Published: January 13, 2026
February 25th, the second volume of Carefree Lord is released!
Carefree Lord’s Enjoyable Territory Defense, Volume 2
Carefree Lord Comic Adaptation, Volume 1
Both released simultaneously!
Please look forward to them!
As the village of Seato drew near and I entered the adventurer’s town first, I felt the tension in my shoulders release.
Was I relieved? I hadn’t noticed in my frantic state, but it seemed I had been constantly tense. Once my shoulders relaxed, a wave of exhaustion swept over my entire body.
Even though I had it easier than the adventurers scouting ahead since I was riding a horse or carriage, I felt like I might collapse already.
“Just a little further. Soon you’ll be able to rest comfortably in a bed after such a long time,” Pluriel gently encouraged me as she rode in the same carriage.
She might be an adventurer too, but she is an adult woman with far more experience than me. She’s composed and I think she’s really cool.
“…I’m no good, am I?” I said unconsciously, comparing myself to her and speaking self-deprecatingly.
Pluriel’s gaze turned to me. Unable to meet her eyes, I hung my head.
Ah, I’m really pathetic. I have no knowledge, can’t do anything without relying on others. Most of all, it’s sad that I can’t have confidence in myself, and I hate feeling this way.
I wondered what Pluriel thought of me. Would she laugh at me for being so pitiful? That thought made me even more embarrassed and I couldn’t raise my face.
Seeing this, Pluriel spoke.
“…Why do you think you’re no good?”
Her voice was slightly firm as she asked. My spine shivered in surprise. The thought that someone might be angry made my body instinctively stiffen.
I clenched my trembling fingers into fists to hide it and started to speak.
“…Well, I can’t confidently give directions to everyone like Lord Van does, and I can’t decide what to do without hearing someone’s opinion.”
When I shared my feelings, Pluriel shrugged and sighed. Then she spoke.
“I’ll say this, prepared to be scolded.”
“Y-yes.”
Expecting a reprimand, my body stiffened further. I unconsciously lifted my face and met Pluriel’s eyes. But she was looking at me with a smile.
“To be honest, I think Lady Arte is already quite admirable. Honestly, I don’t understand why you lack confidence so much. When I was your age, I wasn’t nearly so put together.”
“…That’s not true…”
Even though she was affirming me, I couldn’t help but deny it. Maybe she meant to comfort me, but I wondered why I was rejecting her words. Seeing me like this, Pluriel shook her head.
“Look around. Take Ort or Kusala for example—they’re both over thirty, but they’re like children, right?”
“That’s true… ah.”
I couldn’t help but agree with Pluriel’s laugh. Before I realized it, she was laughing heartily.
“Probably, Lady Arte, you’ve always been around adults. People who are really skilled or excellent leaders… But even those people weren’t able to do everything right from the start. I think everyone has gone through various efforts and setbacks.”
“R-really? What about Lord Van…”
When I asked, Pluriel waved one hand in front of her face from side to side.
“Let’s put Lord Van aside for now. Remember Lord Dee and Lord Espada. Considering their age and all, they’ve probably experienced quite a few battlefields. Lord Panamera too—they must have gone through many harsh situations.”
“…Yes, everyone is always confident and calm. I wonder if I could become like that someday.”
When I asked again, Pluriel nodded firmly.
“Of course.”
Hearing that, my heart felt lighter for some reason. Maybe someday I’d grow up and even be able to help Lord Van. That might be too much to say, but maybe I could become someone who could be of even a little help.
With that thought, I raised my head just as a voice came from outside.
“Lady Arte! Lord Van has come to pick you up!”
The moment I heard Lord Van’s name, I was aware of my heart pounding loudly. Then, my body moved as if it weren’t my own.