“Doesn’t this look weird?”

I stood facing the mirror with my arms out, checking today’s outfit. But as I kept looking, I started to lose confidence, so I decided to leave the judgment to Seriana, who was standing beside me.

Today’s outfit isn’t too different from usual, but I’ve added a coat on top and I’m wearing knee-high boots over my socks.

It’s been a while since I dressed for going out.

And not just going out—this is proper attire for going somewhere formal.

By the way, while I’m still wearing rings like the 【Shadow Sword】, 【Amber Sword】, and 【Amber Shield】 as usual, I’ve taken off the 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 and 【Ankle Bracelet】 for today.

That said, the place I’m headed isn’t particularly stiff or formal…

“Well, it’s not bad. The ring-type Blessed Items are fine, but you should take off the others, Teresa.”

“Ngh…”

“Excuse me, Princess.”

Teresa, who was standing beside Seriana, came behind me and began removing the Blessed Items.

Looks like Seriana didn’t approve of my setup…

Today’s destination is the church district.

It’s been several days since the rainy season ended, and the weather has stabilized. The ground has dried up completely.

Which means—it’s finally time to begin work on that underground project.

First, the plan is to demolish all the buildings in the area except for the church above ground.

At the same time, a hole will be dug from the surface down to the underground facility. After the survey is completed, it too will be demolished.

Then, the hole will be filled in and the area leveled—that’ll complete the process.

Since today is the first day, I’m attending the start of the operation in person.

Now, when the Knight Order goes on missions outside town, it’s fine for me to wear something more mobile. But today’s work is in the city.

What’s more, it’s in the church district—a place the local lord’s side hasn’t intervened in for a long time.

And the incident that triggered our involvement in the first place has already spread widely among the townspeople, so this whole operation will definitely attract attention.

It’s unlikely anyone will actually come to watch the work on site, but people will see us moving around.

If I were just walking around as an adventurer, that would be one thing. But today I’m acting in my role as Vice-Captain of the 2nd Unit. I can’t be wandering around town in just anything.

My usual look decked out in Blessed Items may be top-tier in terms of performance, and anyone knowledgeable would recognize the value—but it hardly screams “dignified.”

Honestly, no matter what I wear, I probably won’t look particularly dignified anyway… but hey, it’s still better than wearing a maid outfit barefoot.

As I nodded in reluctant agreement, Teresa finished removing the Blessed Items and stored them in a box meant for safekeeping.

“Princess, here you go.”

Then she handed the box to me.

“Oh? Thanks. I’ll go stash this real quick.”

I could just store it in Seriana’s room, but… well, you never know what might happen. Keeping it in the always-accessible 【Hideout】 is probably safest.

I took the box and activated 【Hideout】.

◇

“What’s wrong, Vice-Captain Sera?”

Rick called out to me as I looked around nervously.

“Hmm? Oh… yeah.”

I gave him a half-hearted reply.

Right now, we’re standing in the plaza just in front of the orphanage in the church district.

The members of the 1st Unit are gathered there, going over today’s work procedures and safety precautions.

A few steps away from them, you could see representatives from all the major guilds assembled.

It’s the unit members who’ll be doing the actual work, but since today is the first day, the bigwigs came out in person.

There’s no ceremony or anything, but the future use of the space we’re clearing hasn’t been decided yet. So I guess they’re here partly to observe and get a feel for it.

Also, even though they’re not entering the area directly, I can feel the gazes of curious onlookers watching from the road.

Good thing I took care to dress appropriately.

“It’s my first time coming here during the day, so I got a little curious.”

The most I’d done during the day before was pass by overhead. That night we came was deep into the night, so it’s been years since I’ve seen the district in daylight.

And wow… seeing it again, it really is in bad shape.

The orphanage, now abandoned, is completely dilapidated. The surrounding shops are just as worn down. Even the church itself shows signs of wear.

It’s not like there are giant holes in the walls or anything, but paint is peeling in places, and weeds have been left to grow wild… Back then, I only checked around the orphanage, but this whole area’s in rough condition.

When I was living here, the kids did the cleaning, sure, but adults also helped maintain things more than this… I guess it’s been half-abandoned since then.

Is this just what happens when there’s no manpower or funding?

Going forward, the church is supposedly going to be managed by people under the lord’s authority. Maybe it’ll undergo some major renovations too.

“Hmm… well, aside from the church, everything else is being torn down. I doubt there’s anything worth seeing.”

While I was feeling all sentimental, Rick, who has no emotional ties to this place, looked completely uninterested.

Well… can’t blame him.

“Looks like it’s starting. Let’s go.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera ・ Blessing ・ 【Hideout】 +1 【Prayer】 【Mira’s Blessing】 【Wind’s Garment】 Blessed Items ・【Floating Orb】 +1 【Shadow Sword】 +1 【Scarlet Bee Needle】 【Fairy’s Eye】 【Dragon’s Lung】 【Amber Sword】 【Danrem’s Thread】 【Serpent’s Tail】 【Ankle Bracelet】 【Amber Shield】 【Purple Wings】 【Red Sword】 【Monkey’s Arm】 ・8 cards

Seriana ・【Area Identification】・【】・0 cards

Elena ・【】・【Green Fang】 【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards