The maid was confused. She was supposed to be inside Newnelly Castle, but before she knew it, she was walking around Newnelly City.
She started walking down the main road, wondering when she had come to the castle town, but something seemed off. Even though she was supposed to be moving along the road, the scenery never changed.
As she felt a slight anxiety begin to form within her mind, she became curiously concerned about the people passing by. The maid’s focus turned from the scenery to the citizens. Then she noticed the discomfort. She realized that she had been passing by people with the same face all this time.
The frightened maid sped up her steps as if to run away. However, no matter how long, the scenery never changes.
She became frantic and before she knew it she was running, only to pass a person whose face she had seen many times before. Her head was filled with fear that the same person was chasing her.
Before she knew it, she started crying, and the tears made it hard for her to see what’s in front of her. The next moment, the maid collided with a young man who was carrying a water bottle.
The maid regained her composure a little as she heard the loud sound of porcelain breaking and the cold water splashed on her face. The maid, who had been on her ass if she didn’t apologize to the young man, slowly turned around.
However, what was there was a young man carrying a water bottle as if nothing had happened. There were no signs of water on the ground, nor were there any pieces of broken water bottles.
The maid finally stopped believing that this was actually happening, and collapsed to the ground, closing her eyes. But even if she opened her eyes in hopes of being rescued from this place, there is still a world that will never change.The maid crouched there for an unnerving moment.
How much time had passed? Suddenly, she noticed that the people around her had stopped moving, as if to match her stillness. Although each person had a different pose, no one was moving.
And the maid herself was also unable to move. Her fingertips were as stiff as stone, and she couldn’t make a sound, as if her whole being had sunk to the bottom of a lake. However, the feeling of fear remained within her.
Then, she suddenly understood. Her soul has been trapped in this world. From now on, she will have to continue to exist in this endless world for eternity.
…..apparently there’s a maid who recently had such a dream.
Apparently, the maid saw a picture that Vidardo drew hanging in the hallway of the castle. The one with an elaborate painting depicting scenes from Newnelly. Perhaps that’s why she had a dream in which her soul was trapped inside a painting. It gives her nightmares.
However, the story of that dream seemed to resonate with many of the servants. Lately, there have been rumors of nightmares all over the castle. It is said that some servants did not want to walk through that hallway at night because of this, so it is easy to understand why that painting was hated.
By the way, I was the one who had the picture displayed in the hallway. It was a casual instruction, but it turned out to be an episode that once again made me question my common sense.
[Grandfather.]
My grandfather and Fanny were standing in a ghost story spot that was becoming a hot topic these days.
[Wilk?]
[Onii-sama.]
Grandfather turned his face toward me, keeping his body facing the wall. Apparently, the two of them were looking at a painting together.
Today, I brought the painting out to the castle town temporarily to check the sketch points of this painting, and before I knew it, it was already returned back to the place. Someone in the civil service must have brought it back to them when we moved to a villa or a pioneering society.
[I see that you’ve returned home.]
[I’ve just arrived back.]
I replied to Fanny, who called out to me.
I came straight back to the castle from the Pioneering Association, but my grandfather had arrived earlier. This is the return of the super express.
[I heard that you, Wilk, had this piece painted for you.]
As my grandfather said that, his eyes turned once again to the picture on the wall.
[I didn’t have it painted, it was presented to me.]
[So, you put it here as decoration.]
[…..yes.]
Somehow, I started to feel like I was being scolded.
[Are you planning to get more of these?]
[…What does grandfather think of that picture?]
A strange tension loomed over the ghost story spot. The military officers looked alternately between me and my grandfather.
Then, my grandfather let out a deep breath that seemed to reach me.
[It’s a creepy picture. It’s probably best not to show it outside. Someone might come up with random nonsense about it.]
He didn’t want people to think that the eldest son of the Quordenze family might have some dangerous ideas, or to have my innocent feelings probed.
Meanwhile all I wanted was to have a rare artist on hand.
[Yes. From now on, I’m thinking of having the artist mainly draw landscapes without people.]
My father also told me to stop drawing portraits.
[…That would be good.]
Fanny followed those words.
[I would also like to see more pictures without people. Besides Newnelly, I’m also interested in Gatoren City, Nambonan City, where onii-sama often goes, and Reisleaf Castle, where grandfather currently stays. I think this artist’s brush strokes give the onlookers a good idea of what kind of place it is.]
Apparently, some people feel a little uncomfortable when looking at realistic landscape paintings, even if they don’t depict people. However, Fanny had no particular resistance to that. When I first showed her Vidardo’s painting, she said she wanted a painting depicting the streets of Nambonan City like she did just now.
However, just like everyone else, she’s also averse to realistic portraits. When I suggested that we should have a picture of us lining up together, she simply refused and said she didn’t like it. Your brother is sad here, you know?
[Regarding Reisleaf’s scenery… I think it’ll be difficult to bring the artist there.]
When I answered that, grandfather approached me and Fanny with his arms outstretched, as if to embrace me.
[Hahaha, why is that? I’ll show you Reisleaf someday. Not just Reisleaf, but Othelloria as well.]
[Oh my.]
And then, there’s the grandfather and granddaughter laughing together. If you cut out just this peaceful scene, you’d never guess that we’re talking about war.
[By the way, Wilk, are you hurt anywhere?]
Suddenly, grandfather’s big hand was directed at me. Before I could resist, he groped all over my body, peta, peta, peta, peta, peta, peta.
It didn’t feel good to be touched by the old man, but he was touching me so seriously that I was afraid to push him away.
[Didn’t you hear from father already? I’m alright.]
[I’ve heard the story. After all, wouldn’t it be better not to go to the Royal Capital?]
My grandfather harrumphed in a low voice and then stopped touching me. Fanny was looking at me with a smile on her face, probably finding it funny that I was being treated like a child.
[Luxus said he’s going to the Royal Capital again soon. I don’t think there’s anything we can do for diplomatic purposes, but…]
[They are not up for it?]
[It’s not progressing. If you ask me, Levios hasn’t killed the bandits yet. I can’t rely on the East’s leader to do whatever he wants.]
Fanny asked, as if she had something in mind.
[Is grandfather dissatisfied with King Levios?]
Indeed, as Fanny said, it seemed like our grandfather was more dissatisfied with King Levios than with the Levios family. I felt that there was a nuance in his voice that told him to do something again if he was defeated.
[Dissatisfied? I sure am dissatisfied. If King Levios wants me to regard him as still living, he should have been able to move even after being injured.]
The Highlord has strong vitality, so we can move even if we are injured. Besides, there were many Highlords of the Levios family in that place, so it should have been possible for the King to force himself to move with healing. Although it is a theory of guts.
[Grandfather, King Levios was wounded by the high priest with an unknown weapon. It’s said that it’s a curse-like effect similar to poison.]
[Even if he’s poisoned, he should still be able to give instructions as long as he’s conscious. I have heard that there were many Lord-class soldiers under their command. Normally, they would get angry and forget about the pain. The King…even the Royal Capital was trampled on. However, it is pathetic that he is unable to stand up for himself to even send out pursuers.]
I see, I guess there’s something to be said about the attack on the capital. It feels like there’s more emotion than necessary.
However, I think forgetting pain through anger is something that is limited to some combat maniac Nobles. I’ll definitely never forget it.
[Since this is an attack from a Highlord, there is also a concern about the residual magic power. Shouldn’t they prioritize resting first?]
After taking a magic attack, resting will usually be the first priority, and it’s important to receive treatment as soon as possible to reduce the aftereffects as much as possible. In fact, the people around me, including my father, grandfather, knights, and military officers, are very picky about this.
[Hmm, magic power residue is indeed terrifying. If Wilk gets attacked, do that. For sure.]
[Then, what about King Levios?]
[That’s different. An alliance leader who wants to lead the Nobles must be strong, and must try to be strong.]
Maybe my grandfather had a strong image of a leader, which was his ideal. Even when I pointed out that there was a contradiction, he was completely unfazed.
[Grandfather. Onii-sama is very strong. He even subjugated a demonic beast in the Royal Capital.]
The little sister who went “fufu” proudly is adorable. And it seems that grandfather was the same way, as he listened to Fanny’s story with a calm expression, completely changing from his stern expression.
[…As Fanny said, Wilk is showing promising strength.]
[And he is also strengthening his surroundings too. Right? Onii-sama.]
It seems like she heard that story from our father as well. My grandfather looked at me again with his sharp eyes.
[I heard from Luxus. You have decided to overthrow the Spierzeig.]
I decided to fight against the Spierzeig family in the Royal Capital. Up until now, I had felt like I was being tied to the fate of the Quordenze family, but from now on I decided to take an active role.
After returning to Newnelly, I had a quick chat with my father about this.
[Did you have something on your mind?]
[Yes.]
Then, I saw Fanny. She’s pretty enough as of now, but I’m sure she’ll become even more beautiful in the future.
I like cuckolding, but I hate being cuckolded. Just the thought of having my Fanny deliciously eaten by a man from somewhere else makes me feel sick to my stomach.
[…I will destroy Spierzeig with my own hands.]
Perhaps it was because I had a delusion that made me feel sick, but my words were much stronger than I expected. Well, it might be better to say that I threw it away.
Neither my grandfather nor Fanny responded to me, so for a moment I had the illusion that the sounds around me had disappeared.
[…..very well.]
It seemed like it got through.
[Onii-sama, your face is scary.]
I lifted my cheeks with the index fingers of both hands, made a smile, and turned to Fanny. All the while trying not to make too many unhealthy delusions.
[Even though they no longer have Reisleaf, Spierzeig still possesses great power. …..Your ambition, your determination to face difficulties, and your will to be strong are more precious than anything else. Cassia will be happy too.]
My grandfather’s hands were placed on my head and he stirred me up as much as he could. He also made sure to wrap around not only my head but also my ears and cheeks.
When I moved my hand to make it still, my grandfather laughed heartily and moved his hand and fingers even more forcefully. Now my hair is a mess.
[With this, I can return to the frontline without any worries.]
[…When will grandfather be departing?]
[Early tomorrow morning.]
That’s too early. Even though he just got back, I don’t think he’ll be able to get any kind of rest if he goes back to the front line.
[Grandfather. Please take your time here a little longer.]
It seemed like Fanny had already heard this, and she let out a desperate plea.
[…I would like to do that, but I can’t let my guard down. I need to come back with a forced march again.]
[I heard that the Spierzeig family is preparing to intercept at the entrance to Voistra Plain. Is there a need to return so quickly?]
It goes without saying, but defending will cause less damage than attacking. It would be more advantageous for Spierzeig’s side to attack the place where the Quordenze army invaded. They also have the advantage of being on their home ground.
Even though grandfather is absent, I wonder if the inferior Spierzeig army will easily launch a counterattack.
[Even if the Spierzeig army were to move now, it would be difficult to take back Reisleaf Castle in the short time it takes for grandfather to return. Wouldn’t it be better to start fishing from the frontline and then pull in and attack them?]
[Then, it won’t lead to a great decisive battle.]
A great decisive battle, a battle in which the entire power of the Noble family was raised. Originally, the Battle of Reishleaf Castle should have been the battlefield for the great decisive battle, but since I did something like half-burglary and conquered it, that opportunity disappeared.
Currently, the two armies are expected to clash in a decisive battle at the entrance to Voistra Plain.
[I’ve been thinking for a while, but is it necessary to have a great decisive battle with the Spierzeig family? No matter how strong grandfather is, there’s no way you’ll be able to fight all of their Highlords alone. It’s a big gamble. If that’s the case, then we should continue to use our forces as appropriate. If we keep chipping away and moving forward, we’ll eventually reach Othelloria.]
[A great decisive battle is essential.]
A strong negative word was slammed. Realizing that he had unintentionally raised his voice, my grandfather looked a little panicked, but continued speaking.
[Kindlor’s head alone is not enough. The only place where we can get both Kindlor and Magnis is in the great decisive battle.]
The ones that my grandfather and father couldn’t stop hating are the previous Head of the Spierzeig family, Kindlor, and the current head of the family, Magnis. In the event of a great decisive battle, there is a high possibility that both of them will come to the front.
[I must prepare for that time, so I will have to leave Newnelly tomorrow.]
My grandfather declared that he would not tolerate any objections.
It seems that there are many things that need to be done, such as strengthening the system for subjugating the remnants of the occupied land, reconnaissance of the Voistra Plain, expanding the army, and reinforcing the frontline base.
Then, my grandfather added as if he just remembered it.
[…Now that I think about it, Nambonan soldiers are obedient and easy to use. When Wilk comes to the frontlines, consider using them proactively.]
The sudden high evaluation of Nambonan soldiers came out of left field. I felt like grandfather never personally led the Nambonan soldiers in the first place.
[Since our goal was to move in a short period of time, we decided to exchange troops at the Amelia River.]
It is said that grandfather ran from the frontline south of Reisleaf Castle, across the foreign land to Nambonan City, then entered the inland by boat and ran at full speed to Newnelly City.
The most troublesome part of this is crossing the Amelia River, and the more soldiers there are, the longer it takes. This is because there is no bridge, so you have to go back and forth by boat.
For this reason, my grandfather sent his vanguard soldiers across the river ahead to inform the soldiers stationed in Nambonan City, and had them wait on the opposite bank. This way, only my grandfather and several Knights and military officers would be on the boat, making it possible to cross the river in a short time.
[…Does that mean the Nambonan soldiers are now in Newnelly City? So, won’t there be a shortage of soldiers in Nambonan City? …Ah, the soldier that grandfather brought must be in Nambonan right now, so there’s no problem, I guess.]
I thought for a moment that Nambonan City was empty, but I quickly realized that was not the case.
[In the first place, there are many soldiers in Nambonan City. The soldiers I brought this time are only a small portion, so there will be no problem even if we don’t bring them back for a while. Wilk may go to Nambonan later, so you could bring them back at that time.]
Apparently, the Nambonan soldiers will be left behind in Newnelly City.
Both Newnelly City and Nambonan City are under the direct control of the Quordenze family, so there is no particular problem with the presence of Nambonan soldiers. Well, no one would complain if I left it in the Knight’s territory.
[Are you saying that when grandfather leaves tomorrow, you will take Newnelly’s soldiers with you?]
[Yes, the Nambonan soldiers have to rest. They haven’t had any rest since they entered the inland.]
Unlike the outside world, there is little worry about enemy attacks in the interior. My grandfather must have decided that there was no problem in sprinting with minimal caution. The Nambonan soldiers who had to deal with him must have had a hard time.
[Alright. I’ll take them back with me later.]
[If you have a chance, do your best. Those guys moved well.]
My grandfather nodded in response and started walking down the hallway in the direction leading outside. Until dinner, he will check on the soldiers that he will lead tomorrow in the castle town.
Before I could stop him, grandfather disappeared down the hallway.
[Onii-sama.]
Fanny, who remained in the hallway, pinched my sleeve.
[Hmm? What is it?]
[Ufufu. Grandfather seemed to be in a very good mood today.]
The person who said that seemed to be in the best mood. I think our grandfather was the same as always.
Fanny’s whole body oozed with happiness, perhaps because she was cared for by grandfather for the first time in a while.
[Fanny was also able to meet grandfather for the first time in a while.]
[Yes. I love it when grandfather is as kind as he is today.]
From my point of view, there was a strong impression that they were in a hurry. Maybe the situation on the frontline is not so good. Let’s be sure to check it before or after dinner.
In some cases, it may be better to move to Nambonan City sooner.
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