Chapter 417 - Episode 400: The Queen and the Princess
The movement of Noein and his companions, accompanied by Viscount Clovis Bartholomew, became a peaceful journey without any problems.
As the governor for Queen Henrietta, acting under the Queen's orders, Viscount Bartholomew was a presence that the nobles of the Kingdom of Lancel could not afford to disregard. As long as the Viscount's instructions to the nobles governing the villages and cities they passed through remained within the bounds of common sense, they were accepted without resistance.
Furthermore, the presence of a small unit of the Kingdom's Guard, attached to Noein's party under the guise of guides, was also significant. Carrying the royal military banner, they served as overseers for Noein and his group, but at the same time, they were reliable guards who ensured that the nobles and citizens of the Kingdom of Lancel did not harm them.
Without encountering any danger and receiving hospitality from the lords and governors of their lodgings, Noein and the others made steady progress through the Kingdom of Lancel.
Then, one day, about a week after entering the country, Noein and his party were taking a rest in a large city along the way.
While healing the fatigue of consecutive days of travel with a full day's rest, they headed into the city center for a change of pace. They were escorted by Matilda and Pence, and further accompanied by Viscount Bartholomew and the Guard of the Lancel royal family.
"Hooo..."
The one who let out such a voice of admiration was Eleos, who was accompanying this journey partly for the sake of his studies.
Since they had passed through only farming villages and small towns until now, and because today was the first day of the itinerary where they could leisurely look around a city in the Kingdom of Lancel, he was looking around with interest at the people passing through the main streets of the large city and the lining buildings.
"Eleos, is it interesting?"
"...Yes, it is interesting. The people, the town, and many other things are different from the Archduchy of Arqvist."
"I see, that's good... Then, can you tell me how it's different from the Archduchy of Arqvist?"
When Noein asked, Eleos tilted his head for a moment in a gesture of thinking, then spoke again.
"The clothes the women are wearing are different. Compared to the clothes in the Archduchy of Arqvist... there are more patterns."
"That's right, that is an easy-to-understand difference between the Archduchy and the Kingdom of Lancel. If you look closely, the atmosphere of the clothes the men are wearing is also different from ours."
"Ah, you're right. It is exactly as Father says."
The clothing cultures of the Archduchy of Arqvist and the Kingdom of Rhodeberg differed subtly from that of the Kingdom of Lancel.
In the Archduchy and the Kingdom of Rhodeberg, there was a tendency to put effort into the hues of dyed fabrics, the detail of the construction of each part, and the beauty of the silhouette's spread.
The swallow-tail-like decoration on the waist of Matilda's clothes and the large cloak Noein wore were influenced by such culture.
On the other hand, in the clothing culture of the Kingdom of Lancel, there were many examples of showing individuality by embroidering various patterns onto the fabric. Noein had heard that the status and wealth of the wearer were indicated by how exquisite and elaborate the patterns were, and how extensive an area of the clothing they covered.
Since this region was unified as the Kingdom of Lancel, the clothing cultures of the two countries had been slowly merging, but if one looked closely, differences in characteristics remained to a degree that could be noticed. Noein thought that Eleos's impression was likely because the differences were more prominently expressed in women's clothing.
"Your son is very intelligent for his age. I wish my own foolish son could learn from him."
"Hahaha, thank you. My son is full of curiosity and is always observing various things and bombarding me with questions."
While Noein responded to Viscount Bartholomew in this way, Eleos, having been praised, looked somewhat proud and continued to look around and observe the scenery of the city center.
"And, and... ah, the atmosphere of the beastmen is also different. Compared to the beastmen of the Archduchy of Arqvist, everyone seems to lack energy. Their faces are dark, and many people are thin. It seems like they are being treated terribly."
"...Ahaha, that is certainly true."
While answering his son's sharp observation with a mixed wry smile, Noein glanced sideways at Viscount Bartholomew. The Viscount maintained a gentle expression while looking away, choosing not to point out Eleos's current words.
The Kingdom of Lancel was a country where discrimination against beastmen was even more severe than in the southern part of the Kingdom of Rhodeberg. Most beastmen were slaves or the lowest class of the poor, and the difference in social standing compared to humans was reflected in their expressions and appearance.
It was only natural that Eleos, who had grown up seeing only the Archduchy of Arqvist where there was almost no difference in standing between races, and the northern part of the Kingdom of Rhodeberg which was relatively tolerant of beastmen, would form the impression that "beastmen are being treated terribly."
"Father, why are these beastmen treated this way?"
Hearing those words from Eleos, the members of the Kingdom of Reuvelant, including Helga, showed complex feelings on their faces.
Noein thought for a moment about how to answer his son's innocent remark before speaking.
"...Listen, Eleos. Every country has different ways of thinking, and that is precisely why border lines are drawn and separate countries are formed. Certainly, from the perspective of the Archduchy of Arqvist, where the disparity between humans, demi-humans, and beastmen is small, the state of the beastmen in the Kingdom of Lancel looks strange. From your eyes, having grown up in the Archduchy, it may seem like a bad thing. However, even the way of thinking that decides what is a bad thing sometimes differs by country. Even if you cannot understand the values of another country emotionally, they are not things that should be easily criticized or condemned. As the one who will eventually inherit the throne of the Archduchy, you must understand this."
"...I understand, Father."
Though he likely didn't perfectly understand Noein's explanation, Eleos answered so.
Noein thought this was sufficient for now. Noein also had his own thoughts regarding the treatment of beastmen in the Kingdom of Lancel, but there was no benefit in discussing it now in front of Viscount Bartholomew. Even the Archduchy of Arqvist was not a perfect country to the extent that it could deny the way other countries existed.
If one wanted to change the treatment of beastmen across the entire southern part of the Adleon continent, it would likely require long-term effort spanning several generations, and this time, Helga was attempting to carve out the first step. Striving to ensure her visit to the Kingdom of Lancel ended peacefully was the most beneficial course of action.
"That's good. You are a good boy, Eleos."
While stroking the head of his obedient child, Noein turned toward Viscount Bartholomew while feeling a sense of awkwardness.
"My apologies, Lord Bartholomew."
"Hahaha, please do not let it concern you. To understand Your Excellency's words just now, your son is indeed an intelligent person."
Viscount Bartholomew laughed off Eleos's remark. Considering the relationship between the two countries, there was zero merit for a royal governor to take a six-year-old child's words seriously and become displeased, so it could be called an appropriate reaction.
"Then, Excellency Arqvist, Princess Helga, how about visiting the market next? I believe you will be able to see items that are different from those in your respective countries."
"That sounds good. It seems interesting."
"It is very intriguing. Please, by all means."
Noein and Helga also answered in deliberately bright voices to Viscount Bartholomew, who had made the proposal as if to change the atmosphere of the place, and the party moved on.
.....
About ten days after entering the Kingdom of Lancel. Almost according to the original schedule, Noein and the others arrived at Saint-Frere, the royal capital of the Kingdom of Lancel.
Saint-Frere, boasting the largest scale in the Kingdom of Lancel with a population of approximately one hundred thousand, was a fortress city built in the middle of fertile plains, adjacent to a great river.
Although its population did not reach that of Lichthagen, the royal capital of the Kingdom of Rhodeberg, the party entered through the giant gates at the feet of the Lancel royal family, which boasted a majesty that did not fall behind in terms of completion as a city.
The party of the Reuvelant royal family led the way. Because the Kingdom of Reuvelant surpassed the Archduchy of Arqvist in terms of national history and scale, this order was the result of Noein himself suggesting that they follow behind the Reuvelant royal party.
As if to indicate that representatives of a nation had visited Saint-Frere, the windows of the carriages of both houses were thrown open, the knights preceding the carriages held up the house flags, and the party proceeded majestically down the street.
While Eleos gazed outside with sparkling eyes, visiting a giant city for the first time since Lichthagen, what Noein was watching was the reaction of the citizens of the Kingdom of Lancel toward them.
"...We're standing out quite a bit. For now, it's a success."
Looking at the gaze of the citizens, Noein muttered so.
The citizens were not particularly intently looking at the party of the Archduchy of Arqvist. It was the party of the Reuvelant royal family proceeding ahead of them.
Demi-humans, who were rare in the southern part of the Adleon continent, and beastmen, a race that was persecuted almost without exception in the Kingdom of Lancel, were riding in splendid attire, armed, and proceeding down the main street. The master of the party peering out from the luxurious carriage was also a beastman. That sight would be shocking to the people of this country.
If they could deliver such a shock, it could be said that Noein's objective for this trip regarding the common people was achieved. It was enough for this time to let it be known that a country ruled by beastmen actually existed in the world, and that nobles from such a country had visited the Kingdom of Lancel.
While leaving a strong impression on the citizens of the royal capital, the party proceeded impassively down the street to the royal castle built on a gentle slope on the west side of the capital. After passing through the gates of the grounds and crossing the vast front garden, the one who welcomed them at the castle entrance was Queen Henrietta herself.
"Archduke Arqvist, it has been a long time. I have been expecting you."
"It has been a while, Queen Henrietta-heika. I am extremely honored by Your Majesty's personal welcome."
Since the opponent was not the monarch of a suzerain state, he did not perform the subject's bow of kneeling, but instead returned the greeting by bowing deeply to show respect.
Noein felt that the atmosphere had changed slightly. Compared to when they met during the founding ceremony of the Archduchy of Arqvist, Henrietta seemed to have gained some confidence. There was no trace of anxiety in her expression, and her tone was calm. She, in her own way, must have gained experience and grown over these few years.
"I am grateful for your visit this time, together with your son."
"I am humbled. My wife actually wanted to come as well, but due to work circumstances and the fact that our daughter is still young, it was not possible this time... She said she wanted to meet Your Majesty."
"Please tell Clara-sama not to let it concern her. I am truly happy just for the sentiment. There will surely be an opportunity to meet again someday."
Having finished the greetings with Noein, Henrietta then turned toward Helga.
"...Princess Helga Reuvelant. Welcome, having come all the way from the northern part of the continent. I welcome you."
At least on the surface, Henrietta welcomed Helga with a gentle smile. Having been educated as a royal of the Kingdom of Lancel that it was natural to look down on beastmen, it was unknown what she truly thought of Helga in her heart.
"I am honored to be invited, Queen Henrietta Lancel-heika. As the Reuvelant royal family, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for permitting my attendance at such an important occasion."
And Helga also returned the greeting gently. Likely while harboring tension and caution in her heart.
The Queen of a human nation where beastman persecution was severe, and the Princess who came from a nation with a beastman King. Their encounter became, for the time being, a harmonious one.
"I apologize for this so soon after meeting, but I must excuse myself as I have preparations for the wedding reception... It pains me that I cannot attend to you much, but I have instructed my subjects to ensure you have no inconveniences during your stay. Also, I hope we can have dinner together tonight, so until later."
"Yes, please do not trouble yourself."
"Thank you very much."
When it came to the wedding reception of the Queen of the Kingdom of Lancel, monarchs and their representatives from various countries would attend. Henrietta, who had few relatives to rely on, must have been extremely busy just welcoming the guests, and in addition to that, there were preparations and various practices for the wedding ceremony and reception themselves, and she also had to handle her usual official duties. There was no way she wasn't busy.
Having received the pleasant replies from Noein and Helga, Henrietta left the scene in a slight hurry, leading the surrounding subjects.