2nd Day (4) | The Start of A New Life in "Hell" (3)

"Martha..." Anastasia muttered softly, her voice trembling with emotion as she gazed at her knight's battered form.

The mistress was deeply touched by the dedication of her trusted knight. However, seeing the people she cared for in such a pained state...

"... you don't have to force yourself," she said, concern etched clearly on her expression.

"On the contrary, my lady, I WANT this training," Martha replied firmly, her tone resolute. "Sir Butler might have been the one to suggest it, but in the end... I truly want to become stronger."

The brunette knight stepped forward, a clenched palm pressed over her heart as her gaze cast downward—a look of shame etched on her face.

"Yesterday's attack... no, this entire region and even Sir Butler himself have shown me how powerless... how arrogant I've been all this time..." she admitted, a tinge of regret lacing her tone. "I had thought my strength alone was enough to protect you, my lady, but..."

Her clenched fist trembled, her frustration evident.

"... when faced with the true dangers of this land, I froze in fear—almost giving up hope of defeating those who threaten your safety..." she continued, her voice cracking under the weight of her words, "... and even when I managed to vanquish that fear for a moment, my only resolution was to die protecting you, my lady."

Lady Anastasia was speechless upon hearing her knight's confession. She might have noticed it herself, but... her focus had not been on her loyal knight. Instead, the noblewoman had placed her hopes in the enigmatic butler.

Anastasia turned her head toward the butler in question... who had returned to tending the campfire, with Maid Bella by his side.

While her maid was listening intently to Martha's confession—understanding the knight's feelings of guilt and regret—the butler was focused solely on the task in front of him. However, his eyes occasionally glanced back toward them.

To the mistress, it was clear that Sebas chose not to interfere with the important conversation between the master and the knight.

So, she quickly turned her attention back to her knight, who had been patiently waiting for her attention before continuing.

"... My lady, I realize quite well how weak I am. I've been neglecting my swordsmanship in favor of becoming a general of the Knight's Order, but now..." the knight finally lifted her head and faced her mistress with determination, "... I want to become stronger! And I will gladly take this opportunity presented by Sir Butler so that I can become the knight you would be proud of!"

"Martha...!"

The mistress was struck by the knight's clear determination... and she felt ashamed of herself for even considering holding back her knight's wish to grow stronger for her sake.

"... I understand. If this is what you truly desire, I won't stand in your way. Train hard, Martha, and grow stronger... not just for my sake, but for yours as well!"

"...!" Martha's eyes widened, her heart surging with emotion at Lady Anastasia's clear support. "Yes, my lady!"

Anastasia nodded; pleased by her knight's conviction. She then turned her attention once again to Sebas and Bella.

"Miss Martha..." Bella murmured, visibly moved by the touching display of loyalty and determination.

On the other hand, Sebas had finally turned his attention toward them, giving a small smile of approval to the knight's vow.

"Sir Sebas, about the matter of checking the supply, would you mind accompanying me to it?" the mistress asked, reminding him of the plan they had made. "I would also like to have you elaborate on the items you have procured."

The butler stood up and gave a polite bow to her.

"As you wish, my lady," he responded smoothly. He then turned toward Bella. "Miss Maid, sorry, but do you mind taking over breakfast duty for today?"

"N-no problem, Sir Sebas! I don't mind at all! In fact, I would love to!" she exclaimed with determination, clearly inspired by Martha's earlier display of resolve and dedication.

"Glad to hear it~! Oh, but wait... just as a precaution..."

"Hmm? What is it, Sir Sebas?"

The butler in question turned toward the prepared ingredients near them... and picked up two particular mushrooms from the selection.

"I planned to make a mushroom dish for breakfast and had gone to the local forest to pick some of them~."

"Oh my, how wonderful, Sir Sebas! But wait... i-i-isn't that...!"

Bella scanned the mushrooms in his hands... and realized, quite shockingly...!

"T-t-the L-legendary Gold Shrine Mushroom...!!!" she exclaimed with wide eyes, her voice trembling with awe and disbelief! Her astonishment even surprised both Anastasia and Martha.

"G-gold Shrine Mushroom...!" Martha gasped, her expression quickly mirroring Bella's, joining in the growing excitement—even momentarily forgetting the pain she'd been enduring.

"Gold Shrine Mushroom...!" Anastasia echoed, her mind vividly recalling this rare and legendary delicacy, which was said to be worth as much—or even more—than a bar of gold...!

"They are~," Sebas confirmed casually, clearly amused by their astonished reactions.

All three ladies knew of the mushroom's existence... but only Anastasia herself had ever had the privilege of tasting one. Its rarity and exorbitant price made it an unattainable dream for most.

It was said that this mushroom was the very 'essence' of the Forest Goddess herself. A flavor so divine, it seemed to carry the purity of morning dew, the richness of fertile earth, and the warmth of golden sunlight all at once.

The noblewoman had savored every bite, the memory of its rich, velvety flavor and the faint hint of earthy sweetness lingering in her mind as one of her most cherished culinary experiences.

It made her wish that she could taste it once again... and now also share this divine taste with those close to her.

And now, the very 'essence' of that goddess... was in the palms of the smiling butler.

"B-but how did you procure such a legendary mushroom, Sir Sebas...?" Bella asked, voicing the question that both Anastasia and Martha silently shared.

"Oh, they're actually quite plentiful in the forest nearby~."

"Really...?!"

"Yup~."

The three ladies couldn't hold back their excitement at the prospect of being able to eat such a legendary and delicious mushroom—potentially as a daily occurrence.

But...

They all felt something off about these mushrooms... as they noticed the smile on the butler's face gradually widen into a mischievous grin.

"S-sir Sebas...?" Bella stammered, her voice trembling with anxiety as she watched his grinning visage.

"Well, it's good to know you ladies are excited. However... can you tell which of these two mushrooms is the Gold Shrine Mushroom... and which one is NOT?"