Fun Territory Defense Chapter 85 Part 1 (Patreon)

[Another Viewpoint]  Astonishment of the Marquis

[Scudetto Raided]

When I received the news, what came to mind was the usual harassment of the Jiernetta Kingdom.

If we fight them properly, we will be disadvantaged. I had that thought, but the Kingdom of Scuderia, which was steadily gaining strength, was an eyesore.

Then, let's repeat the skirmish every year and make them devote their strength to defense.

That is the reason for the Jiernetta Kingdom's actions.

However, they still prepare enough troops to attack the citadel every time. Besides, if the citadel is surrounded, there will be a problem of food.

It can't be helped. We will go out with only the First Knights and the Magician Corps. Also, send messengers to the neighboring lords to dispatch troops."

The silhouette of the steward opened his mouth.

"There is a village near Scudetto that is ruled by your son Van..."

"Are you a fool, you? It is not a village where you can send troops. In fact, it's probably barely able to eat at all."

Silhouette replies with a difficult expression on her face.

"However, a peddler who came from the capital the other day told me that Van-sama has received a baronetcy for slaying dragons..."

At these words, I let out a deep sigh.

This man, who succeeded Espada as chief butler, certainly understands the role of a butler and can carry it out.

However, since he does not have the same knowledge and experience as Espada, he lacks depth.

"Nonsense. Think for yourself a little. How much value are rumors and word of mouth?  If you had slain a juvenile dragon or a sub-dragon, you would have been the first to bring a report of it to my marquis. But there is no such report."

"Well, that's true, but Van-sama is no ordinary child. He has done things that ordinary people can't even imagine..."

"Shut up. Shut up and get ready quickly."

When I interrupted her words and said so, Silhouette nodded with a difficult expression and left the room.

For a long time, such words were often heard from those who performed duties in the museum.

[Van is a genius, no doubt.]

The phrase was seemingly common among the maids.

I was curious to pay attention to him because I had taken those words at face value, but from my point of view, he just seemed to be a child with a good memory for things.

In fact, although Espada and Dee had carefully educated her, she had not achieved much better results than the other children.

If I couldn't produce any results, then everyone else must have sensed a latent ability that I couldn't see.

I thought so, but the results of my aptitude for magic were the worst I had ever seen.

The disappointment was so great because I had high expectations, and I felt my feelings rapidly cool down.

"What is this new hero of dragon slaying? What could a child do in that small village to slay a dragon? Even with Espada and Dee, it's impossible by any means."

Sniffling, I looked out the window.

The city's main street stretched north. Along that road, Van had traveled to an unnamed village.

I don't know why he is adored, but many maids and soldiers volunteered to accompany Van on his departure, but he rejected them, saying that he could not waste manpower on ruling a frontier that was certain to fail.

Therefore, when I heard that Van had achieved success and had even been knighted, the first thing that came to mind was Count Ferdinand's scheming.

The lands that had taken the form of territory from the Count. The Count might be trying to sell his favor to Van by lending him a hand and regain his territory. That is what he thought.

But he immediately denied it. It would be a roundabout and unnecessary risk. It was not a move that the Count, who was wary of me, would make.

I quickly decided that, and erased Van from my mind.

"...Nonsense. But once we get rid of the army of the Jiernetta Kingdom, I'll drop by and take a look."

If I could develop the village in any way, I might even consider helping out a bit.