Chapter 281: Once We Arrived at Fortress City Cayenne...

When we moved to the castle gate, the gates began to open on their own without us saying a word. Then, a familiar voice of a heroic woman rained down from atop the castle walls.

“Ooh! Boy! You finally arrived!”

Looking up, Panamera was poking her head out from right above the main gate. Beside her were about a dozen unfamiliar men. As I waved to Panamera and her group and passed through the gate to enter the fortress city, Panamera and the others came down immediately after.

“You’re late!”

“Ehh!? We departed Seatoh Village exactly at the promised time, you know!”

When I retorted to Panamera’s outrageous complaint, she shrugged her shoulders and laughed.

“Well, I shall forgive you. Now then, immediately, I will introduce you to the administrators of my city who have become my new subordinates!”

“Huh?”

As I tilted my head at the unexpected words, Panamera moved a step to the side and looked at the men lined up behind her. Then, men ranging from their thirties to their fifties stepped forward with solemn expressions.

“I am Westa. I manage the residents of Fortress City Cayenne.”

“My name is Barratt. I manage the budget and taxes of Fortress City Cayenne.”

“My name is Thomas. I manage the various facilities of Fortress City Cayenne.”

“I am Bilt. I serve as the Chairman of the Council of Fortress City Cayenne.”

“My name is Bellbeer. I have been appointed as the Vice Commander of the Panamera Chivalric Order. I intend to fight for Lord Panamera, risking my life.”

The heavyweights of the city introduced themselves one after another. It seemed they were positioned as the administrators and assistants for people, taxes and budget, facilities, the council, and the Chivalric Order. After those introductions were finished, a tall, slender man with gray hair opened his mouth.

“…Lastly, my name is Zetros. I have been appointed as the Magistrate of this Fortress City Cayenne. I look forward to working with you.”

And with that, the final greeting ended.

“Ah, I live in the neighboring territory! I am Van Nei Fertio! Pleased to meet you!”

Thinking the first impression is crucial, I introduced myself brightly and energetically. At that, the older men looked at each other.

“…Lord Van. We heard rumors that you were not yet ten years old, but to think you really are…”

“Is he really a child…”

” The pleasure is ours.”

As the older men buzzed with noise, Zetros replied on their behalf.

After looking at all of them in turn, I returned my gaze to Panamera.

“Huh? Come to think of it, isn’t someone from your Chivalric Order going to be the magistrate, Ms. Panamera?”

When I asked that, Panamera raised the corner of her mouth and nodded.

“It was only a little less than three weeks, but I believe I educated them sufficiently. If anyone commits fraud or plots a rebellion after this, I will reflect greatly that I was still inexperienced, and I shall change the structure significantly again. Of course, a hell where even death is considered lukewarm awaits anyone who causes me such trouble…”

When Panamera muttered that, the heavyweights who had likely managed the city until now all looked down in unison. Their complexions looked somewhat earthy, or was that just my imagination?

“…Then it seems it will be fine. Even so, this is my first time here, but it’s a nice city.”

Replying with a wry smile, I looked at the cityscape again. It had an old, rugged atmosphere, but I got a sense of history from it. The streets were well-cleaned, and the buildings were beautiful. Though old, it must have been managed properly.

However, Panamera crossed her arms and furrowed her brows.

“It is still not enough. This is a fortress city bearing my name, you know? I want to make it a city that everyone envies.”

“…I have a bad feeling about this, but I’ll ask just in case. What kind of concept is it?”

When I asked while feeling anxious, Panamera opened her mouth with a smile like a carnivore.

“We are going to discuss that right now! Come, Chairman Bilt! We shall open the council!”

“Yes! Understood. I will prepare it immediately.”

Perhaps in his mid-fifties? Bilt, who had a dignified atmosphere, straightened his back like a soldier and replied.

While moving through the city, no one called out to Panamera. Also, perhaps naturally, no one called out to the Van party entering with a Chivalric Order either.

“…I feel like we’re being feared.”

When I muttered that, Dee, who was riding a horse to protect my carriage, pulled his chin back slightly.

“Of course, they would be afraid. After all, the Kingdom of Yelenetta, which had been gaining momentum to swallow up the neighborhood with overwhelming force, and the Shelvia Confederation, which is one of the great powers albeit a step below, were repelled together and became vassal states. It is inevitable that they would be trembling in fear when two of the martial faction nobles from that war come to the city.”

“Ms. Panamera and… me too!? I’m not a martial faction noble, definitely!”

I denied Dee’s words in surprise, but he laughed it off.

“Wahahahaha! Fortress City Cayenne has already become part of the Kingdom of Scuderia. They are surely aware that the two who achieved the highest military merits in this war have come.”

I was first in military merit, and Panamera was third. Indeed, the first and third ranks recognized as contributors in the war had come together. Hearing only that, one might think that terrifying veterans of many battles had arrived. However, leaving the heroic woman aside, Van is just an innocent genius boy. It can’t be helped that there are no high-pitched cheers, but being feared that much feels strange.

Thinking about such things as we advanced further, we arrived at a medium-sized castle. It was a stone castle. It seemed to be about three stories high. It was old but had a sturdy appearance that suited a fortress city.

Looking up at the castle, Panamera spoke.

“This is my castle. Call it Cayenne Castle. There are five bedrooms, one office, two halls, one kitchen and dining room each, three toilets, and one bath. Other than that, just stables and a shed.”

“Oh, seems just right.”

When I stated my impression of Cayenne Castle, Panamera pursed her lips.

“No, I am dissatisfied. Well, let us discuss that area thoroughly as well.”

“…Please go easy on me.”

Having such a conversation, we entered Cayenne Castle and moved to the hall while lightly touring the inside. Due to the capacity of the castle, most of the people waited outside, and only the key personnel entered. Panamera, Zetros, and their group, and on our side, me, Dee, Arb, and Law, as well as Arte, Till, and Khamsin. Furthermore, I asked Bell and Rosalie, who plan to set up a store in the future, to join us.

“It is a bit cramped, but let us begin as is.”

Sitting in the center of a large long table, Panamera said that. The table was large enough for ten people to sit comfortably, but it didn’t seem like everyone could line up. Therefore, Panamera and the six members including Zetros sat, and on our side, I, Arte, Bell, and Rosalie sat. Behind us, our respective assistants and subordinates stood.

“Now then, we shall begin the remodeling review meeting for Fortress City Cayenne.”