A month had passed since the battle, and it felt like Ceat Village had returned to its usual pace. Things were settling down, and life was becoming routine again. Then, out of nowhere, a large number of carriages appeared in the village, completely surprising me.
"Van-sama! So many have arrived!"
I was jerked awake from my bed by Till's loud voice, and I responded reflexively as I scrambled out of bed.
"What do you mean, 'so many'?!"
Till, still flustered, hurriedly began preparing my clothes as she explained.
"Panamera-sama, Prince Freitliner of the Yellenetta Kingdom, and even Targa-sama are here!"
"Wait, all of them came together?" I asked in surprise as I quickly changed. That was quite the coincidence—everyone lived in different areas, after all.
Till, still flustered, managed to put my clothes on me, answering in a rushed tone, "You refused, but there’s a ceremony in the capital to honor those who contributed during the war!"
"Ah, I see now. I totally forgot about that." I sighed, remembering the whole ordeal. "Till, you can’t put my pants on me from my head."
"Ah, sorry!"
After a chaotic but quick change, I rushed out of the mansion, heading toward the city gate.
"Van-sama! Panamera-sama and Targa-sama are waiting!" Till called out.
"I heard!" I replied as I joined up with Kamshin, who was waiting for me to head to the city gate.
When we arrived at the gate, Dee and Espada were already with Panamera and the others.
"Well, well! Long time no see, kid!" Panamera called out, waving at me.
"Van-sama!" Targa chimed in, his deep voice booming as he joined in the greeting.
Even from a distance, I could clearly see Panamera’s graceful figure and Targa’s towering presence. Targa was still wearing the same armor I remembered, but Panamera had on a striking red cloak.
"Panamera! Targa! It’s been a while!" I shouted as I waved both arms, running toward them.
Before I knew it, Panamera had placed one hand on top of my head, ruffling my hair.
"Kid! I didn’t expect you to turn down His Majesty’s invitation! Don’t worry, I took the reward on your behalf!" she said with a hearty laugh.
"S-Sorry!" I apologized quickly, realizing my mistake.
Instead of letting go, Panamera grabbed my cheeks with both hands and squeezed.
"And just like that, you became a viscount! How cheeky! Don’t you dare raise your title every year!" she teased, her hands still holding my face.
"Wah, sorry again!" I winced under the pressure.
Panamera was laughing, but it actually hurt a bit. Was this what sumo wrestlers called "loving punishment"? I couldn’t help but wonder as I thought about it.
Meanwhile, Targa, with a wry smile, glanced at Panamera and said, "You too, Panamera. You’ve earned your title as well. Van-sama ranks first in military achievements, me second, and you third."
"Right, right! Count Panamera now! Don’t forget to call me that! And finally, I’ve got my own territory! Kid, you asked His Majesty to put in a good word for me, right? Well done!"
Targa’s words made Panamera even more excited, and she pulled me into her chest in a bear hug. It felt like a reward after the earlier scolding—this was the happiest moment of my day.
As I was basking in the moment, Targa bowed his head to me, a knight’s respectful gesture. I immediately understood the meaning of the bow and looked at him, intrigued.
"Targa, could it be...?"
"Yes, I will be joining your service, Van-sama," Targa replied with solemnity.
"Joining my service?" I asked, a bit confused. Wasn't he a knight? Wasn't this the same as becoming a subordinate?
Targa chuckled wryly and nodded. "Yes, thanks to your efforts in the defense of Centena, I was granted the title of Baron. His Majesty suggested that I form an alliance with you as a Baron. Naturally, this is not an equal alliance—rather, you will hold the superior position, and I will serve as your subordinate. I will act as your shield and protect you, and as your sword, I will strike down any enemies."
Targa’s words were grave, but I couldn’t help but laugh. Even though he was now a Baron, his heart remained that of a knight.
"I’m fine with an equal alliance. It’s the same as with Panamera."
I waved my hand dismissively, and Targa smiled, his serious demeanor softening.
"Thank you. However, that’s not how it works. His Majesty has instructed me to be your support, so please use me as a vassal."
"I see. By the way, Panamera got a territory, but what about you, Targa?" I asked, curious.
Targa shook his head.
"No, I haven’t received any territory. I was only given the title and the funds to establish a baronial house."
Panamera, grinning, nudged Targa. "Well, I got a title, a reward, and a territory."
"I get it already... wait, what territory did you get?" I asked, half-laughing at her excitement.
Panamera eagerly pulled a map out from her chest—how she managed to hide it there, I couldn’t fathom. The storage capacity was impressive.
"Here! This is the land I’ve received as Count Panamera! I plan to remodel the castle and the town completely, so I’ll need your help!" she announced with pride, pointing to the territory she’d been granted in the Yellenetta Kingdom.
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