Around daybreak, the vice-captain woke up early and headed for the captain’s tent. Today, they could finally put an end to this exhausting stay outside and head to the Pinne Estate’s capital city. Although he didn’t try to show it in front of his subordinates, the vice-captain was also very sick of this uncomfortable outdoor camping.

‘I want to quickly return, eat hot food, and sleep in a comfy bed,’ he thought. His thoughts even strayed to the family members he had left at home, and the vice-captain quickly shook his head to focus on what was important at present.

“I am here to meet the captain,” the vice-captain said to the guards protecting the captain’s tent.

“…I understand.”

‘Huh?’ The vice-captain stared at the knight guiding him in. ‘Something is…strange?’

The vice-captain studied the knight carefully. There wasn’t anything noticeably different. As his position required, he had seen the guarding knights and command officers on many occasions and was very familiar with them. In terms of appearance, there was nothing unusual.

‘…Am I imagining it?’ the vice-captain wondered.

“The captain says you can enter,” the knight said. The vice-captain studied the knight again, and...