Chapter 230: To the Battlefield [Alternate View]

Incredibly, the resupply of materials was completed in just one day. This was thanks to Khamsin and Law asking for assistance from the remaining members of the Fertio Marquis Knight Order in the city.

Furthermore, with the cooperation of the city residents, the members of the Seatoh Village Knight Order and the Panamera Knights were able to stay in inns for an incredibly low price. It was the first time in a long time they had a deep, full night’s sleep in a real bed. Thanks to this rest, they were able to depart full of energy early the next morning.

“Everyone, thank you so much for your cooperation!” I expressed my gratitude as the representative, standing outside the city gate. Not only the guards and some residents, but even the butler, maids, and Knight Order members, including Andre, had purposefully come out from the castle to see us off.

“Lord Van! Please be careful!”

“Will do! See you later!”

We departed, being seen off by over a hundred people. Throughout the sendoff, Till was in high spirits and kept pouring tea into the cups.

“Everyone, please have some tea.”

“Thank you.”

I continued to enjoy the tea and sweets prepared by Till, and a comfortable, slow time flowed by. Then, Arte brought up the appearance of the city and the castle as a topic of conversation. She spoke about the rich daily life of the residents and the prosperous scenery. It seemed much wealthier and more urban than Ferdinatto County.

Amidst that conversation, she touched upon the maids and the butler working in the castle.

“Speaking of which, why were the maids Till-san spoke of so angry?” Arte asked.

Till stopped eating her sweet, proudly puffed out her chest, and placed a hand over her heart.

“Yes. My former colleagues asked me about life in Seatoh Village. I wouldn’t say they were angry; it was more like they were envious! After all, when Lord Van was chased out of the Marquis’s house, a fierce battle broke out over who would follow him. And I am the victor of that battle!”

Till spoke cheerily. Panamera, who had been listening idly, reacted.

“Oh? Maids serving in the Lord’s castle would choose to follow a boy who became the lord of a frontier village? That speaks volumes about the Marquis’s popularity.”

I gave a wry smile at Panamera, who sounded oddly pleased, and added a supplementary explanation to Till’s words.

“No, there were just a lot of kind people who felt sorry for me being forced out. Till was originally assigned to look after me, so I think she just continued to follow my lead.” I answered, trying to hide my embarrassment, but Till knitted her eyebrows and pouted.

“That’s not true! At first, we decided to settle it by drawing lots, but after discussion, it became a best-of-three match! We fought for two hours, more than ten of us, and I won by the smallest margin… You can’t just pretend that fierce battle didn’t happen!”

“S-sorry, sorry. I don’t really understand, but I apologize.”

I bowed my head in apology to the unusually agitated Till. Both Arte and Panamera laughed merrily at the scene. At first, I was worried about how this trip would go, but we were traveling peacefully and happily. This was surely thanks to Panamera joining us.

I won’t say it out loud, but I am secretly grateful to Panamera as I continue down the road to the battlefield.

【Jalpa】

The fortress was shaped like a combination of cubes, excelling in both offense and defense. Although built of stone, the walls were constructed to their maximum thickness in anticipation of magical attacks. Even though it was built over fifty years ago, its imposing presence was still intact. The walls were predominantly made of reddish stone, though repeated repairs meant some sections were a closer gray color.

The surrounding area was lined with sheer cliffs, and beyond them, steep mountains continued. It was designated as a vital strategic point against the Shelvia Confederation. As long as this fortress was held, it would be difficult for the Shelvia Confederation to invade our territory.

This was Fortress Centena, hailed as the Wall of the North.

Seeing that Fortress Centena was intact, I felt a sense of relief, though I did not show it on my face.

“Your Excellency, I shall go ahead and confirm the situation,” Stradale, who was riding on horseback beside my carriage, said with his usual stoic expression.

“Yes. Head out with the cavalry unit. Return immediately if you sense anything unusual.”

“Understood!”

Upon receiving the order, Stradale quickly spurred his horse and headed toward Centena’s gate. His leadership skills were remarkable; he organized the cavalry unit’s formation in just a few moments and immediately began their movement.

Stradale is the Commander of my Knight Order, which numbers over ten thousand, and the man I trust most. Ordinarily, Dee, a seasoned veteran and Stradale’s superior officer, should have become the Commander. However, due to the brilliant military achievements Stradale displayed in a major battle in the past, he was exceptionally promoted.

He and Dee, who became the Deputy Commander, had engaged in numerous mock battles and always fought on equal terms. Individually, Dee might be the better warrior. However, I believe Stradale has a slight edge in overall command.

Since Stradale is also younger, it’s certain that within a few years, he will also surpass Dee in individual martial prowess. That’s why I wanted Dee to support Stradale as his Deputy Commander and cover any of Stradale’s shortcomings.

That’s precisely why I never imagined Dee would accompany Van when he left. The same goes for Esparda. Why would they make a choice that is akin to political suicide?

I felt like crucial personnel had been stolen from me, and for a while, I grew irritated just hearing Van’s name.

Despite that, he has now become His Majesty’s favorite, and I see his face at every major battle. What’s more, his name comes up in conversation even when he’s far away.

Honestly, it’s infuriating. If only he hadn’t gained independence, all his achievements could have been claimed as the accomplishments of the Fertio Marquis family. But now that he possesses a title, even if only a Baron, he is treated as a separate house.

“…The ingrate. Does he have no intention of serving the birth family that cared for him?” I spat out, yet I was aware of how difficult that would be. I forced him out of the house at age eight. He would have no affection left for the Fertio Marquis family.

If Van continues to rack up achievements, there is a possibility that he could eventually seize the Fertio Marquis family’s land and rights. To prevent that, I must secure a major achievement as quickly as possible.

“Shelvia Confederation… I will make you realize who you are dealing with.” I muttered in a low voice, lifting the corner of my mouth to steel my resolve.