This expedition would probably last a long time. I hadn’t yet heard His Majesty’s plan, but speed of advance would surely be important.
If that was the case, the nobles cooperating would likely be larger in number than ever before.
Since nobles from other regions might come as well, it was important to let them see the appeal of Ceat Village.
With that in mind, I began sketching out plans in my head for a hot spring facility by the lake. For some reason, I pictured a hot spring inn where even the gods from a famous animated film would stay, but I had no idea how such a structure worked.
I had no choice but to imagine a hot spring inn I had actually visited. That inn wasn’t next to a lake, but if we could make it jut out slightly over the water, that might be interesting.
A two-story building, long horizontally, with open-air baths on the outside of the first floor could create a nice atmosphere.
However, with a project of that scale, it would surely take nearly a week. The supply of hot water would also be insufficient.
“The hot spring inn probably won’t be ready in time… maybe I’ll build it after everyone leaves Ceat Village,” I muttered.
At that, Panamera, walking ahead, turned her face slightly and spoke.
“What’s the matter? Are you thinking of having His Majesty come because you’re still nervous?”
“That’s not it!”
Panamera teased with a sly grin. I puffed out my cheeks in frustration, but she just laughed gleefully.
She had completely become a little bully. Maybe I should double the price of the weapons I sell next time as payback.
As I considered how to retaliate, Panamera kept her smirk and looked away, scanning the line of knights forming along the roadside. She took a deep breath.
“His Majesty has issued instructions! Many knightly orders will now gather for the invasion of the Kingdom of Yerinetta! During this time, they will camp here in front of Ceat Village to recuperate their strength! Senior officers and above are to convene here to discuss supply points and campsite positions!”
Her voice boomed across the area. With His Majesty’s name invoked, the tens of thousands present immediately obeyed her orders. Panamera’s voice carrying so well was likely part of the reason.
I watched, impressed, as Panamera coordinated the gathering. Once the other nobles and knight commanders assembled, she quickly selected the top fifty to go to Ceat Village. The camp site was between the adventurer town and Ceat Village, so there would be no threat from monsters.
Perhaps for Panamera, it was simply a matter of “it’s just camping, so handle the monster threat yourselves,” but… well, at least she handled His Majesty’s sudden unreasonable request. That was good enough.
While thinking this, Panamera turned to me with a mischievous grin.
“So, boy. How far have you gone with Lady Arte?”
“Eh?”
I tilted my head in bewilderment at the sudden question. Then, a short scream came from behind.
“P-Panamera-sama!?”
Arte’s face turned as red as an apple as she called out her name in a shrill voice. Panamera, laughing, patted me on the back.
“Hahaha! Something happened, huh? Tell me, boy… did I hit the mark?”
“Uh… Panamera-san, are you drunk? Could you maybe stop messing around for a bit?”
I said seriously, trying to protest as Panamera continued slapping my back, laughing heartily. She wasn’t listening at all. Arte had already hidden behind Till, leaving me as Panamera’s only target.
“Don’t get angry, don’t get angry. I’m just teasing, right? Now, let’s have a meal. I want to hear your story—it’ll make a fine accompaniment to some good wine.”
“I absolutely refuse. You’re only here to tease us, aren’t you?”
With that exchange, we returned to Ceat Village.
The next day, Arte’s father, Count Ferdinantt, arrived. He seemed to be putting more effort into this visit; his knightly contingent was larger than before.
When I went to greet him, Count Ferdinantt appeared from an especially large carriage. Noticing me, he quickly got down and approached.
“Long time no see, Sir Van. Arte, have you been well?”
I bowed with a smile.
“Long time no see, Count Ferdinantt.”
Arte, a little shyly, also bowed and spoke.
“Long time no see, Father… thanks to Sir Van, I’ve been well.”
Count Ferdinantt smiled.
“I see… I don’t know how to thank you, Sir Van.”
“Please, don’t worry about it.”
I replied casually, which seemed to amuse him, as he shook his shoulders and laughed.
“Thank you. That’s a relief to hear. Actually, in this battle, I intend to achieve more merit than anyone else. I’ll show results that rival yours, Sir Van.”
He spoke unusually passionately. He must have prepared thoroughly.
“I can’t lose either. Let’s both do our best,” I said with a smile, pointing towards the heart of Ceat Village.
“Well then, shall we enter Ceat Village? Arte, will you come along?”
When I suggested a private parent-child moment, Arte’s expression briefly stiffened. But she soon looked resolute and nodded.
“Yes. I’ll guide you.”
Count Ferdinantt smiled happily at that.
Though their parent-child relationship wasn’t yet fully natural, it had improved significantly compared to before.
I had thought dealing with nobles would be troublesome, but so far, everything was going smoothly. I was on friendly terms with His Majesty. I had alliances with Viscount Panamera and Count Ferdinatt. I probably wasn’t on bad terms with Count Ventury either. The initially haughty Viscount Pinin and his group had also softened.
The only real issue was my home, the Marquess Fertio family; otherwise, things seemed to be going well.
Watching Count Ferdinatt and Arte enter Ceat Village, I crossed my arms and nodded to myself.
“…Yeah, come to think of it, I’m amazing, aren’t I? I just became a baron and established a house recently.”
Till smiled happily.
“Yes. Sir Van, you’ve been doing well.”
Kamshin nodded repeatedly.
“Fufu, just kidding. Still, I mustn’t get complacent. If I get cocky and overconfident, I’ll fail. I need to stay cautious.”
I said that to keep myself grounded, though inside I felt like skipping with joy. If good surroundings increase happiness, then I must be the happiest person in the world. I got along with Till, Kamshin, and Arte like siblings. I trusted the Ceat Knights and adventurers like Ortho.
Alright, let’s skip. Sir Van is the best. Cheers to a wonderful life as a lord.
Lost in such thoughts, a messenger suddenly ran up waving his hand.
“Sir Van! A new knightly order has arrived! They fly the Marquess Fertio banner!”
“Ah… Father… my mood’s already dropping a bit…”
They had already arrived. I felt my spirits sink as I heard the report. But the messenger tilted his head with a slightly strange expression.
“It seems the Marquess himself isn’t here. There were two carriages that looked noble, each carrying one young person, both quite young…”
“Eh?”
I instinctively repeated the question. If the head of the Fertio family wasn’t participating in such a crucial battle, it had to be a blood relative.
“…Could it be Brother Yard and Brother Sest? They plan to make their debut in such a major battle?”
Even though I wasn’t sure who might be listening, the words slipped out reflexively. It was that shocking. Seeing my astonishment, the messenger hesitated but continued.
“Also, unlike the usual Fertio knightly order, their equipment lacks uniformity, and their appearance is more like a group of adventurers.”
“Could those be mercenaries? Wait… what?”
Had Father lost it? Or had he issued instructions while drunk? My mind descended into utter confusion.
I had been savoring my happiness, and yet… what kind of parent is that?
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