I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 15: Departure Report

The next day, I was summoned by the Baron of Taleraan Borderland.
I knew the reason, it must be about the stampede.

Guided by the steward, I was led to the office. The difference from last time was the number of knights lined up behind the baron.
This time, it was only Commander Clement of the Border Knights.

“I apologize for calling you here.”

“No, I also had something to tell you, so I wanted to meet with you.”

When I mentioned wanting to convey something, the Baron twitched his eyebrows.

“What is it that you want to convey?”

“If you’ve heard from Commander Clement of the Border Knights, it’s probably the same as what the Baron wants to discuss… Two squads from our Third Knight Order will be heading to the forest today as part of our stampede countermeasures. Fortunately, we can predict the approximate location of the source of the outbreak, so if all goes well, there won’t be another stampede in this area. I’ll also be participating in this operation, so during that time, I leave the command of the Third Knight Order to Vice Commander Orel de Luminar.”

“What…! I knew that this area had been destroyed by stampedes many times before it was called the Taleraan Borderland, but I never thought it would happen in my time. However, if we can destroy the fragment of the evil god immediately after the stampede occurs, the damage will be significantly reduced… I entrust this to you.”

“Baron!?”

It was not me but Clement who exclaimed in surprise.
Because the Baron stood up and bowed his head to me.

“I can’t irresponsibly leave it to you… but I promise to do my best to minimize the damage.”

“Just those words are enough.”

Saying that, the Baron extended his right hand.
When I shook hands with him, he shook my hands very firmly, but in fact, this was the first time I shook hands with the Baron.
Maybe I can consider this as an improvement in his evaluation of me.

Since Clement seemed unusually frustrated, I left the office without giving detailed instructions on the operation.
It might be that he didn’t like the fact that even though he dislikes me, I’m being recognized by the Baron.

On the way back to the dormitory, I passed by a member of the Border Knights whose name I didn’t remember.
They hastily left as if to avoid me, but I’m used to such treatment, so I didn’t mind.
… It’s a little lonely though.

When I arrived at the dormitory, my squad and Elliot’s squad were gathered.
Everyone was full of motivation and ready to go. My subordinates really have a lot of spirit.

“Do you all have portable food, water, and potions? I’ll go pick up the food from the cafeteria now. You guys do the final check on your weapons and wait in front of the training ground.”

“Yes!”

If it were me before, taste would have been secondary, and I would have gone to the forest with just portable food.
But now I know that my motivation changes with meals, so I ordered three meals’ worth of boxed lunches from the chef in advance.

When I informed my subordinates who were going on this operation, they were as delighted as my younger brothers when I made cake for them, and it warmed my heart.
When I went to pick up the boxed lunches at the cafeteria, there were rows of the same containers, and there was a strangely large wooden box placed at the end.

“Chef, I’ve come to pick up the ordered food. Is everything here okay?”

“Yes! I’ve prepared 120 servings for ten people for three meals for four days! Sir Vandière’s magic bag has a time delay, so you can leave it here with peace of mind. These are freshly made and hot, so please store them. The ones over there are sandwiches and bread-based items, so they’ll be fine later.”

As expected of a chef, he seems to have thought about making it delicious.
Perhaps because the supply of spices and herbs has increased, my favorability rating has skyrocketed, so he’s probably doing this even better for me.

“I see, thank you. …By the way, what’s that?”

“That… was delivered from the main mansion just now. It seems to be a gift for Sir Vandière and everyone. But since the taste is different between the main mansion and the dormitory now, I don’t think it will suit Sir Vandière or everyone’s taste.”

The chef sighed in concern, so I proposed a solution.

“In that case, you should just give it as a gift to the Border Knights. If they say anything, just say that you couldn’t deliver it because we had already left, so there shouldn’t be any problem. It would be too heavy for the injured in the dormitory to eat, and it would be a waste if it spoiled while the Third Knight Order was out, so make sure it gets delivered by saying it’s a shame to let it go bad. They’ll probably eat it during breaks at the Border Knights’ training grounds.”

“I see, that’s a good idea. Thank you.”

“No, as a chef, it would be unbearable to waste food, right?”

“Commander Vandière… Thank you for thinking that far ahead.”

“Well, you know… Anyway, I’m grateful for preparing the boxed lunches. I’ll leave the remaining meals to you.”

Even though he had taught his younger brothers not to waste food, Vandière left the cafeteria, avoiding the chef’s expression that seemed to say his eyes were getting warm, and headed to the training ground where his subordinates were waiting.