A Knight Grows Through Trials
Ugh... I feel stiff all over...
What on earth is wrong with me...?
Charlotte, you seem troubled. Is something wrong?
It's just... my body has been feeling unusually heavy lately.
I keep messing up in training, and I can't stay focused...
Really? Has anything changed recently?
Your sleep schedule? Exercise routine? Even something minor.
It's all the same as usual. I haven't been training more than normal or anything...
I guess my appetite's gone up a little, but that's about it.
...Your appetite? Have you been eating more than usual?
Huh? More than usual? I'm not sure...
Yesterday morning I had something light. Cheesecake, chocolate castella, and four glazed donuts.
For lunch, Flora Special Hawaiian Pizza and bread bowl cream pasta. And for dinner...
I couldn't decide, so I just had two servings of filet mignon...
And one whole Kalaid Spicy Crispy Chicken.
That's about what I usually eat, though...
Hmm... Yes. I see the issue clearly now.
Oh, really? So there is a problem?
Charlotte.
You should try going on a diet.
So...
Today is day one of your diet?
Yes...
I can't believe it. I actually gained weight...
But there's just so much delicious food out there!
And I get hungry again so quickly...
I only ate like I normally do. Why did I suddenly gain weight...?
Now that I think about it, my clothes have been a little tight lately...
What? N-no. This outfit is... I mean...
By the way, aren't you accompanying the Captain tomorrow?
...Ah. I see.
Hahaha.
That works out perfectly.
Perhaps what felt heavy wasn't your body, but your knight attire itself.
What do you think of this outfit? It's much lighter than what you usually wear.
Besides, the more uncomfortable the outfit, the more effective the training might be.
It might even draw the Captain's attention.
...That's what Carmen told me.
So I thought maybe she was right...
So that's how it happened...
You were fooled again, Charlotte...!
Still, I do think there's truth to the idea that Uncomfortable clothing increases makes training more effective.
With this much... um... exposure... the body naturally tenses up! Hehe...
Are you sure you'll be okay?
It's fine. It's just training, so I'll mana—
...What?
To reach today's destination...
We have to pass through NOA's shopping district?
Ugh... Of all days...! Why does it have to be today... and in this outfit...?!
B-but as the Grand Master of Monastir Knights, I must bear this much with dignity... right, Captain?
Oh dear... What should I do...?
I-I'll handle it, somehow! Training comes first...!
I headed toward NOA's shopping district with Charlotte, who was moving far more awkward than usual.
The district was more crowded than ever...
And Charlotte's eyes started darting nervously...!
C-Captain...
I can smell delicious food everywhere... Ngh...
Charlotte, you can't run! Face it head-on!
Ngh... Okay, I'll endure it.
Going on a diet really is difficult.
Perhaps people really can't live without eating...
It hasn't even been half a day since she declared her diet.
There seem to be more people than usual today.
Is there some sort of festival going on?
Charlotte dreamt that she entered a competition to determine the fastest bunny of them all.Since we're already out on patrol, perhaps we could check things out a little.
But why...
Are you heading straight into the food alley?
*Gasp!*
I walked here without realizing it...!
This place is far too dangerous.
We should patrol somewhere else—
Hello! Our bakery just opened today!
Whaaat?!
To celebrate our opening, we're giving away one sausage bread for free to each of our customers!
N-no!
I'm... really... okay...!!
I've... um... parted ways with sausages!!
Parted ways? With sausages...?
I'm terribly sorry!!!
Charlotte! Wait!
Charlotte suddenly took off running at full speed!
But waiting ahead of her was...
Congratulations! You're our lucky 50,000th customer!
Eek?!
We'd like to offer you our famous Golden Strawberry Fresh Cream Cake for free—
No, thank you! I'm sorry! Goodbye!!
Hello! We're showcasing a new menu today!
If you have a moment, please give it a try—
I'm fineeee!!
Celebrating our 7th anniversary! Visit tonight for a 77% discount—
Kyaaah!
If you order with our newly released toppings—
Eeeek!
Soft and sweet pudding at a special pr—
Waaaah!
I'm so sorryyyy!!
I had no idea how far she ran.
I finally managed to catch up with Charlotte as she sprinted through the shopping district in panic.
Charlotte... wait...!
Hic... Captain... *Sniffle...*
They won't leave me alone! It's too much!
I'd rather be hitting practice dummies right now!
Hngh...
Should we just head back for today?
...Ugh. I'm sorry, Captain...
I ended up showing you nothing but a foolish side of myself.
This isn't fitting for a Grand Master at all...
Perhaps my mental discipline is lacking.
...Huh? Cute...?
C-cute? I'd rather be seen as a dignified Grand Master than cute...
...
O-of course... This outfit is not exactly dignified, but...
Ah, Captain. And Ms. Charlotte.
I heard you would be training outdoors, but I didn't expect to run into you here.
Hello, Claire.
Were you heading somewhere?
...Ah, well...
This wasn't how I intended to reveal it, but perhaps it's better to tell you now.
I was preparing a special banquet for you and Ms. Charlotte.
Gah?!
After such rigorous training, I wondered if Candle Square could assist in any way.
It was meant to remain a secret and become a surprise party...
But since you two found out, I supposed it's no longer a surprise.
If you'd both be willing, would you join us at Candle Square for dinner this evening?
...
...Ms. Charlotte? You look pale. Is something wrong?
...Captain.
I... I don't think I can do this anymore!!
Completely burned out, Charlotte ended up making her way to Candle Square without a trace of strength left.
And so Charlotte's declaration to start dieting... failed to last even twenty-four hours.