Chapter 351: The News Finally Arrives

Three days after that long-awaited half-day off, the news finally arrived.

It was later than I had expected, but for Seatoh Village, the delay was actually helpful. However, there was a problem with the person who delivered the news.

“……It’s been a while, Van.”

“L-Long time no see……”

I returned the greeting while looking up at the face of Sesto, my biological brother, whom I felt I hadn’t seen in ages. I was concerned that Sesto, who was already thin to begin with, now had a gaunt, haggard air about him. When we met before, I recall him seeming timid and anxious, but now he carried a dark, cynical atmosphere.

Incidentally, Sesto had arrived on horseback accompanied by about twenty knights from the Marquis’s Chivalric Order. On our side, we welcomed Sesto and his group with about thirty people, including Esparda and Dee. Therefore, Esparda and Dee must also be surprised by Sesto’s transformation.

“Umm, why are you the messenger, Brother Sesto?”

I couldn’t help but be curious, so I asked. But Sesto just clicked his tongue at me. I was prepared to be disliked, but it seems I am very disliked. Well, just that attitude gives me a glimpse of Sesto’s situation.

In the previous war against the Kingdom of Yelenetta, not only did he fail to achieve any military merit, but he also made frequent serious mistakes in what was his first major battle. His impression on the King was the worst, so he must have been reprimanded by Father—Lord Jalpa.

And though he was supposed to be managing the city as a candidate for head of the family, he has been demoted to a position where he carries letters from the Royal Capital. Well, considering King Dino’s personality, he probably wouldn’t want Sesto to carry important letters, but perhaps Lord Jalpa petitioned to let him help in various ways.

Sesto might be dissatisfied, but the battle with the Kingdom of Yelenetta was a major one that would determine the future of the Kingdom of Scuderia. Jard and Sesto should be grateful that they are still allowed to do anything after making repeated mistakes. The fact that Jard and Sesto have the aptitude for fire magic, a symbol of great nobles, is a huge advantage, but there is no doubt they are on the edge of a cliff.

“……Ah, regarding the upcoming exchange with the Kingdom of Fiesta, what will Marquis Jalpa do?”

I tried to change the subject, wondering if we could manage a conversation. However, Sesto exhaled deeply and shook his head.

“……There is no need for you to know. First, accept the letter from His Majesty.”

Offering no room for further discussion, Sesto said only that and lifted a rather large metal box with both hands. It was a transport method with strict security, which is rare for the efficiency-focused King. Perhaps it is harassment towards Sesto. No, maybe he just isn’t trusted.

Thinking that, I tried to step forward to accept the letter, but I heard a slightly loud clearing of the throat from behind. When I turned around, Esparda was looking at us with an expressionless face.

“……Lord Sesto. I apologize, but Lord Van is currently the head of a Viscount family. Addressing him merely as ‘you’ is not appropriate.”

When Esparda said that one sentence, Sesto groaned and knitted his brows.

“W-What did you say!? Esparda, you……! For someone who betrayed the Fertio Marquis family……!”

Sesto revealed his anger at Esparda’s words. While I was surprised by Sesto’s outburst—something I was seeing for the first time—Esparda calmly retorted.

“Lord Sesto. I believe I retired through formal procedures. The general way of thinking is that one is free to go where they please after retiring as Head Butler. Furthermore, while you are indeed the son of a Marquis family, Lord Sesto, you currently hold no peerage. In that case, Lord Van holds a higher position, so I humbly submit that you must be careful with your manner of address…… Am I saying anything strange?”

He should have said it expressionlessly and indifferently. However, Esparda’s words, spoken while looking straight down at Sesto, felt cold enough to be absolute zero. And even though I wasn’t the target, I was scared too.

Perhaps Sesto also received education from Esparda in his childhood. Hearing those words, Sesto stiffened and couldn’t say anything.

Then, Dee, standing next to Esparda, laughed showing his teeth.

“Wahahahaha! Since Lord Esparda is rarely enraged, you missed your chance! Lord Sesto! We were indeed indebted to the Fertio Marquis family in the past, and we feel great gratitude! However, our current master is Lord Van! What will happen if you act rudely towards Lord Van in front of us…… I shall just say that you should think carefully before acting!”

Dee’s words were spoken while laughing, but for some reason, I felt a spine-chilling fear from them as well.

“……I-It’s kind of scary, isn’t it? Is it just my imagination?”

I asked that while looking back diagonally with a wry smile, but I froze when I saw the faces of Arte, Till, and Khamsin over there.

“……I am also a little angry.”

“Lord Jard was similar, but Lord Sesto is truly being rude.”

“……At any time, upon your order, Lord Van.”

The three of them said only that in low voices without averting their gazes from Sesto.

“At any time for what!? What are you planning to do!?”

Unable to ignore Khamsin’s remark, I involuntarily retorted, but my voice simply echoed in vain.