Chapter 310 - Episode 302: An Unexpected Reward ①
Early September of the Royal Calendar year 219. Within the deadline set by King Oscar, Noein arrived at the royal capital, Lichthagen. The journey to the capital, which would normally take about half a month, had been shortened to around ten days thanks to the magic carriage.
During his stay, he would be lodging at the Koenitz Viscount family's royal capital villa. Arnold and the other members of the Koenitz family would not arrive in the capital for another week, but there were several resident servants at this villa, and under their guidance, Noein and his subordinates were able to enter the guest rooms.
Since he had Kimberly, the steward, accompanying him from the Arqvist house, and Matilda was always attending Noein's side, there were no inconveniences regarding daily life, even though it was another family's estate.
"...The number of days spent traveling decreased, but for some reason, it was an exhausting journey,"
Noein muttered as he took a breath, having Matilda brew tea for him after entering the guest room.
"It was just as Bart said. That atmosphere certainly isn't something that makes one feel good,"
Pence, who served as the captain of the guard for this visit to the royal capital, answered while sipping tea as he sat opposite Noein. Currently, the Arqvist family held a stronger position than the Kivileft Earl family, and since Maximilian, who had a grudge against the former mercenary group, was in the afterlife, Noein had brought him along to the royal capital without hesitation.
"Since we displayed the Arqvist family crest so prominently, it seems we attracted a lot of gazes... The royal proclamation had a negative effect in that regard."
When the royal family praised Noein as the "Hero who Saved the Nation," the Arqvist family crest was reportedly displayed alongside it in the squares of various cities. Because of that, in each territory they passed through—especially in the urban areas—Noein and his group drew attention, with people thinking, So that's the rumored Arqvist family.
Of course, he also received favorable looks as the literal "Hero who Saved the Nation." In terms of proportion, those reactions were likely the majority. On the other hand, he could certainly feel emotions such as fear, vigilance, and disgust being directed at him.
As expected, no one dared to directly heckle a party from a high-ranking noble house, but even if it was only through gazes, it was not a pleasant feeling. For Noein, this trip to the royal capital became a journey where he truly felt the intensity of the praise and criticism directed toward him.
"...Well then, without further ado, I will go deliver word to the royal palace."
"Yeah. Sorry for this right after we arrived."
"I don't mind. This is part of a squire's job, after all."
Saying so, Pence left the guest room.
The moment they passed through the gates of the royal capital in a carriage emblazoned with the Arqvist family crest, Noein's arrival should have been conveyed to Oscar.
Even so, as a subject, Noein had to send a messenger for the sake of etiquette to convey: "I have arrived in the royal capital by the King's royal command. I am at the Koenitz Viscount family villa, so please inform me later of the schedule for my audience at the royal castle." That messenger could not be just anyone; it was preferable to send a subordinate with a certain level of standing—in other words, a squire.
Therefore, Pence had to perform another task immediately upon arrival.
.....
On the morning of the day after the next following their arrival in the royal capital, Noein visited the royal castle to hold a meeting with King Oscar.
Among the several meeting rooms in the royal castle, Noein was guided to the one with the highest rank. Upon entering the room, he dropped to one knee and performed the salute of a subject.
"Noein Arqvist has arrived by the order of His Majesty the King. I trust that Your Majesty is in continuing good health—"
"Enough. Today is not a formal occasion. Please, make yourself comfortable."
Being addressed by Oscar in a relaxed tone, Noein stood up and softened his expression.
"Understood. Thank you very much."
While answering and taking his seat, Noein did not let his textbook-perfect smile slip, nor did he let his guard down. While thinking he likely wouldn't be treated poorly, he remained vigilant about what exactly His Majesty the King intended to give him as a reward.
"Now then, the reason I summoned you here is none other than this. It is regarding the reward for you, the Hero who Saved the Nation, who managed to save the Kingdom of Rhodeberg with a bold and eccentric strategy."
"I am honored that a mere subject such as myself can receive a discussion regarding a reward directly from Your Majesty."
"Hahaha, you say that, but you're on guard... I'll tell you now, my words about making yourself comfortable were meant literally. Today, you may speak frankly, ignoring etiquette and status. If you like, you're even welcome to insult me as a fool or a shitty old man."
"Hahaha, surely that is... a joke that is difficult for me to laugh at."
Noein answered with a stiff smile. Even if he was told to say such things, he couldn't, and his vigilance increased, wondering if he was about to be told something that would make him want to say such things.
"Well, it simply means that I want to hear your true feelings. This is a place to speak heart-to-heart as men, not as king and subject. The guard knight behind me is my brother's son... in other words, my nephew, so you don't have to worry about any slips of the tongue at all."
Pointed to by Oscar, the knight attending behind him gave a small bow. Noein returned the bow.
Many members of the royal family outside the direct line became professional soldiers, and as the King's kin, they often served as guards in places where the King discussed delicate matters. This guard knight seemed to be one of them.
"Then, shall we get to the main topic?"
"Yes, I look forward to it."
Noein met Oscar's gaze with a cool face on the surface, but while bracing himself internally.
"I'll put it bluntly. Noein Arqvist, become independent."
"...And by that, you mean?"
"I will give you the rank of Grand Duke. Become independent and establish the Grand Duchy of Arqvist. That is your reward."
"Whaaat!?"
Noein let out a loud shout reflexively. It was an unthinkable discourtesy in front of the King, but just as he had declared that etiquette and status should be ignored, Oscar did not reprimand him.
Noein then fell silent. This too was rude behavior in front of the King, but Oscar played along with the silence, perhaps to give Noein time to think.
"..................Umm,"
After agonizing for a full ten seconds or more, Noein finally opened his mouth.
"I cannot understand Your Majesty's intention. Of course, I believe it is a wonderful honor far beyond my station... but even if I have achieved great merit, why such a reward for me, a mere Viscount?"
Noein began to speak, choosing words as frankly as possible. He understood what Oscar meant by telling him to speak his true feelings. Indeed, if he used formal expressions and spoke humbly every single time, it would take far too long.
"Even someone as clever as you doesn't understand?"
"Yes, I apologize, but... I pride myself on having played a not-insignificant role in the Betumia War, but even so, the rank of Grand Duke and the right to independence seem like far too excessive rewards. Furthermore, the Arqvist territory, which possesses the Bezel Great Forest Road, should be a strategic point for the Kingdom. Would allowing its independence not be devoid of benefit for the royal family?"
Facing Noein's bewildered expression, Oscar grinned.
"This is a measure for both the royal family and the Arqvist family to gain profit. If the Arqvist territory achieves independence as a Grand Duchy, you gain great honor, all freedoms within your own territory, and a position that keeps away the malice of those nobles who hate you. And the royal family gains the stability of that reputation and the peace of the domestic noble society... Do you understand if I put it this way?"
Noein sank into thought again for a while. He considered the meaning of Oscar's words—and arrived at his intention. Additionally, he intuited what Oscar had done to achieve that intention.
"...Ah, so that's how it is. I see."
Muttering this, Noein leaned his weight against the back of the chair and crossed his legs.
Combined with his wording, it was an attitude that should be impossible in the presence of the King, but since he had been told to make himself comfortable, he would take full advantage of it now. Surprise, exasperation, admiration, and a bit of irritation. Various emotions were mixed together, and he didn't have much composure.
"I can understand that some people would hate or find the Arqvist family creepy because of my proposal in the Betumia War, but even so, I thought the rumors spread to the common folk suspiciously fast... This is the royal family's doing, isn't it? You've been intentionally spreading rumors that Noein Arqvist is a fellow with devilish thoughts, isn't that right? All while praising me as the 'Hero who Saved the Nation' behind the scenes."
"...Honestly, I didn't tell you to intuit that far."
Oscar gave a wry smile as if slightly exasperated, but he effectively gave an affirmative answer to Noein's question.
"Since you noticed even that, I believe you understand the royal family's intention almost perfectly... but still, I cannot leave it without explaining it from my own mouth. It will be a bit long, but please listen."
With that preamble, Oscar began to speak about the royal family's intention to let the Arqvist territory become independent as a Grand Duchy.
The main story has finally exceeded 300 episodes.
Thank you very much for walking this path with Noein and the others until now.
I would be happy if you continue to watch over their lives. I look forward to your continued support.
[Author's Note]