Fun Territory Defense Chapter 230

 To the Battlefield [Other Viewpoints Available]

Amazingly, the supply of provisions was completed in a single day. This was thanks to Camsin and Roe asking for help from the members of the Marquis of Fertio's Order of Knights who remained in the town.

Furthermore, thanks to the cooperation of the townspeople, the members of the Seat Village and Panamera Orders were able to stay at an inn at a very reasonable price. It was the first time in a while that they had slept soundly in a bed. Thanks to this rest, they could set off the next morning full of energy.

"Thank you all for your help!"

I spoke as a representative to express my gratitude in front of the town's castle gate. In addition to the guards and some of the townspeople, the butler, the maids, and even the people from the Order of Andre-san had come out from the castle to greet us.

"Van-sama, be careful!"

"Yes! I'm off!"

We set off, being seen off by a total of over a hundred people. And Tyll was in a good mood throughout, pouring tea into cups.

"Here's some tea for everyone."

"Thank you."

We enjoyed the tea and sweets as we were treated by Tyll, and a relaxed atmosphere filled the room. Then, Arte mentioned the towns and castles as a topic of conversation. The lives of the common people and the rich scenery of their lives. It seemed more prosperous and urban than the territory of Count Ferdinand.

In the course of this conversation, they also mentioned the butlers and maids who worked at the castle.

"Speaking of which, why were the maids that Tyll-san was talking about so angry?"

When Arte asked this, Tyll stopped eating her sweets and, with a proud look on her face, put her hand on her chest.

"Yes. My former colleagues asked me about life in Seat Village. They weren't angry, but rather, they were envious. After all, when Van-sama left the Marquis' family, there was a fierce battle over who would follow Van-sama. And the winner was me!"

Tyll said all this in a good mood. Panamera, who had been listening absentmindedly, reacted.

"Really? So the maids who work at the castle where the head of the Marquis family lives would choose to be with the boy who will become the Lord of a remote village? It really shows the popularity of the Marquis."

Smiling wryly at Panamera, who seemed to be saying such a thing for some reason, he added a supplementary explanation to Tyll's words.

"No, it's just that there were many kind people who felt sorry for me being kicked out. Tyll was originally my caretaker, so I think that's why she followed me."

I answered in an attempt to hide my embarrassment, but Tyll's eyebrows furrowed and her mouth twitched.

"That's not true! At first, we were going to decide by drawing lots, but after discussing it, we decided to have a three-way match. I fought for two hours against more than ten people, and I was able to win just in the nick of time... How can you pretend that fierce battle never happened!"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I don't know what happened, but I was in the wrong."

I apologized profusely to a surprisingly angry Tyll. And both Arte and Panamera laughed happily. At first I wasn't sure what would happen, but we were able to travel peacefully and happily. I think that was thanks to Panamera joining us.

Although I didn't say it out loud, I was secretly grateful to Panamera in my heart as I continued on the road to the battlefield.

[Jalpa]

A fortress with a shape combining cubes that excel in both offense and defense. It is made of stone, but the walls are made as thick as possible with the aim of repelling magical attacks. It was built more than 50 years ago, but its imposing appearance is still intact. The walls are mainly made of reddish stone, but some of the walls are a near-gray color due to repeated repairs.

The area around it is a sheer cliff, and further in the distance are steep mountains. As it is considered a strategic point against the United Republic of Shelbia, if this fortress is defended, it will be difficult for the United Republic of Shelbia to invade our territory.

This is the fortress known as the Northern Wall, called Centenna.

Seeing Fortress Centenna in good shape, I was relieved, but didn't show it on my face.

"My lord, I'll go and check it out first."

Stradale, who was riding a horse next to the carriage, said this with his usual unsociable expression.

"Yes. Go with the cavalry. If you feel something is wrong, come back immediately."

"Hah!"

As soon as he received the order, Stradale galloped off quickly, heading towards the castle gate of Centenna. His leadership skills were remarkable, and in a short amount of time he had organized the cavalry into a formation and was already beginning to move.

As the commander of my order of knights, which numbers over 10,000, Stradale is a man I trust more than anyone else. Originally, it was supposed to be Dee, who was a veteran of many battles and Stradale's superior, who would become the commander of the order, but he was chosen for his outstanding achievements in a major battle in the past.

He has held many mock battles with Dee, who became his deputy, and they have always fought evenly. Dee is probably better at individual bravery. However, I think Stradale is better at overall command.

Stradale is younger, so in a few years' time, there is no doubt that Stradale will be superior in personal bravery. That is why I wanted Dee to support Stradale as vice-captain, and to fill in for Stradale where he was lacking.

It was precisely because I thought this that I never imagined that Dee would accompany Van when he left. As with Espada, I wondered why he would make a choice that could be interpreted as suicide.

I felt as if I had lost an important member of my team, and for a while, just hearing Van's name made me irritated.

And yet, he has now become the King's favorite, and I always see his face in the big battles. In fact, he is even mentioned in conversation even when we are apart.

I really don't like it. At least, if he hadn't become independent, it would have been possible to attribute everything to the Marquis of Fertio, but now that he has obtained a title, even though he is a baron, he is treated as a different house.

"You ungrateful wretch, don't you have any intention of going to work for the family that took care of you?"

As I spat out these words, I was also aware that it would be difficult. He was sent away from home at the age of eight. He probably had no feelings for the Fertio Marquis family.

If Van continues to take credit for things, there is a possibility that eventually the Marquis Fertio's territory and rights will be taken away. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to take credit for as many major achievements as possible as soon as possible.

"United Republic of Shelbia... I'll show you who you're dealing with."

Saying these words in a low voice, I cheered myself up with a smile.