Corrected by Arte’s prompt, I decided to properly continue with the discussion about the future.
“Ah, one thing before we start—this discussion stays only among the people in this room, plus Dee, Arv, and Murcia, alright? Who here can keep that secret?”
“Y-yes!”
“…I will.”
All five promised to keep the secret. There seemed to be no hint of deceit in their eyes. Once I confirmed that, I nodded and spoke.
“Then, I’ll make the announcement. First, we’ll be increasing the population of Ceat Village soon. Once the population grows, we’ll select ten potential candidates for deputy and ten for the knight squad leaders. While fostering their growth, we will eventually launch an invasion into the territory of the Yerinetta Kingdom.”
At those words, the five’s eyes widened before immediately hardening with resolve.
“Y-Yerinetta…?”
“Since we’re at war, you should expect that.”
They responded individually, but none expressed negativity. Seeing their expressions, I nodded in satisfaction and continued.
“…We will advance toward the coastline within Yerinetta, capturing at least four major towns or fortress cities, and finally, the capital. Some of these towns will become mine. Ultimately, I plan to entrust the management of these new towns to all of you.”
I explained steadily while observing their reactions. Although my words might have sounded outrageous, I spoke with confidence.
Gradually, the five’s expressions grew more serious.
“Oh, just to clarify, I haven’t lost my mind, okay?”
I said it half-jokingly, but the five shook their heads and hands anxiously.
“N-No, that’s not it…”
They denied it with the air of prisoners awaiting punishment. I chuckled lightly and shrugged.
“Well, a new baron taking on a great nation might seem absurd, but I have a passion that won’t lose to anyone. That is, at least until I finish my curry rice—no one can surpass me there.”
The last part was murmured so quietly that the five looked bewildered. Ignoring their confusion, I continued.
“…So, we will be taking actions to increase Ceat Village’s population. Within that, anyone capable of becoming a deputy or a knight squad leader will be promoted, regardless of origin or race. What matters most is character. Being sincere and serious is the primary criterion. So, everyone, make sure you work hard so that no junior surpasses you.”
At those words, the five straightened their backs and hardened their expressions.
[Emira]
I finally had a direct conversation with Van-sama again. The last time had been when he first came to Ceat Village and greeted each of us individually.
At the time I became a slave, after my father’s death and the fall of the Komi family, and having sold myself for the sake of my mother and brother, I had felt my future vanish, plunging me into despair. Perhaps the harsh environment of being caged and fed like livestock also contributed.
Other slaves in different cages claimed I was privileged, being a centerpiece in the slave market, but I couldn’t see it that way. On the way to Ceat Village, hearing the other slaves talk, my perspective shifted somewhat, but at that time, I felt utterly wretched.
Being a slave brutally exposes each person’s value. As a result, my price was four gold coins. It was apparently high for a slave, yet it deeply wounded me.
Even when bought by the Bell-Rango Trading Company, it was almost like a bulk purchase—like buying extra bread for meals. I thought all my pride had been shattered, yet apparently, a small fragment of it remained. I remember struggling to hold back tears.
How much wrongdoing had I committed? How wretched must I become to be forgiven?
While my mind spun with such thoughts, before I realized it, we arrived at Ceat Village, and I faced Van-sama.
A boy of only eight. But he had the refinement and calmness of a noble. That was my first impression. However, as I listened to him speak, that impression quickly vanished.
What kind of life allows an eight-year-old to act as a lord, planning for the future? I imagined that Espada-sama and Dee-sama provided the best education, but even so, I could hardly believe it.
Van-sama spoke of strengthening and enriching Ceat Village, ensuring the villagers’ quality of life. Since most newcomers lacked assets, he also provided for their basic needs.
It was almost unbelievable. Before becoming a slave, I had been born and raised in a prosperous city, yet my current life was incomparable.
Moreover, Van-sama always acted on his word. When he joined the war against the mighty Yerinetta Kingdom, I had feared for the worst—but not a single person died. From what I heard, Van-sama’s power had greatly contributed to the victory.
Perhaps because of my upbringing in a knight’s household, hearing this only deepened my loyalty to Van-sama. I resolved to continue striving harder, to be of service to him.
Yet it did not end there.
About a year later, at nine, I had another opportunity to speak with Van-sama. Although other villagers had more casual interactions with him, we were receiving direct instruction from Espada-sama, leaving little time for such encounters.
Meeting him after so long, I noticed something different. Not that he had grown taller—something else had changed.
His eyes—strong, determined, filled with will. Van-sama declared he would attack the Yerinetta Kingdom that had invaded our homeland.
In other words, he intended to confront a powerful enemy to protect our country.
Hearing this, a shiver ran through me. I felt an overwhelming desire to boast of my master to anyone. My heart pounded as I clenched my right fist over my chest.
“…I see. I have lived until now to serve Van-sama.”
It may sound trite, but I felt that fate keenly. After realizing that, the world seemed to shine with color for the first time.
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