After questioning Old Man Fose and a few other people, and talking with the staff, I finally left the inn.

A staff officer from the central office of the Ministry of Military Affairs was en route to Brest Fortress, located near the city of Fal. Furthermore, he had only brought two Elephant-level escorts as guards.

So, either he's strong enough to move with such a small force, or he's a desk jockey who doesn't really know the ropes of the battlefield...

Stupid. The Kingdom of Hyogo is a military nation that controls the Frontier, and therefore simply can't afford an incompetent or poorly trained army. The only problem that might arise is mercenaries and people who come to the Frontier from other countries when there is a need for it.

Should we consider him a sly fellow and proceed with caution? This isn't a knightly order where honor and strength are flaunted.

Also, don't forget about the guards. Whatever anyone says about the numbers, from what we know, a well-trained soldier is at least at the Bishop level. Furthermore, all military equipment is enchanted, and they themselves are trained in this craft to meet the standard.

However, I'm no pushover myself, as I serve as a knight in the Unity Church. Therefore, if it comes to a fight, I'll draw my blade.

There's only one thing left to understand...

Why did a staff officer from the capital travel so far?

First, he could have been transferred. Let's say, for example, the fortress is short of hands, and so the lot fell on this poor fellow. Unless, of course, he was sent away as part of some behind-the-scenes scheme.

Hence the second possibility: he was too annoying for the local nobility, and so they got rid of him, sending him to hell. It could also be the result of a political defeat, or, as a commoner, he was exiled for corruption.

Third: Hrut Becker is an inspector and is heading to the fortress for another inspection.

All of these possibilities are valid.

Before getting to the point, it's necessary to understand which of these things is true, and then press. Perhaps even offer your services.

With these thoughts, I made my way to the inn.

Unfortunately, this officer didn't check into the inn. Grumbling and cursing, he moved to the only place that could be considered "decent."

What a wimp! Because of his "decent place," I have to go out in a blizzard!

As soon as I entered the building, after about an hour of walking through the city, I was amazed at how warm it was. Because of the firewood shortage, the rooms were a bit chilly, so I had to constantly wear something warm. But here, despite the expense, the stove seemed to be constantly burning.

Perhaps this was some kind of heating system? Or some kind of enchantment?

"Can I help you with something?"

The worker approached, bowing politely before looking at me curiously. She seemed nervous, peering into my white hair and slightly nervous.

Did you mistake me for a local family, too?

Smiling slightly to ease the tension, I said, "A staff officer from the capital recently moved in. May I speak with him?"

"An officer from the capital? Oh, you mean that man! We can call him."

"I'd be grateful. Tell him that Unity Church Knight Velina Raubtin wishes to speak."

As soon as I spoke, the worker's face reflected a mixture of two opposing emotions. The peace of mind of not being part of the local nobility and the tension of being a knight from a completely different religious community. If things came to a head, it would be very unpleasant.

But it seemed everything worked out once she pulled herself together.

"I apologize for not providing a proper welcome."

"It's okay, I'm not that fond of formalities."

"Thank you for your understanding. I'll call an officer immediately. Belna! Seat our dear guest at a free table!"

After I was seated, I began to look around while waiting for my companion.

To be honest, the place I was staying at was much more comfortable. While it wasn't lavish, it was still pleasing to the eye.

Here, it's immediately clear that nobles stay here. And if you consider that most of them are military personnel, then I am not surprised by their arrogant behavior and loud words about defending the country and honor.

Of course, one could argue that the meager decor doesn't convey the nobility of the noble family, but the lighting alone makes this place several times more prestigious than the one I'd recently visited. A dark and uninviting inn, without the rounded tables clearly carved by skilled artisans, and certainly without well-trained staff.

Furthermore, if you look closely, you can discern the presence of more complex enchantments. Apparently, primarily for security.

I wonder how enchantments are applied in the construction of buildings and in everyday life? No matter how you look at it, the cities are no different from those in the northern countries. Well, except that the houses here are built differently. Some are carved from stone, others from trees.

Contemplating this, I glanced at my watch, then bit my lip in displeasure.

I have to wait a full thirty minutes for someone to arrive here.

Does this officer understand the meaning of punctuality before a knight?

This country has a religious community, and therefore there must be knights. So why such disrespect?

Turning my head toward the corridor, I noticed a nervous employee with three others.

"This is Ms. Raubtin, who wishes to see you."

The poor woman tried hard to maintain a welcoming smile, although in reality, her nervousness hadn't disappeared, and she simply stood rooted to the spot.

I think it's because we had to wait so long for the officer to arrive, and I might grumble. Although she shouldn't worry about it, as I'm not the kind of person who would allow such inappropriate behavior.

I'm not stupid, and I understand that a nobleman in uniform considers himself superior. As for me, my humble self can wait until His Grace arrives.

Shifting my gaze from the employee to the officer, I sighed.

The nobleman looked down on me, as if trying to elevate himself. Although he himself wasn't particularly memorable. Thin, slightly hunchbacked, with sunken eyes and an unpleasant mole under his left nostril—those were his only attributes.

"So this is the knight?"

And the most unpleasant feature would be his raspy voice. Like a nail on glass. No one would fall in love with someone like that for that reason alone."

Ignoring the lack of respect, I smiled the sweetest smile I could muster.

"Pleased to meet you, Staff Officer Second Rank Hrut Bekker. My name is Velin Raubtin, a knight of the Unity Church."

The officer frowned in displeasure, trying to study and understand what strange creature was demanding his presence. Then he grimaced.

In civilized society, one important rule has long been accepted: if you want a good start to a conversation, introduce yourself first. Anything else is simply stupidity and ignorance.

However, most soldiers in the army are nobles, and so their pride prevents them from yielding a powerful position to a knight. On top of that, I was a woman, and that was the only thing that could cause discontent.

"And what are you still standing there for? Did you eat a sour berry, and that's why you're afraid to sit in my company?"

"Are you going to reproach me with that?"

"God be my judge! I'm simply acting like a girl who's kept waiting."

"In other words, you're trying to pressure me," the officer grumbled, sitting down across from me.

Glancing at me intently, Becker clasped his hands and held them on the table.

"So, what's your purpose in coming here?"

"I want your help getting to Fal."

"What does that have to do with me? Just get into any carriage and go wherever you want."

"The problem is, no one but you is going to Fal. I've been sitting here for five days."

"And so you decided to waste my time on a selfish request? Forgive me, but I cannot afford such an unpleasant diversion."

"An unpleasant diversion?"

"You have every right to consider my further words rude, but I find the thought of sharing a carriage with a representative of an arrogant religion repulsive."

"As if the army were holy."

"Don't cross the line, Miss Raubtin. As a person of military rank, I could lock you up for insulting you."

"I could do the same, but under religious authority. Say, accuse you of heresy."

"The Unity Church has no authority in this part of the continent, so a military court wouldn't care about your standing in society."

"Is that so? So you're simply worried about your meager information?"

I tried hard not to lose my temper from so many insulting words and remained as polite as possible.

If I didn't need this crew so badly, I would have drawn my blade long ago, but unfortunately, that's not an option.

Be that as it may, the main faith in the North is the Dragon Gods and the worship of the gods of nature. This is very much at odds with the Unity religious community, and therefore it has no real power here.

If they call me a criminal, that's exactly what will happen. They'll simply drop all charges, or perhaps call me a witch, which I wouldn't want.

Besides, as a military man, the officer sitting across from me simply couldn't do anything but refuse. He likely possesses information that outsiders would be better off not knowing.

However, contrary to my expectations, the answer was slightly different.

"And what information, in your opinion, should be available to a second-rank staff officer? You've been refused for two reasons. First, you're a foreigner, and even if you have the necessary documents, you can't really do anything about it. Second, you have no connection to the kingdom's army."

"So, the only problem is your origin?"

"Do you have any other thoughts on that?"

"Don't you think you're being overly biased?"

"No, you have the right to be in Hyogo, just like everyone else, but you don't have the authority to wander around the country and pry into matters that aren't your business." Just leave your request somewhere in the Guild. Maybe someone will be willing to escort you.

"The Guild is useless when it comes to quickly solving a problem. Besides, I'm not so weak as to hire outside help. It would take forever for the request to be considered, approved, and returned. It's easier to negotiate with you."

"Has anyone ever told you that you're rather frivolous when it comes to the Army?"

"If I were frivolous, I wouldn't have lived to see this day! All I want is to get to the city of Fal."

"And why would you travel such a long way?"

Becker's sunken eyes narrowed as he glanced at me, which made me uneasy. He seemed about to say something, but the innkeeper interrupted us when he brought two cups and a pot of brewed tea.

I looked at him with a smirk.

"What difference does it make to you why I'm here?"

"Just tell me..." Becker muttered, maintaining a tight smile.

"What a shame, have I angered you?"

"Raubtin!"

"Don't say my name so casually. Besides, I'm here to talk to an old friend."

"Old friend? Where do such savages come from?"

"Savages? Did you just call me a savage? As far as I know, there's a severe shortage of hands on the front lines. That's why you're sending requests to neighboring countries. Don't forget that most of the heroes came from our religious community."

"This is possible thanks to the current king, and the high priestess is on friendly terms with the head of your Unity Church."

"Then, out of old friendship, wouldn't you like to help?"

"Personally, I'm under no obligation to help you. You haven't even sent a request to the War Department headquarters."

"And why should I? You should have been informed of my presence the moment I crossed the outpost."

"I haven't received any instructions regarding you. But I'll consider it if you provide proof that you haven't decided to snoop around here."

"So, you expect me to carry around a letter with my request all the time?"

"As you can see, yes. But if you'd submitted your request earlier, it would most likely have been reviewed already."

"That's exactly what I meant by 'most likely'! It's much easier to get there on my own than to endure another upstart who 'maybe will sort out my request.' And I'm not even mentioning the hefty entry fee."

"I'm not interested in dealing with you or your problems. So it would be easier for both of us if you submitted your request to the Guild."

"Are you so afraid for your rank that you don't want to associate with me because of my faith?"

"You're merely a representative of a different faith."

"Then why are you refusing?" Is it really that you don't have orders from your superiors, or are you just a bastard willing to walk past someone in need?

As soon as he uttered these words, Becker's left cheek twitched with a slight nervous tic.

Soon he'll finally break down, and I'll finally be able to find leverage. That way, I can confirm one of the three theories I've already proposed.

That's why I had to keep pushing.

"If it's just a matter of time, then I'm willing to get up earlier than usual so as not to delay your humble self."

"So what? Protecting a civilian on a long journey is too much trouble. Even if they give me three skins for disrespecting you, I don't want to be responsible for a frivolous idiot."

"Don't worry, I can take care of myself."

Putting my elbows on the table and cupping my hands, I rested my chin on them, still smiling.

Turning my gaze to the soldiers standing behind the officer, I noticed they were struggling to contain their discomfort.

These tall men, with their well-built, toned bodies, looked more like members of a knightly order than soldiers. Even Khrut looked pitiful, skinny, and small in comparison.

Besides, it was hard to tell what level they were. Usually, it's immediately obvious, causing you to start imagining hundreds of possible outcomes, but not in this case.

Does standardization really influence external perception that much? In any case, it was worth risking raising such a topic right in this conversation.

"I don't know who ordered you to continue refusing me, but if it's just about protection, then there's no need to worry."

"There's no need to worry about protection? You may be a knight, but that's not the kind of phrase you throw around."

"And I don't throw it around. Even insulting the army isn't high on my priority list."

"You simply expressed yourself in a way that I misinterpreted. It's better to learn a foreign language if you don't want problems. Especially when they involve offending someone else's feelings."

"Don't worry, I'm not that weak. I'm even stronger than your escorts. I'm sure they would benefit from training under my command."

After that provocation, the escorting soldiers themselves seemed ready to tear me apart. But they had the patience and discipline not to.

May the soldiers forgive me for such impudence.

"You shouldn't insult my subordinates."

"I'm not insulting them. I was simply hinting at the possibility of becoming even stronger."

"Tsk! I was only being nice to you because you're in the allied forces. But judging by your behavior, there won't be a constructive conversation."

Having vented everything that had accumulated during our conversation, Khrut was about to leave when he suddenly noticed a small smirk on my face.

The more I thought about my genius, the wider that smile grew.

"Mr. Staff Officer... what do you know of a knight like the White Whale?"