When I Was Reincarnated, All the Heroines Were Stolen by the Fake Hero ~ The Guy Who Dominated With Original Story Knowledge, and Me Who Dominated With Talent. It Seems the World After the Ending Is My One-Man Stage ~ - Episode 7

Episode 7

The mansion’s spacious bedroom was more than comfortable enough to heal the fatigue of the long journey.

Though it was an unfamiliar environment, I seemed to have fallen asleep quite easily.

The next morning, I regained consciousness to the sound of a gentle knock on the door. It was then followed by Sebas’ voice.

“Yutaka-sama, breakfast is ready.”

Hearing his voice, I slowly sat up.

The triumphant return parade, the late-night reception with Nergo, and the journey to Vixel Domain…

Maybe I was just a bit too exhausted.

“Ah, thank you. I’ll be there soon.”

I replied and got out of bed.

Opening the closet to get dressed, I found not only the usual travel clothes I wore on the road—easy to move in—but also a clearly high-quality suit hanging among them.

It was likely something Sebas had prepared.

Considering my position as a lord, there would be times when such attire was necessary.

I decided to just wear the suit jacket over my usual travel clothes.

It might be a bit mismatched. But for balancing ease of movement and a reasonably proper appearance, this was probably the best choice.

—

When I headed to the dining room, just like yesterday, breakfast for two was set on the table for Sebas and me.

Bread, soup, and fresh fruit. Simple, but a meal prepared with care.

As expected, Kotama was nowhere in sight.

“Good morning, Sebas.”

“Good morning, Yutaka-sama. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Ah, thanks to you, I did.”

Taking my seat, I asked Sebas,

“How was Kotama last night?”

While tearing off some bread, Sebas answered with a slightly relieved expression.

“Yes. She probably hasn’t completely let her guard down yet, but… it seems she sensed in her own way that you’re not a bad person, Yutaka-sama. Last night, she came to my room and we talked a little about you.”

“I see. That’s good then.”

If there’s been even a small bit of progress, that’s more than enough. No need to rush.

While continuing the meal, I told Sebas about today’s plans.

“Today, I want to go see the fortress at the front line. I want to check the current state with my own eyes.”

It was a key point in the defense of Vixel Domain.

I wouldn’t be able to plan any strategies without understanding it first.

Hearing that, Sebas’ face lit up a little.

“That is wonderful! If you, the new lord, appear in person, it will surely raise the morale of the soldiers at the fortress. I will make the preparations right away so we can depart as soon as breakfast is finished.”

His voice carried a sense of genuine anticipation.

＊ ＊ ＊

After finishing our meal, Sebas and I boarded the same carriage as yesterday.

I sat in the wagon bed, and Sebas took the driver’s seat.

Just as we were about to depart—

The mansion doors suddenly burst open. And Kotama came running over, out of breath.

She was holding something wrapped in a small cloth bundle.

She glanced at me briefly but quickly shifted her gaze to Sebas.

“Sebas! Where are you going today?”

There was a slight note of anxiety in her voice.

Sebas smiled gently at Kotama.

“Yutaka-sama and I are heading to the fortress on the front line. Would you like to come with us, Kotama?”

Kotama quickly shook her head side to side.

As expected, she was still uncomfortable with going out together with me.

Seeing that, Sebas nodded.

“I see. Then, may I ask you to take care of things in the village? If anything comes up, consult with the village chief.”

“…Okay.”

Kotama gave a small nod. She then handed the cloth bundle she was carrying to Sebas.

“This is lunch. For Sebas and… um… Yutaka-sama too…”

The last part was almost whispered, like a mosquito’s buzz. But she definitely said my name.

Sebas happily accepted it and gently patted Kotama’s head.

“Thank you, Kotama. That’s very helpful.”

Kotama looked down. She was a bit bashful.

“Well then, Yutaka-sama, shall we?”

Sebas called out to me and gave the reins a light pull.

The carriage began to move slowly.

I could see Kotama waving a small hand in front of the mansion.

Just a little, but it felt like her wariness had softened. And I allowed myself a small smile.

—

On the way to the front-line fortress, swaying in the carriage, I asked Sebas for more details about the fortress.

“How’s the defense of the fortress holding up right now?”

Sebas leaned slightly out from the driver’s seat. And with a somewhat troubled expression, he replied:

“How should I put this… The soldiers’ morale itself is by no means low, but…”

His words trailed off. I tilted my head.

“Is there some kind of problem?”

“Actually, for about the past year, a female soldier named Freyja has been in charge of commanding the fortress.”

“A female soldier?”

That was a bit unexpected.

In this world, while there are women on the battlefield, it’s rare for one to serve as a commander.

I briefly imagined a robust warrior woman clad in thick armor and swinging a giant battle axe.

“Is this Freyja soldier quite skilled?”

When I asked that, Sebas paused for a moment. He then answered with a somewhat difficult expression.

“…Uhm, well… Freyja-sama is… extremely beautiful.”

“Beautiful?”

The unexpected response made me repeat it without thinking.

To hear “beautiful” as the first quality of a battlefield commander…

Sebas continued. He looked even more uncomfortable.

“No, it’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, because of her beauty, the morale of the soldiers is… well, high, in a rather strange direction. All the male soldiers are, how shall I say it… completely smitten by her every move…”

Hearing that, I suddenly recalled Nergo. And I couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

Seriously, men are just… well, being a man myself, I can understand it to some extent.

“I see. So basically, regardless of her actual ability, she’s the type of commander who boosts morale through her looks.”

“I deeply apologize, Yutaka-sama. I really can’t say any more than that…”

Seeing Sebas so apologetic, I waved my hand.

“No, I get the gist of it. I’ll just have to see for myself on-site.”

“Yes… That would be most helpful.”

Sebas replied with a voice full of genuine relief.