Published: January 13, 2026
On the third day, we finally saw the rear of the knight order. Although we had fewer people and should have been able to march quite quickly, it seemed the Kingdom Knight Order had advanced their journey quite early.
“Oh, it’s Baron Van’s knight order…!”
“They’re moving in an unusual carriage.”
The knights from noble houses we had little connection with were at the rear, unaware of our equipment, and they whispered such things.
“Hello, hello—”
I lightly greeted them as I passed by their side and moved toward the back of the line. After proceeding for a while, I spotted Panamera’s knight order. The knights I knew noticed me and saluted.
“Long time no see! Is Mr. Panamera around!?”
“Yes! Since the march stopped, he has moved close to His Majesty!”
“Got it! Thank you!”
I received the necessary information and returned their thanks. We exchanged warm smiles as I passed by. While spreading my charm to the many soldiers, I headed toward His Majesty’s carriage. Surely, some soldiers must have their hearts ache from Van-kun’s cuteness. I should prepare some Van-kun branded souvenirs in Seato Village to make it easier to buy later. It’s bound to be a huge hit.
“Van-kun steamed buns, Van-kun fried bread, Van-kun madeleines… what else could there be?”
As I considered easy-to-buy souvenirs, Til raised her hand and spoke.
“Yes! I think bags would be good too! Let’s sell leather bags engraved with Lord Van’s wonderful smile!”
As Til shared her idea, Arte also suddenly raised her hand.
“Y-Yes. I think rings and necklaces, accessories, would be good too…”
Both offered their opinions, and when I responded, “Hmm, I won’t engrave my smile, but your two ideas are good,” Kamushin crossed his arms and started to hum thoughtfully. Somehow, this was turning into a fast-paced quiz game.
“W-We already have weapons and armor, so, um…”
Watching Kamushin pondering, I felt a warm feeling. Then, I noticed a flag with a familiar crest in the distance. That was the Wang family crest.
“Have we caught up to the Capital City Knight Order? It took more time than I thought.”
Walking while observing the knight order, I saw several temporary bases I had entrusted lined up. In front of the base at the center, a group clearly from the Royal Guard had gathered.
“Is that them? Hello! I am Van nei fertio from Seato Village!”
Approaching the group with a lively greeting, they all turned around with disciplined movement and attitude.
“Ah, Baron Van! Thank you for coming. We’re surprised by your earlier-than-expected arrival.”
“Oh, it’s thanks to the paving work! We worked hard!”
“Hmm? I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand what you mean… For now, I will inform His Majesty of your arrival. Please wait a moment.”
One knight bowed and reported back to the base. Hm. I wanted to talk in detail about the paving work, but I guess I’ll show them the real thing on the way back. We paved a considerable distance at a speed unlike anything before. I definitely want to boast to everyone about Van Construction’s fast, durable, and meticulous paving techniques.
While pondering such trivial things and waiting, people started to come out from the base.
“Oh, young man!”
First was Panamera with his distinctive blonde hair and a figure recognizable even in light armor — as imposing as ever. Behind him appeared Ferdinand and Venturi, and finally, His Majesty and Daddy arrived.
Puzzled by Jarpa, who somehow didn’t even glance our way, I faced His Majesty and knelt on one knee.
“Apologies for the delay. I am Van nei fertio, having come before His Majesty.”
I bowed my head with a somewhat formal greeting, and His Majesty spread his hands and exclaimed in admiration.
“Well done for coming! This wasn’t something to summon you for ordinarily, but a dispute has dragged on a bit. I thought a single verification might resolve it. Sorry, but could you hear us out?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. What needs to be verified?”