For Sale: Vitality Tonics. Straight from the Shop.
* A peaceful afternoon at the temporary encampment of the Southern Army Group, where lunch preparations were in full swing ahead of today's scheduled detour march.
"Straighten those poles! If they're wobbly like yesterday, you'll skip lunch and march on empty stomachs! Got it?!"
"Yes sir! Understood!"
The squad leader barked his orders before striding off to handle other duties. Was it because lunch was right around the corner? The soldiers were showing just a touch less discipline than usual.
"Ugh, this sucks... So damn heavy. Hey, did you see that? New item just went up for sale."
"Heh, of course I did. They said it's tailored for us grunts busting our asses."
The morning notice from the Moderator. Every soldier on campaign was glued to that news.
A new shop item made just for them! They had no intention of shirking their duties. But with the brutal schedule wearing their bodies down, it was unavoidable. For these worry-filled troops, the announcement was like a ray of hope.
"Yeah. Said we'd eat it with lunch, so they'll probably divvy it up with the meal, right?"
"Gotta be. Man, they're hyping it up so much. What the hell is it that even the duke's testing it out? No clue."
"I hope it's something tasty like chicken. Last time there was no new food, I was so bummed..."
"Kuh... They never even said there'd be new food—why you sulking solo? Whew! All set now, let's report it. Where's Lady Jane at?"
The soldiers finished erecting the tent while chatting, their faces free of any complaints despite it being for just one person. And the tent's occupant didn't seem particularly fussed about it anyway.
"I'm right here. The tent's all set up. Thank you as always, everyone."
Jane, the saintess's bodyguard knight, had come to inspect in place of the absent saintess.
"N-No problem! It's an honor to set up the tent for the Saintess!"
"Exactly, Lady Jane! Anything you need, just say the word!"
The soldiers jumped at Jane's silent approach, snapping to attention with extra crispness—perhaps from witnessing her and the saintess obliterate an undead horde.
"I appreciate the thoughtfulness. If I need anything, I'll come to you. Now go get your lunches. I'll handle the Saintess's meal."
"Yes ma'am! Enjoy your meal!"
The two saluted sharply at the dismissal and headed off to eat. Jane watched them go with a wry smile.
"I'm just a Holy Knight Order member—why do they treat me like some superior? Totally unnecessary..."
Jane tilted her head, puzzled by the growing deference as the subjugation dragged on.
"Hehe. Because you're strong, Jane. Just this morning, you wiped out an undead horde alongside me, remember?"
Had she overheard? Elfriede approached, explaining the soldiers' tight discipline.
"You're here, Saintess. I was worried you'd eat outside again today."
"My clothes got dirty. Thank goodness for the tent."
Elfriede glanced up at it, a soft smile gracing her lips.
"A private tent reserved for commanders only... I'm so grateful for the Imperial Army brothers' kindness."
"That's why I told you. If the Holy Knights don't set it up, the Imperial Army will. Come on in."
"Hehe, alright, Jane. I'll change and we can eat right after."
The two wrapped up their talk and ducked inside. Elfriede had initially refused the Holy Knights' offer of a private tent, out of respect for the commanding officers leading the Southern Army Group. She saw herself as just another embedded cleric.
But the commander had freaked out upon hearing and insisted on providing a spare. In the end, it just dumped extra work on the Imperial troops.
"As I mentioned yesterday, no one here misunderstands your intentions, Saintess. But treatment befitting your station matters. Please listen to the Holy Knights next time."
"Sigh, got it, Jane. I understand completely now, so enough already—prep the meal, please."
Weary of the nagging that had started yesterday, Elfriede cut her off with a grimace, clearly done listening as she prepped to change.
Jane sighed at the saintess's antics and quickly set the table.
"Whew... Understood. Today's menu is baguette with strawberry jam."
"Same as yesterday. Oh, and that item from the gallery notice too?"
The product the Moderator had announced for sale. Elfriede gazed at Jane with sparkling eyes, brimming with anticipation.
A true gallery addict, Elfriede never let the app go even in battle. She'd been checking the notice obsessively since morning, barely containing her excitement to try it.
Having watched her all morning, Jane smiled and gave the reassuring reply.
"Of course, Saintess. The notice said to have it as dessert after the meal, so once you're done eating."
"Thanks, Jane. Eat with me. Like I always say, meals are more fun together."
"Very well. I'll prepare my portion too—just a moment."
The daily ritual. Jane always made just one serving, while the saintess schemed to drag her to the table. Amid the battlefield routine, they finished prepping as always.
*
* Groooowl-groooowl— With Hero and Bigshot out for a walk, the bunker was peacefully quiet. I lounged like a mafia don from the movies, checking the notice I'd posted that morning.
The gallery buzzing with excitement over the new item. Cheers from the aspiring caffeine warriors. A few couldn't wait and bought some to try immediately.
"Sigh... Should've warned against chugging a bunch just in case?"
I hadn't expected anyone to call the Vitality Tonic delicious. I pondered briefly, then let it slide.
No way downing two or three bottles causes real trouble, right? Even with zero caffeine tolerance, worst case is some jitters. Heart racing a bit, tossing and turning at night—that's it.
Plus, over-worrying's no good. These embedded soldiers are all mana users anyway. Tougher monsters than me—they'll be fine.
I shoved the worries aside and leisurely scrolled the gallery some more.