Chapter 326 - Chapter 318: The Road to a Cultural City
With the end of winter, the transfer of immigrants from the royal capital, Lichthagen, began, and the purchase of new slaves from the slave merchant guild with which the Arqvist family is on good terms also progressed, and the population within the territory began to increase toward independence.
And, separate from these lord-led population increase policies, a small number of people who wished to migrate to the Arqvist territory, primarily from various locations in the northwestern part of the kingdom, also began to arrive.
Many of them were young artisans dreaming of having their own workshops. Or young merchants dreaming of opening their own shops. Holding the expectation that "if it is a country being newly created, there might be more opportunities to realize one's dreams than in other places," they desired to migrate with almost nothing but themselves for a challenge upon which they staked their lives.
Such people first underwent a check by the territorial army soldiers at the gates of the territorial capital, Noeina, after which they had an interview with Knight Commander Yuri or Deputy Commander Pence, where they were met with high-handed attitudes and subjected to numerous questions.
Where are you from? What kind of family were you born into? What is your background? Do you have connections with merchant guilds or workshops outside the territory? Do you have connections with nobles?
In short, they were suspected of being "spies sent from the royal family or some noble territory," and were showered with powerful interrogations by a fierce-looking large man, or sharp questioning by a man who seemed cold-hearted.
Those judged as "no problem" through this process finally achieved their migration to the Arqvist territory. For the Arqvist family as well, technicians and merchants who were not under the thumb of other families were welcome presences.
After that, they would be under surveillance for a while, utilizing the networks of the territorial army, the Women's Association, the merchant guild, and other veteran residents, but the individuals themselves did not know that much.
While immigrants increased from various directions in this manner, on a certain day in March, Noein received a report.
"Strange immigrant applicants?"
Hearing the story from Pence, who had come to the lord's office to report, Noein tilted his head.
"Yes. Apparently, some folks have come saying they want to operate as a theater troupe in the Archduchy of Arqvist. About fifteen of them, looking exactly like entertainers. As far as I've interrogated them, there's nothing suspicious, but I thought I should seek Noein-sama's judgment once."
"A theater troupe... which means, not just migration, but they want me to be their patron, I suppose."
In large cities, it is common for theater troupes that perform plays to have a base, and the performances of such troupes serve as precious entertainment for the people.
Such troupes usually have a local noble as a patron, who provides performance venues and financial assistance. For a noble, becoming a patron of entertainers and artists also leads to showing those around them that they are a "wealthy, intellectual, and good administrator with an understanding of culture and the arts."
It was a plausible story that challenging entertainers would appear, seeking protection from Noein, who was newly becoming an Archduke and founding a country, in order to establish a troupe.
"The individuals themselves are saying they would very much like an audience with His Excellency Arqvist... what will you do, will you meet them?"
Asked by Pence, Noein thought for a moment and then nodded.
"I see. It sounds like an interesting story, and they've come all this way. Let's invite the representatives to the mansion's reception room."
"Understood. Then, I'll bring a few of them immediately."
.....
Shortly thereafter, the troupe leader and two people who were said to be the leaders of the actors—three people in total—were shown into the mansion's reception room as representatives.
With Matilda and Pence, who had brought them, standing behind as guards, Noein faced the leader and the others.
"Welcome to the Arqvist territory. I am the lord of this land, Noein Arqvist."
"I am called Carlos, and I serve as the leader of this troupe. I am extremely honored to be granted the opportunity for an audience with His Excellency Arqvist, despite us being mere drifting entertainers."
The leader, who introduced himself with somewhat elegant gestures, was a man who wore an air of being somewhat detached from the world, perhaps due to his profession. His age was likely somewhere between the late thirties and early forties.
The man and woman sitting to his left and right were likely the so-called star actors, as both were quite handsome and beautiful. The woman's heavy makeup looked very striking, and it was apparent that the man was also wearing very light makeup.
"So, I hear you wish to migrate... but coming here bringing a theater troupe means you don't just wish to migrate, right? Especially since you went through the trouble of requesting a meeting with me."
"It is exactly as you say. We originally belonged to the Bechtoria Troupe of the Marquis Bechtolsheim territory, but this time I have become independent, bringing some of the troupe members with me. Accordingly, we wish to establish a base in Noeina, the capital of the Archduchy of Arqvist, which is under Your Excellency's protection, and receive patronage from the Arqvist family."
"Hahaha, it's still too early to call this place the capital... I see, you were in that Bechtoria Troupe."
Hearing the background of the independence told by Carlos, Noein responded thus.
In Bechtoria, the largest city in the northwestern part of the kingdom, there was a troupe called the Bechtoria Troupe, which had the patronage of Marquis Bechtolsheim. It was a large organization with nearly a hundred members, and Noein had seen their performances several times when visiting Bechtoria for work or socializing.
"I've seen that troupe's performances several times as well. The last one I saw, if I recall, was a play that dramatized the Southwestern War. That was interesting."
"My, my, it is the height of honor to receive such words of praise. I was the one who handled the script and direction of that play. Having gained confidence because that was well-received, it led to this independence. Along with that, I heard rumors of Your Excellency's independence, and so I have come."
"Heh, was that so."
Noein raised an eyebrow slightly. That play, which depicted the great war with the Kingdom of Lancel in the year 214 of the Royal Calendar, was well-made, without flattery. The fact that he produced it was something to be honestly impressed by.
"This actor sitting to my right played the role of Count Marcel in that play."
"...Ah, I remember. Now that you mention it, it is indeed this face. But it's amazing, the atmosphere is completely different from back then. As expected of an actor."
The actor who played Count Marcel, one of the stars of that play, had been impressive enough that Noein could still recall him even now. Looking again, it was indeed the same face as the pretty man before him, but the impression was quite different from when he had played the Count with full dignity. Noein was half-seriously surprised.
Perhaps pleased by that reaction, the handsome actor bowed with a look of not being entirely displeased.
"I see, you were the ones from that time... It is gratifying that a playwright and actors with a proven track record wish to establish a base in this land."
"To have such words spoken by a great person like Your Excellency is the ultimate joy for one who lives the path of expression."
The leader, Carlos, said this and gave a refined bow, then raised his head and looked steadily at Noein.
"With our modest talent and skill, I humbly request your permission to operate for the sake of Your Excellency and the Arqvist family in this land from now on. I believe a wide range of contributions can be achieved, starting with the cultural development of the Archduchy of Arqvist and the provision of entertainment for the people."
For example, performances like propaganda or public relations aimed at further improving the impression of Noein and the people of the Arqvist family, or making the people understand Noein's intentions.
For example, assistance in creating a solemn atmosphere at places such as ceremonies within the Archduchy.
Carlos explained to Noein in a tone that did not feel too insidious that there were such convenient points to having a theater troupe under a noble house.
"How is it? Please, I beg of you."
Noein looked back into the eyes of Carlos, who asked this.
There, he felt a certain passion as an expresser—and a slight madness, similar to how Noein spoke of his own happiness or love for the people. He found a madness peculiar to those who possess something they want to realize by staking their life, and something they want to protect by staking their life.
"...I like you. For now, I will permit your stay in Noeina. While performing for the people, I'll have you create one new play regarding the Arqvist territory. I'll decide whether the Arqvist family will officially become your patron after seeing it. Is that acceptable?"
"Oh! I thank you for your generous words."
Carlos wore an exaggerated expression of joy, and the two actors on either side also had faces overcome with emotion. Whether this included acting, or whether those involved in theater simply have such large reactions, Noein did not know that far.
"Hahaha, well then... Pence."
"Yes!"
When Noein called out while turning around, Pence responded while remaining standing at attention.
"I'll ask you to handle the house for them to sleep and stay in, a suitable vacant lot for them to perform in, and other necessary arrangements."
Pence, who was the Guard Captain and in a position that could be called Noein's close aide, also held the role of conveying and acting upon Noein's instructions and intentions to the various departments within the territory.
"Understood... Now, you lot, come with me."
Led by Pence, Carlos and the actors left the room.
The troupe led by Carlos decided to stay in the territorial capital, Noeina, for about two months for the time being, producing a play related to the Arqvist territory while giving performances.