Chapter 109 - Episode 108: The Invitation
In the second battle against the Lancel Kingdom Army, the defense force of Barrel Fort suffered nine deaths. All of them were beastman conscripts.
Additionally, there were 16 seriously injured who would be unable to return to combat for some time. These included not only beastmen, but also soldiers from the Kingdom Army and the Arqvist territory army.
"Effectively, ten percent of our fighting force is gone... and since there are many wounded who can still fight but aren't in peak condition, the next battle will likely be even harsher."
"And with the enemy's strength increasing even further, it's hardly something to laugh about, is it?"
The day after the battle. While talking with Frederick atop the castle walls, Noein looked out at the Lancel Kingdom Army's camp.
Even though they should have killed over a hundred enemies yesterday, Noein could tell even with his eyesight that reinforcements exceeding that number had already joined the enemy, causing the camp to swell.
"Judging by the enemy's behavior, it doesn't seem like they'll attack today, but..."
"They might have realized that we can fire the Ballistas in succession and are being cautious."
"Yeah, they'll probably devise some other plan next. I can see them actively cutting down trees in the forest."
Frederick let out a sigh and looked back inside the fort.
"The soldiers seem to have become quite depressed."
"They witnessed their comrades dying, after all."
The soldiers other than the sentries were sitting on the ground resting, but their faces were dark. Perhaps it was because they had strongly realized that they weren't just the ones unilaterally killing the opponent, but that they could be killed by the opponent as well.
Jinozze and Boreas, who served as the coordinators, were working hard to encourage them, but it didn't seem to be having a great effect.
"...Noein-sama, if I may, I request permission to offer a suggestion."
"Go ahead, Matilda."
Noein answered Matilda, who had spoken to him from the side. Seeing this, Frederick wore a slightly surprised expression. Perhaps it was because it was the first time he had seen Matilda speak spontaneously.
"How about conveying Noein-sama's thoughts regarding the treatment of the conscripts after they survive this war? I believe it would restore their spirit."
"You're right, I was just thinking the same thing."
After replying to Matilda, Noein turned toward Frederick.
"Frederick-san, I heard that these beastmen have nowhere to go because their home villages were destroyed. For example, if I took them in as immigrants to my own territory after the war, would that cause any problems?"
When he heard from Jinozze that their villages had been burned and they had no place to return to, and when Matilda showed a dark expression at that story, Noein had made eye contact with her and nodded. Though they hadn't put it into words, they had aligned their thoughts: "Let's welcome them to the territory."
"No, there is no problem. Rather, it should be encouraged since it prevents them from becoming refugees... but do you intend to take them all? It's a considerable number of people."
"That part is fine. My territory has plenty of room in terms of food and finances, and I can never have too many workers."
Noein smiled at the worried Frederick.
"...I see, then it's fine. You should tell them that story right away. If they know there is hope after surviving, the beastmen's morale should rise."
"Thank you. I'll do that."
Noein descended from the castle walls and called out to Jinozze and Boreas, saying, "I have something to talk to you about."
"Excellency Arqvist, what exactly is this about...?"
Jinozze asked, appearing to have no idea what the topic was. Beside him, Boreas also wore a blank expression.
"Well, actually... I called you because I was wondering if you all would like to migrate to my territory once this war is over."
Hearing Noein's words, the two of them wore slightly suspicious faces. Having lived in the south where discrimination against beastmen is severe, they seemed wary of a story that was far too convenient for them.
To reassure them, Noein continued.
"Of course, I'm not talking about making you slaves or overworking you like slaves. I will guarantee your place to live and your work. You can hold land and devote yourselves to farming, or those with strength can devote themselves to heavy labor at construction sites or mines. You can join the territorial army, and if you can read, write, and do arithmetic, I can hire you as civil officials."
"That is... a very happy invitation, but why would you treat us so well? We are beastmen."
Jinozze asked while remaining cautious. Noein did not answer that question himself, but instead gave Matilda a signal with his eyes.
Matilda, nodding to that, opened her mouth.
"Noein-sama has a unique upbringing and possesses no discriminatory feelings toward beastmen. He is an incredibly tolerant person regarding status differences—such as nobility, commoners, and slaves—as well as gender differences."
Both Jinozze and Boreas listened to Matilda's story with expressions of disbelief.
"In the Arqvist territory, beastmen live just like humans and demi-humans. There are independent farmers and artisans, and some have even started their own trading companies. And, although I am a beastman, I have been given the role of supporting Noein-sama as his closest aide. I have also received his affection. I believe my existence is the greatest proof of Noein-sama's feelings toward beastmen."
When Matilda finished speaking, Jinozze and Boreas fell into thought for a moment.
"...It's true that when we weren't getting enough food, the Baron-sama stood up to other nobles for the sake of us beastmen. He even told us that it's because we are comrades. He is the first noble to ever say such a thing to us."
When Boreas spoke, Jinozze also nodded and opened his mouth.
"That's right, the Excellency treats us with kindness and courtesy... I will believe the Excellency's words. I am terribly sorry for acting in a doubting manner."
"I understand why you'd be cautious when suddenly told something like this, so it's okay."
Noein answered with a smile to the bowing Jinozze.
"However... the comrades from the villages are not only those here. We have dispersed and evacuated those who cannot fight, such as children and the elderly, into the Bezel Great Forest and churches operated by beastman priests..."
"I understand. Let's have those people migrate together as well."
"I-is that truly alright? Including those here, it would be nearly 300 people."
"My territory is in the midst of rapid development. I have plenty of money and food, and I need many workers. An increase in population is very welcome."
In this way, while Noein was on the battlefield, immigration to the Arqvist territory was likely increasing, but at the same time, land reclamation and house construction should be progressing. There was still plenty of room to accept more. For the further development of the territory, one could never have too many hands.
"Ah... Excellency, thank you truly. I don't know how to express my gratitude."
"It's like a dream. Thank you very much."
Noein smiled at the two who expressed their thanks in a state of deep emotion.
"I'm happy that you've agreed... please convey this story to all the conscripts as well. If you do, I'm sure the will to live will well up within them."
"Indeed, everyone will feel that they want to fight and survive. I will tell them immediately."
Saying this happily, Jinozze headed toward the beastmen, and Boreas followed.
Watching them go, Noein muttered.
"With this, the beastmen's morale will rise, and I can increase my population. I originally intended to tell them after the war ended... but in the end, this was for the best, wasn't it, Matilda?"
"Yes, Noein-sama. I believe it is a wonderful thing."