Published: January 17, 2026
Three days after a rare half-day off, the news finally arrived.
It was later than expected, but from Seato Village’s perspective, that was actually better. However, there was a problem with the person who delivered the message.
“...Long time no see, Van.”
“Ah, ah, long time no see…”
Looking up at my older brother Sesto’s face, whom I felt I hadn’t seen in a long time, I returned the greeting. Sesto, who had always been thin, now looked somewhat worn out. When we last met, he seemed nervous, but now he had a dark and bitter aura about him.
By the way, Sesto had come on horseback with about twenty knights from the marquis family’s knight order, while we, including Espada and Dee, had about thirty to welcome them. Espada and Dee must have been just as surprised as I was at Sesto’s change.
“Um, why are you the messenger, Sesto?”
Unable to resist, I asked. Sesto just clicked his tongue in response. I had prepared myself to be disliked, but this was downright hostility. Well, just his attitude alone gave me some idea of his situation.
In the previous battle against the Yelinetta Kingdom, not only did he fail to achieve any military accomplishments, but due to it being his first major battle, he made many serious mistakes. His reputation with His Majesty was at its worst, and no doubt he was scolded by our father, Marquis Jarpa.
Moreover, although he was supposed to be managing the town as the head of the family candidate, he had fallen to a position where he was delivering letters from the capital city. Considering His Majesty’s character, it’s unlikely he wanted to entrust important letters to someone like Sesto, but presumably, Jarpa’s intervention helped Sesto get involved in various tasks.
Sesto might be dissatisfied, but the war with the Yelinetta Kingdom was a major battle that could determine the future of the Kingdom of Scuderia. Yarudo and Sesto, who repeatedly made mistakes, should be grateful just to be allowed to do anything at all. Both Yarudo and Sesto possess the fire magic aptitude, a symbol of great nobility, which is a significant advantage, but nonetheless, they were on the edge.
“...Ah, about the upcoming exchange with the Fiesta Kingdom, what will Marquis Jarpa do?”
Trying to make conversation, I changed the subject. But Sesto sighed deeply and shook his head.
“...That’s none of your concern. First, receive the letter from His Majesty.”
With no room for discussion, Sesto said just that and lifted a rather large metal box. For a ruler who prioritizes efficiency, this letter had unusually strict security. Maybe it was a form of harassment against Sesto. Or perhaps just a lack of trust.
I was thinking this as I reached out to take the letter when a loud cough came from behind. Turning around, I saw Espada looking at me with an expressionless face.
“...Lord Sesto, I apologize, but Van is currently the head of the viscount family. Referring to him as ‘you’ is inappropriate.”
Espada said this plainly, and Sesto groaned, furrowing his brows.
“W-what!? Espada, you...! How dare you betray the Marquis Feltio family...!”
Sesto’s anger flared up at Espada’s words. Surprised by his rare outburst, Espada calmly rebutted.
“Lord Sesto, I believe I retired through proper procedures. It’s generally accepted that once you retire as chief butler, you’re free to go wherever you wish. Also, while you are indeed a son of the marquis family, you currently hold no noble title. In that case, Van holds the higher position, and I humbly suggest you be careful how you address him... Am I saying something inappropriate?”
She said this expressionlessly and matter-of-factly. However, her words, spoken while looking down straight at Sesto, carried a freeze so cold it felt like absolute zero. Even I, who was not the target, found it frightening.
Sesto might have been educated by Espada in childhood. Hearing those words, he stiffened and became speechless.
At that moment, Dee, standing beside Espada, grinned showing his teeth.