Published: January 17, 2026
Normally, when traveling from the Kingdom of Scuderia to the Yelinetta Kingdom, one must pass through this Tribute. Among merchants, this is considered a given.
Well, it's undeniable that the Wolfsburg Mountain Range has a significant influence, but another reason is that all the mountain passes have important bases for both countries. Now that all these key bases have come under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Scuderia, it’s expected that many more traveling merchants will pass through from now on.
In other words, not only Seato Village but also the fortress city murcia and fortress city cayenne are about to become incredibly busy. They will prosper not only as defensive bases but also as important trading cities for the two great nations.
On the other hand, several towns along this coastline now face the risk of gradual decline. The main trade routes have changed, so it’s inevitable, but for the lords governing these lands, it’s not something they can easily accept. If industries are well developed, that's fine, but if the economy depends on passersby, financial hardship is obvious. In the worst case, the territory could go bankrupt.
This concern was also shared by Espada.
“I hope it’s just an unfounded worry…”
Espada began, speaking about the lords.
“The Marquis of Porto Fino Rosso holds territory including the Tribute along the coastline. Among the central nobility with estates near the capital city, Marquis Rosso is called a great marquis or frontier marquis. He has built an absolute defensive line against the Yelinetta Kingdom. He’s been in charge of his current territory for about two hundred years, and it has never been breached.”
Panamera shrugged her shoulders and smiled sarcastically as if to follow up on that remark.
“Well, to put it bluntly, it seems the reason the Yelinetta Kingdom chose to attack Scudetto this time—besides the element of surprise—was because they wanted to avoid Marquis Rosso’s territory. Unlike Marquis Feltio, who was recently elevated, he is a pure-blooded high-ranking noble. Among nobles, excluding the royal and ducal families, he is the highest rank.”
A historically significant great noble—Panamera lightly explained this. Hearing that, Espada nodded deeply and continued.
“That’s exactly right. We must not anger such a noble. If possible, we should try to build a cooperative relationship.”
She expressed her thoughts.
“Ugh, what a hassle.”
Hearing their explanation, the words slipped out sincerely.
“This time, we’re entering without His Majesty’s orders or anything... We have to go greet him, but I can’t exactly worry about the economic situation of some other noble’s territory.”
After murmuring this, a good idea suddenly came to mind.
“Oh, in that case, what if we offered ballistae or something?”
“Hm.”
If it’s a defensive base, offering new weapons could be welcomed. That was the thought behind the suggestion, but Panamera gave a vague smile.
“...Well, who knows.”
Uncharacteristically ambiguous from Panamera. Just as I was about to ask more, Dee called out from outside the carriage.
“Lord Van! We’ve arrived at the castle!”
“Oh, right!”
I answered, and the conversation with Espada and Panamera was interrupted. Thinking I missed something, I began preparing for the audience with Marquis Rosso.
“Lord Van, shall we explore the town later?”
“I’d like to try going into the sea.”
“Oh, me too!”
Til, Kamushin, and Arte chatted happily. Feeling a little envious of their conversation, I got out of the carriage with Panamera.
I looked up at the towering massive stone castle before me and sighed. Normally, I’d want to tour such a historic, grand castle, but I just couldn’t feel like it now. Espada had already gotten out ahead to talk with the guards.
“Lord Van, Marquis Rosso will grant you an audience.”
“Eh, already?”
How could just talking to the guards make the audience possible? This must be Espada’s magic.
While I was surprised, Panamera exhaled softly with a smile.