Published: January 15, 2026
It had been a long time since I last saw Stradale, but I didn’t even know how to greet him. From Stradale’s perspective, he was in the midst of a defeat, and from my side, I had been kicked out of the marquis family. Was it really okay to casually say, “Long time no see”?
Just as I was thinking that, Stradale spoke first.
“Lord Van, thank you very much for your assistance.”
“It’s alright. This is a crisis for the kingdom. If we don’t defend Centena, the Fertio Marquisate will surely be devastated... While I may have been cast out from the marquis family, I still care deeply for everyone living in the marquisate.”
I said jokingly, and Stradale wiped the blood and sweat flowing from his forehead with one hand, raising his unsheathed sword in front of his chest.
“I will never forget this favor for the rest of my life. If you ever come into danger, Lord Van, I will risk my life to protect you.”
“Hahaha, thank you. Well, you don’t have to take it so seriously. Just rest inside the carriage. I’ll be heading back to Centena soon.”
I replied with a laugh, but Stradale shook his head without changing his expression.
“No, Lord Van. You mustn’t come to harm. I’m sorry, but please get inside the carriage. I have a horse, so I will guard around the carriage.”
“Huh? Aren’t you tired? Are you okay?”
“This is no time to worry about fatigue. There will be plenty of time to rest later.”
Stradale said this with a very serious face. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“Hahaha! You’re just like Dee. Well then, I’ll leave it up to you.”
When I said that, Stradale looked surprised with wide eyes. After a full second of silence, he finally smiled.
“You say I’m just like Knight Dee? I’m honored.”
With that, Stradale mounted his horse and rode off. I saw approaching cavalry, so perhaps he went to drive them away.
“Alright! This place is dangerous, so let’s return at full speed! Row, Kamushin! Let’s go!”
“Yes!”
I shook off the distraction and gave orders, then jumped down from the driver’s seat and moved inside the carriage.
Inside the carriage, a large man looked somewhat out of place. Sitting across from him were Arte and Panamera. I didn’t see Til, but I realized the man was just so huge that Til was hidden from view.
“Stradale chief told me to take over.”
I said, feeling awkward, and looked around inside the carriage. There was no way I could sit next to the big guy.
Without any ulterior motives, I chose to sit between the beautiful young lady and the beauty. It goes without saying that Van-kun, known as a gentleman, had no inappropriate thoughts.
“Now then, allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Van Nei Fertio. Though my strength is limited, I came hoping to help with the defense.”
After a brief introduction, the large man placed his hands on his knees and bowed his head.
“Thank you... I am Talga Brescia, knight commander of the Border Knight Order, protector of Centena. I judged that we could not hold the siege against the fierce attacks of the Shelvia Confederation and Yelinetta Kingdom and have come out for a last-ditch effort, but as you can see, this is the situation.”
Talga pointed to his own body, which was already in tatters. It wasn’t just covered in blood; his armor and equipment were severely damaged and distorted. Just by looking at Talga, you could tell how intense the battles had been.
“...First, we need to restore Centena to its best condition. We will regroup and then launch a counterattack.”
I answered, and Talga nodded deeply without a word.
“Arte, can you handle the left rear?”
“Ah, yes...!”
When I asked, Arte quickly sent two puppets running with her puppet magic. As the two figures charged the enemy, their formation was disrupted, and part of their ranks completely collapsed.
“Mr. Panamera, can you use magic to cover the right rear?”
“That’ll cost you.”
When I requested support, Panamera laughed and leaned out the carriage window, launching fiery magical spears at the enemy. The visual effect of the approaching flames and the fear of magic still had a strong impact, clearly more effective at holding the enemy than Arte’s puppet magic.