Can You Feel the Majesty?
I was heading to downtown to shake off some boredom during the weekend.
Ah, Captain!
You're here for something in downtown too?
I'm on my way to get my cape repaired. I could do minor repairs myself, but...
A Grand Master's cape can't have messy stitch marks!
So I'm leaving it to a professional I can trust.
Want to head into town together?
As we talked, we arrived downtown.
...So yes, Deputy Master Carmen helped me a lot at first... Ah.
...Hmm!
Ahem!
Charlotte suddenly straightened her posture.
Then, she began walking with overly stiff steps.
What's with the sudden change?
I was being too casual in front of you, Captain!
From here on, I will carry myself with discipline befitting a Grand Master!
You don't need to take it that seriously...
No, I must. This concerns the honor of the Monastir Knights!
Whew... Let's go, Charlotte!
I-Is anyone there?
Yes? How can I help you?
I am Charlotte, Grand Master of the Knights of the Duchy of Monastir.
I am here to request repairs and maintenance on my cape.
I see. Please, come in.
Mm! Mmm!
Let me take a look... Yes, this won't take long. Please wait a moment.
Mm!
There, all done.
Wow, it's so shin—
Oh my! Reborn into a dazzling cape!
The cape touched by your hands... It... It...
Erm, how should I put it... Ahem!
...The Knights extends its deepest respect to your craftsmanship!
R-respect? Oh, thank you...
Th-then! It was a pleasant and fruitful visit!
As she stepped outside, a bead of sweat trickled down Charlotte's forehead.
Are you okay?
I'm fine! This isn't Monastir, it's a foreign land.
I must set an even better example than I do at home!
So people will say, "Just as they say about the great Monastir Knights!"
I will give it my all!
I guess there's no stopping you now.
Hey, isn't she the Monastir Grand Master?
Oh...! She's the one who came to NOA to become a Journey member, right?
Ahem! Hmm!
Greetings, citizens of NOA!
Haha, nice to meet you too!
A good day upon you, citizens of NOA!
You too! Cheering you on!
(Just as funny as they say.)
(Cute, isn't she?)
(She really is, haha.)
Their voices happened to reach us as they walked past.
C-cute...?!
...B-being cute is nice and all, but...
No! I'm not supposed to be cute! I'm supposed to be dignified...!
What did I do wrong...? Did I use the wrong words...?
Was it the way I walked...? Or my expression...?
Charlotte's face turned pale. She was sweating more than before.
How about we take a break?
Uh...
Yes... That sounds nice...
We stepped out of the busy streets and headed into a quiet alley.
I really thought I was finally looking like a proper knight...
But they said I looked cute!
This is... This is shocking...! Devastating...! Crippling!
If this keeps up, I'll just become a cute Grand Master instead of a proud, noble one!
That doesn't sound too bad.
Yes it does!!!
*Stomach gurgles*
...
...
...I'm hungry...
Let's go eat. My treat.
No... I'll just eat back home. I can't eat in front of people looking like this...
It's fine. I know a place where you can eat comfortably.
...Really?
Trust me.
And so, with evening mealtime approaching, we headed for a quiet restaurant tucked away down an alley.
The restaurant was a bit removed from downtown, mostly visited by workers from far-off job sites.
It was famous for being cheap, tasty, and having generous portions.
I thought we were going to a quiet place...
It's packed with people instead!
If you want to hide a tree, put it in a forest.
Between the tightly packed tables, the restaurant was full of people eating dinner after a long day.
Everyone was talking loudly as they ate, and the whole place was bustling.
If we eat in the far back, no one will notice us.
Hmm... yeah, maybe you're right...
I led the hesitant Charlotte to a seat deep in the back of the premises.
Order anything you like. It's on me!
Charlotte's face lit up as she browsed through the menu.
Wow, this place has all my favorites!
Okay! I'll have the herring noodles...! And the fried drumsticks!
Along with Charlotte's choices, I ordered a few more things.
It wasn't long before a steady stream of dishes began arriving at our table.
Th-they all look delicious...
Um, so...
...Is it okay to eat drumsticks... with my hands?
Go for it!
...Then, I'll dig in!
Charlotte happily began eating.
It's been too long since I ate without being so self-conscious!
She was talking with her mouth full, but...
I figured I could let it slide just this once.
Captain... can I try that pie too?
Go ahead! Let's eat it all!
*Sniffle* This is the best! Seriously, you're amazing, Captain!
Charlotte laughed, cried, and devoured her meal with pure joy.
...
But she really does eat a lot.
It turns out there's another thing you should never tell Charlotte to do until she's satisfied other than training.