Published: January 15, 2026
Amazingly, the supply of provisions was completed in just one day. This was thanks to Kamushin and Row, who sought assistance from the members of the Marquis Fertio family knight order who had stayed behind in the fortress city.
Moreover, with the cooperation of the townspeople, the members of the Seato Village knight order and the Panamera knight order were able to stay at inns at incredibly low prices. After a long time, they finally enjoyed a good night's sleep in beds. Thanks to this rest, they were able to depart early the next morning full of energy.
“Everyone, thank you very much for your cooperation!”
At the fortress city’s main gate, I spoke these words of gratitude as the representative. Besides guards and some of the local inhabitants, even the butlers, maids, and Mr. Andre along with members of the knight order had come out from the castle to see us off.
“Lord Van! Please be careful!”
“Alright! We’re off!”
Escorted by more than a hundred people, we departed. Through it all, Til was in high spirits, pouring tea into cups.
“Everyone, please have some tea.”
“Thank you.”
We accepted the tea and sweets served by Til, and a leisurely time flowed. Then, Arte brought up the topic of the town and the castle. The lifestyle of the inhabitants and the prosperous scene seemed even richer and more urban than Count Ferdinand’s territory.
During such conversation, the butlers and maids working in the castle were also mentioned.
“By the way, Til, why were the maids you talked about so angry?”
When Arte asked this, Til stopped eating sweets, puffed up her chest proudly, and placed her hand there.
“Yes. My former colleagues asked about life in Seato Village. Rather than angry, I’d say they were envious. After all, when Lord Van left the marquis family, a fierce battle broke out over who would follow him. And the winner was me!”
Til said this cheerfully. Panamera, who had been listening absentmindedly, reacted.
“Oh? Maids serving the residence where the head of the marquis family lives chose to follow the boy who became lord of a frontier village? That shows the marquis’ popularity.”
I smiled wryly at Panamera’s strangely happy comment and added an explanation to Til’s words.
“No, it’s just that many kind people sympathized with me being driven out. Til was originally my caretaker. I think she just came along.”
I answered, trying to hide my embarrassment, but Til furrowed her brows and pouted.
“That’s not true! At first, we talked about deciding by lottery, but after discussion, it became a best-of-three match. Over ten people fought for two hours, and I barely won... To pretend that fierce battle never happened...!”
“S-sorry. I don’t really understand, but it’s my fault.”
I apologized humbly to the unusually angry Til. Arte and Panamera laughed joyfully. Though I wasn’t sure how it would go at first, we were able to travel peacefully and happily. This was surely thanks to Panamera joining us.
Though I didn’t say it aloud, I silently appreciated Panamera as we proceeded down the road to the battlefield.
【Jarpa】
A fortress shaped by combining cubes excelling in offense and defense. Made of stone, but with walls built as thick as possible considering attacks by magic. Though constructed over fifty years ago, its majestic presence still stands strong. The walls mainly used reddish stones, but some parts had close to gray stones due to repeated repairs.
The surroundings were steep cliffs, with rugged mountains continuing further inside. This fortress is considered a key point against the Shelvia Confederation. As long as this fortress is defended, it would be difficult for the Shelvia Confederation to invade our territory.
This is the fortress known as Centena, called the Northern Wall.
Seeing the intact Fortress Centena, I felt relief beneath my calm expression.
“Your Excellency, I will proceed to inspect ahead.”
At the side of the carriage, Stradale, mounted on horseback with his usual stern face, said this.