Published: January 13, 2026
Before the deployment ceremony, Arte and Ferdinand exchanged glances awkwardly but smiled at each other.
Even after the barbecue, they talked as if trying to make up for lost parent-child time, and by the end, they were able to share some laughter.
On the makeshift platform were His Majesty, Jarpa, Venturi, Ferdinand, and other high-ranking nobles, along with some lower nobles like Panamera who had been entrusted with certain commands. For some reason, I was also on the platform.
His Majesty looked over the assembled knight order and praised the valor of each group. Likewise, Jarpa and the other high nobles complimented the readiness and demeanor of each knight order. To be honest, the ceremony was designed to boost each soldier’s morale, instill confidence, and motivate them.
The previous evening had been like a grand feast, where everyone ate their fill and drank. The soldiers’ motivation would inevitably be high.
As I watched His Majesty’s back, thinking about all this, he suddenly spoke just as the ceremony was about to end.
“My kingdom’s elite! If you want to hold another banquet like last night, crush Yelinetta and return alive!”
This rallying cry was unlike anything I had heard before. Yet it apparently fired up the soldiers the most, as a tremendous cheer erupted in response.
His Majesty looked toward us and grinned slyly.
So this meant we were to hunt demonic beasts again and prepare supplies. Either way, a substantial amount would be stored within a week or two. Judging it to be no problem, I returned his smile.
His Majesty laughed in surprise but nodded lightly and drew his sword.
“To battle!”
At his voice, the soldiers responded with a thunderous roar. As planned, the Venturi count’s knight order advanced first.
Then, a group of adventurers approached the platform—Ort, Pluriel, Kusala, and the others.
“Well, we’re off then.”
“Count on you, Ort-san.”
Tasked by His Majesty with guarding and escorting along the mountain path, Ort and the others smiled with a relaxed air.
Having spent a long time in Seato village, Ort and company were fully equipped with the weapons, armor, and shields I had crafted. Moreover, they had fought in places teeming with powerful demonic beasts like the dungeon and the Wolfsburg Mountains, so they likely felt confident.
“Well, I’m taking point for the watch, so you all just ride this big ship with ease.”
When Kusala said this, Ort and the others gave her a sideways glance.
“Just because the pay is good doesn’t mean the innkeeper should talk like that.”
“You were already prone to gaining weight, and now you’ve gotten even rounder.”
“Hey, hey, isn’t everyone a bit harsh? After the nobles stayed at the inn this time, I was able to pay off a chunk of my debt—aren’t you all just jealous?”
Ort and Pluriel’s teasing made Kusala’s round belly shake as she laughed. She was getting cocky.
Kusala would do her job properly, but complacency and overconfidence were dangerous.
“Kusala-san, if you start talking about the future when you’re heading into danger, you might get swallowed whole by a dragon… so be careful, okay?”
I muttered quietly, and everyone’s gaze turned to Kusala.
“Come to think of it, those who say things like ‘I’ll get married once this quest is done’ or ‘I’ll open a shop if I survive’ often end up dying during the mission…”
“True…”
Ort and Pluriel nodded solemnly. Kusala shivered and forced a smile.
“N-no, no, no, n-no way…! Hahaha! That’s a harsh joke, young master!”
Looking at terrified Kusala with pity, I caught my breath and fell silent.
Good, this would bring back the tension. Nodding, I sent Ort and the others on their way.
Glancing beside me, I saw Arte calling out to Count Ferdinand, who was about to step down from the platform to join the knight order.
“…P-please be careful…”
Her words showed concern for her father’s safety. Ferdinand looked surprised for a moment, then smiled gently.
“…I’m off, Arte.”