I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 21: Homecoming

After arriving at the Third Knight Order’s headquarters, the Third Barracks, just a five-minute ride from the royal castle, the first thing I did after dismissal was to replenish our stock of spices and herbs. We arrived at the Third Barracks around 3 p.m., and I instructed the civilian officials of the Third Barracks to use the reserve funds to make the purchases since the shops were still open.

Initially hesitant, the accountant quickly agreed when I mentioned that the knights’ behavior had improved significantly. Well, considering how unruly they used to be, I understand his sentiment.

Until now, even if they were punished by skipping meals, they could still indulge in buying snacks somewhere. But now that they’ve experienced new flavors, it’s different. In terms of taste, it’s comparable to what you’d find in high-end restaurants or noble estates, but no one can cook using herbs except for the holy maiden and those I taught in the latter part!

“From today, the cooks who went to help at the First and Second Barracks will also return, right? I’ll teach them recipes that will significantly improve the taste, so mealtime will be something to look forward to from today. You’ll understand why the subordinates have become so well-behaved.”

With a sly smile, I left the office. The civilian officials seemed stunned, but upon reflection, I felt like I had uttered several words that I, the old me, would never have said. Well, they’ll probably notice the change in my personality soon enough, so there’s no point worrying about it.

I’m exhausted and would love to stretch out in the large bath of the main bathhouse, but right now, I must look like a mess. After casting a purification spell, I returned to my room and changed into casual clothes.

“Ahh… It’s been a while since I took off my chainmail armor other than when going to sleep. I feel so light!”

I stretched and savored the sense of liberation. I truly feel grateful to be a noble with magical abilities, able to clean my entire set of equipment with just one purification spell. I’d love to dive into bed right now, but I need to teach the cooks how to use the herbs, which should arrive soon.

I took out a copy of the recipes that the head cook of the Border Count had written down from my magic bag, the Magic Bag.

“Oh… if I just hand this over, I won’t have a copy of the recipes. Oh well, I have no choice but to copy them.”

I need to hurry before the herbs arrive. I quickly copied the recipes and headed to the kitchen.

“Umm… Knight Commander Vandière, dinner time is still a while away. Is there something you need?”

The head cook’s response reminded me of the first time I visited the Border Count’s kitchen, and I couldn’t help but smile wryly.

“Cook, please take this. From today, we’ll be getting extra supplies of spices and herbs, so I want you to cook according to these recipes. You only need to adjust the seasoning and add a few extra ingredients, so the menu should be fine as it is.”

“Um… I’ve never heard of using these ingredients before. If I get scolded by the other knights for this…”

This reaction is the second time now.

“No problem. Everyone in the Border Count has already been eating dishes made from those recipes. In fact, complaints might arise if the seasoning remains the same as before. I remember the head chef mentioning that he had worked at a noble’s mansion before. From now on, he’ll be able to cook even better dishes than those found in noble households. …No, scratch that. Once he masters these recipes, he’ll be able to cook dishes even tastier than those eaten by royalty.”

“Even tastier than dishes eaten by royalty…?”

The head chef looked back and forth between me and the recipes, swallowing nervously. Normally, he wouldn’t encounter herbs treated as medicinal plants, but despite being cautious, he seemed interested in delicious dishes… or so it appeared.

“If you’re worried, why not try making a small portion to see? That way, you’ll notice the difference, right? At least, the ingredients for today should arrive soon, so I’m counting on you.”

“Understood…”

Though looking anxious, once he tries it, he’ll probably get hooked like the head chef of the Border Count did. In novels, it spreads throughout the capital as soon as the saint teaches it.

The saint, huh… Let’s see, about a month after Stampede, she was brought from the mountain where she lived to the capital. Tomorrow, I’ll be going to the castle to meet the king. According to the novel, I should have been scolded harshly by His Majesty and then immediately attacked Miss Diane.

This time, I prevented Stampede beforehand, so the story will change, and I won’t attack Miss Diane. But the saint herself should have already been found, and it’s about time the temple officials went to the mountain to fetch her.

Tomorrow, when I meet Miss Diane, I’ll apologize for everything that’s happened so far and advise her to think about what to do when the saint arrives. While thinking about such things, as I was about to return to my room on the second floor, knights started pouring out of the large bathhouse across the hall.

“Oh, Captain Justin! We were just talking with everyone earlier, but are we pooling money again to make the meals tastier!?”

It was Marius, a squire, who asked, and Simon and the others were waiting for my answer.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already instructed the civilian officials to arrange for the necessary items. Besides, unlike in the Border Count, we have a budget here that I can manage somewhat freely, so I’ve told them to cover the costs from there, so there won’t be any burden on you guys.”

“Wow! Captain, you look even more handsome than usual! Even in civilian clothes, your overflowing elegance makes it clear that you’re noble!”

“Simon, you’re in too high spirits.”

Marius, who reacted faster than Simon, tried to complain, but he was silenced. Well, as long as it’s just banter like this, it should be fine to leave them alone.

“For now, you guys have today and tomorrow off. Orel and I will be going to the audience tomorrow. If you guys cause trouble while we’re not around… you know what will happen, right?”

Giving my subordinates a stern look, they all responded in unison with a resolute “Yes, sir.”

“Ah, it’s tough being a captain or vice-captain at times like this, isn’t it? We need to make sure not to cause trouble for those captains, right? Simon.”

“Me!?”

Arnault warned Simon, who seemed most likely to mess up, by name, and although Simon grumbled with dissatisfaction, the other members around nodded in agreement, causing Simon to fall silent.