There was also great dissatisfaction with the lack of a proper place to train their bodies.

Naturally, Lagos had not granted them access to the underground training grounds. However, the knights had no choice but to exercise in their rooms at best.

They also refused to eat in the communal dining hall. The thought of eating alongside mere servants? Such an insult was unbearable.

Instead, the maids brought meals to their rooms for every meal, and the knights accepted this as only natural. They had no real duties, and they themselves had discarded any opportunity to interact with the people of Lagos.

“So, did you manage to get anything worthwhile?”

Bernie asked with anticipation in his eyes, but Richard averted his gaze slightly.

In truth, the only things he had learned were trivial details. Who Sera had been with, what had happened, who had upset her today.

“Well, a little.”

“Seducing women for intel, huh… Well, that method does have an extensive history. It might work for you, but not for just anyone.”

Richard was, by all accounts, quite good-looking. Even back in the grand duchy, he had been quite popular.

Feeling pleased with himself, he spoke with a smirk.

“Whatever information I obtain will be a contribution to all of us.”

“As expected, you’re a man of loyalty.”

“But listen—I’ve been thinking. What if we go for something short and bold?”

“What do you mean?”

“The north wing.”

Richard narrowed his eyes.

“The one with that ridiculous curse nonsense. There must be something hidden there. We’ll be the ones to find it.”

“But His Grace specifically told us not to draw attention.”

“I’m not saying we act immediately. At the very least, we should check it out. Or are you planning to report back to His Grace later with—’We didn’t investigate the north wing because of some supposed curse’?”

“Hmm…”

“Let’s bring Mathis in and discuss it.”

Richard and Bernie exchanged glances and nodded.

 

❖ ❖ ❖

 

Cecilia was truly astonished.

“You finished it already?”

“Yes, Madam.”

Becky answered.

It had been fifteen days since Cecilia had instructed Becky to make the coat. The very next day after the order, Becky had come to her and asked,

 

⌜ Madam, when and where do you intend to wear the coat? If it’s for indoor use, we could make it with only a portion of the wool you provided. ⌟

⌜ I’m going to wear it outdoors. It needs to be warm enough to endure even the dead of winter. So don’t hold back—use all of the wool. ⌟

 

At the time, as Cecilia responded, she had thought to herself, ‘I’ll probably be able to wear it next winter.’

On the sofa table lay a package wrapped in yellowed leather and bound with a cord.

“Open it.”

Becky untied the cord and unfolded the leather covering the coat.

The quilted coat was blue.

At first glance, Cecilia thought Becky had simply brought back the coat she had given her to take apart.

“The outer fabric is made from the hide of a mutant blue-furred badger.”

Upon hearing this, Cecilia took a closer look.

Her original blue coat had been made of wool. But this one—It was covered in short, densely packed blue fur.

“Blue-furred badger hide has excellent water resistance. It won’t be a problem even if you get caught in the snow. It’s also incredibly light. However, its insulation is poor, so we quilted golden fleece on the inside.”

“I need to try it on first.”

Two maids held up the coat and assisted Cecilia in putting it on.

The hem fell below her knees.

Standing before the mirror, Cecilia turned this way and that, examining her reflection.

‘It’s perfect.’

It was lightweight, yet warmth enveloped her the moment she put it on. More than anything, she loved the design.

Even compared to a custom-made piece from the most renowned designer, there was no way this coat would be outshined.

“How did you manage to make this in just fifteen days? Did you do it all by yourself?”

Becky replied,

“No, Madam. I had a lot of help.”

Despite her words, Becky looked utterly exhausted. Dark circles shadowed her eyes.

“I never told you to drop everything else and focus only on making the coat.”

“That’s not the case, Madam. I did not neglect my other duties. I simply worked on it whenever I had time after finishing my regular tasks.”

“Becky.”

“Yes, Madam.”

“I always speak clearly. If I had meant for you to hurry, I would have said so.”

Becky hesitated before finally murmuring,

“I… Madam, it’s not that I felt pressured. I just lost track of time while making it. It was my first time crafting a coat, and… it was fun.”

She gave a shy smile. Despite her exhaustion, her eyes shone with genuine satisfaction.