Published: January 13, 2026
“…Then, please have my father… the marquis fertio interrogated.”
Upon answering, Jarpa showed a look of genuine surprise. Meanwhile, Tron and Nuvo collapsed to the ground as if utterly defeated.
Watching the three of them, I then looked at His Majesty and Panamera. His Majesty observed my expression with interest, while Panamera furrowed her brows slightly in anger.
I see. It seems Panamera was the one who initially suggested this idea. I can't tell how enthusiastic His Majesty was about it, but he didn’t seem angry after hearing my answer.
Feeling secretly relieved, I turned back to Jarpa. Seeing Jarpa glare silently at me, I smiled as naturally as I could.
“Well then, Father. Please.”
I bowed my head as I spoke, and Jarpa pursed his lips and lowered his chin.
“Why did you choose Marquis Fertio? You do understand the implications, don’t you?”
Panamera asked immediately after we moved. His Majesty had returned to the front lines, and Jarpa had moved to the basement where he stayed overnight under the pretext of conducting the interrogation. Only my associates and Panamera’s were present.
As I pondered how to answer Panamera’s question, Arte furrowed her brows and spoke.
“…Well, perhaps you couldn’t bring yourself to choose someone whose own father might be punished?”
Arte answered with concern, to which Panamera shrugged and shook her head.
“Nonsense… Nobles must never show mercy to anyone who threatens them. Being underestimated is the end—that’s common sense. Those who let emotions cloud their judgment will cause their family’s decline. Are you prepared to accept that?”
Panamera looked at me with displeasure while saying this. I smiled wryly and nodded slightly.
“As for me, I don’t want to live such a harsh life, but I also won’t cause my family to decline.”
After saying that, I smiled confidently and spoke again.
“Besides, it’s not because I was swayed by emotion.”
“…What?”
Panamera narrowed her eyes at my words.
“I will oppose my enemies in my own way. So much so that they will regret having opposed me.”
Upon hearing this, Panamera’s eyes widened, blinking several times. She then softened her previously sullen expression somewhat.
“…That’s interesting, but from now on, I would appreciate it if you consider aligning your plans somewhat with mine and His Majesty’s. Ideally, we had planned to check the marquis fertio family’s power while increasing mine and the boy’s influence…”
She muttered the last part quietly, suggesting she had some schemes behind the scenes as well.
If the nation doesn't grow territorially or economically, the power struggles among nobles become a zero-sum game. If someone gains new lands, someone else loses them; if someone takes a key position, someone else is pushed out.
Panamera was undoubtedly targeting the marquis fertio family’s territories and power because they held too much influence. This aligned with His Majesty’s desire to elevate the royal family’s strength.
Because His Majesty sought to rapidly develop the kingdom, he visibly favored the marquis fertio family, who had earned military merits. Though no new territories were gained afterward, the marquis fertio family clearly grew in influence, attracting many people seeking to serve them without any effort.
Not only other nobles and major trading companies but also powerful knights and magicians independently flocked to their service.
As a result, the marquis fertio family grew beyond the elevation in noble title.
His Majesty wished to curb the marquis fertio family’s momentum. Panamera, believed to be part of the House of Count Ferdinand faction, wanted to bring down Jarpa, who was an obstacle to her own rise… That was likely their mutual intention.
Well, sorry, but since I am the victim here, I will do as I please.
Thinking this to myself, Panamera sighed and shrugged.
“So, will the boy return to his territory now? That fortress will probably be taken within half a month.”