Published: January 13, 2026
The impact and sounds of attempts to break down the door echoed continuously. It seemed that they were trying to use some heavy object they had somehow brought in to smash the door open.
However, it wasn’t an easy task. The door was made of thick wooden blocks, sturdy enough to be equivalent to iron plates. While they desperately tried to break it from the other side, we were fully prepared and ready.
This might turn out to be a more solid defense than I thought. Definitely something to consider carefully.
“The mechanical bow unit should line up surrounding the entrance, and in front of the door, Arte’s dolls can act as a wall. That way, we can wipe them out without anyone getting hurt.”
Giving that small instruction, Dee, holding a greatsword inside, nodded deeply and relayed orders to Arb and Row.
Alright, come at us anytime.
That’s what I was thinking as I waited, but no matter how long I waited, there was no sign of the door being broken. I wondered when they would try to break it down. Looking around, everyone else seemed just as puzzled, exchanging confused glances.
In the end, even after plenty of time had passed, the door was still intact, and the sounds of destruction or any sign of intruders had vanished.
They must have given up at last.
“…Well, I guess we should be glad it didn’t turn into a bigger problem,” I said with a wry smile, while Dee sighed deeply and shook his head.
“More than that, I’m disappointed with the motivation of those intruders who came back without breaking through. They lack the spirit to break it down no matter what!”
“Uh, well, it’s hard to demand that kind of enthusiasm from them…”
I replied, exasperated by Dee’s usual perspective, glancing back at the door.
“Dee might be dissatisfied, but it’s better if there are no unnecessary conflicts between nobles. I don’t intend to have a fight here.”
I smiled at that, and Dee sighed again, lowering his chin.
“I understand what Lord Van is thinking, but that’s too lenient. At times like this, you have to show a firm stance to warn the other nobles. You need a strong attitude that says you won’t tolerate anyone who opposes you.”
Dee declared fiercely, and I waved a hand, laughing in return.
“Ha ha ha. It’s fine. This kind of thing can be ignored without any real consequences. Let’s just leave it be.”
As I said that aloud, not only Dee but those around me looked at me with surprised expressions.
“...Is it greatness, or perhaps the composure of the strong... Lord Van is truly a big figure.”
Dee gave that overly generous appraisal, and the knights around nodded. No, no, I was embarrassed by such flattery. At best, I could only reward them with extra meat at a barbecue, you know?
Thinking such trivial things, I turned back to everyone.
“Well then, since the intruders gave up, let’s get some rest.”
When morning came, I woke up naturally. Opening my eyes, a pleasant aroma was already filling the air.
“Mm… good morning.”
I greeted, and Til, who was preparing breakfast, turned around with a smile.
“Good morning!”
“Hm...? You seem really energetic today.”
I said, tilting my head, and Til smiled softly and nodded.
“To be honest, I’ve had trouble falling asleep recently… Though the bedding Lord Van prepared is far too luxurious, I still sometimes feel anxious, thinking that demonic beasts or enemy soldiers might come.”
She said apologetically, then her face bloomed into a cheerful smile.
“But I was able to sleep soundly here!”
Til reported, raising both hands, and I smiled as I nodded.
“It’s good to be able to sleep peacefully. Now that we’ve probably avoided any troublesome issues, let’s eat breakfast and then head back to the village.”
“Yes!”
Til’s carefree smile was healing, and I called Arte and Kamushin to have breakfast. Since using too much fire could risk carbon monoxide poisoning, the knights had to rely on their portable rations. Well, the quality dried meat and bread were quite popular, so there were no complaints.