I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 19: Pancakes

The day after Simon’s sacrifice by the poisoned ume fruit punishment was recognized by the subordinates, we sent out one squad to confirm the situation in the forest, while the rest went on patrol in the capital to inform everyone about the decrease in the number of monsters.

As a side note, after dinner, I decided to make honey pancakes as a gift to check on Mark and Chloe’s condition. Just as the cooks were about to leave, it came to light that something had happened when I obtained permission to use the kitchen from the head chef.

It seems that the members of the Border Knights who had been given meals before we went to the eastern forest yesterday fell ill and were bedridden. I found it strange that they would send me gifts, knowing that I disliked them, but I suppose that’s how it is.

When I took it to the Border Knights’ training ground, they told me, “We got it from the main house, but we couldn’t finish it in time for departure, so we want you to eat it here.” So even if something happens, they’ll complain to the main house. This negligence must have been orchestrated by someone like Commander Clement of the Border Knights.

If the cooks were asked by someone to put laxatives or something in it, they would probably mention the mastermind’s name to avoid being blamed. Even though there are cooks here in our barracks, it couldn’t have been them who brought it since it was brought by someone from the knights. I’ll leave their mess to them; I don’t want to get involved.

By the way, while I was making pancakes last night, a few people who smelled the aroma took about half of them as hush money. At first, they were surprised that I was making them, but they were eager for the cooked pancakes. They sneaked in to get some, the brats.

Since it would be unbearable if others came as well, I gave them each one with the instruction to brush their teeth afterward. Together with the members who sang along, we went on patrol in the town, meaning everyone in my squad had eaten pancakes.

I think Simon, who is sharp-eyed about these things, probably asked other members to come and check on me. Anyway, since I’ve secured Mark and Chloe’s portions, I suppose it’s fine.

During our patrol along the main street, we spotted a family loading household goods onto a carriage and approached them.

“It looks like you’re moving… Hey, over there, you’ve loaded up quite a bit of food; are you leaving town?”

“Eek! Sir… Sir Vandière, Knight Commander…! Y-yes, we are. With the recent increase in monsters, it’s getting dangerous, so we’re thinking of moving to a town where we have relatives…”

There were rumors circulating in some quarters that the increase in monsters might be a precursor to the Stampede, and we had received reports of more people leaving the capital over the past few days.

“If the reason is just the monsters, you might want to reconsider, as the monsters should be decreasing by now. Just so you know, although the recent increase in monsters was a precursor to the Stampede, we’ve eliminated the cause, so it’s safe now. Spread the word to others as well.”

“Huh!? The Stampede… is gone!?”

It seems that preventing the Stampede before it occurred, as recorded in ancient texts, is not widely known among the common people. They stared at me as if they couldn’t believe it, completely forgetting their earlier fearful attitude.

“Yeah, we got rid of the cause. And we also got a promise from the high-ranking priests. You can rest assured. There shouldn’t be any more Stampede in the Taleraan Border Count’s territory from now on.”

“You…!”

“Ah! …Thank you very much. We were worried about whether we could make it in our new land, so if we can continue living here, that would be the best.”

The man sitting on the coachman’s seat turned the carriage around with a smile and headed back the way they came. The surrounding residents, who seemed to have heard the exchange, were whispering to each other. It seems like it would be a good idea to inform everyone here once again.

“What I said earlier is true! You don’t need to worry about the Stampede anymore! And the decrease in monster sightings in the forest means you can rest easy!”

Thanks to my well-trained abdominal muscles, my voice carried well. The people on the main street cheered loudly and either went to inform acquaintances or scattered with smiles on their faces.

I should inform Mark and Chloe soon. They’ll surely be delighted with the pancakes too. I’ve only seen their gloomy faces for the past few days, so I can’t wait to see them smiling again.

Stopped by the pharmacy near the couple’s house and bought more honey, which we used in the kitchen yesterday. The honey with sterilizing effects is also sold at the pharmacy.

Entering the slums, when I knocked on the door of the children’s house, Mark appeared. At the same time, a faint smell of pancakes wafted out from inside.

“Knight Commander Vandière! Good afternoon!”

“Ah! It’s big brother!! Look! Daddy’s making pancakes right now!”

Chloe, happily munching on pancakes that were nowhere near as good-looking or sweet-smelling as the ones I made, compared to the ones I made. It seems Joseph is doing well.

“This is from Lord Taleraan’s official letter given to me yesterday. It seems that in case of injury due to Lord’s orders like mine, they will create a facility to provide jobs that can still be done. Did Knight Commander Vandière talk to Lord about this? Thank you very much!”

Joseph looks much more decent than before. It seems that all the fuss I made with the Border Count paid off.

However, the situation doesn’t seem conducive to presenting the honey pancakes I made. Since I promised Chloe last time that I would bring a souvenir, I should do something… ah.

“This is the souvenir I promised Chloe before. Since the monster incident has subsided, we’ll be returning to the capital in a week. Just came to let you know. Keep living happily.”

I handed the freshly bought bottle of honey to Joseph, and Mark and Chloe’s eyes sparkled at it.

“Amazing! Honey! Thank you, Knight Commander Vandière!”

“Thank you, big brother!”

“Honey!! Such an expensive thing…! Thank you so much, I’ll give it to the children right away. I’m really grateful, no matter how many times I thank you. Please take care when you return to the capital.”

“Ah, don’t mention it.”

From inside the closed door, the joyful voices of the children could be heard. The subordinates who had been waiting nearby seemed strangely smug.

“Big brother, I want pancakes too!”

Simon clasped his hands together and begged with a pleading look. Not cute at all. But they noticed that I hadn’t given them the honey pancakes I prepared.

“…Alright, during break time.”

“Hooray!”

Not only Simon but the other three were also delighted at my words. You guys want some too, huh? Well, whatever. I’ll endure it this time for their smiles. Not cute though.