[Van]
As we moved closer to the city gates, without anyone saying a word, the gates began to open on their own. From atop the city wall, a familiar voice of a formidable woman echoed down to us.
“Oh! Boy! Finally arrived, have you?”
Looking up, I saw Panamera’s face peering over the edge of the city wall. Beside her were about a dozen unfamiliar men. As I waved to Panamera and her group, I passed through the city gates and into Kaien Fortress City. Not long after, Panamera and the others descended to meet us.
“About time!” Panamera called out.
“Eh!? We left Ceat Village exactly on schedule!” I retorted, shaking my shoulders and laughing.
“Well, I’ll forgive you. Now, without further ado, let me introduce you to the new administrators of my city!”
“Huh?”
I tilted my head in confusion at her unexpected words, and Panamera stepped aside to motion to the men standing behind her. Then, men in their thirties to fifties stepped forward, their expressions solemn.
“I’m Wester. I oversee the management of the citizens of Cayyenne Fortress City.”
“I’m Baratt. I manage the budget and taxes of Cayyenne Fortress City.”
“I’m Thomas. I manage the facilities of Cayyenne Fortress City.”
“I’m Vilt. I serve as the chairman of the Cayyenne Fortress City council.”
“I’m Belville. I’ve recently been appointed as the vice commander of the Panamera Knights. I will fight with my life for Viscount Panamera.”
One by one, the city’s important figures introduced themselves. It seemed they were responsible for managing the people, taxes, facilities, the council, and the knights, along with their assistants. After their introductions, a tall, slim man with gray hair spoke.
“…Lastly, I’m Zetros. I have been appointed as the steward of Cayyenne Fortress City. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The final introduction was made.
“Oh, I live in the neighboring territory! I’m Van Nei Fertio! Pleased to meet you!”
Thinking it was important to start off on the right foot, I introduced myself cheerfully. The older men exchanged glances.
“…Viscount Van. I heard rumors that you were barely ten years old, but to think it’s true…”
“He really is a child…”
“Nice to meet you as well.”
As the older men whispered among themselves, Zetros answered on behalf of the group.
I surveyed each of them in turn before turning my gaze back to Panamera.
“Hmm? By the way, won’t one of your knights be the steward here?”
I asked, and Panamera smiled wryly.
“I only had three weeks to train them, but I did what I could. If any of them engage in corruption or attempt rebellion, I’ll have no choice but to reflect deeply on my mistakes and make significant changes to the system. Of course, those who caused such trouble would find death a mercy…”
Panamera muttered these words, and the officials who had managed the city up until now all lowered their heads. Their faces seemed slightly pale, but perhaps it was just my imagination.
“...I suppose that means it should be fine. Still, this is my first time here, and it’s a good city.”
I replied with a wry smile, looking around at the cityscape. The town had an old, rugged atmosphere but felt full of history. The streets were clean, and the buildings were well-kept. Even though it was old, it was clear that the city had been well-maintained over time.
However, Panamera crossed her arms and furrowed her brow.
“It’s still not enough. This is the fortress city that bears my name, after all! I want it to be a city everyone envies.”
“…I have a bad feeling about this, but I’ll ask anyway. What’s your vision for it?”
I asked with growing concern, and Panamera flashed a predatory grin as she opened her mouth.
“That’s what we’ll discuss now! Alright, Vilt! Time to convene the council!”
“Understood. I’ll prepare everything immediately.”
Vilt, probably in his mid-fifties, with an air of dignity, straightened his back and replied almost like a soldier.
As we moved through the city, no one dared to speak to Panamera. And of course, no one addressed our group either, despite us entering with the Panamera Knights.
“…It feels like we’re being feared.”
I murmured, and Dee, who had been riding alongside the carriage to protect us, slightly lowered his chin.
“Of course, you are feared. After all, both the mighty Yellenetta Kingdom, which had been trying to absorb the neighboring territories with overwhelming force, and the slightly weaker Shelvia Federation were both repelled and turned into a vassal state. With two battle-hardened nobles like you & Count Panamera-sama here, it’s only natural that people would be on edge.”
“Panamera and... me!? I’m no warrior, absolutely not!”
I vehemently denied Dee’s words, but he laughed it off.
“Hahaha! Cayyenne Fortress City is now part of the Scuderia Kingdom. You do realize that the two people who achieved the most military success in the recent battle have arrived, right?”
I had earned first place for military merit, and Panamera had earned third. Indeed, the two recognized heroes of the battle, the top and third-place honorees, had now arrived. To anyone hearing just that, we might seem like formidable warriors. But in reality, while Panamera certainly fit that description, I was just a young genius. Even though I didn’t receive a yellow cheer, it felt odd to be so feared.
As I continued thinking about this, we arrived at a medium-sized stone castle. It was about three stories tall, old but sturdy, fitting for a fortress city.
Looking up at the castle, Panamera spoke.
“This is my castle. Call it Cayyenne Castle. It has five bedrooms, one office, two large halls, a kitchen and dining room, three toilets, and a bathhouse. There’s also a stable and a barn.”
“Oh, it seems just right.”
I commented on the castle, and Panamera pouted.
“No, it’s not enough. Well, we’ll discuss these details more later.”
“…Please go easy on me.”
I said nervously, and as we entered Cayyenne Castle and began our brief tour, we headed toward the main hall. Due to the castle’s size, most people waited outside, and only the key people entered. With Panamera and Zetros, the group consisted of me, Dee, Arv, Lou, Arte, Till, and Kamshin. Additionally, Bell and Rosalie, who would be setting up stores, were also present.
“It’s a little cramped, but let’s begin.”
Panamera said, sitting at the center of a large table. The table was big enough for ten people to sit comfortably, but not everyone could fit. So, Panamera, Zetros, and the six others took seats, along with me, Arte, Bell, and Rosalie. Behind us, the assistants and subordinates stood.
“Now then, let’s start the Cayyenne Fortress City transformation discussion.”
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