Chapter 352: Jard and Sesto's Current Situation

As expected, the content of the letter stated that an envoy from the Kingdom of Fiesta had appeared once again in Marquis Rosso’s territory. However, it seemed the envoy who appeared was not Tran. That was the only unexpected detail, and it was slightly concerning.

More than that, I am currently concerned about the status of Jard and Sesto.

I quietly gathered information from the knights of the Fertio Marquis family who accompanied Sesto. It seems the Fertio family has fallen into a dire situation, and Jard and Sesto are running around frantically to take responsibility.

“……This is just between us, but some of the knights are discussing whether they might be able to join your Chivalric Order, Lord Van. Of course, the majority opinion is that fleeing when one’s lord is in crisis goes against the spirit of chivalry. However, I feel the same way—the defensive battle at Centena left too strong an impression. Like the Border Chivalric Order, our order suffered over a thousand casualties. In contrast, your order suffered absolutely no damage, and Viscount Panamera’s order had almost no deaths either……”

“Ah, it’s Count Panamera. She gets really mad if you don’t call her Count. Conversely, if you call her ‘Lady Count,’ she gets in a super good mood.”

“R-Right, that is true. My apologies. I shall keep that in mind.”

And just like that, I obtained information from the soldier captain of the Fertio Chivalric Order. Incidentally, I didn’t have Sesto stay at the lord’s manor, but rather stuffed him into the top floor of the Kusala Hotel. I heard from Flamiria, Kusala’s wife, that he has shut himself in his room, perhaps not wanting to come out either.

“……So, Lord Jard acts as the liaison between the Rosso Marquis family and the Royal Family, while Lord Sesto acts as the liaison between the Fertio Marquis family, the Royal Family, and you, Lord Van.”

When Till muttered that with a complicated expression, Arb and Law crossed their arms and groaned.

“It’s complicated since we’ve known Lord Jard and Lord Sesto since they were little.”

“Does it actually happen that sons of high-ranking nobles end up in such roles?”

“Isn’t it a desperate measure to try and improve the King’s impression of them, even a little?”

Hearing Till’s mutterings, Arb and Law exchanged such words with indescribable expressions.

For people who used to work for the Fertio Marquis family, the current situation where the family’s status is in jeopardy must be complicated. However, Dee and Esparda appeared the same as always.

“Umu! It is indeed concerning, but right now we simply do our utmost as Lord Van’s subordinates! Lord Jard and Lord Sesto are still in their teens! Besides, the Fertio Marquis Chivalric Order still has Stradale! Eventually, the tough Fertio Marquis family of old will surely revive!”

Dee laughed heartily as he said this, and Esparda quietly nodded at his words.

“Lord Jalpa is still in his early fifties. Lord Jard and Lord Sesto have another ten years. If they gain good experience and learn well, they will surely grow significantly.”

The two showed the composure and magnanimity typical of veterans. However, the content of their words essentially implied that Jard and Sesto are currently immature.

As I gave a wry smile at everyone’s behavior, a visitor arrived at the lord’s manor.

“Lord Van! Do you need an escort!?”

“Mr. Ortho, what’s wrong?”

The one who appeared was Ortho, currently the strongest adventurer in Seatoh Village. Pluriel was also behind him. They were supposed to be away conquering the dungeon since returning to the village, but perhaps they came back at just the right time.

Thinking that, I asked, but Ortho bowed his head in an excited manner.

“Please! If the upcoming escort mission is successful, please make the reward a weapon!”

“Huh?”

I tilted my head at Ortho’s sudden proposal. Then, Pluriel standing behind him answered with her brows furrowed in distress.

“I’m sorry, our leader is just…… We were conquering the dungeon, but an incredibly hard magic beast appeared on the fifth floor, which is currently the deepest part.”

When Pluriel said that, Ortho looked up with vigor.

“Half a day! We fought for half a day and ran out of food… we were so close to winning too……!”

Saying that, Ortho clenched his fists and his shoulders trembled. It seems he was very frustrated. Well, as the Mohawk adventurers said, dungeon conquering seems tough, so it can’t be helped. You have to prepare food, consumables, and spare weapons to stay in the dungeon for several days, and the decision to advance or retreat puts your life on the line. I hear it’s common to challenge the depths until the last moment only to perish on the way back. It’s a terrifying place.

“I see…… If even a mithril sword didn’t work, maybe its weakness is magic?”

“I wonder…… We didn’t have anyone who could use fire magic so I don’t know, but water and wind didn’t seem to work.”

My simple theory was denied by Pluriel’s answer. Judging by the situation, they probably tried fire arrows too, so it would be better to try a different method.

“Impacts from hammers, or black powder bombs……”

“We haven’t tried that…… but true.”

When I thought of various other moves and voiced them, Ortho nodded in understanding. However, emotionally speaking, a weapon that can slice through any opponent is attractive.

“……Well, setting that aside, I’m curious about a super-strong weapon too. Maybe I’ll give it a try.”

“R-Really!?”

“That’s great for you, Ortho.”

I agreed because it sounded interesting, and Ortho and Pluriel rejoiced. While smiling at them, I thought back to materials that could likely beat mithril.

Come to think of it, Khamsin’s weapon was deflected once. What was that made of?