Chapter 173 - Episode 168: After the Battle
A few days after the recapture of Karenu Village. While the Arqvist territorial army was preparing for their return, Noein was meeting with Baron Wikander.
"First, I would like to thank you once again. Lord Arqvist, the recapture of Karenu Village was made possible thanks to you. Truly, thank you."
"The success of our surprise attack was only possible because of the hard fighting put up by Your Excellency Wikander's main force."
"Hahaha, it helps me if you put it that way..."
Baron Wikander gave a wry smile as he spoke.
Without the diversion of the main force, Noein and the others would have struggled more to enter the village, and casualties likely would have occurred in the process, so Noein was not merely speaking out of flattery.
"And, does the subsequent treatment of the captured Southwest nobles seem to be going alright?"
"Yes, since we managed to capture every single noble who participated in this territorial invasion. I can demand a generous ransom for the Southwest nobles, adding it to the amount of damages on our end... Since the heads of the vassal noble houses were captured all at once, Viscount Barassen must be in a bind."
"Ahaha, no doubt about that. The Viscount probably never imagined that a hundred soldiers would be completely defeated and every single one of them captured."
Feeding a hundred prisoners would be a heavy burden for a territory of Baron Wikander's scale, so it was decided that only the nobles who were commanders would remain, while the others would be released and sent back to the Southwest.
As for the nobles, they would remain imprisoned until reparations from their territories and ransoms including the number of their subordinates were paid, or until sons who could serve as temporary substitutes were sent.
Even considering it the price for surviving a harsh winter, the ransom would be a painful expense for them.
"We took the village back while it was in a fortified state, and using this opportunity, I have already signed a contract with Viscount Barassen to have the ownership rights of the area around Karenu Village fully recognized as ours. You could call it a reversal victory."
Baron Wikander looked more relieved than joyful. Having sent a fast horse to Viscount Barassen the day after the recapture of Karenu Village, he had established this contract with terrifying speed.
This clash had originally taken place in Karenu Village, which was close to the disputed land, and behind Viscount Barassen's territorial invasion was the desperation that his own territory might fall into great chaos if he did not obtain crops by any means necessary. Baron Wikander mentioned that he might have done the same if the positions were reversed, and Noein felt the same.
While seeking appropriate reparations, he would not ruthlessly corner Viscount Barassen's side, given the circumstances of their food shortage. In exchange, he would put an end to the border disputes that had continued for a long time.
With this, Baron Wikander would likely be praised as a great lord who settled a long conflict with a neighboring territory shortly after succeeding to the title.
It was convenient for Noein in various ways if his relative's reputation was good. Therefore, this conclusion was favorable for Noein as well.
"Now, Lord Arqvist, regarding the specific reward... you fought splendidly, including the battle against Baron Rosbroke. Since it was a complete victory beyond expectations and it's been decided that we can obtain a large ransom, I would like to increase the reward. It is the least I can do."
"That is... I understand. I will gratefully accept it."
In the detailed discussions that followed, Noein received an amount that had plenty of the Baron's feelings added to the original reward. After deducting the expenses for this expedition and the rewards for the soldiers who fought hard, it was a large sum of money enough to further enrich the Arqvist family vault.
.....
"Lord Rosbroke, how are you feeling?"
"...Lord Arqvist, is it. I am well, but what brings you here?"
"I'll be returning to my own territory soon, so I thought I'd come by to say goodbye before that."
The day before returning to the Arqvist territory. Noein visited Viowulf, who was under house arrest in a room of the annex of the Baron Wikander estate. Of course, he had obtained Baron Wikander's permission.
Viowulf, who held the highest rank among the prisoners, was being held under the best treatment, confined to a relatively spacious private room. The other prisoners were likely receiving treatment that, while cramped and restrictive, was not humiliating.
With Viowulf's magical skill, escape would be possible, but a decent noble would not go that far in this situation. If he were captured by an enemy nation and facing death, it would be one thing, but doing such a thing in a domestic dispute would result in being excluded from noble society as a "barbarian who does not even possess the concept of surrender and rages without limit."
"Do you have a prospect for paying the ransom, Lord Rosbroke?"
"Yes, there is no worry about that. I have participated in conflicts with the Kingdom of Lancel several times. I have cash for ransoms prepared in my territory in case I became a prisoner. Until my chief squire, who was released earlier, brings it... it should be another few days."
"That's good. So you can go home without waiting that long."
"Considering the distance from here to my territory, I might arrive home sooner than you, Lord."
"Ehh—I feel like that's a bit unfair. I'm the one who won."
When Noein spoke in a playful tone while grinning, Viowulf also laughed.
"...It turned out to be quite a reunion. Next time, I would like to meet in a calmer setting, in a friendly manner."
"Indeed. Next time, let's drink together and talk about our love for our respective territories."
"Hahaha, that sounds like fun."
When they first met, he felt like they would never get along, but Noein thought that this was now a relationship that could fully be called friends—having never had friends of the same generation until now.
.....
"Well then, Your Excellency Wikander, and Lady Lory. I look forward to seeing you again at social gatherings and such."
"Yes, you were truly a help this time. If there is anything I can do to assist Lord Arqvist in the future, please consult me about anything. We are, after all, brothers-in-law."
"Please give my regards to Clara as well. Please be careful on your way back."
Baron Wikander and his wife Lory saw off Noein and his group as they set out for the Arqvist territory with gentle smiles. Perhaps because the problem within the territory had been resolved and a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, the Baron's expression was more lively and confident than when he had first welcomed them.
Leaving the estate after being seen off by the two, Noein joined his subordinates who were lined up.
"Alright, depart!"
Following the order of Noein, the commander, over thirty people began their march. Noein and Matilda, Yuri and Radley were mounted; Gustav and Cecilia pulled the baggage wagons with golems while they themselves swayed inside the wagons, and the other soldiers proceeded on foot. Noein's golems, including the ones that were not broken, were atop the wagons.
This time, the Arqvist territorial army suffered no significant casualties, and after the battle, the soldiers were welcomed as heroes of the recapture of Karenu Village within the territorial capital, Jotevle, where they enjoyed plenty of delicious food and alcohol. Their morale for the upcoming long-distance travel was sufficient.
"...Ah, I can go home."
Looking up at the sky from the center of the column, Noein muttered in a voice audible only to Matilda beside him.
"Your performance this time was also splendid, Lord Noein."
"Thanks. I'm glad we seem likely to arrive back before the cold becomes severe. Let's relax at the end of the year."
"Yes."
When Noein smiled and looked toward Matilda, she also nodded with the corners of her mouth slightly turned up. Although they were technically marching, private conversation of this level would not reach the others.
In mid-November, as the scent of winter approached, the expeditionary force of the Arqvist territorial army, having completed their mission, advanced toward their homeland.