Published: January 12, 2026
It lasted barely ten, maybe fifteen minutes.
It felt both long and fleeting at the same time. But in the end, the result was the best possible outcome.
The attackers surrounding the village were completely wiped out. Only a few managed to escape, but the majority were dead, and the rest were half dead or severely injured.
After the battle ended and some time passed, I sensed the villagers gathering just beyond the entrance gate.
Men and women lined up with spears and shields, peering through the gaps in the fence.
There were about fifty of them, perhaps. If those are the people who make the village capable of fighting, then it’s quite a weak force. Well, for a village of this scale, maybe that's a lot.
I sighed and took another look at the village. The wooden fence was made of thick pillars and was well maintained. But after all, it was just wood. Behind it stood rows of houses, all wooden and crowded closely together.
If the military from the Yelinetta Kingdom or Count Ferdinand's Domain were dispatched, no matter the scale, they would rain fire arrows on the village and annihilate it.
The only reason it hadn’t been attacked so far was because the Wolfsburg Mountains, where dragons are said to live, lie behind it, and the area is inconvenient for setting up a military base.
It’s unlikely, but if a conflict ever breaks out with either side, this village would be crushed like ants.
As I pondered these concerns, Til stood beside me.
“Well then, Lord Van. Though things didn’t go as planned, we’ve arrived at the village.”
I nodded at Til’s words.
“Yes. It’s our first meeting. Let’s proceed confidently.”
Stepping forward, I headed toward the village entrance. Two knights stood before me, Dee and Espada flanked me on either side, and Til and Kamushin followed behind.
Ort and the others were guarding the carriage and watching over the captured attackers.
As the villagers murmured and watched us, I spoke up.
“Greetings. I am Van Nei Fertio, from the Marquis Fertio family, newly appointed to govern the territory including this village. From now on, I will be managing this village. But don’t worry—I won’t be imposing unreasonable demands or heavy taxes.”
I offered a greeting that was hardly noble-like, causing the villagers to look at each other in confusion.
At that moment, Espada furrowed his brow and stepped forward.
“Lord Van, the new lord of this land, has arrived. Open the gates.”
A voice much more powerful and dignified than mine quietly echoed, and a small elderly man appeared from among the villagers and spoke.
“Open the gates.”
Upon his command, the villagers hurriedly opened the gates. Inside stood men and women in their twenties to thirties, holding spears and shields. The elderly man stood unarmed at the front, looking calmly at us.
“I am the elder here, Ronda. Thank you very much for saving our village.”
Ronda bowed politely, and I returned the bow.
“I’ve heard that until now, no lord or soldiers for self-defense have been dispatched to this village. First, I want to apologize for that. From now on, I will protect this village as its lord. I ask for your understanding and cooperation.”
My greeting came out feeling more like a business pitch than a noble’s formal address. No noble would ever greet like this.
After all, the villagers, including the elder, stared wide-eyed and frozen.
“Hahaha!”
I heard Ort laughing behind me, but I ignored it and waited for Ronda’s reply.
After a few seconds, Ronda blinked and spoke.
“…Thank you for your kindness. Then, let me show you to my home.”
With that, Ronda turned and walked deeper into the village. We followed, while the villagers watched us warily.
This territory seemed like it would be quite a challenge.
The buildings were far from ramshackle, but to be frank, they were dilapidated.
They had stone-laid floors with wooden boards, pillars, and walls and roofs made of simple wood. They were simple structures. They could withstand rain and wind, but would collapse in an earthquake.