I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 20: Return to the Capital

A week after destroying the fragment of the evil god, the day for our Third Knight Order to return to the capital arrived.

“Oh, you’re leaving already… We’ve become close enough to talk about foreign cuisine… though it may be presumptuous of me to say so, I wish I could have learned more from you.”

“Haha, then maybe if I get ennobled and receive a territory, I’ll come recruit you.”

“I’ll be waiting!”

It was half-joking, but the chef’s response was completely serious. Since our lodging was originally for unmarried members of the Border Knight Order, the chefs would continue cooking for them as before.

However, our departure also meant that the surplus spices we had been using would return to their original quantities, so the taste of the meals we made for ourselves would go back to how they were before. If anything, they might miss the spices more than us leaving.

With all the return procedures completed, we formed up in front of the main residence on horseback for the final send-off.

“Knight Commander Vandière and members of the Third Knight Order, you have worked hard until now. Thanks to you, peace has returned to this territory. I pray for your safe return to the capital.”

“No, we only did what we had to do. Clement, please take care of managing the health of your subordinates… Take care and continue to protect the Taleraan Border Count’s territory. That’s all for now. Everyone, mount your horses! Depart!”

Seeing Clement’s face turn red, we set off. It was probably Clement who spiked the food with laxatives.

“Captain Justin, are we really going to take seven days to return to the capital? It only took five days to get here.”

Vice Captain Orel approached on his horse.

“We hurried because there was an increase in monster attacks when we arrived. From the perspective of the royal castle folks, they probably wanted us to stay in the Taleraan Border Count’s territory as long as possible. No one will say anything about taking it easy on the return journey. And since some of us aren’t in the best condition, it’s better not to push it. Including you.”

“…You’ve really changed. I think the previous captain would have said something like ‘If you’re my subordinate, keep up’ and spurred the horse on. The recent captain is like a caring older brother, everyone says so.”

“Yeah, he’s like an older brother indeed.”

“Oh, big bro~!”

Just as Simon said something unnecessary and I turned around with a glare, I heard Chloe’s lovely voice. When I stopped the formation and looked in the direction of the voice, it seemed that the whole family had come to see off the Third Knight Order.

As we made our way to the gate of the capital through the main street, the rumor of our return today had spread, so quite a few residents were seeing us off.

When we first arrived in the capital, there was hardly any welcome; in fact, the streets were deserted. It seems they are grateful for reducing the monster damage to such an extent. Maybe their perception of the Third Knight Order has changed in the last week.

“Chloe, you came to see us off. Stay well.”

“Yeah, big brother, you too!”

I reached out to pat Chloe’s head as Joseph held her up, all while the surrounding area buzzed with excitement.

“Is that devilish Knight Commander Vandière smiling at the kid!? …That’s what they must be thinking. I get it, that feeling.”

“Don’t say unnecessary things.”

“Ouch! You don’t have to hit me.”

Taking advantage of my conversation with Chloe and the others, Simon was saying whatever he pleased. Arnault reprimanded him, but I’ll have to have a word with him later too.

Ultimately, we were bid farewell with words of thanks and cheers as we left the capital. It’s the first time we’ve departed like this, being thanked so warmly.

In the past, we were as much troublemakers in the streets as the monsters, causing disturbances, threatening residents with our domineering attitudes, and starting fights. They were probably relieved we were leaving or staring at us from inside their houses, as if to say, “Go home already.”

Because of that, my subordinates also seemed somewhat ticklish. If they keep this up, they might cause problems on the way back to the capital.

With such a large group, we spent the nights camping out, and I accompanied my subordinates when we stopped at villages and towns for supplies, serving as a lookout. Thanks to that, there were no major issues… well, except for nearly half of them throwing tantrums about wanting to visit brothels.

Instead, I let them blow off steam in training with me and helped out with cooking, surprising everyone with my skills. Though cooking is usually the squire’s duty, the taste ended up being like our previous meals, so I ended up getting involved.

Even though this body should have been cooking for the first time, thanks to my natural dexterity, I was able to cook skillfully, much to my surprise. As a result, I became closer to the squires, who had kept their distance from me before, or rather, they warmed up to me.

When we arrived in the capital, instead of welcoming citizens, we were met with residents frowning and whispering to each other. They were probably discussing how the city’s security would deteriorate again.

Though I understand we’ve done enough to deserve such reactions, I quietly sighed as I saw my subordinates, who seemed ready to start a fight any moment now.