In this crossover anime, many ruthless and powerful figures reside in my territory.

"Only the direct territories of nobles with the title of duke or above can establish cities with a population of more than 100,000."

Lister tried his best to popularize knowledge about the world to Ban.

As they talked, the group arrived at the inner city of White Moon City—the place where the nobles lived.

Lister felt a pang of stomach ache when he saw the badges worn by the guards in the inner city.

Ban keenly noticed that something was wrong with his expression and asked.

"what happened?"

"I'm just worried that a meteorite might suddenly fall from the sky above White Moon City."

There was a moment of silence.

"Okay, it seems this joke isn't funny."

Lister explained.

"The United States Code stipulates that the children of nobles must work for the lord to whom they serve for at least one year before reaching adulthood."

“I once went to the royal court of the Kingdom of Rennes and served as the prince’s swordsmanship practice student.”

"Because of this regulation, male offspring of nobles other than the eldest son would generally work for the superior lord for their entire lives."

"so……"

He helplessly rubbed his face with his hand.

"Many nobles who worked for my father lived in the inner city."

"They... are troublesome."

"To be honest, the only thing I don't want to see after I came back is them."

"Never mind, let's go."

Lister, along with three others, rode slowly toward the inner city gate.

When the guards at the city gate saw Lister, their eyes widened in surprise.

"It's the young master! No! The Baron has returned!"

"Quickly prepare the wound medicine!"

The news spread like wildfire, from one person to ten, from ten to a hundred, until the guards in the inner city were running around like mice that had seen a cat.

······

Ban looked at Liszt.

Is this what you mean by not wanting to see them? It seems like they want to see you even less.

Lena and Elsa, who were behind Liszt, had already dismounted.

At this moment, a well-equipped squad of twenty guards filed out and stood in two rows on either side of the city gate.

"Welcome home, Your Excellency!"

The guards' booming voices contrasted sharply with Lister's expression, which looked as if he had eaten a bitter melon.

Lister announced with a stern face.

"This is a retainer I invited..."

Before he could finish speaking, a man suddenly jumped out from the guards.

"Your Excellency, according to the rules... Bang!!!"

A kettle hit the guard's helmet.

"Chris Rom!"

"See this?"

Lister clenched his fist and showed him his fist, which was as big as a sandbag, in a threatening tone.

The surrounding guards were all silent with fear.

However, the guard named Chris simply straightened his helmet and continued to offer his advice while kneeling on one knee.

“Your Excellency, you are already a nobleman with a title.”

"The rites stipulate that even a retainer should walk beside and follow his master when he rides a horse in the territory."

"This gentleman should get out of here now... Pfft!"

A flying kick shut Chris up.

"Damn it! You've been saying this for ten years and you're still not tired of it? I'm sick of hearing it!"

Lister's punches and kicks rained down on Chris.

"How many times have I beaten you? Don't you ever learn?"

Chris covered his head and let Lister beat him.

"This is my duty!"

"You can still shout that loudly? Looks like you're not using enough force!"

"Are you still going to say it in the future?!"

"I have something to say!"

The guards around him all closed their eyes and held their breath.

A minute later, Lister shook his slightly sore hand.

"Lena, Elsa, I'm giving you two choices."

"First, you can ride the same horse as me; second, you can mount your horse now and come with me to the manor."

Lena and Elsa were at a loss; both of their actions violated the rules, so they had to choose the one with the lesser violation.

The group mounted their horses and galloped toward the Eller family manor under the watchful eyes of the guards.

Once the sound of hooves had faded into the distance, the guards began to whisper among themselves.

"Why is that freak back so soon? Could it be that the construction of the outer territory isn't going well?"

"I knew it! How could he possibly manage the territory? If the Duke hadn't sent so many people to help him, he would probably have starved to death on the snowfield."

"Willful! Rebellious! Arrogant! They never listen to our advice! They treat the noble Code of Law and the Code of Rites as worthless pieces of paper... It's simply incomprehensible!"

"It's fine if he voluntarily gives up the title of duke, but even if he doesn't, as long as he sits there and enjoys his life, we nobles can manage the territory very well."

"Chris, am I right?"

The soldier named Chris got up, and apart from his armor being covered in dust, he looked perfectly normal.

He frowned and looked at the person who had just spoken.

"Shut up! It is against the rules of etiquette for subordinates to speak ill of their master!"

"...You're still as dense as ever."

The other guards all shook their heads.

Over the years, only Chris has persisted in advising Lister, even though their relationship can no longer be considered that of master and subordinate.

……

……

……

"I looked like a really unreasonable person just now."

On the way, Liszt muttered to himself.

"He attacked his loyal guards just because of a few words."

Ban didn't speak, he just listened.

"I grew up in this kind of environment from childhood to adulthood."

"Whenever I did something against etiquette, they would admonish me and ask me to behave like a great nobleman."

“When I got tired of listening to them, I would beat them up. Gradually, they understood and gave up.”

Lister suddenly mocked himself.

"According to the Code of Law and the rites, a person who is to whom he is to be loyal may refuse to be loyal and disobey orders if the master violates the rules."

"In everyone's eyes, I, as a disobedient master, only need to maintain a superficial obedience."

"They are right, and I am wrong."

"Everyone thinks so."

"no!"

Lena covered her chest and denied it.

"Everyone in our Red Maple Territory believes that you are right, sir."

"……Thanks."

Liszt smiled casually and looked at Ban again.

"Mr. Ban, as you can see, there are many rules here. If you encounter anything that doesn't suit you, just refuse."

"The 'freaks' they talk about don't mind doing even more outrageous things."

Ban gave Lister a deep look.

“You seem out of place here, not like someone from this world.”

"Out of place? That's certainly true."

"That's why I want to expand my territory and become my own lord."

"At least I don't have to live such a tiring life."

Lister flicked the reins and sped forward. The elegantly dressed men and women on both sides of the road frowned, but when they saw Lister's face, they were no longer surprised.

The four of them walked along the extremely flat and beautiful road, and soon arrived at a huge and beautiful manor built with white stones.