Chapter 224 - Episode 217: A Modest Wish
Late November. The retainer Bart and the appointed merchant Philip returned to the Arqvist territory from the eastern part of the Kingdom of Lordberg.
The very next day, Noein promptly summoned them to the manor and received their report in the reception room.
"—And so, as planned, the ballistae and crossbows, as well as their respective bolts, were delivered to the House of Marquis Staufenberg and the House of Marquis Bittenfeld. I have received the payment in the amount previously agreed upon. Both heads of the houses asked me to convey their gratitude."
"I see, that's good... As for the payment, I'll have Anna check it later," Noein said, looking down at the bags filled with hundreds of gold coins placed before him.
The crossbows were the latest Arqvist-made versions with detailed improvements, and when selling outside the territory, they charged over 2,000 Rebro per unit. As for the ballistae, a single unit cost as much as building a small house.
Since he had sold them in large quantities along with a vast number of bolts, including shipping costs, the amount of money received was enormous. Even after deducting shipping costs, travel and lodging expenses for Bart and the others, and information-gathering expenses, the profit would easily exceed one million Rebro. From this weapons export alone, the income of the Viscount Arqvist family for this year would increase by several percent.
"So, how did the other task go?"
Both Bart and Philip had one of their missions to investigate the name recognition of the Arqvist territory in the eastern part of the kingdom, and if the name was known, what kind of reputation was being discussed. Such information, which cannot be obtained without actually visiting the site, is precious.
"Then, first from my side... I paid my respects to over ten merchant guilds in the eastern kingdom, and every single one of them knew the family name of the House of Viscount Arqvist. Some of the larger guilds mentioned that they had handled lapis lazuli and sugar from the Arqvist territory. They seemed to have a favorable impression of it as a territory that sends out high-quality luxury goods," Philip answered first to Noein's inquiry.
"That's the best possible result. In that case, did your introductions as the appointed merchant of the Arqvist family go well too?"
"Yes, very much so. Even though it was through an appointed merchant guild, they seemed happy to gain a close connection with the House of Arqvist... Despite the fact that I was the one visiting to pay my respects, the other party was the one leaning in, shaking hands and saying they looked forward to working with us from now on. I was even given souvenirs."
"Ahahaha, that was a perk of the job... Now we have connections in the eastern kingdom that will be useful if anything happens in the future."
"Indeed. If the need for commercial trade with the east arises, I believe we can speak quickly with the guilds we established connections with this time."
For example, in a situation where only the western part of the kingdom was caught in a disaster or war and suffered damage, it is possible that "we want food and supplies and have the money, but the things we want to buy simply aren't in the west." In such a time, whether or not one has guilds in the east that can be contacted quickly through an appointed merchant would make a huge difference.
"Next, from me... My subordinates and I primarily gathered information from local residents and mercenaries gathered in the east."
While providing concrete examples, Bart shared his analysis regarding the name recognition and evaluation of the Arqvist territory among the common people in the eastern kingdom.
According to that, first, among the general commoners, the name of the Arqvist territory was hardly known, as expected, but among itinerant merchants, there were a fair number of people—centered in the northeast (about forty percent by feel)—who said they had heard the name. Since it is a newly emerging territory that suddenly became a topic of conversation in the last few few years, many were still observing the situation without actually traveling there.
Among mercenaries, many knew of the Arqvist territory in conjunction with the existence of the crossbow, triggered by the great war in the southwest. Regarding the crossbow, which allows nobles to easily expand their military strength, not a few expressed concerns that "it might steal the work of mercenaries."
These were the stories Bart recounted.
"In other words, unless it's a large merchant guild that handles the luxury goods we export, the Arqvist family is either unknown or known for a small amount of notoriety. Well, that's only natural," Noein laughed about the fact that his evaluation among the common people in the east was not good.
"Is that how it is... I'm sorry I couldn't bring back better news."
"It's not something for you to apologize for, Bart. It helped to know our honest reputation in the east."
Viewed with subtle eyes by both itinerant merchants and mercenaries, and not known by commoners to begin with. There was no meaning in deliberately involving himself deeply with such a region, nor in spending effort for that purpose.
Originally, Noein had almost no intention of approaching other factions. He had the strong backing of the Northwestern faction, and if necessary, he could even rely on the royal family. For other regions, he only needed commercial connections and distribution routes for the appointed merchant Philip to use, and sources for importing essential supplies in case of emergency.
From Bart's information this time, he felt once again that this course of action was correct. As a byproduct of weapons exports, it was a more than sufficient result.
"I think that's all I need to hear for now... Retainer Bart, and appointed merchant Philip. You have worked hard on the mission of traveling all the way to the eastern kingdom over approximately two and a half months. There won't be any urgent work for a while, so you should take a little time to rest."
"Yes, I am grateful."
"Your words are most gracious, Your Excellency."
At Noein's appreciation, Bart gave a salute, and Philip bowed respectfully.
.....
"Sorry for keeping you, Lord Arqvist. I imagine you wanted to return to your territory as soon as possible?"
"No, there is nothing in particular to do at the end of the year, so it is no problem at all."
The day after the annual banquet of the Northwestern faction at the end of the year. Noein had been personally summoned to the manor by Marquis Bechtolsheim.
This winter, the cold set in earlier than usual, and there were already many days where snow fluttered. In this case, he would have to return to his territory while letting the carriage driver, escort knights, and horses rest, so his return would take longer than usual anyway. Noein thought that it didn't matter if his departure for the return journey was delayed by a few hours at this point.
"So, Your Excellency, what is the matter you wish to discuss?"
"Ah, there are two main topics. First is about the war with the Pallas Empire... I assume you've heard that it ended in victory for our Kingdom of Lordberg?"
"Yes, I heard it was an unquestionable great victory."
That had been one of the main topics at yesterday's banquet.
To make the enemy think the Kingdom of Lordberg's offensive would be immediately after winter ended, they leaked false information about an invasion plan, and once ten thousand troops were gathered in late autumn, they launched a surprise attack on the border region.
The Pallas Empire, caught off guard, reportedly scrambled to gather troops and met them with sixteen thousand, but there was no contest between a makeshift army with slow marching and a surprise attack force centered on regular cavalry.
Combined with the enemy's lack of preparation and the difference in training between the officers and soldiers, it reportedly dealt a devastating blow that half-destroyed the Imperial army.
The Kingdom of Lordberg's army withdrew before winter set in, and the Pallas Empire, whose front line had collapsed, gave up on a large-scale counterattack due to the poor season. It resulted in a situation where one side simply beat the other into submission.
Last night, some boasted as if it were their own achievement, saying "As expected, we kingdom nobles are strong," while others were frustrated, saying "Only the eastern nobles get to achieve such delicious military merits," and Noein had smiled wryly at the way they said whatever they pleased.
"Regarding that great victory, I have received reports to some extent on the results of the ballistae and crossbows exported from the northwest. The Marquises of the northeast and southeast went out of their way to inform me by letter. In the end, 38 ballistae and 458 crossbows were exported from the northwest, including the Arqvist territory... and it seems results corresponding to those numbers were achieved."
Since it was a battlefield where ten thousand armies clashed, ballistae and crossbows did not have enough influence to decide victory or defeat. However, they clearly showed results corresponding to the number deployed, and their utility was recognized.
"That is the best possible result. As the lord of the development source, I am happy that I could contribute to the kingdom's victory."
"Since you made the greatest contribution regarding the exports, Lord, I thought I would let you know first... And now, the other matter."
Marquis Bechtolsheim's expression changed. Seeing this, Noein also tightened his focus slightly.
"This is a story that only His Majesty and a very small number of nobles know. Since you are a noble who holds territory in a position bordering that country, I decided to tell you based on my judgment."
"Does that mean, the Kingdom of Lancel?"
"Correct... To put it bluntly, the civil war has ended. It is a victory for the Princess-faction Noble Alliance."
At the Marquis's words, Noein showed a reaction of only raising an eyebrow slightly. It wasn't a story that was particularly surprising at this point. The victory of the Princess-faction Alliance was as expected.
Last month, there was a rare incident where remnants of the Cadne faction launched a desperate charge in an attempt to escape to the Kingdom of Lordberg, and after that, he met Baron Barthelemy to receive apologies for the blunder and return prisoners; at that time, he had heard that victory was imminent.
"That is the best possible result for the Kingdom of Lordberg. Was this recent?"
"Yes. It is said to have been just before winter began. An unofficial envoy from Princess Henrietta reportedly came to the Lordberg Royal Family through the southwestern border."
The Marquis nodded to Noein's question.
"All organized resistance from the Cadne faction has been suppressed, and the entire Kingdom of Lancel has been seized. Although it will take time until the coronation to handle post-war processing and organize the national management system, it was a hurried report that victory alone has been confirmed. As for former King Cadne, all his backers, assets, and military strength were stripped away... and he was reportedly exiled to the north."
"Exiled? Not executed or imprisoned?"
At Noein's puzzled face, Marquis Bechtolsheim smiled wryly.
"...Cadne Lancel, cornered by the Princess-faction Alliance, fled to the northern part of the continent via the trade mountain path of the Lestio Mountains with fewer than 50 retainers. The assets Cadne took with him were very few. The nobles who could have been Cadne's backers were all either executed or had their houses abolished and assets confiscated. Judging that Cadne no longer had any power at all, the exile of Cadne and a lifelong ban on entry were declared in the name of Princess Henrietta."
"..."
So he just got away, Noein suppressed the urge to mutter.
"I understand the feeling, but don't make that face. It is certain that Cadne is now nothing more than a wounded man, and in the first place, the probability of surviving the winter mountain paths is meager. You can forget about him."
"...Well, that is true."
While feeling a subtle discomfort like a thorn pricking his fingertip, Noein nodded.
.....
December 30th, the final day of the Royal Year 217. In the Arqvist territory, wrapped in winter air that was colder than usual, the living room of the lord's manor was moderately warm thanks to heating magic tools.
"Dau~, abu~"
"Ahahaha, that's right~, it's snowing, isn't it~"
The living room window was fitted with expensive plate glass, which was still rare in the kingdom. Held by Noein, who stood before it, Eleos looked at the sight of the snow falling outside the window with curiosity. He tried to reach out his hand, as if trying to grab the white things falling from the sky.
"This is the first New Year's Eve for this child, isn't it?"
"That's right. It's already been half a year since Eleos was born... time flies."
Clara, sitting on the sofa behind Noein, called out. Noein answered in a relaxed tone.
"It went by in the blink of an eye... I'm truly glad he's growing up healthily."
In this world, the mortality rate is highest until six months after birth. Even if magic or medicine is used, it ultimately depends on the infant's own vitality, so even for a child of nobility, one cannot be relieved until this period.
However, Eleos was simply healthy. Without falling ill, he was growing steadily every day, showing interest in everything according to his curiosity. Noein, Clara, and Matilda were all relieved by this.
"He stopped attacking Matilda's ears too. It was tough at first, wasn't it, Matilda?"
"...Yes. I cherish Lord Eleos as if he were my own child, but as for the ears, it was truly too much," Matilda, sitting next to Clara, answered reservedly when asked by Noein. At first, Eleos had shown strong curiosity toward Matilda's rabbit ears, but after touching them a few times, perhaps he decided they weren't that interesting, as he now seemed to have lost interest.
"Ahahaha, right... You have to forget about biting Matilda's ears by the time you grow up, okay, Eleos? No matter how much you're my heir, I'm not giving you Matilda, okay?"
Moving away from the window and sitting between Matilda and Clara, Noein spoke to the child in his arms.
Taking a beastman's sensitive ears into one's mouth and nibbling on them is something only done within those kinds of acts between a man and a woman. That was something permitted only because Eleos was still a baby.
"Buuu"
He probably didn't understand the meaning of Noein's words, but for some reason, Eleos puffed out his cheeks and spoke.
"I'm also, buuu."
Seeing Noein's childish behavior of competing with him, both Matilda and Clara laughed. Noein also let out a small chuckle at his own actions.
"...It was a peaceful year."
Suddenly, Noein muttered.
While a flashy civil war unfolded in the neighboring country to the west, and a great war broke out in the east, the Arqvist territory itself spent a peaceful year for the first time in a long while. Although there was a scene where remnants of the Cadne faction charged into the Aspida Fortress, there were no dead, nor even a single injured person on this side.
For the first time in about three years, Noein was able to spend a year without experiencing any battles.
"That's true. I heard a friendly faction has seized power in the Kingdom of Lancel, so a long peace will likely continue from now on."
"That's right... I've had enough of fighting and chaos. I want to spend my whole life just staying in the Arqvist territory and leisurely striving for the development of the land."
The population of the Arqvist territory had increased, and it was acquiring sufficient military and economic power to protect it, and a child who would be the heir had been born to Noein. Now, he just wanted to spend peaceful days protecting and nurturing these things. If possible, he wanted to spend his whole life in such days.
Since there were no sparks of war nearby, Noein thought that if things continued like this, such a life was truly not just a dream.
"Let's live happily together forever while the three of us raise the child... You two, please stay by my side forever, okay?"
"Of course. As your wife, I will support you by your side for the rest of my life."
"Me too, Lord Noein. As your faithful slave, I will accompany you for a lifetime."
Snuggling against Noein's arms, the two answered. Noein, Matilda, Clara, and Eleos, all snuggled together.
Peaceful days like these will continue from now on.
At that time, Noein still believed so.