Chapter 364 - Episode 356: Hospitality
Sixteen days after departing the Grand Duchy of Arqvist. Despite a few minor troubles, the expeditionary force safely navigated the trade routes and arrived in the Kingdom of Revelant.
"...I heard it from Bart, but the scenery isn't much different from the south, is it?"
"It is so. However, the buildings in the towns are slightly different from ours, which is interesting."
Looking out from the bed of the carriage as it proceeded down a gentle slope, Noein murmured his impressions of the foreign land he had stepped into for the first time, to which Konrad replied.
The northern part of the Adleon continent is considered a colder world compared to the south, but as far as the area near the Lestio Mountains was concerned, there was no striking difference compared to the Grand Duchy of Arqvist, which is located at the northernmost edge of the southern continent. The fact that the season was summer likely played a role. If there was a single difference, it was only that the temperature felt slightly cooler.
However, in the settlement seen a short distance from the foot of the mountain path (a post town newly created for trade with the Grand Duchy of Arqvist), there was a clear difference compared to the houses of the Grand Duchy.
Specifically, the roofs were different. Compared to the southern continent, they were covered in considerably thicker straw, the slope was steeper, and the roofs themselves were larger. This was a countermeasure against the heavier snowfall than in the southern continent.
It was a sight that reminded him that this was, indeed, a foreign land.
"Your Excellency, there is a slightly open area beyond the slope. Let us organize the column there and enter that post town. Your Excellency should also mount your horse there."
"Right, I understand."
Noein nodded to Yuri, who offered his opinion while riding his horse alongside the carriage.
After descending the slope and reaching the plains, stepping onto the land of the northern continent in a true sense, they reorganized the column. Noein and Matilda stepped down from the carriage and mounted horses.
The cavalry, supply wagons, infantry, the Claymores and their golems also lined up in their respective positions, and after forming a beautiful column that looked impressive as the army of a nation, the expeditionary force entered the first settlement of the Kingdom of Revelant.
Since they arrived in the Kingdom of Revelant in the afternoon, they spent the night in the post town.
The following day, guided by the knights of the Kingdom of Revelant who had joined them to welcome the arrival of the reinforcements, Noein and his party entered Kurutaveski, the royal capital of this country.
The population of Kurutaveski was approximately four thousand. Many of the buildings possessed the same characteristics as the houses seen in the post town at the foot of the trade route. Compared to the southern continent, where houses were often built using stone, wood, and plaster, the impression was that there were many completely wooden houses.
Additionally, a major characteristic was the lack of something like a city wall surrounding the entire city. With the mountains serving as the border with surroundings and the royal capital located deep in the south within the national territory, it could be said that the city's design existed because there had been no danger of large-scale attacks until now.
A river flowed through the center of the city, and the way the buildings and roads spread out as if clinging to both sides of that river gave a more spacious impression compared to Noeina, which stood as a fortress city within a forest. In reality, Noeina also had plenty of population headroom relative to its urban area, but the sight of Kurutaveski spreading out freely amidst vast nature provided a greater sense of openness.
Upon entering such a city, Noein and his party drew immense attention. Residents crowded along the roads to get a glimpse of the foreign army that had rushed to their aid, casting curious gazes toward them.
"...We're standing out quite a bit."
"Yes. Golems that walk nimbly must be rare. As well as the ballistas loaded on the carriages."
When Noein spoke to Matilda beside him with a faint, wry smile, Matilda replied while looking around at the residents along the road with a degree of caution.
The expeditionary force of the Grand Duchy of Arqvist was a small force of fewer than a hundred people. However, the golems and mages lined up in two rows at the front of the column gave a considerable impact to those seeing them for the first time.
Behind those golems followed the supply wagon train. The waterproof cloths on the beds had been intentionally removed so the cargo was visible, and disassembled ballistas were loaded there. Their ruggedness would likely make them appear as "some kind of incomprehensible but amazing weapons" even to those who did not know the power of a ballista.
Sturdy-looking golems marched without any sense of sluggishness, and behind them followed a mountain of mysterious weaponry. That sight should have given the people of the Kingdom of Revelant a sufficient sense of reliability.
The regrettable part, perhaps, was the sadness that the appearance of Noein, who led this army, lacked intimidation. Although Noein rode in the center of the column like a general, he felt that not many of the people's gazes were directed at him.
While feeling a slight sense of sadness and resignation at that fact, he proceeded with the column and arrived at the royal castle of the Revelant royal family, which stood on the west side along the river piercing through the city. As expected, the king's residence was surrounded on all sides by strong castle walls, and the building itself was made of sturdy-looking stone. In terms of site area, it was only about one size larger than Noein's mansion.
After passing through the gate and bringing the unit to a halt, King Gabriel Revelant himself was waiting there to welcome them, and he spotted Noein and walked toward him.
Noein also dismounted his horse and approached Gabriel.
"It has been a long time, His Majesty King Gabriel Revelant. I have come to offer my humble assistance to your country."
"Grand Duke Noein Arqvist, I am glad you have come. I welcome you from the bottom of my heart."
Gabriel, who exchanged a handshake with Noein, maintained the same dignity in his expression as when they had met at the border previously, but a hint of relief could be seen in his voice. The words "welcome you from the bottom of my heart" seemed to be sincere.
"Normally, you should have visited in a more peaceful manner, but I am sorry that it has come to this."
"No, if it is a crisis for a friend, it is only natural to rush to their aid."
Without letting it show that he had actually thought for a while about whether or not to send an army, Noein spoke with a natural smile.
"As you can see, my army is a small force, but we have many somewhat special pieces of equipment. If I may be so bold, I believe we will be a combat force greater than our apparent numbers."
"Ah, I have no worries regarding that point. I have heard that you are the strategist who saved the Kingdom of Roadberg from the invasion of the great nation far to the south, and above all, you all are wyvern killers. There is no reinforcement more reliable than this. I have told my generals and soldiers as much."
As Gabriel spoke, several warriors standing behind him—likely the military nobles of the Kingdom of Revelant—nodded vigorously. Noein felt relieved that they would not be looked down upon for being a small foreign force.
"I am honored. Now, Your Majesty, as for the Kingdom of Virgo, what movements are they currently making?"
"I have sent scouts and spies there to report every detail, but the number of troops the enemy is gathering is vast. At the very least, they will not attack today or tomorrow. Therefore... you all must be tired from crossing the mountains. I want you to rest comfortably for a few days. Since it is an emergency, it is a modest affair, but I have prepared a banquet for tonight."
"I am grateful. Then, I shall accept your invitation."
.....
Inside the royal castle, in a great hall likely used for such social purposes, Noein, Matilda, Yuri, Pence, and Gustav shared a meal with the important figures of the Kingdom of Revelant. Those without titles were likely receiving hospitality in the barracks where they were staying.
Noein and his party sat on the left side of the horseshoe-shaped table, while the members of the Kingdom of Revelant—Gabriel, the Queen, the Princess who was their only daughter, and furthermore the kingdom's nobles—were lined up from the center to the right. Beverstamm was among them.
"Now then, everyone, let us offer our thanks to the friend who visited from the south, and pray for the protection of the spirits for the battle that begins now... excuse me, you all do not believe in the spirits, do you?"
"Please do not let it bother you. Let us pray for the protection of the supreme beings we each believe in."
Noein replied with a laugh to Gabriel's apology.
"The supreme beings we each believe in, that is a good phrasing. Then, once again... praying for protection and victory."
As Gabriel raised his glass, the attendees on the Kingdom of Revelant's side followed. The people from the Grand Duchy of Arqvist's side, including Noein, also lightly raised their glasses.
The scene of the peaceful dinner that began thereafter—the lined-up tableware, the food, and the liquor that drifted a unique scent—was all novel to Noein and his party.
What especially caught the eye was a smaller table placed inside the horseshoe-shaped table. Atop a large platter sat a pure white mass, radiating an unusual presence.
"That is salt-crust baked fish."
Noticing that Noein was looking at the object with curiosity, Gabriel, who sat next to him with a one-seat gap, provided an explanation.
"Fish, sir? That large mass?"
"Yes. It is a giant fish caught only in lakes with high water quality. In the northern continent, it is known as a high-class fish. It is prepared by wrapping it in herbs and then further wrapping it in salt before baking it. That is the dish."
"I see... to use such a large amount of salt for a single dish. It is a dish that symbolizes the wealth of your country."
"It is rarely made even in my own country. Only on the once-a-year festival day, and when entertaining guests like this. Please consider this dish as well as proof that I welcome you all."
"Was that so. I am touched by your kindness."
While Noein and Gabriel conversed, the servers broke open the salt crust. From beneath the salt crust, a giant freshwater fish, perhaps a meter long, revealed itself.
The herbs attached to its body were removed, and the meat was sliced and placed on plates.
The plates of meat were first placed before Gabriel and Noein, and thereafter placed before the attendees in order of rank and position.
"How is it?"
"...It is very delicious. It has a profound flavor."
Noein, who had carried the fish meat to his mouth, answered Gabriel's question thus.
Perhaps because herbs had been attached to the surface, it was not salty despite being wrapped in a salt crust. The moderate saltiness and fragrance combined with the original taste of the firm meat, resulting in a refined flavor contrary to its bold appearance. Even without flattery, it was delicious.
"I see. I am glad you like it. It was worth having it specially caught to welcome you all."
As Gabriel said this while tilting his glass of liquor, Noein also took a sip of the drink.
"Ngh, cough cough!"
And then, he choked on a shock that felt as if his throat were being burned.
The liquor, which at first glance was transparent like water, was apparently a distilled spirit a specialty of the northern continent. It had a strength of alcohol that could not be compared to the light wine or beer Noein usually drank, and unlike the popular way of drinking imported goods in the southern continent, it was not diluted with water or ice.
"Oh, are you alright?"
Being asked with a concerned voice by the Queen sitting to Gabriel's left, Noein managed to make a smile while coughing.
"Right, in the south, you drink it diluted. I shall have some water brought."
"Cough, thank you. I am weak with alcohol..."
While Noein said this and received water from a server, to his right, Yuri and Pence were drinking the distilled spirit with indifferent faces. Having been raised as mercenaries, they were considerably strong with alcohol. Surprisingly, Gustav, who was a heavy drinker, was also drinking calmly, and Matilda, perhaps due to her position as a guard, only wet her lips with the alcohol.
"Hahaha, it seems even the great wyvern killer, Excellency Arqvist, has a weakness."
This was said by Marquis Sulho Hakkarainen, one of the attendees on the Kingdom of Revelant's side, who was said to be at the top of the military ranks. Noein laughed back at the words of the beastman, who was a head taller than others even while sitting in a chair.
"Yes, it is a weakness exactly as my appearance suggests."
At those words, a small laugh broke out among the nobles of the Kingdom of Revelant. Everyone must have thought that Noein's appearance was small and youthful, and it seems that Noein's self-deprecation regarding his own looks was well-received.
"Sulho, do not tease the guest. Despite your size, you aren't particularly strong with alcohol either."
Just as Gabriel said, Marquis Hakkarainen's drink had not decreased much. This time, small laughs broke out on both the Kingdom of Revelant's side and the Grand Duchy of Arqvist's side.
"Goodness, regardless, to have the wyvern killers as our reinforcements is truly heartening."
"You've diverted the conversation."
While laughter broke out again, Marquis Hakkarainen continued.
"But it is a fact, is it not? Even looking at the history of the northern continent, heroes who hunt wyverns rarely appear."
"Indeed. I hear that Grand Duke Arqvist is a great puppet mage, and that he pierced a wyvern's throat with a giant golem, does he not?"
"It is said that a wyvern is equivalent to a thousand soldiers. If the reinforcements from the Grand Duchy are all together, it will be like having the strength of a thousand men."
Following Marquis Hakkarainen, the knights also praised Noein and the Grand Duchy's army one after another.
"That is true. When Beverstamm brought back the news that Grand Duke Arqvist had promised reinforcements, I thanked the spirits for my own and my country's luck. In terms of exchange between nations as well, it is grateful that the Grand Duchy of Arqvist, which is unusually tolerant of beastmen in the south, is our neighbor. It can be said to be a truly fortunate coincidence."
"Sadly, in the southern continent, beastmen are often not viewed favorably. In such a climate, Grand Duke Arqvist's thinking is wonderful to us."
Gabriel and the Queen spoke with deep emotion. Noein felt that being welcomed to this extent made him feel genuinely good.
In that peaceful atmosphere—this time, the Princess opened her mouth.
"I wonder if that is truly the case?"
While emitting a dignified yet somehow cold voice, the Princess was looking at Noein with sharp eyes.