Chapter 15

As the cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

---

Since the soldiers at the western gate of Retvik already knew his face, he was usually allowed to pass without announcing himself. However, today he was stopped by a soldier.

"Sir Alkivist, Lord Koenitz wishes to see you. I will send someone to guide you to the viscount's residence."

"...Understood."

While wondering what it could be about, Noein gave his answer and followed one of the soldiers to the residence of Viscount Koenitz.

It had been a little over three months since Noein had visited the viscount to pay his respects upon arriving in Retvik.

He was led to a reception room in the grand, aristocratic mansion, which was a far cry from Noein's tent dwelling. Matilda, acting as both guard and attendant, stood slightly behind Noein on the sofa.

Soon, Viscount Koenitz entered the reception room, and Noein stood up.

"It's been a while, Viscount Koenitz."

"Ah, Sir Alkivist. It's good to see you looking well. I hear your development efforts are progressing smoothly?"

"As a minor noble of the kingdom, I am doing my best despite my youth."

Noein thought that his situation was probably already being monitored, and he answered Viscount Koenitz accordingly.

He regularly came to Retvik for supplies and interacted with the residents, mentioning the increase in his own subjects. If Viscount Koenitz, as the lord, gathered some information, it would be easy to understand that Noein had put the development on track.

"So, what brings you here today?"

"Ah, actually..."

Viscount Koenitz told Noein about the 24 refugees who had recently arrived in Retvik.

"I see. So you're asking me to accept these refugees into my territory?"

"Ah, I'm glad you understand."

"Accepting a large number of refugees suddenly in Retvik would be difficult, considering the residents' feelings. On the other hand, my territory needs people, so I'm glad our interests align. I would be happy to accept them."

Arnold thought, as he looked at Noein's pleasant expression, that he was quite cunning.

Arnold had wanted to do Noein a favor by saying, "I'll give you people because you lack subjects," but Noein had emphasized that it was a transfer of refugees based on mutual interests. He must have known that Arnold was struggling with the refugees.

Noein didn't intend to owe him anything.

Moreover, he didn't try to take a superior stance by saying, "Since you're having trouble with the refugees, let me take them off your hands." Noein, as a minor lord, showed no intention of competing, which made him seem both endearing and annoying.

While it was questionable whether Noein had the capacity to accept over 20 refugees in his forest development area, he had already stated that he would accept them. If the refugees starved in Noein's territory, it would be none of his concern.

"I'm glad we had a mutually beneficial discussion. The refugees are camping outside the south gate, and the church is providing aid. I'll have someone guide you there immediately."

"Yes, thank you."

With a smile, the two lords concluded their discussion.

---

After leaving the residence, Noein explained to Pense and Mai that they would be accepting new refugees and asked them to finish the shopping and wait at the west gate. He then went to the south gate with Matilda, guided by the viscount's soldiers.

Outside the gate, several tents were set up close to the wall surrounding the city. In the surrounding area, monsters rarely appeared, and at this distance, the refugees could quickly escape into the city if anything happened, so there were no complaints.

As they approached, the refugees, noticing them, rushed over. They seemed ready to cling to Noein.

"Sir Noein!" Matilda stepped forward protectively, and the guide soldier shouted at the refugees, "Back off! It's rude to treat a noble this way!"

The refugees' eyes were clearly on Noein. They seemed to know him. Perhaps they had already heard that the young noble from the neighboring territory might accept them.

"It's okay," Noein said to Matilda, making her step back behind him. He then faced the refugees.

"Who is the representative?"

A man stepped forward. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties.

"It's me. My name is Edgar, Sir Alkivist."

Noein inwardly cursed Viscount Koenitz for giving out his name. It was too early for the refugees to be so hopeful.

"I hear you came from the south. I'd like to hear the details directly."

"Yes, we lived in a development village near the border with the Kingdom of Lancer, at the southern end of the Bazel Great Forest."

"Ah, that area. Were you driven out by a conflict?"

"Yes. I was ordered to lead the young villagers out of the village and find a place to accept us. We eventually ended up in Retvik."

The Bazel Great Forest narrows as it goes south, and eventually, the Kingdom of Roadberg and the Kingdom of Lancer meet on a plain. Noein knew that this area had been a conflict zone for several years.

The refugees had been caught up in the conflict and driven from their homes. Noein looked at them.

As he had said, "leading the young villagers out," there were people ranging from their thirties to children around ten years old. They were thin, but thanks to the church's aid, they didn't seem to be in immediate danger.

"There are no small children."

"Some mothers with young children were accepted in other towns along the way. Many couldn't survive the long journey, camping, and hunger. The weak died first. We started with over 50 people, but only this many made it here."

As he spoke, Edgar's clenched fist trembled. He seemed to feel responsible as the leader of the refugees.

It was a despicable situation. What was the fun in attacking a village and causing farmers to suffer?

While inwardly cursing, Noein tried to look as kind as possible.

"I see. That must have been tough. Fortunately, my territory can accept you. I hope you will start a new life as my subjects."

Edgar's eyes widened at these words, and a murmur ran through the refugees behind him.

"R-really, is that okay..."

"Yes. If you're in good health, we can leave for my territory tomorrow. What do you think?"

"O-of course. We will prepare to leave tomorrow. Thank you, Sir Alkivist."

The refugees bowed, and Edgar, the only one, knelt with a proper posture. His movements were quite refined for a mere farmer, suggesting he was familiar with how to interact with nobles.

"You seem to be used to talking to nobles. Did you have a high position in the village?"

"My father was the village chief, and I, as his successor, was taught the proper etiquette for nobles. I believe my father died resisting the Lancer soldiers to buy us time."

"I see. I respect your father's bravery in making the decision to save you young people."

"...Thank you, I am grateful for your kind words."

Edgar's voice trembled as he replied.