Sir Hero, It’s Time to Train!

Scratch. Scratch.

The sound of the pen moving filled the study. Ketn, who had been sitting at his desk for quite a while signing documents, showed no sign of fatigue on his face.

“Hmm.”

Ketn, emotionlessly processing the documents, slightly furrowed his brow and placed the pen down on the desk.

He double-checked the contents of the documents in his hand once more and sighed.

“This time, it’s the west.”

Although Ketn let out a heavy sigh, the content of the documents was simple.

It was a proposal from the soldiers under the command of the garrison captain of the Flamme western gate.

No, saying it was a proposal was just a label; in reality, it was a desperate plea.

The content included frequent outings and late returns, resulting in increased stress for the soldiers due to visits from concerned parents.

Additionally, there was an increase in sick leave taken by the more sensitive soldiers due to various gifts brought back upon their return.

“… It’s not like I’m leaving those two unsupervised because I enjoy it.”

Ketn muttered an apology to the captain of the Flamme western gate garrison and pushed the documents aside. It was the most considerate gesture Ketn could muster.

Once this document was approved, the commander would be required to conduct an in-depth interview with the parents via the hotline.

It wasn’t that he was avoiding responsibility because he was the one who permitted the siblings to go out.

The quelling sound of the pen resumed filling the study, and soon after—

Knock, knock, knock.

“Come in.”

Having just finished signing the final document, Ketn quietly put down his pen and turned his gaze towards the door.

The door opened, and a knight entered, saluted crisply, and spoke.

“Sir Ketn, a communication has arrived from the Flamme southern gate.”

“Communication, you say? If it’s about the southern gate captain’s leave, I surely denied that, didn’t I?”

Communication artifacts were installed at key points in Flamme. They were primarily used for reporting urgent matters, decided at the captain’s discretion.

Sending a communication over the hotline despite intense stress seemed excessive. Ketn frowned as he looked at the knight.

“Ah, while the southern gate captain did mention that, it seems he received a message from the Count Tanato Ruben.”

“Count Tanato? What’s the message?”

The communication came from Tanato Ruben, head of the Rangar branch and associated with the Logia Magic Tower, who was accompanying Count Roberto Worden for a monster subjugation mission.

A message from him was essentially a message from Count Worden.

“Count Tanato Ruben’s message is as follows: ‘We will take care of dinner in Flamme tonight, so please prepare accordingly.’ That’s all.”

“Count Tanato is as bold as ever.”

Although the message could seem disrespectful at first glance, Ketn laughed as he stroked his beard.

“Still, that means the Count will be coming today….”

The mission wasn’t a large-scale subjugation; it was a simple monster subjugation, akin to an annual exercise conducted once or twice a year.

However, the return from this subjugation was unexpectedly delayed, raising concerns that something might have gone wrong.

Fortunately, it seemed such worries were unfounded.

“Inform Sir Garcia of this news immediately.”

“Yes, I will.”

If Ketn managed the family’s internal affairs, Garcia was responsible for Liana’s personal protection and overseeing events happening outside the mansion.

With the return of the family head, many things were returning to normal.

***

“It’s the city! Flamme is in sight!”

Those at the vanguard emerged from the forest and, upon seeing the wide plains and the giant, majestic walls at their end, cheered in delight.

That cheer quickly spread to the rear, which had not yet emerged from the forest, creating a buzz.

Amidst this lively atmosphere, there were those who maintained their composure.

“Ah, youth is enviable. Such boundless energy.”

“It’s understandable since it’s been a while since they’re home. This subjugation took longer than the previous one, so surely they’re delighted.”

Count Worden replied with a small smile to Tanato Ruben’s observation.

“Ugh, thinking of the nagging my disciple will give me when I get home already tires me out.”

“Haha, is my heart at ease? The most enjoyable times are when I’m thoughtlessly hunting monsters.”

Contrary to the dull exchange between the heads, their group’s pace gradually picked up.

Despite carrying heavy loads and carts, their steps were light and lively. Their expressions naturally grew brighter.

Their confident strides carried them to the very edge of the Flamme southern gate.

Those on the walls, who had been awaiting news, identified the subjugation force and shouted loudly.

“Open the gates! The subjugation force has arrived!”

“The Count is here! The subjugation force returns!”

“Everyone, show your respects!”

The subjugation force first faced the soldiers and knights lined up in formation on the walls, all bearing arms in salute to welcome their return.

Groooooo—

The massive gates opened wide. Leading the subjugation force through the gates, Roberto met with a line of a dozen knights standing at attention before him.

“I am Garcia Felton! I greet the Count!”

“We greet the Count!”

Garcia, though technically not a knight of the Worden County, had attached himself as a champion following his wife, Liana.

Over time, he became a cornerstone supporting the family.

“Sir Garcia, you’ve worked hard.”

“Not at all. I merely did what was necessary. More importantly, was there no trouble? The delay in the subjugation had everyone quite worried.”

“The monsters were more numerous than during the previous subjugation. We might have to increase the scale for next year’s joint subjugation.”

Indeed, judging by the weary faces of the knights and soldiers lined up behind, they appeared quite fatigued. Roberto, knowing this, didn’t prolong the conversation.

“Well, let’s save these formal matters for later. My nape is burning.”

“Ahem. Apologies, I spoke out of turn. Let’s head to the mansion.”

“Let us do so.”

As the subjugation force resumed moving, some of the southern gate troops took on the task of pulling the loaded carts.

Roberto, along with a few knights, mounted the prepared horses by Garcia and proceeded along the main road.

As the several hundred members of the subjugation force moved along the grand boulevard bisecting the city, people who had heard the news came out to cheer and celebrate their safe return.

The members of the subjugation force enjoyed a moment’s peace, enough to forget months of hardship.

But Roberto could not. A lingering bitter smile remained on his face.

“Lord, are you feeling unwell?”

Not only Roberto, but also his deputy Laura and the command-level knights shared similar expressions.

Garcia cautiously asked, wondering whether it was due to inadequacies on his part.

“The damages from this subjugation were higher than anticipated.”

“Ah…”

At last, Garcia began to notice other scenes.

‘Now that you mention it, the family head has been bowing his head a lot.’

Among those rejoicing in the moment, he noticed those mourning their fallen comrades and estate residents overwhelmed by despair at missing family members bursting into tears.

“Sigh, I might fall into the fires of hell when I die.”

In the somber demeanor of Roberto and the knights of the Worden County, Tanato Ruben snorted with a nonchalant expression.

“Donate generously to those swindling scum who strip the people of their coin. Doesn’t the clergy say donations would absolve all sins committed?”

“I’d rather burn in the fires of hell than squander money on that. If I have funds for such indulgence, I’d provide more to families of those who died for the estate.”

Roberto’s earnest words embodied sincerity. His accompanying knights, moved by their lord’s integrity, reaffirmed their loyalty.

After receiving the warm welcome from many and arriving at the expansive square, the subjugation force finally halted.

Roberto heaved a sigh of relief at the sight of the grand mansion beyond the square, entrusted the post-mission duties to Laura, and looked over at Tanato Ruben.

“Then, I leave the wrap-up to you. Count Tanato, would you like to come along?”

“No, I’m concerned that my student might have neglected the branch, so I must go check.”

“Haha, I hardly think that’s the case.”

Roberto chuckled at what he considered a humorous remark, but halted his laughter upon seeing Tanato Ruben’s serious expression.

“Then I’ll head off first. Come visit later.”

“Yes. Once things settle, I will visit.”

As Tanato Ruben turned his horse, the mages from the Logia Magic Tower who had accompanied him sighed and wearily left the square.

Roberto, too, having entrusted the field command to Laura, headed towards the mansion with his deputies.

At the mansion’s main entrance, two women awaited to welcome Roberto back.

Seeing the women, Roberto dismounted and slowly approached them.

Liana and Neria exchanged glances, engaging in a brief silent conflict before Liana stepped forward to greet Roberto.

Roberto, noticing this, was curious but didn’t pay much heed since the two often bickered like adversaries.

“Welcome back.”

“I’m home.”

“Relieved to see you unharmed.”

“Seeing you, madam, makes me finally feel at home.”

Roberto looked at Neria, who stood a step behind and watched them, with her noticeable nervousness. He smiled broadly and gave her a slight nod.

Neria, flustered by the seemingly inexplicable gratitude, attempted to reciprocate the smile.

Roberto couldn’t help but grin at seeing his wife’s ever-girlish demeanor.

“Let’s head inside. Let us unwind, then catch up.”

“Indeed. But…”

Roberto, realizing something was amiss, scanned his surroundings. Although Liana feigned nonchalance, Neria’s body slightly stiffened.

“Where are the children?”

“Well, that’s…”

Neria hesitated, like a child caught misbehaving, her guilt palpable, causing a vague uneasiness to creep into Roberto.

“Did something happen to them?!”

“No, it’s just…”

With Roberto pressing her, Neria mumbled softly.

“They went out hunting for a while…”

“Hunting?”

Hunting what?

Was there anything to hunt in this area?

Confused, Count Worden fixed his gaze on Neria, who simply lowered her head without another word.

In her stead, Liana Worden sighed and explained.

“They left for monster hunting.”

“…?”

“The siblings went off for a monster hunt together.”

For someone who rarely expressed emotion, Liana’s irritation was apparent. Seeing her look utterly stressed out, Roberto tensed up.

“What happened while I was away for a few months?”

Roberto truly wondered what had transpired at home in his absence.