Published: January 15, 2026
"...It's hard to believe, but we've passed the critical point."
The military doctor attached to the knight order responded. Hearing those words, everyone in the hall let out a relieved sigh.
"As expected of the marquis. Having spent so much time in battle, he truly has great vitality."
Panamera said with a teasing tone, snorting, but his smile held a sense of relief. However, he soon noticed my gaze and twisted his expression into one of displeasure.
"What a pity, boy. Given the circumstances, had the marquis died, we might have not only been promoted but also gained vast territories."
He even threw an insult like that. I smiled wryly at Panamera’s bluntness and bowed sincerely.
"Thank you. It’s thanks to you, Mr. Panamera, that my father’s life was saved."
Upon saying that, the knights present all bowed in unison to express their gratitude. This was not only Stradale and Talga but everyone present.
"...Well, I just won the gamble. In the end, whether you survive depends on your own luck."
Panamera said that with a shrug, then turned his back and looked toward Jarpa.
"...Switching your mindset is not easy, but the battle continues. We will hold a defense meeting to reorganize our stance ahead of time. That is all."
Seeing that the situation had calmed, Talga moved to exit. The Vice Knight Commander was still giving front-line orders, but Talga seemed bothered by something.
Following him, Stradale also lifted his head.
"I will repay this debt without fail."
He said in a low voice. Hearing that, Panamera shook his shoulders and laughed.
"Is that earnest knight really of noble birth? He’s too straightforward."
Panamera muttered.
"He is a good knight."
"Hmph."
After that exchange, Panamera turned to me.
"Boy, I’m heading to the strategy meeting. We are in the thick of battle now. I want to give you some time, but I expect you to return to the front as soon as possible... It’s harsh, but please forgive me."
With that, Panamera left the room without waiting for my reply, and Talga followed.
"...Lord Van."
After Panamera left, Arte and Til came over and held my hand. Tears filled their eyes as they looked at me. Their concern warmed my heart.
I smiled back and spoke.
"I'm okay. Now, let's quickly set up our defenses. We have to make this fortress the strongest defensive stronghold."
Saying that, I looked up at Stradale.
"Stradale, can you move? If you can shift your mindset, I’d like your temporary cooperation."
I asked. Stradale quietly clenched his fist and exhaled deeply. Then, turning his gaze away from Jarpa, who was still lying down, he faced me.
"Leave it to me. I now command the marquis family’s knight order. Consider every knight under my command as your hands and feet, Lord Van."
Stradale said in a low voice.
"Thank you. Then, let’s go together."
I called out to the soldiers waiting outside the hall, and they led me to where the strategy meeting was being held.
Knocking on the door and entering, I found people clad in armor gathered around a large table, arguing loudly with spirited intensity. However, the discussion seemed far from reaching consensus.
"I’m telling you! At this rate, we can’t hold the defense! So why is anyone even suggesting inaction!?"
"But if we act, this is the result! Either way, if it’s a banzai charge, we should choose the option with a chance of victory!"
"Are you suggesting we choose a slow, grinding defeat from the fingertips!?"
The middle-aged men covered in wounds shouted fiercely. Panamera glared at them with an obviously displeased expression.
Suddenly, Panamera noticed I had entered the room and gave a sinister smile.
"Lord Talga, the commander-in-chief of the Feltio family has arrived."
Panamera said to the scowling Talga. Talga turned to me with an exclamation, "Oh!" Following his gaze, the other knights also looked my way. All eyes on me, I approached the table.
"Ah, hello... May I join?"
I said timidly and stood before the table. It was a bit high, so I placed both hands on it and stood on my toes. Spread out on the table was a map with black and white stones arranged on it.