"Th-th-that…" Favna shrank back timidly, head tucked low. "You're not… gonna lock me in a dark room, are you?"

"What're you thinking?"

Alte chuckled, pointing toward the cafeteria. "Just serving food on shift. Nothing big."

"Huh?!"

Before Favna could relax, doubt flickered in her chest.

*Serving food? That means talking to tons of people?!*

"N-no-no way!" She shook her head like a rattle, face pale with panic.

She already pictured it: spoon trembling so hard half the food vanished, then getting scolded by the fierce Dragoon Captain.

"Really that scary?" Alte smiled faintly. Honestly… kinda cute.

"What if I serve uneven portions and the Dragon Knights chase me down?"

"No way."

Alte finally got it—this little shut-in Dragonkin was genuinely socially anxious. She'd never go alone.

(Though he'd never said she had to.)

"I'll go with you."

At his words, Favna's tense shoulders dropped. Flustered, she murmured, "But your work…?"

"Mostly done. Just a bit of overtime tonight."

*(Lie. Documents piled high. Another all-nighter ahead. But… helping her face this fear? Worth it.)*

"Let's go."

Alte stepped forward. After a hesitant pause, Favna hurried after the Captain.

Two silhouettes—one tall, one small—walked into the Dragon Knights' cafeteria, bathed in sunset glow.

Neither cooked, so serving was all they did.

But…

Alte eyed Favna huddled in her black robe by the window, looking suspiciously conspicuous.

"Hey," he finally said. "Won't that robe get in your way?"

"I'm more scared of people seeing my face…" She pulled the fabric tighter.

Alte said nothing. Just showing up was huge for her.

While waiting, a female Dragon Knight approached. "Captain, meals are ready."

"Got it." He nodded, then nudged the dazed Favna. "Come on. Let's carry the pots out."

"Ah! R-right!"

She followed him inside, hauling a steaming pot to the window.

Hungry Dragon Knights instantly formed a neat, eager line.

Trapped now, Favna steeled herself and served alongside Alte.

Every knight stole curious glances at the robed figure—but with the Captain nearby, no one asked.

After the main rush, only scattered latecomers trickled in. Work eased, but heat built.

Sweat soaked Favna's robe. Still, she didn't remove it.

"Finally… almost done…" She exhaled wearily. Mentally drained—bed would knock her out in three seconds.

"Not bad," Alte said warmly. "Many knights thanked you for your generosity."

"Huh? Why?"

"Your shaky hands gave *extra* portions."

"…"

Favna's cheeks flushed. Head down, she mumbled, "So… should I shake *less* next time?"

"Captain? You're on duty today? Rare!"

"Feeling spontaneous. Checking if you little rascals waste food."

A squad of soot-covered Dragon Knights entered—faces blackened, uniforms grimy, like they'd crawled from a coal mine.

Most knights had finished eating; Favna was already tidying up.

Still, she straightened and served their cooled meals.

They ate quietly at a table, no complaints.

Favna glanced at them, then asked Alte softly, "Where were they?"

"Tianmei Department Store caught fire this afternoon. Just back from putting it out. Don't mind the mess."

She scratched her head. "Why does the Dragon Knights Order handle fires?"

"No reason. War? Defend the realm. Peace? Protect the people. That's a Dragon Knight's duty."

"But… aren't Dragon Knights high-ranking?"

"*Because* we hold honor, we stand *before* the people—not behind them enjoying comfort." Alte sighed, watching the soot-streaked knights laugh over dinner.

"…"

Favna fell silent. Standing here in her suspicious robe… before these guardians… a trace of guilt stirred.

"Um…" She hesitated, voice barely a whisper. "Do Dragon Knights… discriminate against beastkin? Like… Dragonkin?"

"Of course not. Why?" Alte studied her downcast face.

"The Vice Captain *is* a Dragonkin. How could these kids dare look down on Dragonkin?"