Torose fortress.

"All of us here are happy to have the reinforcements from Lord Montfort. Thanks for coming."

Trumpets sound and the soldiers of Guiscard presented their spears.

The men grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically.

It’s fine that you’re so excited to shake my hand, but how about looking this way for once.

This man’s gaze was way past me and to the citizens of Torose who were watching us and cheering.

"The pleasure is mine. I’m glad to be here so we can fight together, Count Rikat Guiscard."

This man in front of me was the ruler of Torose, Count Rikat Guiscard .

"You don’t need to be so formal, Commander Hiro. Please just call me Count."

Nevertheless, I’m dealing with the person who had the highest authority, similar to a despot of a state, so I couldn’t be too loose with what I say.

I had become a proper adult too so I know the rules of this medieval society.

Anyways, this guy seemed like he would be popular with women.

He’s somewhere in his forties, slightly shorter than me, has neatly combed hair, and was wearing clothes that fit well on his body.

He had an extremely handsome face and his body exuded an aura of cleanliness.

He didn’t bother to hide his wrinkles or his thinning hair and was a good-looking man for his age.

"My lord. Look over here!"

"I believe in you, My Lord! Get rid of that cowardly Saxon-Fanoss!"

The count answered the citizens by raising his hands, which only made them cheer louder.

Three men who looked like high ranked officers appeared. The count instructed to them,

"We can convene again tonight in the dining hall...... until then, I want to talk with them. They’re going to be people we’ll be working with in the future, after all."

"I’m Baron Denzel Hailey. You can call me Denzel. I look forward to working with you Commander Hiro!"

This Denzel guy was even at higher rank than Reina's father, Baronet Hesse.

If so, that’s pretty remarkable, although he seemed a bit too friendly.

Was it a convention in Torose to address people by their names after meeting them? 

He looked to be about the same age as the Count, in his forties, and he’s one head shorter than me.

His body was muscular enough that people could notice from afar and his tidy brown hair made him look more like a soldier than an aristocrat.

He’s laughing heartily while slapping my shoulder.

"I am Baron Barat Carrack, the person in charge of commanding the defense force in Torose. Commander Hiro―― or would it be more appropriate to address you as Your Excellency Hiro?"

This guy was in his thirties and was a muscular man about the same height as me..

I could already tell from one look that he’s a brave leader type from his loud, clear voice and rough presence, although his words had a bit of spite in them.

He wasn’t hiding his distaste for me at all...... no, he’s not even trying to hide it.

Not that it really mattered to me, it would be gross if a muscle head like this welcomed me gleefully.

"A girl who is still young...... poor thing, she probably can’t disobey. Nobles who have their social status decided at birth are all evil!"

Barat looked at Mirai and Suzy sadly before directing his hostile intent towards me again.

The two girls tilted their heads and looked up at me.

I had no idea what’s going on either.

"Baronet Jim Hilton, chief of staff of the national defense army. I look forward to working with you, Commander Hiro."

He lowered his head slightly and gave me a quick handshake.

This guy was different from the other two in that he was slender, his eyes were downcast and his voice was soft.

He also seemed to have two sides to him, the spitting image of a staff officer just like Leonheardt.

"Nice to meet you, Jim!"

"......sure."

Baron Denzel Hailey, Barat Carrack, and Baronet Jim Hilton.

Myla, Mirai, and Leonheardt also finished shaking hands with them before finally taking a seat.

"Excuse me?" Mirai seemed confused.

"Sorry...... I can’t do anything for you right now......"

Barat looked like he’s about to cry as he held on to Mirai’s hand for for a while during their handshake.

Count Guiscard gestured towards the castle gates and we all followed him inside the fortress. The castle was massive, with walls that seemed impenetrable and towers that reached high into the sky. The courtyard was bustling with activity as soldiers trained and prepared for battle.

"Our forces are severely depleted," the Count said, "but with your help, we can push back the Saxon-Fanoss and protect our country."

We arrived at the dining hall, which was adorned with ornate decorations and a long, wooden table. Servants brought in food and wine, and we all took our seats. The Count sat at the head of the table, with Baron Denzel and Barat on either side of him.

***