Chapter 68

"An evening banquet... I’ve never been to a gathering of nobles before, and it seems like I’ll have to be careful about a lot of things. I suggested it myself, but I’m feeling a bit gloomy now."

"Really, it’s a bit late for that, isn’t it?"

Just as Noein was about to get into the carriage, Yurii, who was standing next to him, replied with a look of exasperation.

Before they knew it, it was December, and Noein was about to leave Noeina, the capital of his fief, to attend the evening banquet of the Northwestern Faction.

"Looking at it now, it really does look like a proper noble’s carriage."

"Of course. We spent a lot of money to have it refurbished, so it would be a problem if it didn’t look good."

The carriage Noein was about to board was the one he had received from Viscount Arnold Koenitz and had it refurbished at the Letvik workshop (where Damian used to work). It was a two-horse carriage that could seat up to four people, excluding the driver, and had some space for luggage in the rear. Originally, it was a white and ornate carriage, but now it was painted black, giving off a dignified and solemn atmosphere.

"With this, I think I can at least hold my own as a powerful noble who belongs to a faction... Still, being a noble is such a hassle."

"Your tendency to find such things troublesome is what makes you un-noble, Noein-sama."

Hearing Noein’s words, Anna, who had come to see him off, smiled wryly.

"I may be from a count’s family, but I’ve been out of the noble society until now. Attending a grand evening banquet of a powerful noble faction for the first time, I’m a bit nervous."

"Sure, you’ll probably come back having sweet-talked other nobles into becoming your allies."

"Maybe. I’ve been winning against Viscount Koenitz so far, but there might be tougher opponents among the great nobles."

Despite saying this, Noein wore a carefree smile, and Yurii and Anna, who couldn’t imagine Noein losing in a verbal battle, weren’t worried at all.

"Noein-sama, the preparations for departure are complete. We can leave whenever you’re ready."

Pence, who was to accompany Noein as a guard on horseback, called out to Noein, who had been chatting with Yurii. It was winter, so he was wearing a thick coat over his leather armor.

"Alright. We’re off, Yurii and Anna. Take care of the fief while we’re gone."

"Sure, leave it to us. You’ll be gone for about ten days, right?"

"Yep. I plan to stay there for a few days."

The banquet was to be held in the territory of the Duke of Bechtholdheim, the leader of the Northwestern Faction, which was further east of Viscount Koenitz’s territory.

It would take about three days by carriage to reach Bechtholdheim’s capital, Bechtoria. Since it was a rare opportunity to visit a major city, Noein planned to stay for a few days to broaden his horizons.

"Got it. We’ll manage the fief’s affairs while you’re gone."

"Noein-sama, please be careful."

With Yurii, Anna, and other retainers and slaves seeing him off, Noein’s party left Noeina.

The high-quality carriage, which could be recognized as such at a glance, was watched by the fief’s residents with respectful gazes as it departed.

...

"...It’s amazing how much easier travel is with a different vehicle. I feel like I could fall asleep."

Looking out the window, Noein murmured in a relaxed voice.

Until now, whenever he left Noeina, he had traveled in the cargo area of a freight wagon, which was not designed for comfort. Long trips in such a wagon were quite tiring.

But the noble’s carriage with its suspension was so comfortable that it was surprising. Additionally, a magic device for "heating" was active, making the carriage warm despite the cold winter outside. It was no wonder he felt sleepy.

"If you’d like, you can use me as a pillow and rest. You must be tired."

In preparation for being away from the fief for ten days, Noein had been working a bit too hard as the lord. Matilda, concerned about this, made the suggestion.

"Sure, I’ll take you up on that... Oh, Rosetta, you can relax too. Don’t worry about me."

"Yes, I’m fine~"

When Noein told the maid Rosetta, who was sitting across from him, she replied without any signs of tension, perhaps due to her easygoing personality.

Noein then began to snore softly, using Matilda’s lap as a pillow.

Noein’s party for this journey consisted of five people: Barte, the carriage driver; Pence and Radley, who served as guards on horseback; Rosetta, the maid; and, of course, Matilda.

Pence and Radley guarded the front and back of the carriage, and Barte was in the driver’s seat outside, so naturally, Noein, Matilda, and Rosetta were inside the carriage.

"Hehehe."

"...Is something the matter?"

"Not at all~. I was just thinking that Noein-sama loves and trusts Matilda-san~"

Rosetta, who was looking at Matilda with a smile, replied to Matilda’s question.

Seeing Noein’s face, which was relaxed and content as he slept, it was natural for Rosetta to feel this way.

"Noein-sama only lets Matilda-san see this side of him. You’re amazing, Matilda-san~"

"...Thank you."

Matilda, slightly worried that her face might be turning red, said this to avoid being noticed blushing.

...

Entering Viscount Koenitz’s territory, passing through Letvik, and traveling further east, they spent the night in a small town. The next day, they entered Duke Bechtholdheim’s territory and spent another night in a small town along the way.

By the evening of the following day, Noein and his party had arrived at their destination, the city of Bechtoria.

This city, the capital of Duke Bechtholdheim’s territory, was a major metropolis with a population of 30,000. The height and length of the city walls surrounding it were incomparable to the wooden palisades of Noeina or even the walls of Letvik.

"Wow~"

"Is this your first time in a city, Rosetta?"

Seeing Rosetta exclaim in amazement at the cityscape from the carriage window, Noein asked.

Incidentally, Noein and Matilda were born and raised in a metropolis comparable to Bechtoria, so they weren’t particularly surprised.

"Yes, I was born and raised in a small town, so this is the first time I’ve seen such a large city~"

"That’s right. Since you’re here, you should enjoy your stay. I’ll give you some time off, so feel free to explore."

"Really~!? Thank you~"

Rosetta’s eyes widened with joy, and Noein smiled and nodded.

While they were talking, the carriage continued through the streets of Bechtoria and eventually arrived at their destination, the inn.

This inn, located on a major street near the city center, catered to the wealthy, including nobles, wealthy merchants, and prosperous farmers. It was the inn that Noein had been recommended by Viscount Koenitz, and Arnold was also staying there.

An employee was standing in front of the inn, and as soon as the carriage stopped, they rushed over to open the door.

As Noein thanked the employee and got out of the carriage, the entrance of the inn opened, and an elderly man, presumably the manager, came out.

"Welcome, Sir Noein Arquvist. I’ve heard about you from Viscount Koenitz. I am the manager of this inn."

"Thank you for your kind welcome."

While responding, Noein was a bit surprised inside.

Viscount Koenitz had said he would enter Bechtoria early and had recommended this inn, but Noein hadn’t expected him to go so far as to inform the inn in advance of his stay.

The manager must have recognized Noein from the description Arnold had given—someone in their mid-teens accompanied by a rabbit-eared slave.

"Please allow me to show you to your room. We’ll have the staff take your luggage."

"Thank you... Pence, you’ll come with me. Radley and Barte, see you tomorrow."

"Sure thing."

"We’re staying at a different inn a bit further back."

This inn, being for the wealthy, had two small rooms for servants next to the main room.

However, one of these rooms would be used by Rosetta, and the other was too small for all three guards to stay in, so one guard would remain while the other two would stay at a different inn for commoners.

Thus, Noein and Matilda, along with Rosetta and Pence, entered the inn, while Barte and Radley parted ways.

While receiving compliments from the manager, such as "I’ve heard about Sir Arquvist’s achievements from Viscount Koenitz," they proceeded down the corridor to their room.

"I’ve been instructed to inform you when Sir Arquvist arrives, so Viscount Koenitz will likely visit you later."

With that, the manager left.

"I’m a bit tired... Being treated so formally and receiving so many compliments is something I’m not used to."

"You’ve worked hard, Noein-sama. Would you like some tea?"

Finally able to relax among family, Noein sighed and lay down on the bed. Matilda then spoke to him.

"Thank you, Matilda. Let’s have tea with the four of us."

"I’ll help too~"

Leaving the tea preparation to Matilda and Rosetta, Noein and Pence sat at a table in the room.

"It’s quite considerate of Viscount Koenitz to have arranged for Noein-sama to stay here."

"That’s because I gave him a good scare after the bandit incident. Since then, he’s become much nicer, which makes dealing with him less challenging."

"...That’s just like Noein-sama."

As they were talking,

"Sir Arquvist, are you there?"

They heard Viscount Arnold Koenitz’s voice from outside the door, accompanied by a knock.

"Ah, he’s already here. Bad timing."

"You can’t hide that reaction."

Pence pointed out Noein’s honest reaction.

"Noein-sama, would you like some tea?"

"…I’ll have a drink with Viscount Koenitz while we talk. Matilda and Pence, stand guard behind me. Rosetta, please serve the tea."

"Understood."

"Got it."

"Understood~"

In response to Viscount Koenitz’s unexpected early visit, Noein reluctantly prepared to greet him.

They would go over the main attendees of the Northwestern Faction’s evening banquet and discuss Noein’s introduction.