Published: January 15, 2026
While I was busy remodeling the castle and the city, the adventurers were not just idling around.
For them, just under a month was more than enough time to set things in motion. Quietly but steadily, they had been making preparations beneath the surface. By the time I realized it, it was already too late—other organizations had unknowingly lent their hands to their secret activities.
“Boy! We’re having that carnival!”
“Huh? A barbecue contest?”
Just as I was thinking about heading home, Panamera approached me with a beaming smile, eager to hold a festival right from the morning. There was no doubt he was a cheerful guy, so his suggestion didn’t feel too out of place. But even so, being told this out of the blue made preparations rather difficult.
“Panamera-san, you can’t just grill a medium-sized or larger demonic beast by yourself, you know? Each demonic beast has its own cooking method… You have to cut and prep the ingredients properly, and seasonings are important too.”
A sudden suggestion like that was troublesome. I lightly warned him in response. Panamera’s eyes narrowed, and he pursed his lips.
“Of course. Do you think I haven’t fought in countless battlefields? The preparations are already done; all that’s left is to hold the event.”
“Huh?”
Surprised by Panamera’s unexpected words, I tilted my head but followed him.
We arrived at the square at the entrance of the fortress city. The semicircular plaza had two shops—Bell Rango Trading Company and Mary Trading Company—along with an inn, and nearby stood the adventurers' guild and the barracks.
At the center was a simple tent. Well, it was just a roof, so maybe it should be called a tarp. Beneath it, neatly cut blocks of meat were stacked as if in some kind of joke.
Staring in disbelief, I noticed the adventurers surrounding the meat turn towards us. Ort, speaking on their behalf, smiled and greeted.
“Ah, Lord Van! The meat is ready!”
When Ort said that, Bell also poked his head out from the Bell Rango Trading Company shop.
“We’ve got seasonings, fruit juices, and alcohol ready! Of course, there’s charcoal too!”
Hearing that report, I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Perfect.”
Muttering that with a laugh, Kusala pointed excitedly at the meat.
“Of course! We’ve also been preparing, thinking it’s about time for the barbecue festival!”
When Kusala said that, the other adventurers let out boisterous cheers. Whether it was Panamera’s idea to hold the event or an idea sparked by seeing the adventurers’ preparations, well, as long as everyone was having fun, it was all good.
After thanking the adventurers who had prepared everything, I turned to Panamera.
“So, it’s a big barbecue festival tonight. Can we build a bonfire too?”
“Make it grand. Today will be the festival day of fortress city Cayenne. From now on, the carnival will be held on this day every year, so I’ll be counting on your help.”
“Please invite me as a guest! I’m definitely just labor, otherwise!”
“I’ll pay you, won’t I?”
“That’s not the point!”
As I waved my arms in protest, Rosalie from Mary Trading Company approached with a smile.
“Lord Van, if I may be so bold, I think you should definitely cooperate in helping every year. Panamera-sama values duty and gratitude, so by assisting with the fortress city Cayenne carnival annually, he will surely come to your aid when needed…”
Rosalie said this with a knowing smile, while Panamera frowned and furrowed his brows. It seemed he was trying to make it clear in front of the city administrators and many residents that he was willing to owe me a favor. However, such schemes were not something a mere merchant should be involved in. Perhaps they were trying to strengthen their relationship with me, even if it meant pushing things a bit.
As proof, though Rosalie smiled naturally when making the suggestion, her fingers trembled slightly.
On the other hand, Panamera snorted unhappily and glared at Rosalie.