Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

This is the second episode for today!

“No, I’m sorry for laughing.”

After a moment, I managed to say just that. My mouth was still twitching, but I was calmer than before.

Panamera looked at me suspiciously, while Arte watched me with concern. Espada, Dee, and Kamushin were still watching Panamera warily, but there was no risk of a clash here anymore.

Without even realizing it, my laughter seemed to have diffused the tension. As expected of Van-kun.

I gave a wry smile and spoke to Panamera.

“Then, let me correct that misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?”

Panamera frowned, and I nodded in response.

“The subordinates assigned to me are only that child Kamushin and the maid Til. I didn’t even get paid much.”

When I said that, Panamera’s eyes narrowed.

“...Then what are those knights and butlers there? The two young knights waiting outside are obviously your subordinates too.”

Before I could answer, Dee spoke up quickly.

“We voluntarily followed Lord Van. They said they were coming to see him off and act as guards, so we rushed out. The other day, the knight commander sent a sudden recall order, but we ignored it.”

He laughed heartily. No, this is no laughing matter.

“If you got a recall order, you have to go back. Otherwise, you’ll be kicked out, you know?”

I said that, but Dee just laughed joyfully. Watching that in disbelief, Espada finally spoke.

“I’m already an old bone, as you can see. When I heard Lord Van was going to the countryside, I thought it was a good opportunity to retire and came here. As a hobby in my old age, I intend to teach Lord Van all the knowledge I possess.”

What a troublesome hobby. Is this harassment?

I wanted to complain, but lately Espada’s lectures had been reduced to about an hour a day, so it wasn’t too bad.

Dee has also been teaching swordsmanship not only to me and Kamushin but also to the village children, so training hours have decreased a bit.

Well, either way, it’s something we do every day.

Thinking about training in the evening and studying after dinner again today, I smiled wryly when Panamera spoke with an indescribable look.

“…Then, how do you plan to explain the transformation of this village?”

I answered that question.

“Shall we see for yourself?”

“Hm? Where are we going?”

I stood up as I answered, and Panamera frowned suspiciously again.

“Outside. We were just planning to build new walls on the outskirts.”

When I said that, Panamera silently stood up, and Arte hurriedly followed.

As we went outside together, the soldiers, who were lined up perfectly, all turned to face us at once. Or rather, they looked at Panamera.

I glanced sideways at the soldiers and headed for the village’s main gate. Panamera, who was close behind me, turned to the soldiers and said,

“We’re going on an inspection. Follow five meters behind. Form a column.”

With that concise order, the soldiers quickly reformed their formation and followed.

The villagers gathered, wondering what was going on amid the tense atmosphere, but I greeted them with a wave of my hand. After all, behind me wasn’t just a noble’s child but the noble himself. It would be rude to stop and engage the villagers.

Well, I might smile at children who spoke to me, but in noble society, if a higher-ranking noble is present, they take priority. Ah, what a hassle.

“Oh, could everyone bring some wooden blocks?”

Suddenly remembering we were short on materials, I told a nearby villager, who nodded and ran to gather help.

Good, handle it as you see fit.

We passed through the gate, crossed the bridge, and walked along the highway for a while until an impatient Panamera spoke up.

“How far are we going?”

I guess she still found it suspicious. Well, that would happen if I took her out without explaining.

So I stopped, looked around, and asked Espada,

“Around here?”

“Yes. If it’s one side of the hexagon, this place should be fine. The corner will be a bit further ahead.”

“I see. Then let’s build it about two meters wide so it can be adjusted later.”