Chapter 2.1 – The Problem of the Trainee Knight

“Let’s please just file a request for more staff….”

As soon as their short break began, Hailey let out a groan as she sprawled onto the cot.

“It’s only been a few days, why are you complaining already? Get up quickly. There’s still a lot left to do. And anyway, even if we apply for more people, it won’t go through. I’ve tried, so I know.”

“This year could be different! And aren’t you ever tired? Unlike you, I can’t work without a mana replenishment potion!”

Hailey pointed at the empty bottles scattered on the desk, her expression full of injustice. She had been coming in earlier and leaving later than anyone, so it wasn’t a lie that her face had grown paler in just a few days.

“Well, I’m still fine. And this year will be the same as always. So don’t get your hopes up for nothing, and get up.”

“That’s just because you’re young. Wait until you’ve had kids and hit thirty—every day will feel different!”

Pouting like a sulky child, Hailey gulped down a bottle of mana potion and shot a sideways glance.

Contraceptive magic had its advantages, but it also used up a lot of mana. That was probably because it required temporarily shutting down a part of the body’s functions.

Since they were simply using magic developed by the Magic Development Department, she didn’t know the details, but from the user’s perspective, it felt wastefully draining.

“Is Sir Daphne here?”

A Royal Knight appeared as the infirmary door opened. Daphne, who had been sterilizing equipment, looked up.

“Yes, that’s me.”

“There’s a summons from the Investigation Bureau. You’ll need to come with me now.”

“I’ll get ready right away. Just a moment.”

She put everything down and stood up, and Hailey cautiously spoke to her.

“That thing from before, right?”

She was asking if this was about the s*xual harassment by the trainee Royal Knight a few days ago.

If a problem occurred, the waiting knight would take the person away, but afterwards, she had to go to the Investigation Bureau and officially report what happened and submit documentation.

Sighing deeply at the hassle caused by someone else, Daphne nodded silently and followed the Royal Knight.

They arrived at an interrogation room in the Investigation Bureau. Since she visited every year, Daphne exchanged greetings with the familiar faces as she went inside.

‘It’s not easy getting used to this place.’

Daphne glanced up at the sign reading ‘Interrogation Room 3’ before entering through the door the Royal Knight held open. As expected, all the faces were familiar.

She wondered if she should have brought some snacks, but this was the Investigation Bureau, and it would obviously look like bribery.

“It’s been a while, Director.”

“No need for greetings between us. You’re practically an employee here. So, how about transferring to the Investigation Bureau? Interested?”

“Why would I? I can’t even use attack magic. Besides, I hate physical work the most.”

“I was just saying. Why so cold? After all I’ve done for you.”

Daphne answered his sly remark with a smile. Then came the time to explain the circumstances of the incident. As he wrote down her statement, he suddenly set his pen down as if he’d just remembered something.

“By the way, this case won’t just be brushed aside. I heard the person even spread some bad rumors about His Majesty the Emperor. Fortunately, we have a witness, so we’ve secured testimony. He won’t avoid punishment.”

“A witness?”

“Sir Evan Clyde, the trainee knight. He said he had something to report, and that’s what it was. He’s a truly honest young man—rare these days. I wish he’d join the Bureau.”

Daphne half-listened to the Bureau chief’s complaints about how young people these days avoid hard work, and thought of Evan.

He really didn’t seem like people these days. He had pure eyes that showed no trace of greed, a well-toned physique, and a strikingly handsome face.

Among the dull-looking knights, he stood out with his dark brown hair like the night sky and eyes that sparkled like fresh buds in spring.

He felt out of place among the rough and wild knights, but when he wore his perfectly fitting uniform, it suited him well.

“Anyway, you should thank him. Thanks to him, we caught a criminal.”

“Shouldn’t you be the one thanking him, Director?”

“I don’t have time. I’ve got to go on another business trip after this.”

He avoided Daphne’s gaze as he spoke. Seeing how hard he was hinting, Daphne had no choice but to do as he wished. After all, he’d helped her here and there before.

“Fine. I’ll do it.”

“If he ever considers joining the Investigation Bureau, tell him he’s always welcome!”

Pleased, the Director handed her something with a big grin. A bribe from the Director of the Investigation Bureau—how amusing.

Daphne took what he gave her and stood up. She’d agreed to deliver it, but wondered how she should give it. For now, she decided to return to the infirmary since her backlog of work was waiting.

“You’re back already?”

Hailey, apparently taking a break, was lounging on the sofa eating snacks.

Daphne sat across from her and quickly snatched up a fruit from the pile Hailey had brought. The sweet, refreshing taste made her nod in satisfaction.

“There’s nothing much to do. It’s always the same.”

“So, what’s that?”

Hailey eyed the item Daphne had brought back. Daphne, chewing on another fruit, replied with her mouth half-full.

“There’s someone who helped out this time, and the Director asked me to deliver this for him.”

“Trying to recruit another employee for the Investigation Bureau, huh?”

“That’s right. I thought I might slack off a bit while I’m at it, so I’m just going to drop by.”

“Do you know who it is?”

“Sir Evan Clyde. Do you know him?”

At Daphne’s casual reply, Hailey straightened up.

“Of course! He’s really handsome. So, what did you think? You were the one who handled his procedure.”

“That sounds like s*xual harassment right now.”

At Daphne’s cold tone, Hailey’s eyes widened. Then she burst out laughing as if she’d heard the funniest joke in the world.

If she were to talk about her impressions, she could go on for days. But the moment she said it out loud, she’d be just like the man who had harassed her.

“Well, I’ll go deliver this now.”

“Be careful. Don’t get into trouble.”

“I’ll take care of the rest of the work when I get back, so don’t worry.”

Stuffing the fruit into her mouth, Daphne got up. She stepped outside, leaving her piled-up work behind for a moment, and enjoyed the brief freedom before her.

With a slightly lighter step, she headed toward the knights’ quarters, where the sounds of training rang out. As she approached, a knight standing guard at the entrance spoke to her.

“What brings you here?”

“I’d like to see Sir Evan Clyde. I have something to deliver.”

At the mention of Evan’s name, the knight’s expression grew complicated, but he soon nodded and went inside. Soon, Evan appeared with the same knight she’d just spoken to.

“D-did you need me? Wh-what brings you all the way here…?”

He was clearly flustered, stumbling over his words. Daphne handed him the gift she’d brought. His expression grew even stranger as he took the box.

“I was asked to thank you for helping catch the culprit. The person you testified about… anyway, thanks to you, I was able to finish things easily. Oh, and the Director said if you ever consider joining the Bureau, you’re welcome anytime.”

“…Excuse me?”

Daphne didn’t notice, but curious gazes were fixed on the two of them. Still dazed and unable to process her words, Evan asked again in a clumsy voice.

“Anyway, it’s a token of gratitude for your help.”

“Ah… thank you?”

“Well then, I’ll be going.”

Daphne gave a polite bow and turned without hesitation. Left alone, Evan glanced down at the box in his hands, then looked after Daphne as she walked away.