Published: January 15, 2026
[Sesto]
Yard was completely disarmed by the loud voice that held not a shred of tension. Both of them looked up together and glanced toward the maid standing behind.
From across the road, about ten figures were approaching.
The child in the center was Van. He seemed slightly taller, but otherwise unchanged. Yard couldn’t identify the people behind him. He had assumed Espada and Dee would be nearby, but neither was in sight.
“…Van. Make sure to properly educate the maid.”
When Yard finally said that with a tone of “about time,” the maid’s shoulders twitched nervously. Van stepped forward, placing a reassuring hand on the worried maid’s back.
“I’m sorry. Since Til has looked after me since I was little, her emotions got the better of her. Usually, she’s a wonderful maid—just a bit clumsy.”
Van smiled as he spoke, and the maid called Til blushed and lowered her gaze. Yard, displeased by this, opened his mouth with a somewhat sour expression.
“…It’s been a while, Van. I’ve seen Sesto and the territory—it’s developed quite well. Though still smaller than our city, it’s lively and seems safe. But honestly, if it were me, I would have expanded it even more.”
Yard shrugged as he spoke, while the men and women lined up behind Van looked on with exasperated expressions.
Wait a minute. What about those extravagant clothes... Such expensive fabrics and intricate decorations—it didn’t look like attire for the battlefield. It was almost as luxurious as my father's. Could they be heads of the upper nobility?
But if so, it would be strange for Van to be leading them around, even in his own territory. Though Van has gained a noble title, he should still be only a baron. Or maybe, because Van is a child, some rudeness is forgiven?
Either way, since there was a good chance these people held higher status than myself, I should be the one to greet them.
With that in mind, I peeked out from beside Yard and spoke quietly to Van.
“…Van, please introduce the people behind you.”
At that, Yard finally noticed the oddity in the faces and attire of the men and women lined up behind Van.
“Hmm. Indeed…”
Yard murmured in agreement. Hearing this, Van gave a small, wry smile, stepped slightly to the side, and turned the group to face us.
“First, the distinguished gentleman in the center is His Majesty King Dino En Zola Berlinate. Next to him is the beautiful and strong Viscountess Panamera Carrera Cayenne. Then…”
Van introduced each person with their titles, but though I heard the words, they barely registered in my mind.
After all, the first person he lightly introduced was His Majesty the King. The others had noble titles, but their presence was overshadowed after the king.
“…Lastly, this is the extremely capable maid Til, an excellent cook and kind-hearted. And this is Kamushin, who may now be among the best knights in the order.”
After finishing the introductions, Van smiled and waited for our reactions.
“Ah… I’m sorry for the delay in introduction. I am Yard Guy Fertio of the Marquis Fertio family. This is my younger brother, Sesto Ere Fertio. Today, the two of us have come as representatives of the Marquis Fertio family.”
Yard stammered through his introduction, and since I was introduced alongside him, I bowed together with him.
His Majesty looked like he had tasted something bitter and then scanned our faces in turn, tilting his head slightly.
“…Hmm. It’s unusual for a marquis to send his child instead of going himself when it’s an invasion of Yelinetta Kingdom territory. Surely this would be the perfect opportunity for Lord Fertio’s abilities to shine. You wouldn’t tell me you have already surpassed your father’s capabilities, would you?”
His Majesty raised the corner of his mouth as he asked. Yard gave a troubled smile and shook his head.
“No, not yet… but someday, I hope to surpass my father and further elevate the marquis family.”
Yard answered confidently. How His Majesty took this was unclear, but I had to answer first to avoid any misunderstanding that we were the marquis family’s heads.