Chapter 357: Meeting Marquis Rosso Again

We passed through two towns and finally entered Marquis Rosso’s territory. Our destination, Tribute, was just a short distance away.

“……We have caused you a lot of trouble.”

Just as we were on the verge of arriving, I received those words of apology from Silhouette, the Soldier Captain. Seeing the look of hardship on Silhouette’s face, I gave a wry smile and waved a hand in response.

“No, don’t worry about it. But if you ever find yourself leaving the Fertio Marquis family, Seatoh Village will always welcome you.”

I said it half-jokingly, but I was also half-serious. At that, Silhouette smiled with a troubled look and shook his head.

“……Honestly, I feel like I want to join you right this moment, Lord Van. However, my family was appointed as knights by Lord Jalpa during my father’s generation……”

“You have a strong sense of duty.”

“It is only natural for a knight. Who would trust a knight who changes masters so easily?”

“Ooh, so cool.”

When I praised Silhouette’s knightly spirit, he gave a shy smile. The Fertio Marquis Chivalric Order, having fought on the front lines for over a decade, is highly trained, and I believe many of the knights are exceptional talents. Furthermore, their loyalty is magnificent. It feels almost wasteful that they are currently stuck following Jard and Sesto around.

“I think Brother Jard and Brother Sesto should just hire adventurers for escorts, though. Since the relationship with the Kingdom of Yelenetta has changed, nothing will likely happen in the Fertio Marquis territory for a while.”

When I said that, Silhouette nodded slightly but voiced his own opinion.

“……Indeed. Since the Chivalric Order suffered great losses, we should be focusing more on training new recruits right now. However, I believe Lord Jalpa is concerned about Lord Jard and Lord Sesto’s positions. While this mission is partly to restore trust with His Majesty, I think he intends, more than anything, to broaden their horizons. To see the Royal Capital, the center of the kingdom, and the governance of the Rosso Marquis territory, which has such a long history that its lord is called the Great Marquis. And above all, to allow them to see up close the work of you, Lord Van, as you grow rapidly……”

I involuntarily applauded Silhouette as he fell silent.

“……That’s amazing. You have skill, you’re good at teaching swordsmanship, and you have the eye to see the big picture. You should aim to be a Knight Commander, Silhouette. Are you sure you won’t come to my place?”

When I said that with a laugh, Silhouette gave a wry smile and shook his head.

“You are overestimating me.”

Silhouette said that out of humility, but my words were sincere. With so many talented people like him, I felt the Fertio Marquis family would be alright. I really wish Jard and Sesto would talk more with knights like him.

While thinking about that, we arrived at Tribute. It seemed Sesto would still be tagging along, but he wouldn’t be participating in the meeting with the envoy from the Kingdom of Fiesta. Well, since he doesn’t hold a peerage, I suppose that is only natural.

Upon arriving in Tribute, I immediately went to see Rosso, and I was granted an audience instantly. It wasn’t in a formal setting, but rather a meeting in what looked like a reception room where one could relax.

Rosso, his dark silver hair swaying, wore the same dandy smile exuding mature composure as when we met before.

“Ooh, it has been a while. Have you been well, Lord Van?”

“Long time no see! I have been energetically remodeling my territory! I am glad to see you looking well too, Your Excellency!”

“Hahaha! I am happy to see you again, Lord Van. Now, to get straight to business, we are scheduled to meet with the envoy from the Kingdom of Fiesta tomorrow at noon. After you rest a bit, let us share information.”

“Thank you very much!”

After having that conversation with Rosso and returning to the town, Sesto, who had hardly spoken until then, opened his mouth.

“……How can you converse so naturally with that Marquis Rosso?”

Sesto muttered in a voice that sounded both surprised and exasperated. Tilting my head at that, I turned to look at Sesto.

“Eh? Marquis Rosso is extremely kind, you know?”

I answered honestly, but Sesto looked at me as if he were seeing something unbelievable. He must be intimidated by the dignity of Rosso, who is called the Great Marquis. Well, it is true that an ordinary noble might be nervous about making a rude remark and getting in trouble. He probably thinks, “What if I get on his bad side?”

However, in reality, since Rosso has granted audiences to so many people both domestic and foreign, I think he is broad-minded and a good conversationalist. Ah, thinking about it that way, just as Silhouette said, I think it would be good for Sesto to talk more with Rosso and study his way of thinking and his posture as a noble.

Well, becoming a dandy and wonderful noble like Rosso doesn’t seem easy, though.