Delinquent And Meeting!

Because he would delay the dungeon with his party and would prioritise the knights, Alan gave Ryuji a silver badge to join them at lunch in the higher-class canteen. 

This token even had Ryuji's name etched onto it, meaning it wasn't temporary. Ryuji felt excited to eat in this canteen and also meet the other knights since Alan had changed his views about them with their talk earlier.

"I am glad Alan vouched for me. Yumiko, let's go get something good to eat."

"Ryuji, why are you going to the high-class cafeteria?"

"Don't worry, I have permission. Let's eat till we drop!" 

"Mm!"

Yumiko followed him, but her ears trembled the moment they entered.

She clung to his arm, following his steps.

Quite a few dirty looks and complaints entered her ears, but when they saw the almost glowing silver badge, they all swallowed their words and looked away, seeming to sweat.

"Ryuji?" Yumiko whispered, feeling his firm hands tighten around hers, sometimes rubbing along her fingers with his thumb. It seemed his feelings transferred to her somewhat, and she leaned against his arm more.

'She is trembling. I hope this helps her relax.'

While soothing Yumiko, he noticed the leading hero group eating their fine meal on a large table with some females serving the males. They were probably maids or something.

Erika suddenly entered Ryuji's eyes as she gave him an energetic wave; there was no judgment in her brilliant blue eyes, just a lovely smile and greeting.

So he smiled at her back, then nodded. However, the moment he did, he noticed the annoying Holy Knight. Haruki gave him a dirty look and seemed jealous. 

"Who let some filthy dogs enter the canteen? Their stink makes the food disgusting."

Ryuji didn't respond, which would have made things difficult. Instead, he gave Erika a wink before turning away. This action made the Hero mention a darker insult because of his pathetic jealousy of Ryuji, gaining Erika's attention.

"A filthy furry slut with poor taste, haha. Hey, do you think she offers oral services for some copper coins?"

He then felt her cling to his arm as her feelings and thoughts somehow transmitted to him. The anger, disrespect and desire to fight.

"Don't worry, Yumi. I will make sure that bastard bows before you one day and begs for your forgiveness."

"Not bad for a human..."

The table of knights that waited for them didn't show any visible disgust and stood up to offer a salute. The people didn't bow like Ryuji was used to.

So, he tried to adapt to this kingdom faster. 

However, he felt the salute was familiar. It resembled something that his mother used to do before practising martial arts with him, and now that he was watching, he realized the two were identical.

Even the placement of the fingers, as if wrapping around the heart, were the same.

"Greetings, my name is Ryuji Vincenzo."

He then gave them the salute in return.

Something that caused them to look stunned, but soon the smiles returned because his salute was so perfect that it shocked them as lower nobles themselves.

His salute was the same style that those of high birth would perform.

It was so perfect that even some royals couldn't salute it perfectly. Ryuji didn't know there was a slight difference in each salute, from the commoner's style to the nobles and upper nobles. 

This caused the knights to wonder, was this boy really a hero and not someone from this world?

"Wow, my name is Simon. I use dual swords with a Knight Rank of C."

"I am Sheila, although I wear heavy armour. I am a priestess and will keep you alive."

"Your salute was amazing, unlike the arrogant holy knight who still refuses to adapt to our culture."

Ryuji was glad that all four seemed to think positively of him.

He tried to respond with a clear and pleasant voice, as his mother taught him, when dealing with women he likes and in official situations.

Also, forcing his eyes to widen to make the death stare less intense, wanting to avoid misunderstandings.

"Please sit down, Hero Ryuji. First, enjoy the meal. We ordered a banquet, so it should be here soon!"

However, upon sitting down, he noticed one knight showing a displeased look at Yumiko, so Ryuji spoke out.

"I must apologise in advance, but I have only one condition to help you if you accept it. No matter how much damage I take, I will never complain."

The knights seem interested as, typically, vanguards were terrified of taking damage.

"Do not disrespect my partner; under no circumstances do I want to hear anything about her looks, race or what you might perceive to be inferior to you."

"She is important to me, and even if you were an S Rank knight, I wouldn't forgive you for making her feel unwelcome."

The moment she heard, Yumiko's soft tail slapped the floor, swaying side to side before she looked down, her cheeks rapidly becoming bright red.

It was the first time so openly someone spoke for her since she could remember, without parents and forced to fight for survival for the past ten years, then becoming a slave and almost dying on a weekly basis.

Sheila was the first to stand and give a respectful salute.

"Forgive me, a berserk beastmen destroyed my village... this made me feel anger upon seeing your companion."

"No, knowing your reason helps. But remember that this girl isn't an evil woman and I will put my entire reputation on the line to vouch for her. So I hope you can understand the meaning."

"!!!"

The knights seemed to change their atmosphere and nodded. For a summoned hero, they were nothing but disposable tools for the kingdom. Although Ryuji did not know about this, their reputation and honour were still above the knights.

Because the kingdom wasn't wholly corrupt, those who fought were well respected and eventually accepted into the kingdom.

"It's because we were both extras," 

"I can't speak for her, but it's likely not her fault. So we don't hold those thoughts, relax."

Simon's face turned from pale to relieved the moment Ryuji spoke honestly. It also made the entire group loosen up and pour some ale. 

"Honestly, I thank you. The princess is the one who pays most of our wages, and the stress she endures caused the error, but thank you for not blaming her."

Yumiko listened well, but her gaze rarely left Ryuji for the entire meal. She also understood his words and their depth of meaning to these knights and whoever they reported to.

Ryuji would suffer for Yumiko's sins or errors from now on.

But this man.

He didn't seem to mind a single bit.

"Honestly, if she wasn't with me, I don't know if I could remain so calm and enjoy my time here as much."

Her tail fluttered when she heard his words.

Yumiko had lived a boring life since her memories started, but there was nobody like him in her life.

She felt that maybe this strange new life as his maid wasn't so bad and wanted to hear him say more embarrassing things and spend more time together.

After this, the meal and conversation seemed to flow smoothly.

Although Sheila still felt a little off with Yumiko, knowing it was because of the past, she didn't mind because Yumiko gained something she had never had before because of these women.