Chapter 100 - Episode 99: The Southern Kingdom
Noein's army, having departed from the Arqvist territory, would first enter Retovik in the Viscount Koenitz territory, merge with the Viscount Koenitz territorial army, and then head south together.
It would take approximately two weeks from Retovik to the assembly point in the southwest. A large party of about 200 people—consisting of 100 soldiers from the Koenitz army, 30 from the Arqvist army, and the forces of small-scale lords who were vassals of the House of Koenitz—advanced along the highway.
Nobles clad in high-quality equipment are prime targets for bandits. When moving through the southwest, where public order has deteriorated, it is far too dangerous for small forces such as Knight-Bachelors or Baronets to travel alone. Even though the Arqvist army had Noein, a golem user, it could not be called absolutely safe if they were to suffer a surprise attack in a forest with poor visibility.
For that reason, they moved together as part of a large army led by a high-ranking noble.
"—And that is why, while it is different for a high-ranking noble like myself who brings a considerable force, you small-scale forces will likely be placed in positions away from the main battlefield."
While riding side-by-side near the center of the column, Noein was being taught Arnold's outlook on the current war. Thanks to Yuri's patient guidance, Noein could now handle a horse well enough to march without issue.
"Then, will we be stationed around the fortress zone?"
"Probably. In that case, your role will be to hole up in the forts and stall the enemy's advance... It is a thankless role, but the risk of death will be far smaller compared to the main force serving in open field battles."
As one moves from north to south along the border with the Kingdom of Lancel, the terrain changes from the Bezel Great Forest to a region of mixed plains and forests, and finally to a region of wide-stretching plains.
Among these, the region of mixed plains and forests is a fortress zone lined with numerous forts, preventing the Lancel Kingdom's army from invading through the gaps in the forests.
While the main forces of both sides clash on the wide plains to the south, someone must guard the fortress zone to ensure the allied main force is not caught in a pincer attack. That, apparently, would be the duty of lower-ranking nobles leading small forces like Noein.
Since they would be dedicated solely to defense, there might be few opportunities to achieve military merit, but it was a position where the possibility of dying in battle was low unless one did something exceptionally reckless. Noein breathed a sigh of relief at that.
"...You really are strange. If told there are no opportunities for military merit, a normal noble would slump their shoulders or start shouting in anger that they cannot accept it."
"I do not like war to begin with. I understand that fighting is a duty of the nobility, and I will fight with enthusiasm if it is necessary to protect my own territory and the country, but I cannot bring myself to risk my life solely for personal fame."
"Well, I suppose you are that kind of person... It would be good if there were a few more people like you among the nobility."
Many nobles wish to achieve flashy feats in war to obtain fame and rewards from the King. For that reason, it is said to be a daily occurrence on the battlefield for people to quarrel over whose army gets the "delicious roles."
"This time, the ill-tempered nobles of the southwest and northwest are mixed together. I want to believe there won't be blatant conflict between allies... but there might be some minor harassment. Be careful when you act in the camp. You are bringing a beastman slave in the south, after all."
"...I will keep that in mind."
Noein honestly accepted the advice from Arnold, who was both a senior in nobility and his father-in-law.
.....
Approximately two weeks after leaving Retovik, the group, centered around the Viscount Koenitz territorial army, arrived at the Marquis Galdwin territory, which faced the border with the Kingdom of Lancel.
The group entered a small city along the way. They would stay here to rest, and in a few days, they would merge with the main body at a camp established near the border.
Arnold, being a high-ranking noble, went to the governor's mansion of this city; lower-ranking nobles like Noein went to a reserved inn; and the other soldiers stayed in rented vacant houses or warehouses. Noein left the territorial soldiers in the care of Yuri and Pence and parted ways.
"...This is terrible."
"Yes, the state of decay is excessive."
It was their first stay in an urban area in a long while, but the situation inside the city was not one where they could enjoy a rest.
Emaciated vagrants and children who appeared to be orphans sat on the roads, the stalls in the plaza were sparse with few goods, and in the shopping district of the main street, stores that were closed or had already gone out of business stood out.
The city itself lacked vitality, and it was obvious just from a quick glance that public order and the economic situation had deteriorated severely.
For Noein and his companions, who had lived in the wealthy Arqvist territory of the northwest where the effects of the conflict were still minimal, it was surprising that there was such a difference in circumstances even within the same country.
Passing through such a wretched scene, Noein and Matilda headed toward the inn along with the other lower-ranking nobles. Upon entering the reserved inn—Noein received a baptism typical of the southern kingdom.
"Excuse me, but we cannot have you bringing in a beastman slave."
Because arrangements had been made with the inn, the other lower-ranking nobles were able to enter smoothly, but only Noein, who brought Matilda, was stopped at the entrance.
"She is my guard, but is that still not allowed?"
"I am sorry, but... our inn only accepts humans and demi-humans. We can lend you the stables, so please take that slave there."
The innkeeper was polite toward Noein, who was a noble, but spoke clearly.
"We are sending an army from the north to protect this land, and yet what is the meaning of this!"
"This is the same as being rude to our overlord, His Excellency Viscount Koenitz!"
"Everyone, I appreciate your feelings, but this is his shop..."
After somehow calming the other lower-ranking nobles who were angry on his behalf, Noein turned back to the owner.
"Since this is an emergency period before the war... could you somehow let her in with this?"
As he spoke, he pressed a large silver coin into the man's hand.
"T-this is..."
In the southwest, which was in the midst of a recession, a tip of a large silver coin was normally unthinkable. The owner wavered between his desire for money and his feelings of discrimination.
"Is it insufficient? Then how about this?"
"P-please, come in!"
When Noein added another large silver coin, the innkeeper welcomed them in with a fawning smile.
They went up the stairs, entered the assigned room, and Noein closed the door and took a breath.
"...Whew. So this is the southern kingdom. I'm sorry, Matilda, for making you feel unpleasant."
"I am fine... however, since it has been a long time since I was treated this way, it reminded me of the old days and felt a bit nostalgic."
Noein returned a wry smile to Matilda, who laughed softly in self-derision. The words "Perhaps it would have been better if you stayed in the Arqvist territory" almost came out, but he swallowed them, as saying so would wound Matilda's resolve.
"I understand what Arnold-sama meant by 'be careful' now. Even at a city inn, it is like this. Thinking about the camp crowded with southwestern nobles makes me depressed already... Matilda, please do not leave my side for a moment. Both to protect me, and so that I may protect you."
"I understand. I will not leave Lord Noein's side for a single moment."
Once they left the Arqvist territory and the northwestern kingdom, Noein's values, power, and reputation did not carry over. The southern part of the Lordberg Kingdom was a land where the idea of discriminating against beastmen and treating them roughly was deeply rooted.
Being made to feel that once again, Noein became melancholy thinking about the war that was about to begin.