"Phew... That was close."

Who would've thought things would escalate like this at the florist's? Hopefully, there won't be a next time.

"W-well then... Shall we head to the Fang Oni Group?"

I wasted some time with that detour, but since I've gathered the information I need, let's consider it a win.

Thinking so, as I began to walk, only for someone to call out to me from behind.

"Oh my, Young Ladyy~! You're going to the Fang Oni Group, aren't you~? I'll tag along~!"

"N-no, it's okay! Please don't worry about me!!"

"Aww, you don't have to be so shy~! As the clerk said earlier, this area can be dangerous, so it's safer to stick together, don't, you, think?"

Safety is something I can handle on my own, so that's fine. But being seen with a pervert in a pink magical girl outfit makes me feel uncomfortable, as if I'm attracting strange looks myself.

"Especially with the First Knight Order around, you never know what they might do."

She said this with a more serious expression than before. Perhaps because she knew about the First Knight Order.

"I-I see. But I..."

"No, wayy~! I've taken a liking to you, so I'll follow you wherever~!"

It seems futile to argue. Oh well, I'll just have to go along with it.

"Sigh... Understood. I don't expect anything interesting to happen, though."

"That's fine~. Just being by your side is entertaining~. By the way, I never got your name. Would you mind telling me~?"

"My name is Elaina."

I replied to Peach with a bewildered expression.

"Elaina, what an intriguing name. Mine's Peach. Nice to meet you."

"...Nice to meet you too."

"I'll call you Laina-chan!"

"...As you wish."

Since there likely won't be a next time, I'll just endure the odd looks from others.

"Now that the introductions are out of the way, shall we head to the Fang Oni Group?"

"Yes, let's."

I answered Peach, as if to reassure myself.

"The Fang Oni Group seems to be straight ahead at the end of this road."

"Alright, let's go~!!"

"Roger... Yeah."

As Peach made a fist and raised her right arm, I sighed and replied, starting towards the Fang Oni Group.

"...Hey, Laina-chaan~."

"What is it?"

"Are you perhaps curious about the First Knight Order~?"

"Huh!? How did you know?"

I was indeed wishing for more information about the First Knight Order.

"Okay then~! I'll give you a brief explanation about the First Knight Order~!"

"Is it okay to talk about the First Knight Order to me?"

While I appreciate it, I hope she doesn't divulge any classified information.

"If it's for reporting, more information is better, right? And, be-, sides! I won't tell you anything I'm not supposed to~!"

Well, I'm not particularly seeking classified information anyway.

"...Alright, please keep it simple."

"Sure thing~! To put it briefly, the First Knight Order is entirely different from the other knight orders~!"

"Different how?"

"Well~, in this country, there are up to the Third Knight Order~. Basically, the Knight Commander selects recruits from soldiers who have served for three years and volunteered, or scouts talented individuals from soldiers, citizens, or the General Guild for recruitment~."

Hmm, so that's why I was invited to join the knight order back then.

"However~... the First Knight Order mainly recruits nobles."

"Nobles mainly?"

"That's right~, besides graduates from the Liedgarm Magic Academy, they also recruit problematic individuals like the second or third sons of noble families.

So, it's best to avoid them as much as possible since they've always been weak in ability and prone to causing trouble~. That's what I've been told~."

I see. I don't know where in the Liedgarm Kingdom she belongs, but considering Peach's warning, it's best to be cautious around the First Knight Order.

"Laina-chaan~, we're approaching the Fang Oni Group~!"

"Oh, right!"

As our destination appeared on the screen's map, I noticed we were getting closer. We approached the shop.

"Hmm..."

"Oh my~? What's wrong~?"

"Oh, it's nothing... Don't mind me."

I said to Peach, but it bothered me. After all, amidst Western-style buildings, this place had an exterior that felt like it belonged in a period drama.

Just as I imagined, a sign with the family crest and the group's name was hanging on a thick pillar.

Is this actually an old-fashioned yakuza office?

"W-well, let's just... go in and deliver the goods... yeah."

"Sounds good~!"

For the sake of safety, let's drop off the items and leave quickly!!

With that thought in mind, I walked through the gate and lifted the curtain hanging at the entrance of the shop. Upon entering, I surveyed the shop, seeing various tools from weapons to furniture scattered around.

"Wow! This place is amaziing!"

"That's right~. This is what the Fang Oni Group is like~!"

"You knew about it?"

"Yes, I did~. It's a famous shop lately~."

"Famous? What kind of goods does this shop deal with?"

"This is a furniture and magical tools store. The main branch is in the Demon Country. This is a branch."

I looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man with a bright face and horns protruding from his forehead sitting on a cushion laid out on tatami mats.

"Hello, I'm the store manager, Kioli Fold. Nice to meet you."

The demons I've met so far had a cool and composed demeanor, but this man was completely different. He had a cheerful smile and seemed somewhat carefree.

"Ah! Nice to meet you, I'm Elaina."

I bowed slightly, and he returned the gesture. Perhaps this world has a country with the same culture as Japan.

"Thank you very much for coming. Do you have something prepared for our shop?"

"Yes, actually, I've come to deliver a package from the General Guild."

"Thanks. Is the package outside?"

"No, I'll take it out of my Item Box. Where should I put it?"

"Item Box? ...Ah, I see! You'll go back to the General Guild for the rest, right? Don't worry, I'll sign off when everything's gathered, so you don't have to worry. We're not in a hurry, so take your time!"

Hmm... It seems like the Item Box skill in this world is fundamentally different from my Storage skill. I should ask God about it later, shouldn't I? Anyway, I need to hand over all the package.

"Erm... Well, I have all of it on me. Where should I put them?"

"You can't be serious. You have an Item Box that can hold that much?"

Upon hearing that, Kioli looked surprised and leaned in closer to me.

"Umm, yes..."

"If that's the case, just put everything here!"

The shopkeeper lightly tapped on the tatami mat, urging me.

"Okay, understood."

After saying that, I opened my storage and started placing the magical tools on the tatami mat. Kioli looked surprised as he alternated between looking at me and the luggage.

"Wow, you really have all the items you were commissioned for?!"

"Yes, and here is the confirmation document."

"Thank you, beautiful young lady."

"Funyuu!?"

I involuntarily let out a strange sound and blushed, tensing up.

"Young lady, why is your face turning red?"

"P-pleash, don't mind me..."

I shook my head lightly, trying to regain my composure.

"Is that so? Well, I'll check the goods, so please sit on that cushion over there!"

"Ye-yesh..."

"Ufufu~, excuse me~."

I, still blushing, and Peach sat down on the cushion, then Peach turned towards me.

"Do you perhaps~, happen to be a little shy~?"

"...Yes."

"Even so, that reaction was abnormal, you know?"

"Uuuu~... but..."

I'm aware of it, but I can't fix it, so it's frustratiiing!!

"Ufufu~, if that's your genuine reaction, it might just become your charming point~."

"P-Please don't make fun of me!"

As we were having such a conversation, an employee carrying a tray with tea approached us from the back of the store and placed the tea in front of us.

"Here's some tea, please enjoy."

"Oh! Thank you very much. We appreciate it."

"Oh my~, how thoughtful of you~! We'll enjoy it~."

"Not at all~, take your time~."

After the employee walked back to the rear of the store, I picked up the tea, blew on it a bit to cool it down, and started to drink.

Ahh... it tastes so nostalgic...

"The tea from the Demon Kingdom truly has a different color and taste~. But this one is delicious in its own way~."

"That's right. Green tea is predominant in the Demon Kingdom, while black tea is more common around here."

By the way, it seems that there is little demand for Oolong tea, and it's only available in certain regions. It's a pity, it's good for preventing cavities and obesity...

"Well, that's true~."

"Master Kioli!! This is bad!!"

Turning towards the direction of the voice, I saw a panicked demon guy rush in from the entrance.

"Why are you running here in such a panic?"

"W-Well, for some reason... the land we bought is now claimed by the Uble Trading Company starting today, and they're ordering us to evacuate!!"

"What?! That's outrageous! There's no need to comply with such tyranny!!!"

"Master Kioli. It's not just that!"

"Is there more?"

"The members of the First Knight Order are coming here with them!"

"No way?!"

Things seemed to be getting serious as I listened to the conversation. And to make it worse, the names of the Uble Trading Company and the First Knights came up.

"T-this is quite a situation. I registered with the General Guild three days ago, so I thought everything was safe..."

"Well, if that's the case, then I think you're actually fine."

Everyone present turned to look at me.

"Why do you say that?"

"Laina-chaan, do you have some reason or method for saying that~?"

While the two of them looked at me with puzzled expressions, I calmly responded.

"Yes, I do. On the basis that Mr. Kioli bought this land, not rented it, is that right?"

"Yeah, that's right. I bought it from the previous owner."

"And you've properly stored that contract, right?"

"Oh yeah, I've stored it in my Item Box."

Alright! If you have the contract, you have a right to complain.

"You should confront them with that."

While it proves ownership, the opponent is a corrupt business with the backing of the First Knight Order. Insurance is absolutely necessary.

"...Then"

"""Then?"""

"Let's call the staff of the General Guild. Let's have them act as mediators!"

Well, actually, we're not calling for a mediator, but rather for reinforcements!

"So, please call the staff of the General Guild here right away!"

"Got it. Chinor, hurry and go to the General Guild!"

"Understood, Master Kioli!!"

The man called Chinor turned around and ran out through the store's entrance.

"Laina-chaan, you're really something~! It's so impressive to be cute and smart at the same time~. I'm truly impressed~!!"

"Myu?!?"

Peach suddenly said, making my face flush, but I had to regain my focus as we still needed to continue the conversation. So, I shook my head to regain my composure.

"Whe... We have things to do as well."

"We do? What might that be~?"

"It's about the Uble Trading Company. We have to halt their overtaking of the land here. It's because once it's surrendered, it might be too late to resolve the issues."

"Too late?"

"Yes. It means that even if we resolve the issue and get the shop back, it'll be costly to renovate and fix the interior. Or, if the land is returned but in an empty state, the shop can't just reopen right away... What should we do? Especially since the shop was vandalized before the issue was resolved, it's difficult to resume business immediately. That sort of thing."

"Even if the issue with the shop ownership gets resolved and the shop is returned, it'll be costly to renovate and fix the interior. Plus, if the land is returned as an empty lot, it's practically impossible to just reopen the shop... What then? Furthermore, even if we manage to resolve the issue after the shop was vandalized, reopening immediately is out of the question, which would be troubling. That's the situation, isn't it?"

"I see..."

And if we don't somehow deal with the First Knights and the Uble Trading Company here and now, there will be more victims next.

"Then, Mr. Kioli!"

"Yes, young lady?"

"I'd like to offer my assistance with this issue free of charge."

"Really? It doesn't seem like it concerns you, miss."

"It's fine. Because I'm a member of the General Guild."

"Hmm... I see, got it!"

After clapping his hands, Kioli looked at me and started speaking.

"In that case, I'll rely on you, young lady!"

"Yes, I'm happy to help!"

"Ufufu~, I'll lend a hand too~!"

Huh? Seriously?!

"I know it might sound strange coming from me, but why are you willing to help?"

"I can't just leave you to help alone, Laina-chan~. Besides, I owe a debt to the First Knight Order, so I have to repay it~!"

...Well, she seems capable, so I guess I can rely on her... right?

"Please, Ms. Peach."

"Ufufu~! Leave it to me, Peach!!"

After saying that, Peach winked at me and Kioli, who tensed up.

"Uh, yeah. We... look forward... to it?"

Yeah, that's the kind of reaction I would expect.

"Then let's wait outside so they can't get into the shop. We don't want the shop to be vandalized."

"Understood~!"

"Yeah. Mitatsu, just in case, I'll leave you in charge of watching the shop!"

With that said towards the back of the store, a response of "Yes!" echoed back.

"Okay, let's go outside!"

"Yes."

"Ufufu~, this is going to be interesting~!"

After responding to Kioli, Peach and I went outside together to confront the Uble Trading Company.