Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

“Lord Van has been officially granted the baron noble title.”

“No way.”

“Yes. The official letter and announcement will be delivered by a messenger within a month.”

I had become a baron.

Now, even if Daddy tried to interfere, he couldn’t forcibly seize the territory or dismiss me as the head of the lordship.

“We did it.”

“Congratulations!”

I flashed a victory sign, and Til was overjoyed.

“Is Lord Panamera not coming to the village?”

Kamushin asked somewhat sadly, and Rango nodded in response.

“The viscount said he would report this matter to the count, and after arranging things somewhat, he plans to visit again. To be honest, it seems he finds it more interesting to join forces with Lord Van to develop the territory rather than align with the count’s faction…”

“Huh? Is he going to live in this village?”

Although I’m the lord, having Panamera, who holds a higher noble title, nearby would be difficult. I personally like him, but having a superior around isn’t always pleasant. Asking back in that mood, Rango shook his head.

“No, it seems he intends to acquire the neighboring territory. I don’t know how the negotiations will go, but he mentioned establishing a town adjacent to this village…”

“Is it really that easy to get a territory?”

I wasn’t sure if I should say it, but the words slipped out involuntarily.

But with Panamera, anything seems possible.

“If it’s Lord Panamera, I’m sure he’ll be granted a territory soon!”

Kamushin also gave a thumbs-up.

That figures. Somehow, I get the feeling he might end up a queen or something someday.

“Oh, and about the armored lizard materials and the slaying — thanks to the assistance of your brother, Lord Murcia, it has been accomplished, as Lord Van said. So, the initial bandit suppression was Lord Van alone, the armored lizard hunt was a joint effort with Lord Murcia, and the dragon slaying was done together with Lord Panamera. They want to purchase the materials for the Wang family if possible.”

“Oh, right, you said you’d credit it to my brother’s achievements. Anything else… oh, maybe we can say he also advised on hunting boars and wolves. That way, it’ll strengthen his path to becoming head of the family…”

When I said that, Espada, who had been quietly listening, shook his head.

“No, it’s better not to do that. There would be no problem if it weren’t for the ennoblement and the dragon slaying, but due to this matter, an investigative team from the capital city will be coming. Their job is to thoroughly investigate the battlefield, territory conditions, and those involved. It’s best not to bring up Lord Murcia, who is in a distant land…”

“Could it cause unnecessary suspicion?”

“Yes.”

“That would be troublesome. Alright, let’s not mention it.”

Well, my brother is serious and hardworking, so he’ll become head of the family regardless.

Thinking that, I enjoyed a barbecue party with Rango and the others.

The day after Rango’s and the slaves’ welcome party, I called Bell and Rango and decided to hold interviews for the slaves.

Apparently, Rango was already planning this and happily went to fetch the slaves.

“With 150 people, it means you bought up a significant portion of the slaves at the Slave Market in the capital city. You’ve really gone all out…”

Bell said with a wry smile, and I hummed thoughtfully.

“I wonder why the Mary Trading Company waived their fees.”

“Could it be they’re trying to please Lord Van, thinking they offended you?”

“Harmless? The Mary Trading Company wields enormous power domestically in the capital city, while I’m a new baron at the frontier’s edge. My mood probably doesn’t affect them.”

I asked with doubt, and Bell looked troubled.

“That is… probably because they highly evaluate Lord Van.”

Bell herself seemed puzzled saying this. It’s flattering to be seen as gaining status and power out here, but the Mary Trading Company, backed by the king, really isn’t that influenced.