“…Then, I’d like to entrust the interrogation to my father—Marquis Feltio.”
The moment I said it, Jarlpa’s face twisted into genuine shock. Meanwhile, Tron and Nouveou collapsed to the ground like puppets with their strings cut.
I let my gaze drift across the three of them, then shifted to the King and Panamera. His Majesty was studying my expression with open curiosity, while Panamera’s brows knit in faint irritation.
Ahh, I see. This whole idea had been hers from the start. Hard to say how enthusiastic the King really was, but judging by his lack of anger at my choice, I probably hadn’t offended him. Small mercies.
Relieved, I turned back to Jarlpa. He was glaring daggers at me, but I forced a calm, natural smile onto my face.
“Then, Father… I’ll be counting on you.”
I bowed slightly, and Jarlpa responded with a stiff nod, his mouth drawn tight.
“Why Marquis Feltio? Don’t tell me you don’t understand what that implies?”
Panamera asked the moment we’d moved away. The King had already returned to the front lines, and Jarlpa had gone off to the underground chamber under the pretense of conducting the interrogation. For now, only Panamera’s and my people were present.
I was still deciding how to answer when Arte spoke up, brows knitted anxiously.
“Perhaps… he simply couldn’t make a choice that might lead to his own father’s punishment?”
At that, Panamera sighed, rolling her shoulders before shaking her head.
“Foolishness. A noble must never spare anyone who becomes a threat, no matter who they are. To be underestimated is the end—that is common sense. Give in to sentiment, and your house will decay. Is that truly acceptable to you?”
She fixed me with a displeased stare. I could only offer a wry smile and a shallow nod.
“Well, I don’t exactly plan on living some cutthroat, blood-soaked lifestyle. But don’t worry—my house won’t be decaying either.”
Then, with a grin tugging at my lips, I added,
“And besides, it’s not like I was swayed by sentiment.”
“…What?”
Panamera narrowed her eyes at me.
“I’ll deal with my enemies in my own way. A way that’ll make them regret ever opposing me.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. She blinked several times, then let her sour expression ease ever so slightly.
“…Interesting. But in the future, I’d appreciate it if you’d at least consider aligning yourself with my and His Majesty’s designs. My intent was to weaken the Feltio house while bolstering your power and mine…”
She trailed off, muttering almost to herself, but it was clear enough—Panamera had been running her own schemes behind the scenes.
Well, of course. In a kingdom that doesn’t expand economically or territorially, noble politics are basically a zero-sum game. Someone gains a domain, someone else loses one. Someone snags an important office, someone else is shoved out.
Naturally, Panamera had her eyes on the power and land of the Feltio house, which had grown too influential. That goal also aligned neatly with His Majesty’s desire to reassert royal authority.
After all, the King had initially showered our house with rewards to spur rapid kingdom-wide growth. When expansion stalled, though, the Feltio house kept snowballing anyway. With new lands, prestige, and influence, people practically lined up to curry favor—merchants, knights, mages, you name it. We’d grown far beyond what our rank alone warranted.
The King wanted to put the brakes on our momentum. Panamera, likely thought to be aligned with the Ferdinant faction, wanted Jarlpa out of her way so she could rise. That about summed it up.
But hey—unfortunate as it might be for them, I was the one stuck in the middle. So, yeah, I’d be doing things my way.
As I mulled that over, Panamera sighed and shrugged again.
“So, you’re heading back to your domain already? You realize that fortress will probably fall within half a month.”
I nodded at once.
“Yes, I’m going home. Half a month is plenty of time to make it back. Honestly, I just want a hot bath.”
And that was nothing but the truth. Who in their right mind would want to linger in a bloody, nerve-wracking battlefield longer than necessary? Given the choice between that and Ceat Village—with its warm beds, hot springs, and delicious food—it wasn’t even a contest.
Resolute, I declared my intention. Panamera gave me a wry smile and nodded.
“I thought you might say that. Very well. Until next time—when I return in triumph, be sure to have the finest ingredients ready for my victory feast.”
“Of course.”
I laughed as I accepted her parting words, words brimming with confidence.
And then she strode away, bold as ever. Even heading off to war, she looked every inch the indomitable heroine of the kingdom.
After watching her back disappear, I turned to face my companions.
“Well! Let’s actually go home this time!”
My words were met with cheers and bright voices of agreement.
No comments:
Post a Comment