Published: January 15, 2026
Happy New Year・:+.\(( °ω° ))/.:+
Surprisingly, I was given an entire extra day off to rest and recover. There were moments when I felt a slight fever and felt weak, but now I have fully recovered.
"Yes, Lord Van. I’ve cut the fruit for you."
"Yay!"
I happily stuffed sweet fruit into my mouth. Til and Arte watched gently beside me. Such a kind world.
Meanwhile, it seemed the opponent’s movements were becoming more active, as Row and Kamushin took turns on guard duty while coming and going outside the room.
"It’s getting a bit hectic, isn’t it?"
I commented while enjoying the delicious fruit.
"Yes. There’s no sound of cannons or anything yet, but…"
Til muttered with a hint of worry.
"It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m feeling better now, and we’re going to reinforce Centena soon. Don’t worry."
After saying that, Til and Arte smiled in relief.
"If Lord Van says so, I feel at ease."
"Yes, I’m relieved."
Watching the two laugh together, I stretched lightly with both hands raised towards the ceiling.
"Hmm… Alright, I think I’ll eat some meat for lunch and then get to work. Ahahaha."
Just as I was laughing like that, the door opened from outside without even a knock.
"Boy! I heard you’re feeling better! Now, it’s time for Centena’s reconstruction! Everyone’s waiting!"
Panamera burst into the room with the force of a loud boom. As soon as he entered, he rushed to tell me about the work to be done. If I showed any energy, I’d probably be worked to the bone.
"Uh, wait, I’m a bit dizzy… I might not have the strength without lunch…"
I complained, swaying conspicuously, but Panamera narrowed his eyes and gave me a suspicious look.
"…I heard you already ate breakfast for two just a while ago? Kamushin happily reported that Lord Van has recovered. Is there some mistake?"
Apparently, Kamushin had switched allegiances and leaked information to Panamera. How terrifying. My plan to be lazy until lunch was ruined instantly.
"So, can you move or not? Be honest."
"…I can move."
"Good, that’s fine."
After that exchange, Panamera left the room. Reluctantly, I had Til prepare a change of clothes, and I changed outfits. It seemed I would be forced to start strengthening the fortress right from the morning.
Grumbling, I left the room and saw knights running busily. One of them noticed me and stopped.
"Ah, Baron Van! Marquis Fertio has awakened!"
"Really?"
What timing. I followed the knights running off in surprise and walked down the hallway. When we reached My Daddy’s nursing room, many knights were gathered outside the door. Looking closely, they were all members of the Marquis Fertio family knight order.
"Ah, Lord Van…"
One knight noticed me and called my name. The gathered knights silently made way for me.
"Thank you."
I said as I passed between the knights splitting left and right, then knocked on the door. After a short while, the door opened and Stradale appeared.
"…Lord Van."
Stradale called my name, then silently stepped aside to let me enter. Once his large frame left my sight, at the back of the room I saw Jarpa lying in bed. Stradale signaled to Arte and Til to leave, so I entered alone.
"Excuse me."
I said and entered, moving toward Jarpa before he could speak. Jarpa, still lying in bed, turned his eyes toward me.
He was clearly thinner. Not only were his cheeks hollowed, but his eyes seemed lifeless, making him look frail. Numerous small wounds covered the exposed skin on his face, neck, and hands.
"…Father, how are you feeling?"
I asked simply, but Jarpa said nothing and averted his gaze, staring at the ceiling. He likely remained that way for several seconds. Eventually, Jarpa spoke.
"…I’ve received reports from Stradale. It seems you’ve repelled the allied forces of Yelinetta and Shelvia."
"No, not quite yet… but we plan to strengthen Centena from now on. Please rest assured."
When I answered, Jarpa chuckled softly. It was a rough, voiceless laugh with a hint of self-mockery. Watching him curiously, he sighed deeply with distant eyes.