One week had passed since Leobolt had taken over as Commander of the Guard Corps, and the Fifth Squadron and I were out patrolling the capital as part of our regular duties.
When Bolton had been our commander, we had had a certain degree of freedom. As long as we performed our patrols properly and fully completed our rounds in the allotted time, we wouldn’t get in trouble if we slacked off a little bit along the way.
However, once Leobolt had taken over, that became a thing of the past. Slacking off was completely inexcusable. Anyone who happened to get reported by other guards would receive harsh punishment. A number of guards had already experienced that ordeal. Everyone had to be as careful as possible.
“If I convince the other guards to shut their mouths, maybe I could get away with slacking off?” Spinoza was searching for some way to skirt around the rules.
“But you might get reported just for suggesting that they stay silent.”
I nodded at Fam’s counterargument. “That’s exactly what Leobolt is counting on—making us keep an eye on each other so we can’t trust each other anymore. Then nobody will be able to slack off.”
“And now everybody is on edge because of that...” Seira was concerned about the atmosphere that hung over the Guard Corps.
“There aren’t that many guards who’ve always carried out their duties flawlessly like Seira has. All the guards who can’t manage to adjust probably feel like they’re suffocating right now,” I said.
“Spinoza probably feels like she’s been completely hog-tied,” Fam agreed.
“Hey, you slack off just as much, with your whole thing about followin’ Sieg around! You’re not gonna be able to do that if you’re bein’ monitored.”
Fam let out a chuckle. “I would never be so careless as to let the other guards see me.”
She had complete confidence in her stealth operations, no doubt—though personally, I really kind of wanted her to cut it out...
“Oh, a pub,” Spinoza said.
As we had been patrolling the street, a pub had come into view.
“Can I, Sieg? Pleeease?” Spinoza turned to me, putting her hands together in a pleading position. “Lemme have just one drink... No, just one drop, even!”
“Did you listen to a single word we just said?”
“C’mon, I’ve been good—I haven’t slacked off one single bit ever since patrol started today. If I don’t start lettin’ loose soon, I think I’m gonna lose my mind!”
“Sounds like you have a pretty good idea of how much you usually slack off,” I said in exasperation, offering a dry smile. “Sorry to inform you, but all the pubs are being monitored. I was told that if any guards come in for a drink, the establishment owner is supposed to report it to Leobolt.”
“That means you won’t be able to get any drinks at night either, then,” Fam pointed out.
“Huh?! So it’s not just during work—I can’t drink any at night either?!” Spinoza howled furiously. “Screw that shit! Ugh, that ex-noble jackass! Bolton runnin’ things was a million times better than this garbage!”
“Now now, calm down, Spinoza,” Seira urged.
“Ugh, I’m so pissed off. Guess I’ll just have to squeeze your boobs, Seira.”
“Gah?! Wait! We’re in the middle of work!”
“Booze, gambling, and ladies are the three best things in life! Now that they took away the first two, squeezin’ your boobs is all I got left!”
“Please, stop iiit!”
Spinoza’s arms were wrapped around Seira, fondling her chest. If Alma had been here, she probably would have already drawn her sword.
As I tried to rein in Spinoza, who had given into her passion and wouldn’t stop groping poor Seira, Fam peered inside the pub.
“Sieg, take a look in there,” she murmured.
I turned my eyes to where Fam’s gaze was pointed. There, seated in the back of the deserted pub, was a familiar bulky man. There was something melancholy about seeing him hanging out at the pub in the middle of the day.
It was none other than Bolton. As we approached, he lifted his head and turned to look at us.
“Oh... It’s you guys.”