Chapter 228: Home Again, After a Long While
We passed through the fortress city that served as a checkpoint and proceeded into the territory of Marquis Fertio. The journey was perhaps two weeks long. Even though Panamera’s knights were elites, the increased number of infantry meant the itinerary took the full amount of time.
However, thanks to the careful, unforced marching, the ample surrounding reconnaissance, and constant nighttime vigilance, we reached our destination without accumulating unnecessary fatigue. Absolutely refuse to overexert, and always maintain perfect condition for battle. That must be the source of Panamera’s strength.
That being said, when an operation requiring speed, like a blitzkrieg, is necessary, I’m sure they could mobilize faster than any other knight order. The Panamera Knights possess that level of training.
If Dee were to train the knight order with this kind of thoroughness for ten years, would they become a force like this?
Thinking that, I watched the formation of the Panamera Knights marching ahead. The lead elements were already approaching the gate of the First City, where the Fertio Marquis’s residence was located.
The city gates and the walls were visibly robust, a sight that could be mistaken for the capital. The truth is, the size and feel of the walls and gate surrounding the center of Seatoh Village were modeled after this city. While there was a rebellious spirit in me that wanted to make the detailed carvings and decorations more luxurious, there was no doubt I had been influenced by this place.
Beyond those walls, the spires and barracks roofs appeared so simple they might be called austere, but this created a robust and genuinely beautiful aesthetic.
It looked exactly like a medieval stone fortress.
This was my hometown, even if it had been a long time since I was here. I had been kicked out, but having lived here for eight years, it was only natural to feel a sense of nostalgia.
“…Lord Van, are you happy?” Arte asked, her voice sounding cautious.
Hearing her voice, I finally realized that I had been staring at the city’s exterior for a long time.
I smiled wryly at that realization and looked at Arte.
“…Yes, well. I don’t know if I’m happy, but I’m definitely nostalgic. After all, it’s the city where I was born and raised.”
As I spoke, I heard a sniffling sound next to me. I turned my gaze and saw Till covering her face with a handkerchief.
“Hmph… Oh, excuse m-me…”
It seemed I had flipped Till’s “sadness switch.” Panamera’s expression subtly darkened, perhaps interpreting Till’s appearance and our conversation in a worrisome way.
Just then, there was a knock on the carriage door from outside.
“Excuse me. Lord Van, we have reached the destination…” Khamsin, who had opened the door to report, froze when he saw the sobbing Till. He glanced at the stern-faced Panamera, looking momentarily concerned.
“…I did not scold her,” Panamera muttered crossly.
Khamsin quickly shifted his gaze to me.
“Oh, sorry. I just got a little sentimental when I saw the city… Till is crying for me.”
When I said that, Khamsin’s face also took on a sorrowful expression.
“…I understand. Should we avoid opening the carriage windows?”
“No, no, you don’t need to worry that much. Rosalie from the Mary Chamber of Commerce said that there might be people who miss me, and I’d be happy if I ran into anyone I knew.”
Well, after over a year, I’m sure I’ve been forgotten. Thinking that, I gave an overly positive response.
Khamsin nodded silently and withdrew.
In the quiet carriage, I looked at everyone’s faces and could see Arte and Panamera observing me and Till carefully.
I felt bad for making them worry, but at the same time, I was genuinely happy that there were people who cared.
Feeling slightly warmed, we safely passed the check at the city gate and entered the city.
The city had a lively, bustling atmosphere, and I was impressed, realizing this was truly the region’s largest urban center as I gazed out the window. I noticed that a large number of people were gathering around the carriage.
It didn’t seem to be just because we were on the main street.
As I was thinking that, my name was suddenly called out.
“Lord Vaaan!?”
I heard a sweet voice and instinctively searched for the owner. I saw a young girl in a red dress. She had grown a little taller, but there was no mistaking her. It was Viza, the daughter of one of the city guards. Looking closely, I also saw a man and woman who appeared to be in their thirties nearby. One was Chasson, Viza’s father and a guard on the city wall, so the other must be Viza’s mother.
“Long time no see, Viza. Have you grown taller?” I waved and replied with a smile.
The woman standing next to Viza, looking slightly nervous, placed both hands on Viza’s shoulder and bowed her head.
“Viza, please! Lord Van… I heard you have become a Baron. I apologize for having her speak to you.”
At Viza’s mother’s flustered words, my eyebrows unconsciously drew down into a saddened look.
“Please… don’t say something so lonely. I consider Viza a friend.”
When I said that, the Viza family blinked and froze. Maybe they’re appalled because that was such an un-noble thing to say.
I thought to follow up on my own, but before I could, laughter erupted from the residents gathered around us.
“Hahahaha! No doubt about it, it’s Lord Van!”
“Welcome back, Lord Van!”
“D-do you remember me!?”
The cheerful residents approached the carriage, calling out to me right in front of the window. Hearing their happy expressions and laughter, I suddenly felt tears well up.
“W-wait a minute! If you all talk at once, I won’t understand anything!”
I’d be embarrassed if they found out I’m crying because I’m touched that everyone remembered me. Thinking that, I waved both hands and offered a complaint to hide my embarrassment. Laughter greeted my response again.
“Lord Van, that’s an amazing carriage!”
“It’s great, isn’t it? I built it myself.”
“Are all these knights yours, Lord Van!?”
“No, they’re mostly Viscount Panamera’s Knight Order.”
The carriage slowed, and we proceeded through the city while conversing with the residents. More and more people gathered, making it feel like a festival procession.
Amidst the crowd, a young man spoke up.
“Lord Van, are you coming back to this city?”
At that question, I instinctively hesitated. Looking at everyone’s faces, I almost felt like deciding to return. That’s how much their welcome pleased me.
However, I am Baron Van Nei Fertio, the lord of the frontier territory ruling Seatoh Village. I cannot be so irresponsible. I shook off my fleeting excitement and answered with a serious face.
“…I’m sorry, but I am now a land-owning noble, having been granted Seatoh Village as my territory by His Majesty. I can’t leave that territory for a long time.”
After answering, I smiled at the many residents gathered around us.
“If you’d like, everyone should come visit Seatoh Village! We have a public bath called the Great Bath, and lots of delicious things to eat! Right now, I’m even offering to prepare homes exclusively for the people of this city!”
I loudly promoted Seatoh Village and waved my hands. Everyone cheered in response. As I waved happily from inside the carriage, Panamera burst out laughing behind me.
“You’re quite something, boy. Soliciting residents right under the nose of Marquis Fertio… that’s an act that the Lord of this land could consider hostile, you know?”
Panamera said, grinning slyly. I turned around, still smiling, and tilted my head.
“…Huh?”
