Gawain's Episode

There are so many interesting things. If I had more money, I would've bought a few to take with me.

Excuse me... how much is this?

Huh? Isn't that Gawain?

Hmm, it's pretty expensive. How is a piece of cloth almost the same price as armor...?

Gawain, what are you doing at a clothing shop? That's a dress!

...! Ethan?

Why are you so surprised? Are you trying to buy clothes?

I-I'm not!

I would never be interested in a dress like that. I was just checking if there's any suspicious magic on it.

There's no such magic.

How do you know? What if the princess wears this dress and something goes wrong?

It would ruin my reputation serving the royal family.

That's quite rude to say to a merchant... look, his expression darkened.

...I'm sorry.

And we don't even have money for dresses. We can't even afford to wear them.

Is that so...?

Anyway, Gawain, you're as diligent as ever. Even in your free time, you're not slacking off with your patrols.

I thought you were just getting interested in cute and pretty clothes.

Who would care about that?

So it's not true? Why are you getting so angry then...

It's not!

There's no way I, who swore to protect the royal family, would be interested in a sky-blue dress with lots of ribbons and frills.

...You looked at it pretty closely. Wouldn't it be better to be more honest with your feelings?

Nothing like that. It's just... I was surprised when you suddenly showed up.

Ah, that makes sense. There's no way Gawain would be interested in a fluttering dress.

...Well, a little bit.

Huh?

I'm a little interested. I try to set an example as a knight, but... I'm still a woman, after all.

Hmm... for you, always so dignified and meticulous in your ways, to say something like that...

It happens. But why were you snooping around a women's clothing store?

Data collection.

What?

There's something like that. While battles on the front lines are important, I need to remember these everyday moments well too.

So, do you know a lot about women's clothing and accessories?

To some extent. Why?

Ah, never mind...

Hmm... it feels like there are more people today. They don't seem like refugees, though...

Wasn't the meeting spot around here somewhere? Where's Gawain...?

You're late, Ethan.

Oh, you were already here.

I've been waiting here long before you showed up. You're late even though we agreed to patrol together... I'm disappointed.

Late? I arrived right on time.

You should've come earlier, discussed the route, and checked the gear. That's what on time means.

You're so meticulous... You're basically a cheat character in this era with how good you are at fighting and your attention to detail.

I'm not a cheat. I have my own weaknesses.

Weaknesses? What are they?

Well...

...?

Come on, let's spar, Ethan. If you win, I'll tell you.

Wow, that's sneaky. Where's the fairness in that? I've never won against you!

No more talking, get ready. I'm coming in!

Woah! Barely blocked that one.

Ugh!

Focus, Ethan!

It's here!

Idiot, you fell for it! That was all part of my plan. The final strike!

Aagh!

I won't fall for it.

...! You've gotten stronger, Ethan. But you won't be able to keep up forever. If you're just blocking, this is how it'll end!

Whaat!?

In the end, I lost again... What the heck... were you trying to show off?

I couldn't help it... I suddenly felt my heart racing and felt embarrassed when I tried to answer.

Why? What's this weakness you're so sensitive about?

You don't need to know. I'm not telling you because you lost.

Tch... I'm curious, but I can't help it. Anyway, what about the patrol?

Ah...!

You were just scolding me for being late, so what's going on? The perfect example of a diligent knight like you...

Let's hurry.

It should be behind that tree. I'll go around this way!

Huh? Okay.

Ahhh!

Ah! Watch out, Gawain! Ugh!

...Huh?

Whoa!

Phew, I'm glad we aren't late.

You're acting unlike yourself. If you space out like that, it's dangerous. We could've been hurt if we were even a little slower.

Is it... because of your siblings?

It's not that.

Gawain, we're comrades. If you have something on your mind, I'll listen. It might be better to talk about it.

Hmm... it's not a big deal, but...

...Actually, I've been thinking about something for a while.

What is it?

Since I was young, I've only ever thought about my life as a knight, always with a sword in hand.

That hasn't changed, but... seeing women enjoying life in the peaceful village made me curious...

Curious?

I... I've been wondering if I could look more feminine if I dressed up like them...

...

Seriously?

Yeah, in a fantasy universe, female knights are popular characters. It means they have a lot of charm.

Besides, female knights have that unexpected charm.

They might wear terrifying swords and heavy armor, but there's something even scarier hidden inside.

You... you didn't spy on me when I was taking a bath, did you?

I never did!

It's true that you're a cool person, but everyone has a style that suits them.

I guess you're right...

Still, one thing's for sure: you're already charming just the way you are.

But if you're really curious, it might not hurt to try dressing up once.

I see.

Hmm... so that's why you were looking at the dresses earlier.

W-Well, there's no need to mention it! I just got curious, so there's no need to talk about it anymore.

I'm glad the mission ended early.

Good job, Ethan.

But it was unexpected, Gawain. I never thought you'd suggest coming to the pub.

Well... I was taught that a hero should enjoy a drink. Even though I'm not a full-fledged knight.

I thought you were too disciplined to even touch alcohol.

But now you're finally acting like the usual Gawain. I've been a little worried since you seemed so drained for a while.

I did everything I needed to do...

Haha, well, that's true.

...It's not like my worries are gone. Maybe it's because, as they say in high society, I'm at the age to get married.

Well... even a knight who only knows swords and battle isn't a machine. It's natural to have interest.

Of course! What do you think I am?

Sigh, but even if I think about it, I still don't get it.

What?

Even if I become curious about feminine things and try dressing up... who would even care about me?

W-What did you say?

Why are you so flustered? You're not just a precious comrade, but a wonderful woman. It's natural that I'd be interested.

Th-That's impossible...

It's true. As I said before, you're really attractive. No matter how much you cover up with armor, your femininity is already off the charts.

Do you think others would feel the same?

Yeah. I'm sure of it.

Ugh... Ugh...

...? Gawain?

Ugh!

What's going on, are you embarrassed?

Well, of course I am... I don't really know much about this kind of thing...

I'm a knight who protects the Britannia royal family. I never imagined someone would see me as a woman.

You're already a great person in your own right, but it's the fact that you're a knight that's impressive.

What do you mean?

If there were an organization that sets up marriages in this world, they'd definitely have profiles for female knights.

There are plenty of people interested in the daily life of an unmarried female knight, so imagine how many would be curious to see another side of you!

I don't get it...

Hmm... imagining it's a bit unpleasant, but let's say there's a really handsome bard. He'd probably be quite popular, right?

I'm not so sure...

I figured. Then how about a brawny, tanned, muscular blacksmith?

...I might be interested.

Exactly.

Everyone has different tastes, and there are plenty of people who like knights. Plus, with your abilities and looks, you'll definitely make an impression.

That would be... really nice...

Huh? Gawain?

...zzzz.

Did she fall asleep? Is it because of that one drink she just had?

Why did she even suggest coming to the pub?