Unable to decide whether it was okay to tell the familiar that it was a black dragon, I just stared at the captain.
The captain traced the black ring on my left wrist with his finger and then slowly began to think.
"Ah, you don't have to say what kind of monster it is. If it's a monster you made a contract with before joining the order, there's no obligation to report it. Besides, in the unlikely event that the monster you made a contract with was strong or rare, the Monster Knight Order would pressure you to transfer, so it's better if it's unknown." (Cyril)
Then the captain patted me on the head.
"In fact, if someone from the Monster Knight Order asks you, it might be best to just smile and keep quiet. They tend to gauge rank by the strength of the monsters they control. If they find out your familiar is weak, they'll immediately start mocking you, so it's more effective to be pompous and leave the question ambiguous." (Cyril)
"Well, why do you think my familiar is weak?" (Fia)
The captain couldn't help but smile at my question.
"The fact that you're asking such a question is proof that you know nothing about familiar contracts, and makes me imagine that the monsters you have subjugated are weak... Generally, the strength of a familiar is measured by the width of the familiar contract mark. In other words, the wider the mark, the stronger the monster, and the narrower the mark, the weaker the monster. Even the weakest H-rank monsters are usually around 1 cm wide." (Cyril)
Huh? So, does that mean that Zavilia is weak despite how he looks?
It's all show off! Zavilia is just showing off!
"Well, to be precise, the length of time between when the knight begins the familiar contract to subjugate the monster and when it is completed is what determines the width of the evidence... so if the knight is very strong or the monster is sympathetic, the width of the evidence will be narrower than usual." (Cyril)
Oh, I see.
That's right. I remembered now, Zavilia defeated an A-rank monster while I was sleeping.
Hehe, I knew it. I knew Zavilia was strong.
"So, I think it would be best for you to put on a strong face, maintain your flirtatious attitude, and not mention the monster’s name… However, it’s the first time I’ve seen something as thin as one millimeter, so I wonder how far your bluff will go…" (Cyril)
The captain put his fingers under his chin and began to think deeply.
"If you think about it normally, it would be reasonable to assume that you made a familiar contract with an H-rank monster that was weakened due to injury or some other reason in such a short time, right...?"
The captain seemed to be mumbling something, but it's okay. I understand, Captain!
It's like the things that are created through imagination are the strongest, right?
Rather than actually showing the black dragon, it's better to let the other person imagine what kind of monster it was so that they could imagine something terrifying, right?
Yes, Captain, your wise subordinate understood your meaning perfectly.
I tried to smile and show the captain I understood, but for some reason the captain just let out a big sigh.
Hmm? I thought the same thing at first, but maybe he's tired.
"Captain, you seem more tired than usual today. Maybe you shouldn't push yourself too hard?" (Fia)
Despite the kind words he spoke, the captain just glared at me.
"You barely remember anything from yesterday. ... I was called a terrible yesterday, so it hurts a bit."
"Te-terrible?! That's against the captain?! What kind of idiot is it?! And by the way, is that person still alive?!" (Fia)
"Yes, you seem to be doing fine, huh?" (Cyril)
The captain glared at me and sighed.
Oh, you really don't look like you're in good spirits. Well, you'll have your direct subordinate comforts you!
"That's a bit of a mean person. Don't worry about what they say! By the way, I've never used such foul language in my life." (Fia)
"Oh..." (Cyril)
The captain spoke in a monotone voice. Wh-what is this?
Even though his subordinate were desperately trying to comfort him!
"Well, well, but to say such an abusive word to a captain is courageous, reckless, doesn't regret his life, or all of those types, right?" (Fia)
"To be precise, it wasn't just to me who said terrible, it was to Commander too, though." (Cyril)
"What?! Th-Towards Commander? Th-That's total disrespect! It's punishable by death! Actually, they'll get a beating from all the knights!" (Fia)
Scary. That person who said that was scary. Maybe he wasn't in his right mind. To say something so self-destructive. Wow, just thinking about it sent chills down my spine.
However, the Captain denied my words.
"No, no punishment. The other person was a child and was merely answering Commander's question." (Cyril)
"Oh, a child! I'm glad they survived! But that child must have been terrified!" (Fia)
"Well, maybe they don't feel anything and have already forgotten about it. I think the ones who are really struggling are the parents of that kid." (Cyril)
The captain muttered with strange realism.
Hmm? But I think that kid is more nervous after all.
"By the way, Fia. I already got your permission last night, but it seems you don't remember, so I'd like to ask you again. Please don't tell anyone that I'm stronger than Commander." (Cyril)
"I understand! I will never cause any trouble to Captain. I will keep my promise." (Fia)
I looked at the captain with sparkling eyes.
"...Maybe the biggest problem is the discrepancy between the inconvenience it causes you and the inconvenience it causes me." (Cyril)
As the captain said this, he sighed deeply.
Now then...
I was thinking as I walked down the long corridor towards the Fourth Monster Knight Order.
The beginning is the most important part of anything. I wonder if I should bring a gift to raise the favorability of the Monster Knights. No, but we'll be there in about five minutes, so it's too late to prepare anything now. Hmm, I guess I'll give up on the gift plan...
While I was doing this, I ended up arriving at the captain's room of the Fourth Monster Knights, so I knocked and called out.
"Excuse me——! I'm _FIARUUDO_ from the First Knight Order! I'll enter the room!" (Fia)
When I entered the room, I saw a knight with deep frowns on his brow, sitting in a chair with his arms and legs stretched out in an unruly manner.
"Ha! I was told you would be coming first thing in the morning, but it's a long time coming! If this is you guys' first thing in the morning, then being a member of the First Knights must be a good position!"
Wow, that's absolutely true!
"I'm so sorry! I sincerely apologize for being late!" (Fia)
I bowed deeply and then the knight kicked his chair away and stood up.
"I'm Gideon Arks, vice-captain of the Fourth Monster Knights. Since the captain is away for an extended period of time, I'm the person in charge here." (Gideon)
He was a large knight in his mid-thirties with copper-colored hair. His whole body exuded an air of arrogance.
Gideon ruffled his short hair and looked at me with an annoyed look.
"Wow, this is another incredibly capable person. I was wondering what kind of person it was, because was recommended by Captain SHIRIRU, the First Knight Order, but it turns out it's still a chick that hasn't even left its shell yet!" (Gideon)
...Wow, he looked grumpy. He must be a weak morning person.
"Anyway, what is he planning on keeping in my custody for a while, while you remain a member of the First Knight Order? Is he just playing around? Seriously, the First Knights are the top knights, so they're only thinking about what's convenient for them!" (Gidion)
Hmm, that's true. It's very forceful to have something decided last night carried out this morning. Captain Cyril was actually a very capable person.
"So? Apparently, you can measure the life force of monsters. Wow, thank you, thank you. That's a big help! What did you think I'd say?!" (Gideon)
The vice-captain, Gideon, spread his arms wide and put on a happy expression, but then his face suddenly took on a frightened expression and he slammed his foot on the table.
...You've been a busy man for a while now.
Judging from the way he acted with gestures and other actions, he didn't seem like a bad person, but I wondered how to respond?