Published: January 12, 2026
The enemy knight order consisted of three hundred men borrowed from a viscount of the Yelinetta Kingdom and, unexpectedly, the escort knights led by Prince Unimog Yelinetta of the Yelinetta Kingdom’s royal family.
I had heard that the wyvern was controlled by a puppeteer magician, so I was eager to hear more about it. Unfortunately, it was struck against the castle walls and died in battle.
Apparently, this was part of an invasion operation that had been planned for several years and put into action three months ago.
The king was unusually frustrated. It seemed that the information had been cleverly concealed.
Now, in a room of the lord's manor, the four of us—His Majesty, Aperta, Viscount Panamera, and myself—sat around a table in a meeting.
"There was no report on orders for armor and weapons or on the movement of the knight order. On the contrary, large-scale flood control work is supposed to be underway in the capital city. To think they would spend so much money just to blind us... This time, they seem serious," the king muttered, clearly displeased.
I nodded and spoke up.
"I see. But even so, you managed to extract information from Unimog, who, despite being a disappointing prince, is still part of the royal family."
The details of the invasion operation were top national secrets. Could a member of the royal family really leak such information?
I asked, but the king shrugged with an unhappy look. Instead, Aperta explained.
"He was a surprisingly weakling. When I asked whether to tear off his claws or gouge out his eyes, he immediately told us everything."
"Normally, we should welcome enemy soldiers who talk honestly, but his weakness was irritating," Aperta said half in exasperation, and Viscount Panamera agreed.
"Hahaha... Well, I suppose he hates pain. So, what's the full scope of the invasion operation?"
I asked, and the king furrowed his brow deeply before speaking.
"The main operation targets the recently expanded Marquis Fertio family’s territory."
"Huh?"
Surprised, I looked at the king, who narrowed his eyes with a complicated expression.
"I'm hesitant to tell you about the marquis family, but since you have become a baron, you must be strong and listen."
With care, the king recounted the Yelinetta Kingdom’s invasion operation into the Dadi territory.
"As you know, the Marquis Fertio family expanded their territory by about fifty percent in ten years. However, they did not keep up with developing and appointing talent. Although their territory grew, they delayed addressing defense. This weakness was taken advantage of by the Yelinetta Kingdom. The capital city has deployed border guards, but there aren’t enough men or local knowledge."
The king sighed, and I could not help but interrupt.
"So, they are being attacked as we speak?"
He nodded.
"Yes. Strategically and geographically, the fortress city Scudet will be the first target. To guarantee Scudet’s fall, the marquis family’s second city will also be attacked, along with three towns and villages, including this village of Seato."
The king raised his head and continued.
"But don’t panic. The first strike has already been made. It’s a race against time, but no amount of running around now will change the situation. What we need is to organize the situation and develop countermeasures."
When the king said this, Aperta cleared his throat and took over.
"Let me confirm our response. His Majesty and I will return to the capital city with minimal escort, assemble the Capital City Knight Order, and head to Scudet. Next, Viscount Panamera will report to Count Ferdinand and immediately organize supply units and knights, also heading for Scudet."
After saying this, Aperta looked at me.
"Normally, a lord of a village would only be asked for basic supplies. However, since Baron Van is capable, we request your participation in this defensive battle."
Aperta said this seriously, and I blurted out my honest reaction.
"Uh..."
I muttered, and one of Aperta’s eyebrows rose.
"…You don’t want to?"