As Spes stashed away the leather flask containing the liquid the Medicus had concocted for him, someone entered the tent. Both of them turned their heads to see who it was.
"Captain..." The Medicus bowed his head slightly.
Spes, unsure of what to say, also hastily bowed, avoiding her gaze.
The captain nodded in acknowledgment, turning her attention to the flustered Spes.
"How are you doing?" she asked.
"G-good..." Spes replied, slightly surprised.
"What about you?"
Crystal didn't answer. Instead, she gave him a long, piercing look before turning to the Medicus. "Why is he wearing Dolere's clothes?"
"They fit him perfectly. Something troubling you, Captain?"
"Make sure he's back on his feet. We're leaving soon," Crystal sneered coldly.
"And you..." Spes flinched slightly as the Captain turned her sharp gaze back on him.
"You performed well earlier. But don't get too cocky. Pull another stunt like you did last time, and you're done," she said, glaring at the poor young man before heading out of the tent.
"Our training will continue tomorrow after we arrive at Port Ortus," she added halfway out, before disappearing from sight.
"She definitely likes you," the Medicus commented, pulling out a bottle of rum.
"W-what?! Stop saying nonsense, Medicus!" Spes stammered, his face turning bright red.
"What's with this Dolere matter anyway? You two seemed pretty tense earlier," Spes quickly changed the subject.
"Just some old grudges…" the Medicus mumbled, raising the bottle to his mouth.
"You'd better get going now. Pack up — the Captain doesn't like to be kept waiting," the old man said, turning and slowly disappearing into the depths of his tent.
Spes was left sitting on the table, a blank look on his face.
"I guess I'll just leave…" He jumped off the table and exited the tent.
It was still morning, the sun shining brightly over the camp. Everyone was busy packing up and preparing to depart. As he headed toward his tent, Spes felt a bit uneasy — with every few steps, multiple eyes turned to him, their intent ranging from innocent curiosity to open hostility.
"That's what you get for defeating the Captain. I really wouldn't want to be in your place right now," Liber laughed. Spes quickened his pace to escape their gazes.
"Spes!" Vota called out as he reached his tent. "You really outdid yourself earlier! That last-second spell? Muah! Chef's kiss!" Vota laughed heartily and slapped Spes on the back.
"Not so loud, Vota!" Spes grumbled, quickly pulling the fat young man into his tent.
"Hey! What's with you?"
"The Inquisitors! They're giving me weird looks because I beat their Captain!" Spes hissed.
"The Inquisitors!? To hell with those dogs!" Vota frowned, raising his voice the moment the word Inquisitor was mentioned.
"If they're giving you a hard time, tell me, and I'll personally deal with them!" Vota patted Spes's shoulder and pointed arrogantly at his thick face.
"Y-yeah, thanks..." Spes replied. He definitely wouldn't do that.
"Oh, and don't think our training is over just because you beat the Captain."
"Thank you again... Would've been hard without your advice." This time, Spes spoke with sincerity. He wouldn't have known how to beat Crystal without Vota's help.
"Don't thank me for something so small," Vota said — but it was obvious from his face that he appreciated the words.
"Remember, kiddo, you gotta aim high. Repeat after me!" Vota grabbed Spes and pulled him under his arm.
"Today defeat Crystal. Tomorrow defeat gods!"
"…"
"Come on! Repeat after me! Today defeat Crystal. Tomorrow defeat gods!"
Spes sighed, giving up, and shouted along with the fat young man holding him down: "Today defeat Crystal. Tomorrow defeat gods!"
Coincidentally, the very person they were shouting about happened to pass by their tent, pausing as she heard her name.
"You'd better be ready for training tomorrow," she glared at the pair.
"C-Captain, this is a misunderstanding!" Spes wanted to chase after her, but Vota held him down, still laughing and shouting: "Today defeat Crystal. Tomorrow defeat gods!"
Vota only let him go once she was out of earshot, finally leaving Spes behind, laughing loudly.
"Time to pack…" Spes sighed, finally alone.
"You do know you're never alone with me here?"
"It'd be nice if you could materialize and come help me pack."
"And it would be nice if you could hurry and find me a physical body."
Spes coughed, reminded of the promise he made to Liber.
It didn't take long for him to pack up and take down his tent.
"Let me help you with that." Out of nowhere, a tall, handsome young man appeared and picked up one of Spes's bags.
"Thanks, Decus." Spes smiled as he recognized him, and the two walked together toward the griffins.
"You surprised me during the fight with the Captain. I wouldn't have imagined you'd already mastered spells."
"I've been busy, I guess…" Spes chuckled, scratching his head.
"Well, keep up the good work. You're doing really well. If there's anything I can help you with, just tell me." Decus smiled, securing Spes's baggage to his griffin.
"Thanks…"
"This is the right moment for you to ask for knight training, Spes!" Liber urged as Decus was about to leave.
"I... uh... I actually have a favor to ask."
"Hm?" Decus turned back.
"C-can you train me to be a knight?"