Chapter 80

Rubbing my slightly sleepy eyes, I stood outside the fortress.

Lately, I’ve been writing so much that it feels like the most I’ve written in a long time. And yet, it’s still not over…

After a while, a group carrying the duke’s family crest appeared on the road ahead.

Erich and his group had returned. They were, without a doubt, a beacon of hope.

“Good work, Erich.”

As I acknowledged Erich, who had approached nearby, he dismounted his horse and surveyed the area.

“Your Grace, what… is all this?”

Well, it’s no wonder Erich was bewildered.

Around the fortress, escaped farmers waiting for entry inspections—or interviews, really—had set up temporary tents and were waiting for their turn.

“Welcome back, Erich. A mountain of paperwork related to the processing of those waiting outside the fortress awaits your attention.”

Raising both arms, I greeted Erich with exaggerated enthusiasm. Welcome to the endless grind of bureaucratic tasks.

Though he looked somewhat displeased, Erich let out a small, understanding sigh.

I shifted my gaze to the soldiers lined up behind him.

“The soldiers will be sent ahead as escorts to accompany the farmers to the capital.”

Honestly, I didn’t want anyone to mistake the gathering crowd for war preparations. But more than that, we simply didn’t have the space to house both the soldiers and the farmers. That’s why more tents had been added outside the fortress.

“Understood. As you command.”

Nodding, Erich turned to the soldiers and began giving swift instructions.

Since many of the soldiers were new recruits, some wore visibly tired and dissatisfied expressions, but there was no avoiding it.

Following his orders, the soldiers began moving in a slow, steady line. Watching them, Erich turned back to me.

“And what of you, Your Grace?”

“I’ll wait a little longer. The old man should be arriving soon.”

“Understood. Do pace yourself.”

Erich mounted his horse again and rode toward the fortress.

So he noticed, huh…? Well, just a little bit, right?

While mulling over that thought, a group led by Herbert appeared.

“Oh my, to have Lord Ainzich himself come to greet me—what an honor!”

“Just worried about the old man,” I replied, shrugging my shoulders.

Herbert laughed heartily.

“No need for concern. Old as I am, all I’ve been doing is glaring at papers! At worst, it’s just been a bit dull.”

After a hearty laugh, Herbert fixed his gaze on me.

“So, is Lord Ainzich not returning to the fortress?”

I averted my eyes from Herbert, answering nonchalantly.

“Figured I’d wait until Werner gets back…”

Sweat trickled down my back.

Letting out a sigh, Herbert reached out and grabbed me by the collar.

Before I had time to react to the sudden floating sensation, I found myself seated behind Herbert on his horse. How did he do that without even choking me…?

“After all these years, do you think I wouldn’t notice? I’m well aware of your habits when you’re trying to dodge something.”

He had seen right through me.

“I can’t outwit you, old man.”

“Experience comes with age! Now then, let’s get back to work. Fear not—I’ll lend you a hand.”

Wrapping my arms around Herbert’s waist for support, I clung to his sturdy frame.

It had been a long time since I’d ridden behind him like this. It felt nostalgic.

With deliberate care, perhaps for my sake, Herbert set off at a leisurely pace toward the fortress.