That night, the meat festival was held with great anticipation.
In the courtyard in front of the cafeteria, grills were set up for roasting meat, and large chunks of meat were being cooked right before everyone's eyes.
Not only the Sixth Knight Regiment, who had earned the right to the meat, but also participants from the First, Second, and Fifth Knight Regiments were present, which was, of course, a natural action for knights who loved meat.
A lot of meat was served, and even more alcohol was distributed.
Hehehe, I have also completed the 'Coming of Age Ceremony' and am now an adult, so I can drink alcohol.
I picked up the yellow drink in front of me and gulped it down in one go.
"…Hmm, it's fizzy? It's kind of sharp and a bit bitter. Is this delicious?"
Trying to act like I was used to it in front of the knights, I was actually only on my second time drinking alcohol since the 'Coming of Age Ceremony' night.
Hehehe, but I'm amazing. Joining the knight regiment and drinking alcohol, I'm perfectly part of the adult world now!
Feeling happy, I drained my glass. Hehe, I guess I'm pretty cool.
Taking a new glass and drinking about half of it, I was spotted by Fabian.
"Fia, are you okay? Your cheeks are red."
"Yeah, I just feel like having red cheeks today."
Ah, isn't this line cool? Having a goal and needing alcohol for it sounds so grown-up!
I was smiling to myself, but Fabian chuckled at me.
"If you pass out, I'll probably have to carry you back. Hehe, without my armor, what excuse will I give?"
"Hehe, what are you talking about? I'm as light as a feather without my armor."
As I said this, I got some delicious meat for Fabian.
"The Flowerhorn Dia is the star of today, but it won't be served first. However, the Violet Boar is also very delicious, so try it."
"Sure, it is. It's delicious."
Fabian took a bite and chewed with a satisfied look.
Good, good. I'll keep encouraging Fabian to eat more meat and drink more alcohol to erase the memory of his weight from earlier.
While I was smiling and encouraging Fabian to drink, the entrance became noisy.
Turning around, I saw Sir Cyril, the First Knight Regiment Commander, and Chancellor Savis entering together.
Wow, this is the second time today! The Commander is one thing, but the Chancellor is a figure so high up that I rarely get to see him, yet the encounter rate is unusually high. Hmm, it feels like encountering an SS-rank monster.
I wanted to go thank them for helping me earlier, but they were immediately surrounded by a large group of knights before they could take a few steps.
This means I won't be able to get close for a while.
Well, it's a casual day, so I just focused on eating and having a good time with Fabian. But then, I was called by the Commander.
...Huh?
Tilting my head, I approached the Commander with Fabian and was led to a private room set up in part of the cafeteria. Inside, the knights from the Sixth Knight Regiment's Third Squad, who I had fought with, were also gathered.
...Huh?
The back of my neck started to tingle. This is the feeling I get when I'm about to be scolded by Brother Aldio. Commander, please don't...
I subtly took a few steps back and hid behind Fabian.
"Fia, I can see you. Come forward."
"...Yes."
Reluctantly, I stepped forward, trying to make as little noise as possible.
In front of me stood Commander Cyril, with the Sixth Knight Regiment Commander (judging by the sash color) a step behind him. Further back, Chancellor Savis was calmly seated in a chair.
...What should I do? I have a bad feeling about this.
Following Commander Cyril's instructions, the Third Squad members for today were lined up in three rows and seated in chairs in front of the Commander.
After confirming everyone was seated, Commander Cyril began.
"Well, I've gathered you all here for one reason. I want to praise your heroic performance today. Despite the absolutely unfavorable conditions and encountering a B-rank monster, you managed to corner it without losing a single life. I am truly impressed."
The Commander praised us with a warm smile, but the seasoned knights were not fooled.
They remained silent, frowning, bracing themselves for the inevitable reprimand.
"However..."
Suddenly, the Commander's smile vanished, and he became serious.
"Can someone explain why a new recruit from the First Knight Regiment was in command?"
Boom, crash—!!
If there were sound effects, it would be like that. It just fell! Commander Cyril definitely dropped the hammer!
"Unfortunately, I was struck by the monster's attack and lost consciousness. I am deeply ashamed."
He escaped! Squad Leader Hector used an apology to completely escape!
Raising his chin slightly, Commander Cyril looked around the Third Squad, including the acting squad leader.
"So? With all of you here, what were you thinking when you entrusted command to a new recruit from our regiment?"
"………………"
"The 'Starfall Forest' is under the jurisdiction of the Sixth Knight Regiment, right? That means the 'List of Inhabiting Monsters' for that forest has been distributed to all members of the Sixth Knight Regiment, correct? So, everyone should have read it and be familiar with all the types and characteristics of the monsters in the forest, right?"
"………………"
"Getting back to the point, with your knowledge of the forest's monsters and all of you here, what were you thinking when you entrusted command to a new recruit from our regiment?"
"………………"
As expected, the veteran knights remained silent, saying nothing unnecessary.
You're right, everyone! Silence is golden!!
"Oh, no one is answering my question. Just because we're from different regiments, you won't even talk to me? The Knight Regiment is a rather heartless organization, isn't it?"
Commander Cyril feigned a sad expression and sighed.
Then, he smiled at me.
"But, if you're a member of my regiment, I won't treat you so coldly. You'll surely answer my question honestly. Right, Fia?"
"Y-Yes...!!"
Scary. His smile is scary. I thought his serious face was scary, but his smile is even scarier!!
"F-F-Fabian, p-please help me..."
Whispering weakly, I looked up at Fabian, who was sitting to my right. He was pale and gritting his teeth.
No good. He can't help me...
"Acting Squad Leader, please help me..."
Desperately, I looked at the acting squad leader to my left. He was staring at the Sixth Knight Regiment Commander behind Commander Cyril with wide, dilated eyes.
The Sixth Knight Regiment Commander, a muscular knight in his early forties with rusty-colored hair, exuded a mature charm, but now that charm was concentrated into a single, oppressive force. With his arms crossed, he glared down at his subordinates, looking more like a member of the demon race.
No way. The acting squad leader is like a frog caught by a snake. No, a frog caught by a demon. He can't help me either...
Sigh, humans are truly alone. Now, I have to face the stormy Commander Cyril alone.
"Hehehe... Of course, Commander Cyril. If I can answer your question, I will."
I answered the Commander with a strained smile.
Hehehe... This is the beginning of a fun time that I'll never want to experience again...