The first thing that catches the eye is undoubtedly the appearance of Hade and Terry.

Though their body shapes are different, both of them are handsomely well-built.

“But is it okay to say that? It’s not their fault, right?”

Then, attention turned to the hands of the two.

It seems okay to mention this. Their handiwork is the result of their efforts.

“Talent and skill? Terry plays the violin well, and Hade is skilled in craftsmanship, right?”

I pointed to several bamboo cups placed next to Hade.

Those were the bamboo cups for takeout from the cafeteria that I instructed him to make.

“And although they are still unfinished…”

Although Hade didn’t directly show the results of his work, it was clear at a glance how diligently he had worked.

The part where the lips touch on each cup, regardless of the different lengths, was smoothly shaved.

“Rounding processing. It will make customers comfortable.”

Various patterns crafted by him were also present in different parts of the cup.

“The patterns are also pretty… I haven’t given detailed instructions on what to do for convenience.”

It seemed like a touch beyond average sensibility. This is something worthy of praise.

“Just looking at it, you did really well, didn’t you? I look forward to the finished product.”

Hade genuinely smiled at my acknowledgment.

“Hehe, thank you, milady.”

Feeling satisfied with finding a commonality, my shoulders shrugged. However, Terry poked Hade’s side as if to say that wasn’t the right answer.

“But the important commonality is not that.”

As expected, Hade continued the conversation. He cleared his throat a few times and then expanded his broad shoulders.

“Terry and I have a commonality that we both really like milady.”

Ah, maybe because they are given food and employment?

“So, we decided to dedicate ourselves to milady’s pure heart.”

“To the pure heart… what?”

“To live and die for milady.”

Terry nodded his head twice.

“…Huh?”

I don’t understand why the conclusion is going in this direction. I can appreciate their gratitude, but isn’t their reaction a bit excessive?

“But that’s not the important part.”

Once again, Hade continued speaking. Hmm, he hummed a couple of times and then spread his shoulders wide.

“When Terry found out that he and I share the same feelings for milady, how moving it was…!”

Was hiring them such a favor that they would live and die for it?

Of course, it could be, but I couldn’t quite understand such an exaggerated reaction. While I was silent, Terry poked Hade’s side firmly.

“So, that means… milady saved us who had nowhere to go, right?”

“…”

“We’ll repay your kindness for a lifetime, that’s what it means.”

“What kindness is there when you’re already doing a good job…”

Hade swept his blonde hair with one hand and laughed heartily.

“So, we’ve established the DS Guard.”

Although it wasn’t a place where sunlight could come in much due to the dense bamboo forest, his white teeth seemed to shine brightly.

“The guard?”

“Yes, it’s a private knight order to protect milady.”

I was about to ask what a private knight order was. However, our conversation could not continue.

“Milady. Shush.”
Mildred hastily came to my side, biting back a groan. Cold sweat dripped from his forehead, indicating that his condition wasn’t great.

“Mildred? You’re not well, why aren’t you in the carriage?”

Mildred raised one side of his cloak, as if hiding behind it, and stood there, looking towards the road we had passed.

“Someone is approaching. It’s not likely to be a bandit-infested area, but there’s still a considerable number, so we need to be cautious.”

Upon hearing this, Hade and Terry also stood up, keeping an eye on the direction Mildred was wary of.

In the distance, dust rose. The sound of hoofbeats became increasingly loud. It seemed like they were rushing somewhere in a hurry.

“Hade, how many of our workers are there?”

“Counting Terry and me, there are twenty in total.”

Including Mildred, me, and the coachman, it meant there were twenty-three of us. I instructed Hade.

“Take the workers and hide for a moment. Come out when I call you.”

“…What?”

“In case they get startled passing by. Hurry.”

Hade had an expression of confusion, but he did as I instructed.

The work site became quiet.

The place we were standing wasn’t blocking the road, so there seemed to be no chance of a collision.

However, those who were approaching stopped their horses in front of us.

Fifteen middle-aged men on horseback, eight of whom dismounted and stood in front of us.

The man at the forefront had a rough appearance with a long scar on his right cheek, but his attire was very neat.

He seemed like a servant of some noble family.

“What’s this? What are you doing here in the forest owned by Count Morris?”

His tone was impure, making me uncomfortable. However, I couldn’t fight over his tone, nor could I cower.

It was wise to send them away quickly and resume the work.

“We’re logging with Count Morris’s permission. I’m not sure which family’s servant you are, but you seem busy, so just pass through quickly.”