Published: January 17, 2026
"Everyone, halt! It’s time for a break!"
"Yes, sir!"
About ten minutes later, Sesto and the others arrived. As expected from the elite knights of the Marquis Fertio family, their movements were perfectly synchronized as they quickly prepared for the break. Then, Sesto poked his head out from one of the carriages. He looked around with a displeased expression and noticed that we were in the middle of eating.
"...Captain. Why is there such a big difference?"
With a slightly hoarse voice, perhaps still waking up, Sesto asked. The captain paused his preparations for the break, stood up straight, and spoke.
"Sir! It’s probably because the carriage used by Lord Van is of higher quality than those owned by our marquis family’s knight order!"
"...If you understand, then why didn’t you improve it when we were in Seato Village? We had a whole day’s time."
"Apologies! It didn’t occur to me!"
When Sesto questioned him sternly, the captain apologized immediately. However, it wasn’t something easy to notice. Although he had participated in Centena, he probably couldn’t memorize the performance of my carriage back then. It would be cruel to scold him too much. Just as I thought that, Sesto raised his hand.
Without punching, Sesto lightly slapped the captain’s cheek with his palm. Though it wasn’t a strong hit, the sound caught the knights’ attention, and they turned to look.
Feeling all eyes on him, Sesto narrowed his eyes sharply, clicked his tongue, and turned his back. Watching Sesto silently move toward the river, I approached the captain who was left alone.
"...Are you alright? It could affect the march speed going forward, so I’ll make a carriage for you as a favor."
When I said that, the captain turned around, surprised.
"T-That’s... I can’t accept such generosity from Lord Van...!"
The captain hesitated. Now in his late twenties and serving as captain, he was also one of the knights who taught me swordsmanship when I was a child. Remembering those past days, I waved a hand with a smile.
"Since Silhet still calls me Lord Van and not Viscount Van yet, this is for her sake. Think of it as a thank you for teaching me swordsmanship."
I joked as I asked Kamushin to prepare some wood. While Kamushin was sending messengers to Dee and the others, Silhet, the captain, lowered his chin with teary eyes.
"Th-Thank you very much... I’m truly grateful for Lord Van’s kind consideration...!"
"Don’t go overboard, it’s just a carriage."
I said that with a wry smile at Silhet, who seemed deeply moved.
Though we were on a break, Dee and the others brought wood at an incredible pace. Honestly, I thought the entire afternoon would be spent logging, so I was shocked even though I was the one giving instructions.
"Is this amount okay?"
"Thanks! That really helps! Now, take a little more rest."
"Understood!"
Dee said that cheerfully as if he hadn’t just chopped down ten trees, then returned to the others who resumed their break.
"...Dee’s the strange one for cutting down trees in one blow, right? I’m supposed to be the sensible one."
I muttered, and Arte smiled awkwardly. Why didn’t she say anything?
Thinking about that, I quickly touched the wood that had been brought in. Concentrating my mana, I unfolded the blueprint in my mind. Having made carriages many times, crafting one was quick work.
However, the only problem was the suspension. The rubber parts of the wheels could be missing, but the ride would be rough. Suspension, though, was essential.
So first, I made the wheels, shaft, and the lower part of the body simply. Then I installed suspension above the bearings, making the body slightly float. Once this was done, it was just a matter of adding details.
I considered making the driver’s seat a bit bigger and able to connect up to four horses in case of trouble. This was the most enjoyable part.
"Um, Lord Van...?"
Suddenly, Arte called my name, and I stopped.
"Hmm? What is it?"
Turning my back to the carriage, I faced her. Arte pointed at the half-finished carriage with a troubled expression.