Published: January 15, 2026
Since I mistakenly updated a story last time, I will try to make up for it with continuous updates over the weekend... (ノД`)・゜・。
I deeply apologize for the confusion caused... ( ；∀；)
【Panamera】
“Oh! So that’s Fortress City Cayenne!”
Still mounted on his horse, Makan, the knight commander of the Panamera knight order, spoke up.
“Magnificent walls... a solemn fortress city befitting Lord Panamera.”
“Hahaha! Indeed, it’s a fine city! After all, it’s my city!”
Answering that, Makan smiled like a proud father. He was the only knight in his forties in our order, not particularly tall, but still one of the strongest. One reason I appointed him as knight commander was his magical aptitude for water magic, but above all, his experience as a commander who had survived many battles was the biggest factor.
As we approached the city gate, about ten guards who appeared to be gatekeepers walked toward us. It was clear they had no intention of fighting.
“Excuse me! Who are you...?”
A bearded guard shouted loudly.
“I am Count Panamera Carrera Cayenne! Although envoys should have already arrived, by order of His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Scuderia, this fortress city will now become the Count’s territory! Allow us entry!”
Still on horseback, I declared loudly with my chest out. The guards slightly grimaced but bowed respectfully.
“...Yes! We will open the gate!”
The man gave a command, and the gate creaked open. It must have been quite old. The tops of the walls were chipped, and the gate opened and closed with a creak.
“Hmm. First, I want repairs done on the gate and walls. No, I haven’t yet inspected the interior. I should first see the castle that will be my residence.”
Muttering this, I passed through the gate and a historic brick-built townscape spread before me. The streets were wide and easy to pass through. Although the town was old, it had the feel of being well-maintained and clean.
“...Lord Panamera, they seem a bit wary,” Makan said, causing me to snort.
“That’s natural. These are nobles from an enemy country we fought not long ago. They’re probably anxious about how they will be treated.”
His Majesty imposed heavy taxes on the now vassal Yelinetta Kingdom, almost starving them while keeping them alive. Still, there was some leniency. The private property of common citizens was left untouched, and their lifestyle was kept unchanged. This was to avoid unnecessary resentment.
However, some territorial nobles, who had various means to make money, might try to earn as much as possible before the new manager arrives. Some even imposed taxes beyond His Majesty’s heavy levy, pocketing the surplus. Because of this, there were reports of disturbances across Yelinetta Kingdom.
Well, such foolish and petty actions are nothing but nonsense, but the common citizens forced to bear the burden surely suffered.
We continued down streets with very few people and I contemplated how to govern this land.
“Lord Panamera, this will be your residence,” a guard acting as our guide said, stopping in front of a castle deep within the city.
“Oh? The castle is interesting, but before that, I’m more curious about the knights lined up in front of it.”
I said that and looked at the knights standing orderly before the castle gate. There were several hundred armed knights, but their presence was a little tense for a welcoming party. Makan placed his hand on his sword hilt, showing caution.
I restrained him with one hand and looked at the man standing in the center. He had a sharp face and appeared to be in his mid-thirties. The man met my gaze directly and spoke.
“...Long time no see, Lord Panamera.”
“Hmm? You know me?”
Surprised by the unexpected words, I asked back. The man shook his head.
“I also participated in the recent Werner recapture operation... no, the battle over Werner Fortress. Even then, the name of Viscount Panamera, who stands shoulder to shoulder with Count Venturey, reached our ears as we guarded the main camp. We heard that at your young age, you possess unfathomable talent in both martial and magical arts...”