Maids were good at solving problems, by all sorts of methods. Some were moral, some immoral, but without exception, all were practical. For example, making weed-pulling part of the probationary monks' evaluation. Ordinary people simply could not come up with something like that.
Just how rotten did someone have to be to do that?
But at last, someone noticed that something was wrong.
"Who are you?"
An elderly monk spoke up.
No one knew where these suddenly appearing maids had come from, nor why they had come to Landon Monastery.
At a time like this, it was naturally Fiammetta's turn to step in.
Hoshino silently looked at Fiammetta. Their gazes met in midair, and Sister Xidejia nodded in understanding before pushing open the doors to the council hall.
"Gentlemen, ladies, allow me to introduce them."
She began concocting an explanation—and a plausible identity—for Durandal and Rita.
It was not particularly difficult.
"The Pope is deeply concerned about Landon Monastery reopening its enrollment, and within the limits of convenience, has provided us with some assistance..."
Fiammetta struggled greatly to make it up.
"This is a knightly instructor specially invited by the Pope to teach the monks hand-to-hand combat."
"Hand-to-hand combat?"
The attendees' expressions changed at those words.
It seemed the Church had forgotten what Landon Monastery did best. They excelled at coordinated special operations, yet they had sent someone to teach hand-to-hand combat?
"Then why is she holding a scythe?"
An old monk asked, "Is she here to help harvest wheat?"
"It would be quite discourteous to mistake the instructor for me."
Rita gave a slight bow and took the opportunity to step back from the lead role. As she did, she spoke elegantly, "Rita Rossweisse is merely a maid, serving Lady Durandal in her daily life. Beyond that, I seek