Published: January 15, 2026
"...This is the fortress city Cayenne of the Yelinetta Kingdom, adjacent to the fortress city Murcia, right? What was its name again?"
"It's the fortress city Cayenne!"
Count Panamera Carrera Cayenne proudly announced the name of the town. However, this name was not yet officially recognized.
"What was the town called during the Yelinetta Kingdom era?"
"It was Grosser. Now it's the fortress city Cayenne."
Panamera answered with a grin. He seemed quite pleased, which was good. Actually, this was the first time I had seen someone name a town after himself, but it felt very fitting for Panamera, so it wasn’t strange.
"I see. Then it seems that it’s your role, Mr. Panamera, to keep watch over the allied Yelinetta Kingdom."
Looking at the map, it was obvious. If the Yelinetta Kingdom plotted something, Panamera would be the first to hear about it. Moreover, the key to defending the Kingdom of Scuderia lay in the fortress city Murcia and our own Seato Village. So naturally, the watcher stationed near the Yelinetta Kingdom’s capital city would be Panamera.
As expected, Panamera nodded in agreement.
"That’s right. His Majesty’s gaze is already beyond the Yelinetta Kingdom, towards the Central Continent. Beyond Yelinetta lies Hesel. It’s a prosperous trade nation, but compared to the Kingdom of Scuderia and the Yelinetta Kingdom, it’s a lesser power. Since we have defeated Yelinetta, there’s no way Hesel could win, even with aid from the Solstice Empire."
Panamera spoke confidently, predicting His Majesty’s thoughts with ease. Somehow, his guess seemed correct. However, this made me think of a troubling matter: what would His Majesty’s next move be?
"...No, no, it’s no use worrying about that now. Yeah. For now, let’s decide on the future course. Talga, you have experience as a magistrate, so I want you to govern a town someday. As for Panamera’s fortress city, shall we plan renovations in about a month?"
I proposed this, but Panamera clasped his hands in front of his chest, suddenly remembering something.
"I forgot. A message from His Majesty."
"You forgot?"
I chuckled at his blatant rudeness, and Panamera pointed to the line of carriages behind us.
"A reward, precious ores, and the slaves illegally sold in the capital city — all to be handed over to the boy. Also, we are entrusted with the treatment of Prince Freitliner, a prisoner from the Yelinetta Kingdom."
"Freitliner?"
I said this while looking toward the carriages, when one carriage window suddenly slammed shut. Approaching silently, I had Kamushin open the carriage window.
"Hellooo!"
I greeted loudly.
"Gyyaaah!?"
Just as expected, Prince Freitliner, who had been hiding in the corner of the carriage, jumped up screaming. A perfect reaction. His extraordinary flair for dramatic responses was still intact.
"Prince Freitliner! Long time no see!"
"Y-Yes, long time no see..."
Freitliner responded with teary eyes. We were already on friendly terms. Surely, past hostilities had been forgotten.
"Prince Freitliner is here as a hostage?"
"Y-Yeah... I guess... I’ll be forced to work in the mines as a defeated commander under terrible torment... So young, poor me..."
Freitliner muttered pessimistically by himself, and I felt an urge to tease him—or rather, mock him.
"Kamushin. Bring the hostage Prince Freitliner here."
"Yes!"
Kamushin responded energetically, took Freitliner’s hand, and led him out of the carriage. Freitliner was already sobbing quietly.
sniff sniff...
"I’ve never seen someone actually cry like that."
I said half in disbelief, and Panamera snorted with laughter.
"Pathetic, really... He hardly showed his face from inside the carriage during the journey."
Panamera said sharply, and Freitliner shuddered visibly. Seeing this, Dee spoke up.
"Lord Van, what shall we do with Prince Freitliner?"
Dee seemed curious why His Majesty entrusted such an important hostage to me. He flashed a deliberate smile and glanced sideways at Freitliner.
"At His Majesty’s request, we have to interrogate Prince Freitliner, even if it means torture, to find out if the Yelinetta royal family has hidden treasures. Especially now, since the Yelinetta Kingdom just became a vassal. We must investigate quickly before they hide anything. Actually, we already have a suspect location, but without proof, we can’t send an investigation team. That’s why we need royal testimony."