Published: January 15, 2026
Passing through the fortress city that served as a checkpoint, we advanced into the territory of Marquis Feltio. The journey took about two weeks, I suppose. Even though the elite troops trained by Viscount Panamera were with us, having more infantry inevitably lengthened the travel time.
On the bright side, thanks to a steady march without strain, careful reconnaissance of the surroundings, and night watches, we arrived at our destination without accumulating unnecessary fatigue. Absolutely no overexertion, always prepared to fight at full strength whenever battle might break out—that was the strength of Panamera.
That said, when executing blitzkrieg-style strategies that prioritize speed, the Panamera knight order would be quicker to act than any other. That level of training was inherent to them.
I wondered if, after ten years of thorough training by Dee, the knight order could become this formidable.
Lost in such thoughts, I gazed upon the formation of the Panamera knights marching ahead. They were already approaching the city gates of the First City, where Marquis Feltio’s castle was located.
The city walls and massive gates looked so sturdy they could be mistaken for those of the capital city. In fact, the scale of the walls and gates surrounding Seato Village’s center was modeled after this city’s. Though there was a rebellious spirit fueling the decision to make the carvings and decorations more extravagant in the village, the influence was undeniable.
Behind those walls, the spires and roofs of the barracks appeared simple to the point of seeming rugged, but that very simplicity gave an austere beauty—like a medieval stone fortress.
It was quite a sight. But since this was my long-absent hometown, having lived there for eight years despite being expelled, it was natural to feel nostalgic.
“...Lord Van, are you happy?” Arte asked hesitantly.
Her voice made me realize I had been absentmindedly staring at the city’s exterior for quite some time.
Smiling wryly, I looked at Arte.
“...I’m not sure if I’m happy, but I definitely feel nostalgic. After all, it’s the town where I was born and raised.”
As I spoke, I heard a sniffle beside me. Til was covering her face with a handkerchief.
“Fugu...uu...I’m so sorry...”
It seemed I had unintentionally pressed Til’s sadness button. Panamera’s expression grew slightly stern, probably because of how she saw the sight of Til sobbing and our conversation.
At that moment, a knock came from outside the carriage door.
“Excuse me. Lord Van, we have reached the destination...”
Kamushin opened the door to report but froze upon seeing Til crying. Seeing Panamera’s stern expression, Kamushin looked momentarily worried.
“...I didn’t scold her,” Panamera muttered irritably.
Kamushin hurriedly turned his gaze to me.
“Ah, sorry. I got a bit sentimental seeing the city... Til was just crying in my place.”
He spoke with a wistful expression.
“...Understood. Shall we keep the carriage windows closed then?”
“No, no, don’t worry that much. Rosalie from the mary trading company said that some people would miss me when I’m gone. I’d be happy to meet familiar faces.”
Well, after more than a year, I’d probably be forgotten. Thinking that, I forced a positive reply.
Kamushin nodded silently and left.
Inside the quiet carriage, I saw Arte and Panamera watching me and Til carefully.
I felt sorry for causing concern but also glad that there were people who cared.
Feeling a little warm inside, we successfully passed the inspection at the city gate and entered the city.
The lively bustle of the streets confirmed why this was the region’s largest city. Watching from the window, I noticed many people gathering around the carriage.
It wasn’t just because we were on a main street.
Suddenly, someone called my name.
“Lord Van!?”
A cute voice made me look around. There was a girl in a red dress. She was a bit taller now, but there was no mistaking it—Visa, the daughter of one of the guards. Nearby stood a man and a woman who looked about thirty. The man was Visa’s father, Shason, a guard protecting the city walls, and the woman must be her mother.