I had been granted yet another full day of rest to recover. Though I’d experienced some mild fever earlier, I was now completely back to my old self.
"Here you go, Lord Van. I’ve cut some fruit for you."
"Yay!"
I happily stuffed the sweet fruit into my mouth. Till and Arte watched me with gentle smiles beside me. It felt like a peaceful world.
On the other hand, it seemed that the enemy’s movements had become more active. Lou and Kamshin had taken turns guarding me while coming in and out of the room.
"It’s starting to get a bit hectic, huh?"
I remarked, enjoying my fruit.
"Yes, there haven’t been any cannon sounds yet, but…"
Till murmured, sounding a little uneasy.
"It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m starting to feel better, and we’re going to reinforce Centena soon. Don’t worry."
I reassured her, and both Till and Arte smiled, clearly relieved.
"If Lord Van is handling it, then we can rest easy."
"Yes, I feel much better now."
I smiled at their words, watching them laugh together. Then I stretched my arms up toward the ceiling.
"Mmm~… Alright, after lunch, I’ll have some meat and then get to work. Hahaha!"
As I laughed, the door suddenly opened without a knock.
"Boy! I heard you’ve recovered! Now, let’s get to work on Centena’s reconstruction! Everyone is waiting!"
With a force that almost seemed to make a sound effect of "Bang!" Panamera barged into the room. Without missing a beat, she began talking about work. If I showed that I was feeling well, I’d be worked to the bone at this rate.
"Ah, wait, wait… I feel a little dizzy… I might not have enough strength unless I eat lunch first…"
I exaggeratedly staggered around, trying to act weak, but Panamera narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"...I heard you ate two portions of breakfast just a while ago? Kamshin was all excited, saying that Lord Van is feeling better. Was there some mistake?"
What?! Kamshin went behind my back and spilled everything to Panamera? What a terrifying thing to happen. My plan for a lazy lunch was dashed in an instant.
"So, can you move or not? Be honest."
"...I can move."
"Good, that’s a relief."
After this exchange, Panamera left the room. I reluctantly had Till prepare my clothes for a change, and I got ready for the task ahead. So much for the lazy afternoon plans; I was being dragged into fortification work earlier than expected.
Grumbling, I stepped out of the room and found knights rushing around in a hurry. One of them noticed me and stopped.
"Ah, Lord Van! Marquis Fertio has awoken!"
"Huh? Really?"
What perfect timing. Surprised, I followed the knights who quickly rushed down the hall. We reached my father’s care room, where several knights were gathered in front of the door. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were all knights from the Fertio family.
"Ah, Lord Van..."
One of the knights noticed me and called my name. The others silently stepped aside, allowing me to pass.
"Thank you."
I thanked them as I walked between them and knocked on the door to my father’s room. After a moment, the door opened, revealing Stradale standing inside.
"...Lord Van."
He called my name and silently stepped aside, gesturing for me to enter. As Stradale moved out of the way, I saw my father, Jalpa, lying on the bed at the far end of the room. Stradale subtly motioned for Arte and Till to step outside, and I entered the room alone.
"Excuse me."
I entered, making my way to Jallpa before he could say anything. Lying on the bed, Jallpa turned his gaze toward me.
He was noticeably thinner. His cheeks were slightly hollowed, and his eyes lacked their usual strength, giving him a worn and frail appearance. His exposed skin—his face, neck, and hands—was covered in numerous small wounds.
"...Father, how are you feeling?"
I asked bluntly, but Jallpa turned his eyes away from me and stared at the ceiling. He remained silent for several seconds, then finally spoke.
"...I’ve received the report from Stradale. It seems that you’ve managed to push back the combined forces of Yelinetta and Shelvia."
"No, not completely… But we’re about to reinforce Centena now. Please don’t worry."
I replied, and Jallpa let out a quiet chuckle. It wasn’t a proper laugh, but more of a bitter, self-deprecating sound. As I watched him, puzzled, he exhaled deeply, his eyes distant.
"...You tell me not to worry? You, a child, are telling me—the head of the Fertio family, the one who was called the Guardian of the Scuderia Kingdom… Fufu… Hahaha..."
Seeing Jallpa laugh weakly made me question whether I had said something wrong. However, he didn’t seem to be angry. After laughing quietly, Jallpa fixed me with a stern gaze and spoke.
"...Then prove those words. If you manage to defend Centena, I’ll have no choice but to recognize you. Turn this place into an impregnable fortress."
His words made me smile before I could stop myself. Jallpa, however, looked at me with an expression of disbelief.
"...What’s so funny?"
When he asked, irritated, I smiled wryly and nodded.
"No, it’s not funny. It’s just... I’ve been ordered to do my most favorite thing, so I’m relieved."
Jallpa froze, eyes wide, before he snorted and turned his gaze away.
"...Quite a bit of confidence. Well then, show me."
"Yes, leave it to me."
With that, I left the room. As I stepped outside, I saw Till and Arte waiting with worried expressions.
"Lord Van, how is Father?"
Arte asked, looking up at me. I smiled and lifted my head.
"He seems to be doing well. He even gave me a request."
"A request?"
Till tilted her head in confusion at my words, and I smiled and answered.
"He told me to make Centena the strongest fortress."
I was beginning to feel excited. With that thought, I took a step forward, ready for what was to come.
No comments:
Post a Comment