A series of impacts and loud crashes echoed as something tried to smash through the door. Apparently, they were using some heavy object they had somehow brought in, trying to batter it down.
But it wasn’t going to be easy. The door was made of thick wood blocks, sturdy enough to rival steel plating. While they desperately tried to break it down from the other side, we could stand here fully prepared and ready.
This might actually turn out to be a better defense than I expected. Definitely worth considering for the future.
“Have the crossbow unit line up to surround the entrance. Put Arte’s dolls in front as a wall. That way, we can wipe them out without casualties.”
I gave the order quietly, and Dee—gripping his greatsword—nodded deeply before passing on instructions to Arv and Lou.
Alright then, come whenever you’re ready.
Or so I thought as I waited, but no matter how long we stood by, the door showed no signs of breaking. When were they planning to smash it open? I glanced around, and everyone else seemed just as puzzled, exchanging confused looks.
In the end, even after ten minutes, the door hadn’t been breached. Before long, the banging stopped altogether, along with any sense of intruders beyond it.
So they gave up, huh.
“…Well, I suppose I should be glad it didn’t turn into a bigger problem.”
I chuckled wryly. Dee, however, sighed deeply and shook his head.
“What bothers me more is their lack of spirit, retreating without breaking the door! They should’ve had the determination to see it through!”
“…You can’t really blame them for not having that kind of enthusiasm.”
I replied, half exasperated at Dee’s unusual perspective, while glancing back at the door.
“You may be disappointed, Dee, but really, it’s better if there aren’t pointless disputes between nobles. I wasn’t planning on starting a fight in a place like this anyway.”
I smiled, but Dee only sighed again, lowering his chin in disapproval.
“I understand what you’re saying, Lord Van, but you’re being far too lenient. At times like this, you must show a firm hand as a warning to the other nobles! A strong stance—one that says defiance will not be tolerated—is necessary!”
Dee’s breath came heavy with conviction, but I just waved it off with a laugh.
“Haha, don’t worry. Something this minor won’t cause us any trouble if we just ignore it. Best to let it go.”
When I said that aloud, not only Dee but the others nearby gave me surprised looks.
“…Call it magnanimity, or perhaps the composure of the strong. Lord Van, you are truly a great man.”
Dee offered such overblown praise, and the surrounding knights nodded in agreement. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with compliments like that. At best, I could maybe reward them with an extra helping of meat at a barbecue.
Thinking such a trivial thought, I turned back to everyone.
“Well then, since the intruders gave up, why don’t we all get some sleep?”
Morning came, and I awoke naturally. As I opened my eyes, a pleasant aroma was already drifting through the air.
“Mmm… morning.”
When I greeted her, Til turned from preparing breakfast with a bright smile.
“Good morning!”
“…You seem extra lively today.”
I tilted my head slightly, and Til giggled softly, nodding.
“Actually, I’ve had trouble sleeping lately… The bedding you provided is more than luxurious enough, Lord Van, but I kept worrying that magical beasts or enemy soldiers might come in the night. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy sometimes…”
She looked apologetic for a moment, then her face blossomed into a radiant smile.
“But last night, I slept soundly!”
She raised both hands cheerfully, and I couldn’t help but smile back and nod.
“It really is a blessing to sleep in peace. Well then, now that we’ve avoided any trouble, let’s eat breakfast and head back to the village.”
“Yes!”
Til’s innocent grin was refreshing, and together with Arte and Kamshin, we shared breakfast. To avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, I had to apologize to the knights—no cooking fires for them. Instead, they made do with their rations. Still, the dried meat and bread were of good quality, and judging by their reactions, no one had complaints.
After we all quickly finished our morning preparations, we stepped outside. Arv, Lou, and Dee took the lead, with the crossbow unit providing rear support.
Sadly, what we feared most now wasn’t magical beasts, but knights from other nobles—supposedly our allies. Beasts at least attacked head-on, openly and predictably. Nobles schemed in shadows, using poison or political intrigue to plot against you.
Last night’s attack had been a rather blatant attempt on my quarters. If we put in the effort, we could probably trace the culprit.
But doing that would put me in direct conflict with Father.
Personally, I feel that’s still too soon.
With that thought in mind, I stepped out into the open air.
“L-Lord Van.”
Hearing my name, I looked up toward Arv, who had gone ahead. Squinting against the sunlight that seemed to flood my vision, I surveyed the scene.
And there she was—Panamera, standing tall with arms crossed and a powerful smile on her face.
“…Panamera-sama. What is this about…?”
I muttered her name, then quickly scanned the surroundings again.
“Last night, there was indeed a raid on Baron Van’s quarters, wasn’t there?”
“Well… they did knock a bit hard on the door, but they never actually managed to come inside. So I don’t know if I’d call it a raid exactly…”
I answered, hoping to downplay the matter, but Panamera blinked once—then burst into hearty laughter.
“Ha-ha-ha! So to Baron Van, it wasn’t even a raid, just late-night visitors! Truly fearless! Yes, a noble must have courage like this!”
For whatever reason, she seemed utterly delighted by her own interpretation, then turned to face the group assembled behind her.
There, surrounded by Panamera’s knights, about a hundred shady-looking men sat on the ground. They glared at me resentfully, though I was innocent of any blame.
Still smiling, Panamera fixed her gaze on the would-be assassins.
“Well then, assassins so incompetent you weren’t even recognized as such by Baron Van! Your pride must be in tatters. No one will ever hire you again. Swear here and now to reform and serve me instead. As your first step, tell me which knight order smuggled you in.”
Her voice rang out clear and commanding. The men exchanged looks, but none spoke up immediately.
Panamera nodded deeply at their silence, then uncrossed her arms.
“Good. That is how assassins should be. I like it.”
Still in high spirits, she suddenly drew her sword. The silver blade gleamed dangerously in the morning sun.
All eyes followed the tip of her weapon.
“An assassin’s pride lies in completing the mission and keeping the employer’s secret. To protect that pride, you will never reveal who hired you. And I respect that. So let us negotiate—one by one. Surely, each of you can be persuaded to talk.”
She gave her sword a playful swing, a smile spreading across her lips.
“Don’t worry. As I said, I like you. I’ll take my time and hear each of your stories properly.”
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