Published: January 15, 2026
Having defeated the allied forces of the Yelinetta Kingdom and Shelvia, I further rebuilt Centena into the strongest defensive base. The effect was significant; although the knight order of the Shelvia Confederation still retained nearly twenty thousand troops, Towncar, as the defeated general, maintained a humble attitude.
Jarpa, severely injured and still unable to get out of bed, declined to attend the meeting. Therefore, Panamera and I had no choice but to negotiate with Towncar ourselves. However, since Panamera had already stated our demands, we merely conveyed Jarpa’s intentions. It seemed Towncar then led half of the knight order back to the Shelvia Confederation’s capital.
Meanwhile, I finally felt at ease, knowing I could return home. My Daddy was steadily recovering, so it was about time to go back to Seato village.
“...Father can walk with a cane now, so maybe it’s time to return to Seato village,” I said during the meeting with Panamera, Talga, and Stradale.
Panamera crossed her arms and shook her head from side to side.
“What are you saying? We’re about to gather as many knights as possible from the Shelvia Confederation and launch the first spear attack on the Yelinetta Kingdom...”
Panamera said this with a displeased look, and Talga nodded with a wry smile.
“That’s true. If we can gain the cooperation of the Shelvia Confederation, it’s best to make full use of it. However, thanks to Lord Van’s arrival, we managed to defend Centena. If Lord Van wishes to return, we can’t stop him.”
Talga spoke with a smile. Oh, Talga—he’s quite a reasonable guy. I just want to return to Seato village soon and refresh myself with a soak in the large communal bath. Arrange it well.
While I thought this, I observed the situation, and Stradale looked at me with a troubled expression.
“...Lord Van, Jarpa-sama will not be able to return to the battlefield for a while. It’s an impertinent request, but could you take charge of defending Centena?”
Having seen my weakened Daddy in person, it was hard to refuse.
“Hmm... In that case, I’ll provide mobile ballistae to help Talga defend Centena. Also, as a service, some specially made swords.”
“Oh, that’s reassuring.”
Talga was genuinely pleased. Despite being the largest man I’d met so far, he had a quite likable personality.
Stradale listened to our exchange and sighed softly.
“...It can’t be helped. After all, it is our duty to defend Centena, which borders the Marquis Fertio family’s territory. Lord Van, now independent, is under no obligation to sacrifice himself.”
Stradale muttered regretfully. Upon hearing this, Panamera snorted and laughed.
“Wasn’t it Marquis Fertio himself who drove the boy to a frontier village? This is a convenient story now. If it were me, I wouldn’t dare ask for such a favor.”
Panamera’s harsh words caused Stradale’s expression to darken.
“...That stings. Between us, since Lord Van left, many knights and maids have repeatedly begged me to plead with the head of the family to recall him. But once Jarpa-sama has decided, we must not say no.”
“Hmm. From what I hear, the marquis family’s biggest failure was letting go of Espada and Rear Guard Dee. Loyal retainers who can voice dissent are invaluable. Surrounding oneself only with yes-men leads inevitably to a family’s decline.”
Panamera looked down at Stradale as she said this. Stradale said nothing, just bowed his head.
“Well, well... Anyway, I’m going home now, okay? I’ll prepare defenses, so please forgive me.”
Please stop fighting over me! I almost blurted that out jokingly, but Stradale looked genuinely down, so I held back.
Hearing my words, Stradale solemnly bowed deeply.
“...We are grateful for your deep kindness.”
“No, no, don’t mention it.”
I was really glad I didn’t say anything more. I remembered that Stradale is seriously earnest.
“I’ll have Stradale and Talga made some good weapons, so please do your best to protect Centena.”