"I must say, the Commander has spared no expense this time. Just the cost of wine alone is worth more than any political donation or tithe."

Bob spoke cheerfully, draining his cup in one full gulp before refilling it again without hesitation.

"I heard the wine came from a famous brewery in the capital," Marcus added, swirling his own glass appreciatively. "Apparently, it's quite popular amongst the nobles."

It wasn't just the wine, either. The food, the ambiance, the decorations, everything organized for this grand feast was top-notch. The cost of throwing such an event was staggering, and all of it came straight from Reinhardt's personal coffers.

"We didn't receive such a reception last time," Grey commented, biting into a roasted leg of something expensive. "Looks like Snowpoint City is doing quite well these days."

As usual, the three Holy Knights were busy being merry and getting gloriously drunk. Their boisterousness when intoxicated was nothing unusual for the members of the Knight Order. In fact, it was practically a tradition by now.

There weren't many opportunities for knights to relax like this, so occasions like these were treasured. Besides, the order had just returned from a long, grueling expedition to the Kingdom of Aetherion, where they'd fought tooth and nail against hordes of demons led by a Heavenly King.

They'd earned this break.

And it wasn't just the usual Holy Knight trio being loud tonight; everyone was. Those who had fought in blood-soaked battles and those who'd stayed behind to hold the fort all made a joyful ruckus, letting their pent up emotions spill freely.

Of course, the guests invited to the feast found it a bit odd. They'd never seen a knight order behave quite like this before. That said, the knights' boisterousness, their unpolished manners, and even their occasional blunders made them seem more like ordinary people—bringing them closer to the common folk of the city.

Times like this showed just how unique the Order of the Temple of Light was compared to other knight orders.

"Seems like everyone's enjoying themselves," Bob said, grinning widely.

"Yeah, this'll help them relax after going through hell not long ago," Marcus agreed.

Grey leaned in conspiratorially. "Hehe, how about we enjoy ourselves, too? I bought a new pipe and a brand of tobacco while we were in the capital."

At those words, the three pleasure-seekers made their way out to the balcony for some fresh air and indulgence. Coincidentally, there was already someone there. A man pacing nervously, seemingly searching for someone.

"Ah, Sir Knights! Greetings."

The man greeted them quickly after spotting the trio. Whether drunk or in casual wear, high-ranking knights like the Holy Knights carried a different aura, one that commanded respect no matter their condition.

"If I'm not mistaken, you're that guy from earlier," Bob said, recognizing him. "What are you doing out here all alone? The party's inside."

As it turned out, the person on the balcony was none other than Karl.

"Ah, I'm searching for my wife," Karl replied, concern lacing his voice. "I couldn't find her anywhere, so I thought she might be out here."

"Hm? You can't find her?" Bob frowned. "Where'd you see her last?"

The mansion was huge, so it wouldn't be surprising for someone to lose their way.

"She went with Lord Governor," Karl explained. "She said she had something important to discuss with him. But it's been quite some time since she left, and I can't find her or the Governor anywhere."

The Holy Knights nodded thoughtfully. Marcus placed his pipe between his lips and lit it with practiced ease.

PHEW…

A short moment later, he exhaled a dense cloud of smoke, his eyes growing slightly more glazed with the relaxing effect.

"Don't worry," Marcus said confidently. "If she's with the Commander, no harm will come to her. He's the strongest, after all."

The man spoke with blind faith, and he wasn't alone. The other Holy Knights shared the same unwavering trust.

"I saw Dame Zerina go with him, too," Grey added, accepting the pipe passed to him. "They must be discussing something important. Probably receiving personal training from the Commander. One's a former knight, and the other's a level 8 demi human, after all."

Just as he said, the two women were receiving personal training from Reinhardt. However, the "training" in question was sweaty, intense, and being conducted with their bodies very much unclothed and completely different from what the Holy Knights had in mind.

That said, it never once occurred to these holy knights that their Commander was currently engaged in hot, messy, sexual activities with the women in question.

"Is that so? Then I feel a little relieved," Karl said, visibly relaxing. The Holy Knights' assurances had done their job. "By the way, what is that in your mouth..."

"Aaangh… Aaahn… Aaaah♥…"

Just then, a faint, high pitched sound, almost like a choked cry, seemed to drift from somewhere, mingling faintly with the music drifting from the hall.

The men paused mid conversation.

"Did you hear that?" Karl questioned, frowning as his eyes darted around. He scanned the hall, the garden, and even the distant yard.

The only place he unfortunately didn't look was up, where the action was actually happening.

"Sounded like… a cat?" Grey offered, puffing thoughtfully on the pipe.

"Nonsense," Bob said, shaking his head. "The Governor doesn't have cats. You're drunk, Grey. It's probably just the wind in the eaves. Or maybe one of the servants dropped a tray in the kitchen?"

Bob listened carefully for the sound again, but everyone present was drunk, Karl included. Having gotten his first taste of high quality liquor, the man had downed quite a few glasses without restraint.

Grey shrugged, not caring much about the sound, and focused back on his pipe. The tobacco chamber glowed brightly, and a few seconds later, the knight exhaled another large cloud of smoke.

They accepted the explanation easily. Their disbelief was a powerful shield against the truth, and the conversation turned smoothly back to their own topics, completely oblivious to what was happening just above their heads.

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