Published: January 12, 2026
I went upstairs in the manor and was guided into the hall.
The hall had a calm atmosphere with wooden walls and floors. In the center was a long table that could seat about eight people. Three men sat on each side, and one man sat at the far end, all facing each other.
As I entered the hall, everyone turned their faces toward me.
“Hmph, Baron Van! You’ve finally arrived!”
One of the men sitting at the far end stood up as he saw my face.
It was none other than His Majesty King Dino En Zola Berlinate himself.
“We’ve pretty much finalized the plan to capture Scudetto, but now that you’re here, it’s a different matter. Let’s rethink the strategy, including the forces of the Baron,” he said cheerfully, beckoning me over. However, the tough-looking middle-aged men around him wore skeptical expressions.
“...Uh, excuse me. I’m a newcomer, but pleased to meet you,” I said, bowing lightly and hoping a simple greeting would suffice. I took the seat at the end of the long table. Panamera plopped down cheerfully into the chair to my right.
Just then, Daddy passed by expressionlessly and took the empty seat near the middle of the table.
After briefly surveying everyone, His Majesty began speaking.
“Now, ideally, we would have sought help from the lords adjacent to the capital city, but time is a crucial factor. We will unite the forces of the Marquis Fertio Knight Order, Border Knight Order, Count Ferdinand Knight Order, Count Venturey Knight Order, Viscount Panamera, and Baron Van to capture Scudetto. Any objections?”
When His Majesty said this, a skinny, droopy-eyed middle-aged man looked at me with concern. He wore a finely crafted, flawless suit of armor, with a windmill motif family crest on his shoulder.
It was my first time seeing him, but that must be Count Ferdinand. Just as rumored, he looked unsure of himself.
Count Ferdinand seemed about to say something but ultimately looked away from me without uttering a word.
Hmm. He somewhat resembles Arte before she gained confidence. Maybe they really are related after all. Despite his thin face, he has a handsome men’s face. That explains Arte’s beautiful girl looks.
While I was thinking this, a white-haired, burly man sitting across from Arte’s Daddy furrowed his brows and stared intently at me.
“...You’re Baron Van, are you not? The child over there?”
He said this in a hoarse voice.
“Yes. My name is van nei fertio. I only just became a baron the other day...” I introduced myself with a shy smile. The white-haired man’s eyes sharpened. That must be Count Venturey. Nice to meet you. That means the others are either His Majesty’s attendants or one of the knight commanders.
“...Your Majesty, please stop joking. What can a child like this possibly do...” Count Venturey said, then stopped mid-sentence when he saw His Majesty’s amused expression.
“Joke? Well, alright. Everyone thinks so, but once they see Baron Van’s fighting, their thoughts will change. Look forward to it,” His Majesty said cheerily.
I involuntarily raised my hand and spoke up.
“Ah, excuse me. I won’t be participating in the Scudetto campaign.”
Saying it like I was politely declining a company drinking party, everyone’s eyes went wide.
Count Venturey and Daddy’s eyes narrowed sharply, and Count Ferdinand wore a puzzled expression. Count Venturey shifted his gaze from me to Daddy.
“What do you mean by that? If taken literally, isn’t this just making excuses to appear involved for the sake of the child?”
Count Venturey said in a low voice, and Daddy frowned deeply, glaring back.
“You think I would stoop to such petty antics? I have sent the eldest son, acting as head of the family, into battle. There is no reason to pull back the youngest,” he said harshly.
That youngest son is a child not even ten years old! Rather, you should be opposing him coming to the battlefield! Take better care of him!
There were many things I wanted to say, but I swallowed them all and instead pasted a smile on my face.