Although I was told to be a source of encouragement for this land, I didn't know what specific actions I should take, so I asked Commander Cyril.
"Well, I think it would be good if you and I, along with Curtis, tour this land. Even if you don't do anything, the residents will react strongly to seeing you. You might say that it will make them stop and think," said Commander Cyril.
"I see..."
As I nodded in response to Commander Cyril's words, he quietly took my hand.
"Fiara... Please report to me in detail about anything the residents say or do when I'm not with you."
"Understood."
I could understand the concern in Commander Cyril's eyes, so I smiled and replied.
Despite this, Commander Cyril still seemed worried, holding my hand tightly. Watching him, I thought that being a commander must be a tough job.
...Well, I don't think his worrying nature and kindness are bad traits, though.
I tilted my head and confirmed my next actions with Commander Cyril.
"Commander Cyril, Fabian and I were planning to go shopping in town. Should we change our plans?"
"...No, if that's the case, I think we should all go together."
Due to Commander Cyril's suggestion, we all decided to head to town.
While Commander Curtis seemed relaxed, being familiar with the area, Commander Cyril appeared uneasy.
...Hmm, Commander Cyril is the type who worries a lot and goes through a lot of trouble.
At the very least, I decided to avoid causing any more trouble for Commander Cyril and not to act in a way that would burden him.
Even though he couldn't have heard my thoughts, Fabian glanced at me.
"What are you thinking so seriously, Fiara? I think you should just act as you normally do. Trying to do something different might invite problems," said Fabian.
"Rude! I'm a polite and quiet new knight all the time," I retorted.
"......"
"......"
"Exactly. I think you're a reserved knight," said Commander Curtis, the only one who agreed with me.
Feeling a bit dissatisfied, we entered the town.
As expected of a town in a duchy, it was bustling with activity. The streets were wide, and shops lined both sides. People were walking around, munching on fruits, chatting with friends, and peeking into stores, all looking very happy. The shops ranged from food stores selling bread and meat to stores selling daily necessities and miscellaneous items, making it fun just to look around.
Suddenly, I remembered something and turned to the three of them with a proud expression. I took out the envelope from my inner pocket and showed it to them.
"Look, I'm the one with the military funds this time! Surprisingly, Commander Desmond gave me some senbei money!"
I waved the envelope, which contained the senbei money given to me by Commander Desmond of the Second Knight Regiment.
"Hmm, I didn't expect Desmond to give senbei money to someone who isn't directly under his command. That's surprising," said Commander Curtis, tilting his head in confusion.
Commander Cyril, however, dismissed it bluntly.
"Commander Desmond doesn't have a wife or a lover. Despite his high salary, he has no one to spend money on. He must have plenty left over to give senbei money to Fiara."
"Um, what should I get as a souvenir for Commander Desmond?"
I tried to steer the conversation back to my own topic, but I was interrupted.
"An item to ward off women or, conversely, a matchmaking item would be good."
"Commander Cyril's idea is interesting, but I think food would be better for Commander Desmond. Meat, meat, and more meat. Cured meat would last a long time and is highly recommended," said Fabian, offering a new suggestion.
"Since Sutherland is famous for its shellfish, how about a chessboard made of shells?"
Oh, please stop suggesting such different items.
Whichever one I choose, it will cause some trouble. If I buy all of them, it will probably exceed the amount of senbei money...
While I was thinking about this, I decided to buy a fish wrapped in leaves from a nearby stall.
"One, please! I'll eat it right away."
The shop owner smiled and tried to hand me the item, but he suddenly widened his eyes when he saw my hair.
"Huh? Is something wrong?"
Surprised by his reaction, I couldn't help but ask.
"N-no, nothing..."
The shop owner, mumbling, handed me the item but clearly avoided eye contact.
Ah, this must be the "red hair rejection reaction" that Commander Cyril mentioned. It's so obvious that I can't miss it.
While thinking this, I peeled the leaves and started to prepare the fish to eat.
"Oh, it's really cooked. I always thought of this fish as grilled..."
The fish, with its distinctive green round pattern, is only found in the Sutherland Sea. I remembered how delicious it was when I had it grilled in my previous life.
Hearing my murmur, the shop owner looked up, surprised.
...Ah, did I open my mouth too wide while eating? Or did I get sauce on my mouth? I casually wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, but no sauce came off.
Ah, this intense staring must also be part of the "red hair rejection reaction"?
While thinking this, I turned to Commander Cyril, Commander Curtis, and Fabian.
"This fish is really delicious. Would you like to try it, Commanders?"
All three of them shook their heads in unison.
Oh, it's so delicious.
While munching on the remaining fish, I moved away from the store and peeked into the next one.
The next store had several large brown nuts, about the size of my head, on display.
"Ah, these are delicious nut juices!"
The shop owner smiled and looked up at my voice, but he flinched when he saw my red hair.
...Ah, another "red hair rejection reaction."
Being stared at like this just for my appearance makes me feel like a monster. Grr.
"Sir, is my red hair scary? Or is there something terrible about my appearance that I haven't noticed?"
Since the shop owner seemed kind, I asked him frankly.
The shop owner was silent for a few seconds, then looked me up and down before speaking hesitantly.
"Are you a knight... or a saint in knight's clothing?"
"Yes, I'm a knight. I usually serve in the capital, but I'm visiting Sutherland for a goodwill mission."
"A knight, a knight... even with red hair."
"Red hair comes in many shades. The red of the Great Saint is the color of dawn... This color is definitely not it."
"What a waste. You have such beautiful red hair..."
A crowd had gathered, and people around us were commenting.
As Commander Cyril said, the residents do have strong feelings about red hair. Some of their comments triggered a memory.
"The color of dawn... I remember someone once described my hair as the color of dawn."
Hmm, where was it?
It was definitely in my previous life, but people used to describe my red hair in various ways.
"Is this hair color the color of dawn..."
"This is... that..."
Suddenly, the residents started to stare at my hair as if they were seeing something impossible.
Ah, did I say something that drew so much attention?
Just as I was about to say something, something hit my back with a thud. I turned around and saw a child who had fallen on their bottom after bumping into me.
Looking closely, it was one of the children I had met at the beach earlier.
"Are you okay?" I asked, helping the child up, but they started to tremble.
"H-help! Everyone... everyone was attacked by monsters in the forest!"
"What?"
Surprised, I couldn't help but exclaim, but I quickly crouched down to be at eye level with the child to calm them down.
...Monsters?
I hope they're not too strong...
Just as I was about to speak, I noticed that Commander Cyril and the others, who were supposed to be far away, were standing right behind me.
...Ah, right. I'm with three strong knights.
Even if the monsters are a bit strong, it shouldn't be a problem.