Charles slammed open the door almost hard enough to break it.

Specifics. Now.

Y-Young Lady, Count Troi, one of her vassals, said. They Theyve begun striking our familys remaining convoys and the queue of customers Well, theyre not our only problem. The most serious issue is that all products entering the regions have been cut off completely. If our food reserves fall at this pace, the entire province will starve.

Cox stepped forward angrily.

Are they not even pretending to not be bandits anymore? There are unspoken rules they need to followthey cant just attack whenever they want! We should lodge an official complaint to the Palace! Theyll settle this much faster. What would a different family do?

At this rate, we will be completely cut off, Young Lady.

Charles rubbed her eyes.

In addition to trade products Is there any way to produce the quantities of food required to feed the population currently inside our territory?

Somewhat, based on the yearly harvests, but only about 70%. There is nothing for the remaining 30%.

Any opinions?

The meeting room was deafeningly quiet.

Where is Icarus?

A stranger is not permitted into private family disc

Stop yapping! Charless scream froze the room like a bucket of cold water. Are we really going to put our pride first in this situation? Our family is in jeopardy and anyone who has the heart to help is welcome! We need their help, and we need it now!

Y-young Young Lady The vassals stared at her, wide-eyed. Charles may have matured lately, but she was still embarrassedthese people had been watching over her since she was young.

Regardless, she powered on with dignity.

Bring me Icarus Now.

Any inn here is linked to the Haiburi family, so sending a message should be straightforward.

Joshua needed to depart quickly, but it would be rude to leave without a word when Count Haiburi had welcomed him.

And Reifonbeos daughter was there. That was the only reason why Joshua had accepted Count Haiburis request, burdensome as it was. Torosen lu Reinfonbeo commanded the 7th Battalionneither a high nor a low battalion. However, he would lead the Imperial Knights in the not-too-distant future. Joshuas return may have altered destiny, but it didnt matter.

I dont want to pull him in just for networking. He may look like a cheerful guy, but his personality is superb. Even if I left the Imperial Family for personal reasons, theres no reason to carelessly discard the relationships I built.

He recalled the people hed met in the last five years fondly. They werent entirely new relationshipsseveral of them, including Viper, had followed him in his last life.

It wouldnt be so bad to have them as friends now.

Joshua shook his head and returned to the task at hand. He pushed the door open.

Welcome! A youthful voice greeted him. Allow us to extend you a warm welcome from Blue Shelter!

The kid looked docile and tame, and had to be no more than eleven years old. The sight made Joshuas chest throb, for some reason.

He reminds me of myself not his appearance, but his atmosphere. Joshua let out a breath, remembering yet another relationship. There was a kid who adored Joshua; he had no parents, so he treated Joshua as one. His life had been just as awful as Joshuas.

Ill see you soon.

Are you ordering something? Or staying? Either way, I can offer you a discount.

Joshua let down his robe as the child chattered, exposing his face.

Oh my The boys lips stilled.

After a long moment, the kid bounced up from the counters, eyes alight.

Bro! I swear Ive never seen anyone as handsome as you! I promise!

Youve got a good sense for business. Joshua grinned. Im flattered. You certainly know how to capture the hearts of your customers.

Its not flattery, though. The kid pounded his chest. Im serious!

Whats your name?

Aden!

Aden? Joshua choked down a fit of laughter.

Hehe My father named me after the pride of the Empire, Duke Aden von Agnus. Its embarrassing, but

I see. Joshua nodded cheerfully.

Naming your children after idols and great figures was a rare thing in the aristocracy. On the surface, they treated it as an act of disdain and an affront to the gods.

Theyve developed a distinct culture. Respecting it would be the right thing to do.

Its not incorrect, its unique. Joshua knew that the first step towards appreciating people is acknowledging their differences.

I see myself in the most unexpected places. Not just these little children, but also from other living beings and even inanimate objects. Theres so much to learn.

If someone heard what Joshua was thinking, theyd probably call him an old man.

But! My views have changed!

...Have they?

Duke Agnus is so great that Im afraid to talk about him, but my hero has changed!

Thats good?

Have you heard? The lad bounced up, eyes twinkling. His son, Baron Joshua Sandersthey say hes even more magnificent than Duke Agnus! The Empires youngest baron! The worlds smallest mana knight! The Imperial Knights youngest captain! He was over the moon. When I was younger, Id already heard hundreds of tales of the Reinhardt Tournament. They still make my heart throb. They even say he grew up miserably, but The boys eyes grew wistful. Could I ever become like him?

Well

The kid got right up to Joshua while he was busy gaping.

Id be ready to die if I could meet him just once! Id brag about it to Loony and Tom for days and days! When they saw one of the Dukes knights, they talked about it so much I almost hated them! I heard whispers that Baron Sanders is so attractive that elves fall in love with himlike you, bro! He cast an admiring gaze over Joshua.

Hes got dark blue eyes that suck you in, and black hair that Aden stared at Joshua blankly. ...skin fairer than a womans, and a thin, lean frame, over 180cm tall, and His eyes crept up to Joshuas ear. ...an earring on one ear Adens voice trailed off into silence.

Baron Joshua?

Joshua scratched his head in embarrassment.