaving only the bald-headed, Rift Beast alive.
Unaware of the extent of the trauma his pet had inflicted on his Rift Beast companions, Gorth returned to the camp and distributed the fruit to everyone.
Infected naturally wouldn't have any picky eating habits.
Although it was tasteless, at least it provided a side dish to balance out the greasiness of the grilled meat.
However, just like Vane and the Rift Beasts, the Infected did not undergo any special changes.
The only feedback was...
"After eating it, I felt warm all over."
Gorth noted down this sole achievement, believing it to be a natural reaction to being full.
Returning to the site where the fruit was discovered, Gorth attempted to find other anomalies, but still found nothing.
Looking at the fruit in his hand, Gorth couldn't help but sigh.
"What good are you anyway...?"
It has no taste, a texture like ice, and extremely low production.
Many shortcomings were trying to persuade Gorth to give up, but his innate human instincts kept resisting.
Torn between the two, Gorth decided to ask Vane again.
What if he didn't taste it at the time?
[Gorth: Vane, did you experience any special sensations when you ate the fruit?]
[Gregor: What fruit? Local fruit?]
[Gorth: It's from my vines.]
[Vera: Can that thing even produce a result?]
[Gorth: Fruit image jpg]
[Gorth: Only those that have been fertilized can... After all, they're plants from the world of elemental energy; I want to see what special effects they have.]
[Gregor: Looks like there isn't.]
[Gorth:... What if they haven't discovered it yet?]
[Vera: Maybe the dosage wasn't enough. Did you try taking a few more?]
[Gorth:!!]
[Gorth: I'll go try it right now!]
[Vera: Don't get your hopes up too high. Although it's a plant from the Elemental World, the soil it grows in isn't anything special.]
[Gorth: It's Miracle they even grew at all, since they're all growing on frozen ground.]
[Gregor: So this snow-white appearance is influenced by the soil?]
[Vera: That's possible, considering the effects of the Vitality Plant... perhaps its function is to increase resistance?]
Looking at Vera's guess, Gorth recalled the descriptions of the Infected.
It felt warm after eating it...
Could it be due to increased cold resistance?
[Gorth: Maybe. I'll try other soils later.]
[Vera: Whatever makes you happy.]
[Gregor: Gorth, how about we buy some seeds? Can normal plants be accelerated to grow?]
[Gorth: Have some of everything, I'll try them all.]
The group chatted, catching up on each other's progress and then discussing Ifrit's health.
[Gregor: According to Rhine Lab's tests, her physical condition is fairly good, but the fusion rate is increasing very slowly.]
[Vera: Yes, I'll find the Doctor as soon as possible.]
[Gregor: Don't push yourself.]
[Gorth: Speaking of which... isn't this a little strange?]
[Vera: What's wrong?]
[Gorth: It seems like there's someone who hasn't said a word from the beginning.]
[Gregor: That's a bit strange.]
[Vera: No wonder I always felt a little awkward...]
[Vane]x3
No response...
[Gregor: What did he go off to do again?]
[Gorth: He's probably avoiding me.]
[Vera: Hiding? He's gotten into trouble again?]
[Gorth: It's nothing, I'll go back and take a look.]
[Gregor: Then...]
"Mr. Gregor? Are you listening?"
"Uh-huh?"
Coming to his senses, Gregor looked at the girl apologetically.
"Sorry, I spaced out for a moment... Where were we?"
"You don't need to apologize; I'm the one who's bothering you in the first place."
Margaret corrected her seriously.
"As for the topic... we were just discussing our views on competitive knights?"
"A competitive knight?"
Gregor was somewhat surprised.
"Is it not a competition, but the participants themselves?"
"Yes."
Margaret nodded and looked around.
"I've watched quite a few knightly competitions. Although they're all called knights, the people in those matches really impressed me..."
"Disillusionment?"
"... It doesn't really count."
Margaret looked conflicted.
"Did you know that many of the current competitive knights... are actually members of knight families?"
"Learn some..."
Gregor recalled the gossip in the Wine Report, most of which revolved around this group of knights.
Knights with similar privileged backgrounds are always a hot topic.
"Are there any knights Margaret knows?"
"I do know him."
Margaret admitted it.
"I used to have dealings with some of the knights, but as my grandfather's condition worsened, I haven't seen them for a long time."
Gregor declined to comment on this behavior.
After all, we're not knights in fairy tales; in the adult world, we always have to make choices.
"So," Gregor hesitated before speaking, "Is it outrage against them?"
Looking at Margaret, Gregor felt that the girl had nothing to do with this kind of emotion.
Margaret fell silent at this point.
"I'm just confused."
"Many of them are actually elders I've met before."
"In the past, besides my grandfather's teachings, they were my role models for the image of a knight."
"Polite, noble, powerful..."
As Margaret spoke quietly, the image of the classic knight automatically appeared in Gregor's mind.
"But now, seeing them on the screen, I always feel... somewhat unfamiliar with them."
So you think they've changed?
Gregor summarized, Margaret couldn't answer.
Is that what she thinks?
In terms of martial arts,
The Cavaliers did not regress; on the contrary, they improved through continuous games.
On behavior,
As members of a knightly family, they did not fall into depravity like the Rusty Knights, and maintained their sportsmanship during the competition.
But Margaret felt something was off.
"I just feel... a knight shouldn't be like this."
"So what kind of knight do you see?"
Gregor patiently guided the girl, and she fell into deep thought.
"It should be... those enlightened individuals who protect the weak."
"A very [Knightly] idea."
Gregor was not surprised by this answer.
The girl smiled and asked in return with interest.
"And what about you? What kind of knight do you see in your eyes?"
"I?"
Gregor paused for a moment, then, under Margaret's curious gaze, gave an unexpected evaluation.
"He's kind of like an idiot."
Margaret:???
Seeing her expression, Gregor realized how strange his words sounded and quickly waved his hand.
"It's not in a derogatory sense, um... how should I describe it?"
Thinking of something, he told Margaret a story.
The story of a crazy old man, wearing tattered armor, riding a skinny horse, who mistook a windmill for Giant and charged at it.
Margaret fell silent, Gregor scratched his head.
"After all, there are no knights in my hometown, so if I had to name one from a story... he's the first one that comes to mind."
The girl did not respond; the story Gregor had told was still echoing in her mind.
An old man who fantasizes about being a knight.
Charge towards an enemy that does not exist.
Is he a knight?
Margaret asked herself this question.
He possessed neither superb martial arts skills nor noble birth, nor an awe-inspiring reputation.
He wasn't even quite clear-headed.
As Gregor said--
Stupid...
Does Margaret consider him a knight?
Margaret remained silent for a long time, so long that Gregor wondered if she was daydreaming.
I think so.
The girl finally answered, which didn't surprise Gregor.
The fact that the story resonated so strongly in its original world proves the existence of the concept of "chivalry."
But he wanted to hear what this girl from a true knightly family would have to say.
"What's the reason?"
Margaret thought for a moment and answered seriously.
"As for the qualities of a knight, that old man may not be qualified."
"But he already possesses the most important thing for a knight."
"The most important thing?"
"Courage."
The light from the window was reflected in the girl's eyes.
"Even if he faked a charge, mistaking the windmill for a monster."
"But if there really were a dragon, I think he would still rush forward without hesitation."
After saying this, as if confirming something, the girl's tense face relaxed.
"I see... Just as Grandfather said, you truly are a knight."
"While I'm curious about what he told you... I must clarify, I am not a knight."
Margaret shook her head.
"Although it might be inappropriate for me to say this... but Professor Gregor, excessive modesty is nothing but arrogance."
"I didn't... wait, what does the teacher mean?"
"After all, you instructed me in martial arts and answered my questions."
The girl's face was gentle.
"Thanks to you, I'm finally able to make up my mind."
"I don't think I've answered any questions..."
Gregor had a headache.
Are all the people on this Daichi philosophers? Can't they just speak more clearly?
"Anyway, thank you for your answer."
Margaret did not explain.
She simply stood up and gave Gregor a standard knightly salute.
"And so, I was finally able to make up my mind to participate in the competition."
"Participating in the competition? I thought you were having some kind of problem."
Gregor nodded subconsciously, then suddenly realized what was happening.
"A competition? Knights' athleticism???"
"Yes."
The girl's eyes were resolute.
"I already had this idea, and now I'm even more certain."
She turned her head and her gaze fell on the Nearl Family crest hanging on the wall.
The shield gleamed with a warm luster in the sunlight, silently gazing at the girl standing before it.
"My uncle said that knightly competitions are just a business game for some people."
"Knighting is becoming a profession, and glory seems to be becoming cheap."
"But now I think... perhaps Uncle was being a bit arbitrary."
"A true knight never needs the approval of others."
"Whether for the people, for their families, or for themselves—those knights all had something to protect."
Gregor listened quietly; he could sense the girl before him transforming.
"So what's your goal in participating? To win the championship?"
"I have that idea."
Margaret nodded, looking directly at Gregor.
"But if we're talking about the real purpose—"
"I want to protect those participants."
"Protect... the contestants?"
Gregor couldn't understand.
"You need to understand that as a participant in this competition, you're destined to face them head-on."
"Yes."
Margaret answered calmly.
"I know that equestrian sports aren't as glamorous as they seem on the surface."
"But not everyone is aware of this, and not everyone, once aware of it, can resist the temptation."
Gregor shuddered, suddenly understanding what the girl wanted to do.
Margaret straightened her back, full of fighting spirit.
"The Business Federation wants to use Infected as fuel to ignite the passion for the competition."
"This will give them false hope, and a large number of Infected will die as a result."
"I couldn't stop the game."
The girl sighed, then her voice became even more resolute.
"Then I can only speed up the game."
"I will defeat them."
Gregor felt a sense of absurdity.
You are personally robbing them of their hope.
"Yes."
Margaret looked somewhat somber, but then her expression hardened again.
"But compared to being crippled or suffering from Oripathy at the hands of other contestants, I can use Originium Arts to heal them during battle, allowing them to enter the fray in the best possible condition."
You can't save everyone.
"Yes."
They won't be grateful to you either.
"Yes."
"You could even lose a game or get injured because of this behavior, and in the worst case, you could even get an infection."
"Yes."
One possibility after another was raised, and the girl simply acknowledged them calmly.
Gregor stared silently at the knight before him.
"You should know that the Grand Knight Commander is already preparing. Even if he doesn't participate in the competition, the final result will still be..."
"But I can save more people, can't I?"
The girl's eyes were bright, like the sun.
Gregor remained silent for a long time before asking a dry, curt question.
Do your family members know?
The girl's expression froze for a moment, and she said embarrassedly:
"Please... don't tell your uncle."
The sun-like light dimmed, and the knight transformed back into a young girl.
No...
There is no inherent conflict between the two.
But--
Gregor tilted his head slightly, and through his special perspective, he saw a figure that had been standing behind the wall for a long time.
I won't tell him.
"Thanks!"
Margaret breathed a sigh of relief, and the two continued chatting.
The following topics were much lighter.
Having heard Gregor's earlier story, Margaret developed a strong curiosity about his hometown.
Left with no other choice, Gregor had to resort to the story of that [Knight King] to fill the gaps.
The girl listened intently, her figure behind the wall never leaving.
After an unknown amount of time, Zofia's arrival ended the conversation.
"Mr. Gregor, lunch is ready. Would you like it delivered to your room?"
Seeing the girl's distressed look, Gregor felt somewhat helpless.
At yesterday's banquet, the knights all removed their armor to celebrate.
But he couldn't.
Faced with the curious gazes of the crowd, he could only tell a lie.
"I'm sorry, my face was disfigured due to some accident."
Needless to say, Gregor left his seat dejectedly, and the originally joyous banquet instantly turned somewhat sad.
The girl's arrangement was naturally considerate, and Gregor couldn't very well refuse.
After saying goodbye, Gregor returned to his room.
Looking at the sumptuous meal, he mentioned the idea of having a meal with his brothers.
As for Ifrit, she was being played with by Silence.
When Cyril's one-day observation period ends, he and Saria will have to go back, and then they won't be able to eat this kind of food anymore.
Having made up his mind, Gregor was about to shout it out in the group when another voice rang out before him.
[Gorth: @Everyone, Image: jpg]
Out of curiosity, I clicked on the picture.
The interior was in disarray, with overturned tables and chairs, and a deep scratch on the wall.
Scattered on the ground were Pure Gold, shards of wine bottles, and residue of some unknown substance.
Image Center --
Vane lay motionless on the ground, his face pale.
Gregor: "..."
Boom--!