Chapter 24. Nersarn

"Wh-What in the world! Why are the Telye people here...?"

Ian was also curious about this. How did the Telye people manage to come all the way here? The distance from their base to the Bratz estate should take a solid four days of travel. They certainly didn't ride the kusire for a trivial reason.

'It seems to be a sudden visit.'

If it were a scheduled meeting, Hana would have known. She would have been busy preparing for guests the day before.

Ian noticed the Telye people's gaze directed at him.

"T-They're looking at me."

"Ugh..."

Beric only groaned from behind. They whispered to each other and then split into two groups. The one who seemed to be the leader passed through the main gate and headed to the main house, while the subordinates approached Ian.

"They're coming! They're coming this way!"

It was natural for the Bratz estate residents to react like Hana. The Telye people were their long-time ambiguous truce enemies, mysterious beings, and barbarians with transcendent power. They couldn't hide their confusion, fear, and excitement.

"Hana, there's no need to make a fuss."

"But they're Telye people! And why is the kusire so big?"

"They came here without any interference, didn't they? They don't seem to have any hostile intentions."

While reassuring Hana, Ian noticed the Telye man looking at him.

"Excuse me."

The man who approached closely looked down at Ian from atop the kusire. His sharp eyes, without double eyelids, were almost intimidating. They scrutinized Ian's hair and facial features meticulously.

"Are you Ian Bratz, the second heir of the Bratz estate?"

"That's correct. Who are you?"

Hana stealthily hid behind Ian. For someone from the frontier, he spoke Barial quite fluently.

"I am Nersarn, envoy of the Telye people. The brother of the chieftain, Kakantir."

The viscount's hand tightened on Ian's shoulder. It was a reminder to stay alert. After all, everything they had done so far was a rehearsal for these people.

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Ian Bratz."

The dark eyes scanned Ian from head to toe. He then clasped his hands in prayer, a Telye custom.

"I am Balamei kin Nersarn."

"Is there something you need?"

Derga, seemingly impatient, interjected. The tea hadn't even been served, but Nersarn answered without hesitation.

"We need to adjust the peace treaty schedule."

Straight to the point, no beating around the bush. This was partly due to their nature, but it also indicated the urgency of the situation.

"Chief Wincen's health has suddenly deteriorated. Although he was elderly and had a chronic illness, this is the first time he has been bedridden. Only the gods know what lies ahead, so we want to prepare for everything possible."

This was due to the Telye burial customs. When a family member died, they would seclude themselves for a year to pray for the soul's rest. When a leader died, all the tribe members had to participate.

Until now, the deaths of chieftains had been due to rebellions, so those who were ousted didn't receive the proper rites and only their families conducted the ceremonies.

But what about Chief Wincen?

She was a root of the Telye people, whose origins even Derga couldn't trace. If they secluded themselves as a group, it would naturally be impossible to hold the peace treaty ceremony. That's why they rushed here to adjust the date.

'Considering it's an enemy camp, it's reasonable for the chieftain's brother to come.'

"Are you suggesting we move the date forward?"

"Yes."

Chief Wincen was a seer who could distinguish lies. If a new peace treaty offering were to enter the community, she would use her abilities to discern any impurity in Ian.

"Therefore, I am here to seek your understanding, Viscount and Ian. It would be appreciated if you could consider it as a gesture for peace."

Though he was in a position to request, his words were quite ambiguous. It was almost a veiled threat: if they refused, there would be no peace treaty, and they would face the smell of blood again.

Derga hid his displeasure with a cough and asked.

"There are only a few weeks left. How much earlier do you want it?"

"We would like to proceed as simply as possible."

Nersarn added that even this coming weekend would be acceptable.

The viscount chose to remain silent for a moment. This was quite a dilemma, as he would need to send the monk to the capital immediately to process the ordination.

'If we can't match the schedule, there's nothing we can do...'

The only option was to proceed with the peace treaty first.

After all, the ordination was just a procedural matter and had nothing to do with the Telye people. They would be curious about whether Ian had Derga's blood and would trust Wincen's word over hundreds of documents.

"...Aren't you tired from the long journey?"

"I'm fine. This is nothing."

"But what about the kusire?"

If they returned to the Great Desert, they would have to face another sandstorm. It would certainly be a grueling schedule for the kusire, which was already fatigued.

"Stay for the day and leave tomorrow morning."

This implied he would give an answer by then. Derga needed to discuss with the monk and set a date.

Nersarn's brow furrowed slightly at the hesitant response, but that was all.

"...Thank you for your kindness."

"Of course. It's only natural to treat a friend of an ally. Butler! Show the guests to their rooms!"

The butler, who had been waiting outside, promptly entered to guide the guests. As Nersarn and his subordinates left the office, Ian turned to look at Derga. He was biting his fingernails, lost in thought.

'Is it really that worrying? Surprising.'

The ordination certificate could only be issued by the royal palace, so even if they applied immediately, it would take time. Since the Telye people had proposed a change in the date, it wouldn't be a problem to give it to them later.

The preparations for the peace treaty ceremony had just begun. The important thing was the treaty itself, so if they agreed, it could be done as early as this weekend, as Nersarn suggested.

'It doesn't seem like they're trying to gain anything.'

There was no room for maneuver. The exchange list was already set, and with Wincen's sudden illness, the peace treaty's future was uncertain. For Derga, it was best to cooperate fully to gain an advantage in future negotiations.

"Father?"

Ian called out to him. His nail-biting had become more intense, which was more puzzling than worrying. The viscount suddenly snapped out of his trance at the sound of Ian's voice.

"...Haven't you gone out yet?"

"I wanted to ask if I should entertain the guests."

He needed a signal to leave, didn't he?

Derga waved his hand dismissively. It meant Ian should stay in his room and not cause any trouble.

"Nersarn is the chieftain's cherished brother. He's a perceptive man, so don't try to handle him clumsily."

"I will keep that in mind."

"Is anyone else around?"

"Yes, sir."

"Prepare the carriage! Hurry!"

Derga grabbed his coat and shouted, apparently ready to rush to the monk to share the situation.

Ian glanced at the office door as he turned to leave. The makeshift bedroom was still locked tight. With the secretary position vacant, things were chaotic.

'What perfect timing.'

If he had delayed any longer, the monk might have returned to the capital without receiving the message. It felt like he was under divine protection.

Ian smiled faintly as he stepped outside, where Beric was sprawled out. Hana was fanning him vigorously.

"Master! Have you finished your business? What's going on?"

"It's nothing much. The peace treaty ceremony date might change. Have you already walked around the garden?"

"Can't you see? I'm about to die, damn it! Ugh..."

"Those Telye people won't be staying long in the mansion, right? I saw them being guided to the annex earlier."

Hana kept fanning as she chattered. It was impossible to house foreigners in the main house, especially with the recent unpleasant incidents in the office. In contrast, the annex had plenty of guest rooms. They were likely assigned to the upper floor of Ian's annex.

'They'll be under strict surveillance.'

Soldiers would likely guard the building all night. Still, if Ian wanted, he could easily make contact. After all, they were the 'peace treaty' targets. It wouldn't be appropriate to post guards right outside their door.

"Master, should I ask the butler to change your room for today?"

Hana asked worriedly. It seemed she was uneasy about sharing a building with the Telye people. Ian shook his head and smiled.

"No need. They will be my companions from now on. Beric, pull yourself together and follow me. Hana, get back to your work."

At the firm command, Beric staggered to his feet. Ian, who had been watching, grabbed his forehead and pushed mana into him.

Zzzz-

"Pull yourself together."

"Damn. Giving me a disease and then a cure..."

"Think of it as a carrot and stick."

Beric spat and finally managed to stand. His gait gradually improved. As they entered the annex building, the servants' anxious chatter could be heard.

"Did you see? They're much bigger than we thought!"

"That's why they say even a dozen soldiers wouldn't stand a chance. They're like beasts."

"What food will we serve? The butler didn't say anything, did he?"

"Since they're barbarians, maybe raw meat would do?"

Ignorant or evil?

Ian clicked his tongue and made his presence known. The servants greeted him without much surprise.

'Ignorant.'

"Guests have arrived, haven't they?"

"There were no suitable rooms, so we placed them on the upper floor of your annex. You'll be staying in the main house tonight."

"Should we set up a night watch?"

"Make sure to lock the door and sleep well!"

Ian tried to ignore their comments and gave instructions.

"That's enough. Prepare some simple snacks and wine with care. This isn't a meal, so there's no need to inform the butler."

He had rushed in like the wind and hadn't even offered them a cup of tea in the office. It would be impolite for a noble to treat a guest who had traveled for days this way. Derga had told him to stay away, but Ian had no intention of doing so.

Knock knock.

"Ian Bratz. May I come in?"

"...Come in."

He entered the room with the servants carrying trays. They all stood in their places, like caged animals. The servants nervously set the food on the table.

"You must be hungry from the long journey. Please have some refreshments. We were caught off guard by your sudden visit, so our preparations are a bit delayed. I hope for your understanding."

At Ian's greeting, Nersarn approached. He looked down at Ian as if he were a strange creature. They were both viewing each other as unfamiliar beasts.

"When I saw you earlier, I was puzzled because you don't resemble the viscount at all. I wondered how the nobles of the Great Empire could have such different bloodlines."

The leader's crude joke made his subordinates laugh. Nersarn turned his head neatly and signaled them to take the food.

"Looking at you now, you are definitely a noble."

It was a compliment, but not quite. It was respectful, but not entirely. The subtle nuance continued. Nersarn smiled and added.

"It's a compliment, Master Ian."

If Derga held the leash, these people were the ones with swords at his throat. But...

'Soon, your swords will be mine.'

Ian stood opposite and smiled brightly before calmly approaching.