Published: January 15, 2026
"Ah, ah..."
A voice escaped involuntarily.
Panamera and Stradale charged forward like a blazing fire, quickly seizing the top of the city walls and neutralizing the artillery. It seemed that the Yelinetta Kingdom’s knight order had decided to retreat as soon as their gate was broken, abandoning the fortress city and fleeing.
Because of this situation, the morale of the Shelvia Confederation was even lower than rock bottom.
As it quieted down, I cautiously slipped through the broken city gate and entered the fortress city in a large carriage. On the main street, knights were sitting down with their weapons placed on the ground.
At the front was a middle-aged man with a beard, and Panamera and Stradale stood before him.
"Oh, boy. We have secured victory... though the commander of the Yelinetta Kingdom fled already," Panamera muttered with a displeased tone. Stradale folded his arms and lowered his chin, probably frustrated that there was no one left to take revenge on Jarpa for the harsh artillery assault.
Glancing at the two of them, I looked at the knight who seemed to be of the highest rank.
"Then, is that gentleman over there a noble of the Shelvia Confederation?" I asked.
The middle-aged knight looked at me with a start.
"...Could it be that you are Baron Van Nei Fertio?"
"Huh? You know me?" I was surprised to be called by name so suddenly.
The knight nodded slightly and scrutinized my face.
"...You are truly still a young boy. My name is Count Towncar Pillars, a noble of the Shelvia Confederation. I have heard about the current circumstances from Lord Cosworth of the Yelinetta Kingdom. A boy named Van is dominating the battlefield with terrifying fortification techniques..."
"Eh? That's not true at all! Hehe, you're making me blush," I replied, unable to hold back after being told I was controlling the battlefield. Towncar nodded solemnly.
"I have heard that geniuses are often eccentric... I see now," he commented with a somewhat knowing expression. Eccentric? What does that mean, bearded knight? I was happy thinking it was a compliment.
Pouting, I stared at Towncar when Panamera snorted and opened his mouth.
"That doesn't matter. First, we must consider the fate of the Shelvia Confederation, which opposed the Kingdom of Scuderia. His Majesty is harsh; you must be prepared."
With a fierce smile, he asked, and Towncar lowered his chin with a stern face.
"...We have surrendered. We have no right to say anything. However, if possible, I hope you will consider a meeting with our king and the conclusion of an alliance under proper terms. We had no choice but to obey the terrifying artillery of the Yelinetta Kingdom, but now we deeply understand that the Kingdom of Scuderia is a more suitable ally. I swear to persuade the king and become a force for the Kingdom of Scuderia."
Upon hearing this, Panamera frowned in displeasure.
"Boring. If you had fought with the spirit of 'to the last soldier,' then this time, my domain would have certainly been born..."
Panamera muttered ominously, and Towncar looked exasperated.
"Are you saying you want to fight the mighty Yelinetta Kingdom and also destroy the Shelvia Confederation? That would be reckless. The King of Scuderia surely wants to focus on the war with the Yelinetta Kingdom. Choosing to fight the Shelvia Confederation here without consent is..."
Towncar was about to use a long persuasive speech, but Panamera waved his hand dismissively.
"Ah, fine, fine. I'll report this to Marquis Fertio. You should send a fast rider as well. Just so you know, I will hold this fortress city and your persons. That will not change. Make sure to convey that if maximum conditions are not offered, Shelvia Confederation will not be let off easily."
Lowering his voice to issue a threat, Panamera glared at Towncar and the others. Towncar nodded solemnly, accepting the terms.
With the talks somewhat concluded, we decided to return to Centena for the time being. Since the Shelvia Confederation’s knight order would assign personnel to repair the fortress city, we left it all to them. Van-kun was overworked and exhausted. Overwork is not good. These days, it’s all about work-life balance.