Published: January 13, 2026
Without delay, I asked Dee to investigate each knight order. At the same time, I subtly reported to His Majesty and Panamera that our base had been attacked. Of course, both of them were furious. However, since we were about to go to war, we couldn’t afford internal conflicts, nor could we check each knight order—which were essentially private soldiers of the nobles—one by one based on mere suspicion.
Even His Majesty couldn’t be allowed to lower morale, so the best we could do was to urge the nobles at the top of each knight order to be cautious. That alone would be enough. After all, just His Majesty grimly stating, “Last night, Baron Van’s base was attacked,” would serve as a strong deterrent.
There should be no chance of another attack during the march.
After all this, two more days passed. I was busy paving the mountain path.
“Lord Van! The mountain is getting lower!”
I nodded at Kamushin’s words. The high mountains that once stood like they were slicing the sky had now been leveled enough to give a full view of the open sky. Moreover, sunlight streamed into the mountain path’s depths, and the road had widened. We must be close to our destination.
As expected, the noble suspected of being the mastermind had stopped all movement, allowing the march to proceed peacefully. Feeling relieved, I was met by the adventurers returning from scouting the surroundings.
“...Lord Van, I’m sorry. I caused you to be in danger.”
As soon as they returned, Ort apologized. Since learning about the attack on the base, Ort and the others had been unusually concerned about me. Well, there was a reason for the quarrel between the knight order and Ort’s group in the first place. I told them not to worry so much, but they still apologized, feeling sorry.
“No, no, it’s really okay. You’re worrying too much. Besides, the fact that all you adventurers are on alert in these mountains full of demonic beasts has helped us progress smoothly. I’m very grateful.”
When I said that, Ort bowed deeply.
“I’m glad to hear that. Also, we’ve finally located the destination…”
“What!? Really!? Tell me that sooner!”
I couldn’t help but shout loudly at Ort’s report. I wanted to pave the road to the destination quickly and return to Seato Village as soon as possible. Perhaps sensing this, Ort smiled wryly and nodded vigorously.
“Yes. At this rate, we should arrive in less than half a day.”
“Wow, that’s great! Let’s work hard to get there quickly! When we return to Seato Village, I want to hold a barbecue party.”
“That sounds wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.”
We shared laughter over this exchange. That said, Ort and the others were probably tasked with guarding and escorting on the way back, so they wouldn’t be able to join the barbecue when I returned. Feeling sorry for them, I planned to hold an even more luxurious barbecue party when they returned.
With such thoughts, about three hours of work passed. Finally, the moment came.
The view opened up as if the mountain split left and right, revealing a mountain path leading to a small hill.
“Beyond that hill is the Yelinetta Kingdom. There’s a fortress right in front, so it’s dangerous to try to cross the hill recklessly.”
“Oh? Is that so? I wonder what His Majesty intends to do.”
I asked, noticing knights walking behind the carriage. I also saw a luxurious carriage engraved with the Wang family crest.
Before the carriage reached us, everyone knelt on one knee and bowed their heads.
“Good. Raise your faces.”
His Majesty said, descending from the carriage. Still, many hesitated to raise their heads.
“We plan to establish a base here. Although it’s lower than the fortress walls, it allows archers to shoot arrows from a fairly high vantage point. Also, if we retreat over the hill, treating the wounded becomes easier. However, after descending the hill, we must cross a river and capture the fortress. That will undoubtedly take a significant amount of time.”