Published: January 13, 2026
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Putting aside whether she was convinced or not, Murcia agreed to have dinner with me to hear what I had to say.
“After all, this is the first time we’re having a meal together, just the two of us, isn’t it, Brother?”
“Ah, y-yeah… but still, this place… it feels a bit too amazing.”
With a complicated expression, Murcia turned her gaze outside the main keep. The sunset sky was beautiful, the ridgeline outlined with a vivid orange line. Because we were looking from high atop the fortress, the view below was broad and bathed in red, with evenly spaced lights on the nearby castle walls, adding a subtle splash of color to the scenery.
Even to put it mildly, it was a breathtaking view.
“It’s such a wonderful sight, isn’t it?”
“…Y-yeah. No doubt about that.”
For some reason, the conversation turned into something like what you’d hear between lovers. Just as the atmosphere started to feel awkward, Til came by carrying the next dish. Time to get straight to the point.
Thinking so, I turned toward Murcia. Although it was a Japanese-style room with wooden floors and zabuton cushions, we were sitting around a large round chabudai table, making it a very cozy space personally. Well, Murcia might not feel so comfortable, but I’m sure she’d get used to it if she lived here.
“If Brother Murcia is willing to help, I’d like to talk about the future plans again. Would you become the lord of this fortress city?”
When I said that, Murcia sucked in her breath and straightened her back. She looked at me for a while without moving, then finally spoke as if she had resigned herself.
“…Of course, since I’ve been ordered to assist Van. But please, only to the extent I am capable.”
She said that with a wry smile. Though hesitant, it seemed she had agreed to help. I felt relieved and began to reveal the details of the plan.
“Thank you, Brother! So first, I want you to protect this fortress city for a year! After that, once our forces are ready, we plan to take over the territories of the Yelinetta Kingdom! We’ll push the frontiers toward the sea, and in the end, we’ll seize the port that connects to the Central Continent! By then, Brother Murcia will be the lord of at least three fortress cities, so I want you to receive noble titles from His Majesty and appoint magistrates in each city! Therefore, I hope you can select and train about six to ten people from among those coming to this fortress city who can become knight commanders or magistrates! It might be difficult in just a year, but I’ll send as many highly suitable candidates as possible, so somehow…”
“W-Wait! Van! You’re talking about an outrageous plan so loudly—is that really okay!?”
Murcia looked flustered, her eyes wide as she heard my grand strategy. But if we hesitated over something like that, we wouldn’t get the precious spices and ingredients we need. We must gain a foothold on the Central Continent by any means.
“Brother Murcia, if we push into the Yelinetta Kingdom’s lands, I believe we will eventually obtain Black Orbs. When that happens, no enemy will be worth fearing. There’s nothing to worry about.”
I looked straight into Murcia’s eyes and said so. Her expression changed to one of surprise, then she narrowed her eyes somewhat sadly.
“…Amazing, Van. I think I finally understand how a child like you could achieve such great accomplishments.”
After that preamble, Murcia slowly stood up.
“…So this magnificent fortress city will become my home from now on. Protecting this land is my mission, huh… Understood, Van. There may be parts where my power is a little lacking, but I intend to give my all to fulfill this role.”
As she spoke, Murcia stepped out onto the outer corridor of the main keep, turning only her face to look around. Finally, she turned back to me and spoke.