Chapter 334: Returning Home for Now After All That

In the Royal Capital, I feel like I was completely played by His Majesty and Aperta. Without a doubt, Van-kun is the hardest-working head of a noble house in the Kingdom of Scuderia. By the way, perhaps as an apology for pushing troublesome work onto me again, I received an unprecedented amount of souvenirs to take home. Even Panamera was surprised, her eyes widening at the sight of three large carriages bearing the royal crest.

Incidentally, since I had already received more land and rewards than anyone else for the previous war with the Kingdom of Yelenetta, this time I brought back gold, silver, treasures, and other things Van-kun would like, such as seasonings and materials.

To be frank, it is safe to assert that Van-kun’s territory is now the most economically blessed in the Kingdom of Scuderia.

However, the busyness of the civil officials and knights supporting the territory, including Seatoh Village, is also number one in the Kingdom of Scuderia. As a bit of trivia, personally, I think Esparda and Murcia work the hardest, followed by Van-kun in the rankings.

Well, I suppose I should endure it, thinking that I’m getting paid for the work I do.

Despite having various complaints, I am living fulfilling days, so there is no doubt it is fun.

While thinking such things, Van-kun arrived back at Seatoh Village.

“Ah, I can see Seatoh Village!”

“To be accurate, it is the Adventurer’s Town in front of it, but…”

“Come to think of it, I have to improve the Adventurer’s Town a bit more too…”

Hearing Till and Khamsin’s voices, I remembered another job and smiled wryly. That said, I am happy with the feeling of returning home after a long time.

“Lord Van!”

Perhaps they received word when we passed the Adventurer’s Town, but Targa, Esparda, and the others were waiting at Seatoh Village’s gate. Talga was calling my name loudly, and Esparda stood quietly beside him.

“I’m ho-ome!”

I called out while poking my head out of the carriage and waving. Then, cheers were heard from atop the castle gates and walls. Ooh, isn’t this the first time I’ve been welcomed like this since returning from the war? Fufufu, being popular is tough.

While thinking that and waving my hands at everyone, I heard voices different from what I expected.

“Lord Van! Since it’s your first return in a while, it’s a barbecue party, right!?”

“We are preparing it now, so please wait a moment!”

“We have been waiting for your return, Lord Van!”

They were clamoring with voices that sounded like they were drooling. Is that your goal, you lot? I’ll make you eat vegetables instead of meat, hey.

“Geez! I thought you were happy because I came back!”

I raised both hands to voice my complaint, but for some reason, only laughter returned. Something is wrong. Van-kun is currently the head of a Viscount family. Eh? Isn’t a Viscount an important person?

While feeling doubts about the status of a noble, I sat back down in the carriage seat. Then, Arte and Till were looking at me while smiling.

“…Lord Van is loved by everyone, isn’t he.”

“Everyone realizes at least ten percent of Lord Van’s greatness! Ah, I’m the only one who knows everything, you know? After all, I’ve been watching Lord Van since he was a baby!”

When Arte voiced her unexpected impression with deep feeling, Till said that while breathing roughly through her nose.

“No, no, no matter how you think about it, they’re treating me like a neighborhood kid, right? Rather, I can only think they love the barbecue… Ah, free alcohol is served during the barbecue party, so that might be the goal.”

Crossing my arms and snorting, I spoke the reality. In response, Khamsin nodded deeply with a dissatisfied look.

“I think that is too rude to Lord Van… The ideal would be for them to stand in lines on the edge of the street and quietly watch over Lord Van’s return…”

“Eh? Everyone lining up straight and watching me? What is that? It’s super scary. Rejected!”

I immediately rejected Khamsin’s outrageous opinion. Khamsin was quietly shocked with a startled face, but I don’t care.

“…Well, since I’ll have to leave again soon anyway, a barbecue party might be good.”

I don’t know if it will be a month or two later, but if Tran appears at Marquis Rosso’s territory or the Royal Capital, I will be summoned. Considering the travel distance, I must depart immediately upon receiving the news. It’s better to do what needs to be done early.

The first of those things is the barbecue party.

Hm? Something is wrong.

Thinking that, I went to Talga and the others, and my first comment was, “I’m tireeed.” Since I had a bad feeling, I tried to convey my intention of “let me rest a little” right from the opening move.

However, it didn’t resonate with the demon. The demon nodded lightly and spoke expressionlessly.

“In that case, let us handle your accumulated studies in two hours. Please let me know when you have finished your meal and bath.”

“You’re kidding, right…?”

I asked back in astonishment, but he just tilted his head silently.

A demon has appeared in our village! Run, everyone!