Menu no.20 - But, there is no order yet?

The next morning, just as I was about to begin my shift, I headed toward the storage shed behind the guild hall to fetch some ingredients. The shed was separate from the main building, connected only by a stone path that crossed the open courtyard.

That was when I saw her.

Raiza stood in the middle of the courtyard, her crimson cape swaying gently in the morning breeze as she swung her sword. Each movement was precise, fluid, and effortless, as if the blade were an extension of her own body. Beside her stood her adjutant, Joan Vaelgarde, observing closely while occasionally stepping in to spar lightly.

It had been one full day since I had accompanied Raiza and Joan to receive her blessing.

And this . . . this was the first time I had truly seen Raiza wield a sword.

She wasn’t merely “good.” She wasn’t even “talented.”

She was unmistakably a knight!

The way her feet shifted across the stone, the way her grip never wavered, the calm expression on her face—everything about her radiated experience and discipline. Watching her train so casually made my chest tighten with awe. There was no wasted motion, no unnecessary flair. Just strength, control, and quiet confidence.

As I lifted a crate of supplies, Joan suddenly noticed me.

“Daiki!” she called out sharply.

I set the crate down and approached her. “Yes? Did you need something?”

She crossed her arms. “We’re waiting for our coffee and breakfast.”

I blinked. “Coffee? Breakfast?”

“Yes,” Joan replied, her tone growing sharper. “We ordered it yesterday. After morning training.”

“I . . .  didn’t receive any request,” I said honestly. “No one told me—”

Joan’s voice rose. “That’s impossible. I clearly placed the order last night!”

His irritation was obvious, and for a moment I found myself shrinking under his glare. But before things could escalate further, Raiza lowered her sword and walked toward us.

“Joan,” Raiza said calmly. “What’s wrong?”

Joan straightened immediately. “My lady, I placed an order for coffee and breakfast after training, but Daiki claims he wasn’t informed.”

Raiza turned her gaze toward me—not sharp, not accusing. Just attentive.

“Is it possible to prepare something quickly?” she asked.

Her composure alone eased the tension.

“Yes,” I answered immediately. “If it’s something simple.”

“That will do,” Raiza nodded. “Please prepare whatever can be served swiftly.”

I bowed lightly and turned toward the kitchen.

As I walked away, I glanced back. Raiza was speaking quietly to Joan now, her voice low but firm. Joan’s posture gradually softened, his head lowering slightly in what was unmistakably an apologetic gesture.

. . . So this is her charisma.

Raiza didn’t need to raise her voice. She didn’t need to command through fear. Her presence alone carried authority. The way she spoke, the way she stood—it all embodied the ideal image of a knight.

A true knight.

And despite being a woman, she carried that role so naturally that the thought never even crossed my mind.

She really was like a heroine straight out of an RPG.

.

.

.

By the time I finished preparing the drinks and breakfast for Raiza’s party—and moved the supplies from the storage shed into the kitchen—Alisa arrived.

“Alisa,” I asked, “did Raiza’s party request breakfast after their morning training last night?”

She frowned. “No. I don’t recall receiving anything like that.”

So it wasn’t just me.

Before I could respond, Erina suddenly appeared out of nowhere and hugged Alisa from behind.

“Aliiiisaaa~!”

CRASH.

Several metal plates slipped from Alisa’s hands and clattered loudly onto the floor.

“What are you doing?!” Alisa shouted, reflexively smacking Erina on the head with her soup ladle.

Bonk.

Erina collapsed to the floor with a pitiful whimper, a large bump already forming on her head as tears welled up in her eyes.

“…Ow…”

After the chaos settled, I crouched beside Erina.

“Erina,” I asked, “did Raiza’s party ask for breakfast and coffee after training last night?”

Her eyes lit up instantly. “Yes! They did, nyan!”

“Then why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I sighed.

Erina froze, her expression turning serious as she stared into space.

She thought for a long moment.

Then—

“I forgot, nyan! Te-he~”

…Why was there a te-he?

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Erina, please don’t forget things like this again.”

“Okayyy~”

I pulled out a small notebook from my pocket and handed it to her.

“From now on,” I said firmly, “write down every client request in this notebook. No exceptions.”

Erina accepted it with sparkling eyes. “Roger, nyan!”

I could only hope this would prevent future disasters.

As I exhaled, I glanced back toward the courtyard.

Raiza had resumed her training.

And for some reason, I felt like my peaceful days at the guild were about to get a little more… complicated.