Published: January 13, 2026
“...Hey, Van. You’ve built something incredible again.”
Murcia approached, looking up at the castle with a slightly exasperated expression. Entering from the Wolfsburg Mountains side, you’d pass through two small castles before reaching the outer gate. Even then, it would take about twenty minutes on foot. If you tried to conquer everything and pass through, even five thousand knights would find it difficult.
Perhaps feeling this firsthand, Murcia looked around with admiration.
“It’s unique, but that largest castle over there is the center, right? I’ve seen fortresses with connected towers before, but I don’t think there’s one as complex as this. Also, I’ve never seen a construction method where a castle is built on top of castle walls. It must be difficult for troops to form ranks and set out, but if the focus is purely on defense, this is an excellent fortress.”
Her sharp eye for detail was surprising coming from the gentle Murcia, but it seemed she had a good grasp of military matters. Or maybe her diligence gave her good insight. If I were my actual age, I doubt I could have analyzed a completely new style of castle this thoroughly.
Thinking that perhaps Daddy’s low opinion was wrong, I nodded in agreement.
“Right? By the way, what brings you here today?”
I asked casually, and Murcia gave a dry laugh, scratching around her neck with one hand.
“...It’s complicated. Father ordered me to assist you, Van.”
“Huh? With the city construction?”
Surprised by her words, I asked back. She made a complex expression, then shook her head.
“No, I misspoke... It seems I’ve been dropped from the candidates for head of the family. They said His Majesty gave an order, but I don’t really know the details. No goals or deadlines—just told to support your efforts.”
She laughed self-deprecatingly and sighed. It looked like, just like me, she had been cast out from the marquis family. For Murcia, who had worked hard to become head of the family, it must feel like suddenly losing her purpose. I couldn’t even imagine how sad and frustrated she must feel.
On top of that, she was ordered to assist the youngest brother. Her pride must be deeply wounded.
Not knowing how to comfort her, I saw her suddenly realize something and smile wryly.
“No, I’m not blaming you, Van. You have incredible talent and have worked hard. So, I want to gain experience and learn under your leadership.”
“Brother Murcia...”
Murcia spoke these saintly words with a smile, making me squint as if dazzled. How could she be so forgiving? If it were me, I would be spewing curses against Daddy.
She had always been the only kind sibling in the family. This was my chance to be a good brother.
Determined, I looked up at her seriously.
“...Thank you, brother. I was just looking for someone who could become lord of the fortress.”
“Huh? Lord of the fortress?”
Murcia tilted her head at my words, then looked up at the Japanese-style castle towering above the stone walls, blinking in surprise.
“...You mean that castle?”
Pointing at the castle, Murcia’s face twitched as she turned back. I nodded with a smile and began explaining my plans.
“Yes! Right now, replacement knights from the Seato village knight order are arriving. For a while, only traveling merchants will come and go, but soon new residents and adventurers will live in this fortress city. We’re already working on it, but once we increase the knight order enough, the population here will exceed two thousand. After that, using this fortress city as our base, we plan to take territory from the Yelinetta Kingdom. Brother Murcia, I want you to establish the Murcia Knight Order as its commander!”
“Th-The Murcia Knight Order!?”
Hearing my future plans, Murcia’s eyes widened in surprise. No way would I just make her a magistrate. Our territory is short on capable people.
Thinking this, I opened my mouth to persuade her.
“Yes. Brother Murcia, you not only handle domestic affairs to protect the land but also operate the knight order and train for combat. Your knowledge and experience from the Marquis Fertio family’s battlefield successes make you perfect for leading a fortress city focused on defense. I want you to use this place as a foothold and eventually build your own house...!”