Fun Territory Defense Chapter 76 Part 1 (Patreon)

Unexpected

He uttered an excuse, taking a quote he had heard somewhere, but King Dino and the others decided he was being stubborn.

Some of the villagers who were watching from afar also broke down in tears.

"...I can't believe he's this smart, even compared to my own children, to whom I gave the best education. Is this what you call a prodigy?"

"To be honest, he is probably far superior to most of the lords at this stage. Nevertheless, it is a mixed verdict going against His Majesty. For Baron Van, who was appointed a peerage and made this land his fief, it is safe to assume that all those around him are enemies. Under such circumstances, it would be safer not to go against him than to make an enemy out of him, your majesty."

Aperta uttered a frightening statement.

Everyone becoming an enemy.

Right, this was because I was now a Lord with a territory.

Whatever the form, up until now I had been under the patronage of my father, the Marquis of Fertio.

So, even after I was transferred to this former count's territory, I was not harassed in any way.

But now it was different.

If I was not careful, my father, the Marquise, would do something to me.

No, they certainly would.

At the very least, my two older brothers could harass me in some way.

And this will not change even if I was invited in the Royal Capital.

After all, even as an eight-year-old, I would be given high privileges by the king.

This would definitely antagonize the other nobles.

It would not be surprising if I would be poisoned by someone.

If it was a wicked nobleman, they might go ahead and do it, saying, "It's all right as long as they don't find out about it".

What a mess.

Then it would be safer to stay in this village.

In this village, the only people who would be suspicious would be the visitors.

There would be no one suspicious like a ninja who could enter without being noticed.

Well, I had no choice but to prepare myself for whoever might come.

I changed my mind in about ten seconds, then looked up and answered.

"With all due respect, I would rather seek another path than abandon my people."

When I told them this, the King and the others seemed to think that it was impossible to persuade me.

Exhaling a deep sigh, the King acknowledged my assertion with a nod of his head.

"...I understand. Frankly, not having the Baron's ability is regrettable. It would also be a shame if he were to defect to another country as a result of hostility. Besides, even if he doesn't come to the Royal Capital, if we send an envoy to this place, you will cooperate with us, right?"

Cooperation for what?

I thought so, but I bowed my head respectfully.

"Of course, Your Majesty. If there is anything I can help you with, I will be happy to cooperate."

King Dino laughed and cowered his shoulders as he exhaled shortly.

"I'm not so startled anymore. I have decided not to consider Baron Van as a child."

Nodding to the King, who unilaterally announced this, Aperta followed suit.

"It would be a wise choice. Perhaps Baron Van must be half high elf or something. He must be at least fifty years old."

"Ha ha ha! I see. That may be so. Not much older than me, huh?"

The king was overjoyed by Aperta's light-hearted remark.

But I am not amused.

Who would think I was 50 years old after capturing such a cute little guy like me, Van?

Even Panamera, who had been so quiet until then, was laughing.

"...Well, with that in mind, I think it's time for us to go back to the pavilion. I'm sure everyone is tired."

As I was about to turn back after saying that, King Dino came up to me laughing.

"Ha ha ha ha! Don't sulk, Baron. I am complimenting you. You're a great guy. I might even ask you to educate my children."

"They are about the same age as me, right?"

"Don't be silly. You are really fifty, aren't you?"