Chapter 58 Olivelle Bloom
Savila Knight Order, Flaria Garrison. Guided by Olivelle-san, we sat on the sofa in the reception room after an unexpected reunion.
The interior of the base was well-built, and all the furniture in the reception room, including the table and the sofa we were sitting on, seemed brand new. Perhaps they recently replaced them.
I sat in the center of the sofa, with Lina-senpai and Chelsea on either side. Lukas, who was left out due to space constraints, declined Olivelle-san's offer to bring another chair and stood behind me.
Olivelle-san sat on a single sofa in front of us across the table. Our eyes met, and...
"Why is Olivelle-san here?"
Before I knew it, I had already asked this question several times. Olivelle-san smiled and finally answered,
"It's part of strengthening security in various areas."
"But, with Knight Order commander Vake-san absent in the royal capital, why is Vice Commander Olivelle-san here?"
I was surprised to learn Olivelle-san was in Flaria, but my foremost concern was the safety of the royal capital.
The Savila Knight Order had many dedicated members undergoing rigorous training daily, and I trusted them wholeheartedly, even those I didn't know. However, with Commander Vake inspecting various places with the new magician Flor, leaving the defense of the royal capital, the heart of the country, to Vice Commander Olivelle-san seemed unusual.
My anxiety must have shown on my face, as he smiled wryly.
"Laura-chan, you don't need to worry. It's okay, the selection was made after careful consideration."
Olivelle-san continued, slightly averting his gaze.
"The structure of the Savila Knight Order is changing. Since the commander suffered a serious injury and left the front lines, gradually... In fact, there are five vice commanders now, including me. We tried to fill the gap left by the commander."
I was both shocked and understanding of the facts he revealed.
Vake's departure due to a significant eye injury meant his position needed to be filled. Moreover, Vake's injury would have lasting effects, as he lost vision in his right eye.
Considering the recent increase in monster activity, it made sense for the Savila Knight Order to adapt. They not only had to fill the void left by Vake but also work harder than before.
"We now need to send more skilled forces to guard remote areas that previously didn't require as much manpower... that's the situation."
Olivelle-san's eyes were serious, exuding a strong determination. Despite his neutral appearance and calm demeanor, he was the Vice Commander of a major Knight Order, responsible for the lives of many members and citizens of the country.
Feeling his resolute determination, I involuntarily straightened my back. Although his androgynous looks and gentle aura could be deceiving, he carried the weight of the lives of dozens, if not hundreds, of Knight Order members and citizens.
Noticing my reaction, he quickly lightened the mood with his usual princely smile.
"Also, wherever Laura-chan is, monsters seem to appear, and the commander was worried."
"That's..."
I could only smile wryly at his joking tone. What Olivelle-san said was indeed true.
I had encountered monster attacks three times in royal capital, Platonovena, and Emme Village. It couldn't be helped if it seemed that way.
I couldn't help but think that encountering monster attacks was like managing the flags leading to the main story. If events leading to the activation of monsters around the protagonist Lukas were to occur, it made more sense for them to happen around Laura, his childhood friend who had relatively more opportunities for expeditions in the royal capital than Lukas, who rarely left Emme Village. If his childhood friend was involved, the kind-hearted protagonist (Lukas) would undoubtedly worry, and information would reach him.
I'm probably a useful presence gathering information leading to the main story (future) for the protagonist (Lukas).
"I've already heard from the leader. I'll be escorting Laura-chan and the others to search for The Drinking Water of the Spirits. Of course, I'll accept."
Fortunately, things have been running smoothly regarding this matter - the search for The Drinking Water of the Spirits. Kasper-san has granted permission for the expedition training. This is all thanks to Arnold, who has been helping out, and Vake, who has been concerned.
"Could you spare just one day? I had some work to finish before Laura-chan arrives, but unfortunately, I just can't seem to get it done."
Olivelle-san added apologetically, "It's a handover task." Since it's a handover, he must have recently arrived in Flaria.
I should be the one apologizing for this, for showing up at such a busy time, and Olivelle-san is not at fault. So, I hurriedly shook my head.
"There's no need to apologize! I understand that I'm the one asking for the impossible, so I'll adjust to Olivelle-san's schedule."
When I said this eagerly, Olivelle-san's expression relaxed. Feeling relieved by this change in expression, I continued, releasing the tension from my shoulders.
"I also need to make poison for repelling monsters when I go to the forest. I need more than just one day... Oh, but the training period given is 30 days—"
"Of course, I understand. And what's left is mostly paperwork. If I have one day, I can definitely finish it."
Olivelle-san nodded firmly. Feeling reassured by his appearance, I realized that I could finally rely on the Vice Captain of the Savila Knight Order.
This was the greatest help I could ask for. I had hoped to lessen Lukas's burden, but I never expected to receive such wholehearted support. I won't be able to face Olivelle-san or Vake in the future.
Suddenly, Olivelle-san shifted his gaze away from me and looked back and forth between Lina-senpai and Chelsea.
"Alchemist trainee Lina Bevelstam-san, and also Chelsea Gawley-san. Nice to meet you, I'm Olivelle Bloom."
He smiled even more gently to reassure them.
The two, who received a prince-like smile, blushed slightly and exchanged introductions again. While Lina-senpai and Chelsea had crossed paths with Olivelle-san in the royal castle and exchanged greetings, this was their first one-on-one conversation. I didn't have such a strong connection with him either.
After exchanging greetings with Lina-senpai and the others, Olivelle-san's eyes caught sight of Lukas standing behind me.
"And what about you over there? Could it be the rumored Lukas-kun?"
Olivelle-san stood up from the sofa and walked towards Lukas. Shaking the offered right hand, my childhood friend tilted his head slightly.
"I'm Lukas Kamil. Nice to meet you. ...Um, what rumor?"
"Laura-chan's childhood friend, a promising young boy as mentioned in a letter from Commander Vake. It's an honor to meet you. Nice to meet you."
It seems Vake already has high expectations for Lukas. I recalled the early stages of "Last Brave," remembering Lukas and Vake's meeting.
Recognized by the messenger from the royal capital for his Hero's power, Lukas was brought to the royal castle to meet Vake for the first time. Upon recognizing Lukas's hidden power, Vake requested a match on the spot. Although Vake emerged victorious, he expressed his desire to accompany the young man on his journey filled with infinite possibilities in the future.
A young man with boundless potential and a mature adult guiding him firmly yet warmly.
Vake and Lukas may have had a different first meeting than in "Last Brave," but it seems the bond growing between them will remain unchanged.
"I'm truly grateful to Vake-san. Please take care of me as well."
Lukas, scratching his cheek with his awkwardly empty left hand, caught Olivelle-san squinting at his gesture. Although these two had never met in "Last Brave" — Olivelle-san wasn't even in the game — it seemed like they were building a good relationship.
After that, we planned to prepare for the next day and then visit the Flaria outpost two days later.
* * *
That night, I was reading through the poison synthesis notes given to me by my mentor.
If I were to encounter a monster, I thought it might be better to quietly protect myself. Trying to fight back forcefully might backfire, a scenario I had seen in a past life. But having something to protect myself with would be wise. The poison I made could be used not only by me but also by Olivelle-san and Lukas in battle.
After deciding on a poison recipe with readily available ingredients, I closed the synthesis notes. Just then, Lukas, who seemed to be waiting for me to finish, spoke up.
"Hey, Laura. Olivelle-san we met today is Marcedes-san's..."
"Her twin brother."
"I see. They really look alike."
I chuckled slightly at Lukas's words and nodded.
It would be strange not to notice the resemblance between Marcedes-san and Bloom brother if he knew Marcedes-san. They looked so similar in hair color, eye color, and especially facial features. They probably wouldn't be distinguishable just by looking at their faces in the same outfit. Well, I didn't notice it for a while, though.
"By the way, in your conversation with Olivelle-san, you said you were making poison, so can I watch you?"
I was taken aback by the sudden request.
There was no reason to refuse if he wanted to watch, but would it be fun to watch someone making poison? Tilting my head, I candidly expressed my thoughts.
"Sure, but you have to wear a big mask, and it's not really exciting, you know?"
"It's fine. I just want to watch."
Seeing Lukas smile so happily, I couldn't bring myself to refuse now. I imagined Lukas wearing a protective mask that resembled a bird's beak and quietly chuckled to myself.
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