Published: January 17, 2026
Upon entering the castle, the guards guided us through as if we were on a historical tour.
“This area is maintained for the comfort of our visitors. We have prepared not only the hall and dining room but also offices and bedrooms. There’s even a somewhat small bathroom with a sea view, which has been very popular with our guests…”
The guard spoke fluently and with great detail, which caught my attention. I couldn’t help but interrupt his explanation with a question.
“Um, do you always give such detailed explanations to visitors?”
The guard quickly turned toward me, looking flustered.
“Ah, my apologies! Was that too long…?”
“No, not at all. You just explained everything very thoroughly,” I said with a smile to put the embarrassed guard at ease.
He cleared his throat and nodded lightly.
“Th-then I’m glad. Normally, the head of the family resides in the fortress city of Tirlind along the border, not in Tribute. But because Tribute receives so many visitors during peacetime, it’s become common for the head to stay here for easier access. We guards handle visitors seeking an audience with the head every day.”
“I see…”
Listening to the guard’s somewhat proud explanation, I sighed inwardly. So far, I hadn’t seen any special industries thriving in Tribute. Normally, a port town would have various industries like shipping and fishing, but in this world, the sea is reportedly filled with large demonic beasts, so marine-based industries hardly exist at all.
There are boats on small rivers and lakes, but essentially, you never see ships out at sea.
The main income for the territory likely comes from trade and tolls on traveling merchants. Perhaps my guess was correct, as the Marquis Rosso himself apparently deals with many visitors.
This is problematic. If my concerns are right, the marquisate of Rosso will eventually dry up. If that happens, building friendly relations with Rosso might become impossible. Although the cause lies in the Yelinetta Kingdom invading from the Scudetto, the result is that merchants who were supposed to pass through Tribute are instead rerouted to Seato village. Anyone whose annual income is halved would naturally resent those who take away their expected profits.
If the marquis family with its long history were to go bankrupt because of this…
“...Alright, better to try and fail than do nothing.”
Tired of serious thoughts, I decisively shifted my mood. I would judge the situation after meeting the Marquis of Rosso in person.
That thought made me feel better. Enjoying the guard’s castle tour, we moved toward the audience chamber.
“This way.”
The guard knocked on the door of the audience chamber. The heavy steel double doors opened from the inside, revealing the hall. It wasn’t very large and seemed to have only a few people inside. At the back sat a man in a large-backed chair, flanked by two knights clad in ornate armor. Several individuals who looked like magicians stood along the walls.
“Enter.”
A low voice commanded, and Panamera and I stepped inside. Nervously, we walked toward the man at the back who lifted his head.
He had dark silver hair and appeared to be in his forties. His sharp, narrow eyes were distinctive. I couldn’t read his expression, but I braced myself just in case he was angry.
The man rose from his chair and looked at Panamera and me.
“Welcome, Count Panamera Carrera Cayenne. And Viscount van nei fertio… I am the Marquis of Porto Fino Rosso, ruler of this marquisate of Rosso.”
He greeted us with a slightly hoarse, dignified voice. His calm and dandy demeanor reminded me of the Espada.
Admiring his mature presence, I watched as Panamera lightly bowed and returned the greeting.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Marquis Rosso. Please, just call me Panamera.”
“Ah, I’m van nei fertio! Please call me Van!”
Hearing Panamera’s greeting, I quickly followed suit. After speaking, I worried I might have been too casual, but Rosso gave a slight smile and nodded.