Chapter 69

Two days after Noein and his party arrived at the capital city of Beutelsheim, the day of the banquet hosted by the northwestern noble faction finally arrived.

The mansion of the Beutelsheim family, located in the center of Beutelsheim, was significantly larger than Noein's own residence, and even compared to the mansion of the Koenitz viscount in Letvik, it was quite substantial.

The venue for the banquet was the ballroom of this mansion. Noein was walking down the wide corridor leading to it with Viscount Arnold Koenitz.

Matilda, acting as Noein's guard, followed behind him, and behind Arnold, his squire also served as a guard.

"Lord Alquvist, are you nervous?"

"Well, a little... This is my first time in such a formal social setting."

In response to Arnold's question, Noein replied, but he did not appear nervous at all from the outside.

"Really? I would feel more motivated as a senior noble if you showed a bit of anxiety... But since I've already informed His Excellency the Duke of Beutelsheim about you, and other major nobles have likely heard about you, it should go smoothly."

"Yes, I will do my best not to make a poor impression."

While they were having this conversation, they arrived at the ballroom. The servants of the Beutelsheim family, standing on either side of the large doors, bowed to Noein and Arnold and opened the doors.

The nobles in the banquet hall turned their gazes towards them. Everyone was dressed in luxurious attire, and it was clear at first glance that they held high positions and strong influence among the nobility.

Noein walked into the hall with as much composure as possible, following Arnold. During this time, he felt scrutinizing gazes from all around. Some of the nobles frowned when they saw Matilda, a slave and beastkin, following behind Noein.

Arnold had warned him, "Even if she is a favorite, bringing a beastkin slave is not advisable. While His Excellency the Duke of Beutelsheim is tolerant, other nobles may not be pleased." Noein had brought Matilda despite this, prepared for the consequences.

Since he would eventually be known as an eccentric who admires beastkin slaves, he thought it was better to reveal this fact from the start.

The purpose of this banquet was to strengthen the bonds within the northwestern faction, and it was each noble's duty to converse with many others and deepen their relationships. Therefore, Arnold headed straight for the host, the Duke of Beutelsheim, and Noein followed.

"Ah, Viscount Arnold Koenitz. You've arrived."

The one who greeted Arnold as he approached was Siegfried Beutelsheim, the leader of the northwestern faction.

Although he was already over 50, he exuded an imposing and dignified presence that belied his age.

"Yes, Your Excellency, you look even more robust—"

"Enough. This is not a formal gathering, so let's skip the formalities."

"As you wish."

Thanks to the Duke of Beutelsheim's desire to foster a more friendly atmosphere among the faction members, the year-end banquet tended to be more relaxed each year.

Arnold, while starting with a formal greeting, quickly adjusted his attitude to match the Duke's.

"How have you been? I heard that a large band of bandits has caused significant damage from the south to the north in the western regions."

"Yes. Fortunately, our cities and villages were unharmed, but I've heard that other regions suffered considerable damage. There were even tragic cases where small fiefs were completely destroyed along with their lords."

"I see, that must have been difficult. So, the young man who ended that bandit turmoil in the west is you?"

"Yes, allow me to introduce him. This is Sir Noein Alquvist."

"Pleased to meet you, Duke of Beutelsheim. I am Noein Alquvist, granted a fief to the west of the Koenitz viscountcy."

Even in front of a great noble who led a faction, Noein's greeting was impressive and dignified, earning high marks from both Arnold and the Duke of Beutelsheim.

"I appreciate your courteous greeting, Sir Alquvist. Your efforts this time were commendable. As the leader of the northwestern faction, I would like to express my gratitude."

"I am honored. As a member of the kingdom's nobility, it was my duty to contribute my humble efforts."

"Your humility is commendable, but excessive modesty can be annoying. If you say that, it puts Viscount Koenitz in an awkward position, doesn't it?"

The Duke of Beutelsheim looked at Arnold with a slightly mischievous expression. Since the Beutelsheim territory bordered the Koenitz viscountcy to the east, he was aware that Arnold had spread rumors to protect himself.

Arnold, whose actions were indirectly alluded to, could only manage a wry smile.

"I admit I was intimidated... But to explain, it was not due to my incompetence but rather Sir Alquvist's exceptional ability. Eliminating 200 bandits in a village of 200 people is extraordinary."

"Hahaha! Indeed. Facing a bandit group of that size would be a challenge even for a count or higher noble."

The standing army of a noble family, even one as prominent as the Beutelsheim family, numbered around 1,000. The Koenitz viscountcy had about 200.

In emergencies, more troops could be mustered by mobilizing the populace, but the standing army was limited to that number.

Moreover, the standing army was often scattered throughout the territory for maintaining order. To immediately gather the standing army of the Koenitz viscountcy, mobilize the populace, and defeat 200 bandits, who were former mercenaries, would require significant sacrifices.

While Viscount Koenitz's actions were not commendable, other nobles, who might find themselves in a similar situation, could not necessarily criticize him openly.

"Regarding the new weapon that defeated such a bandit group, I've heard about it from Viscount Koenitz. I look forward to seeing it later. For now, meet and mingle with the other nobles. We welcome you to the northwestern faction."

"Thank you, Your Excellency."

After the initial greeting, Arnold and Noein moved away from the Duke of Beutelsheim.

"You did well. If you can remain this composed, it's enough."

"Thank you. I managed to get through it."

Noein took a sip of the wine he received from a server and took a deep breath.

"Next, we just need to meet the key attendees and establish some connections. I have a certain standing within this faction, so I can help you with introductions."

"Understood. I appreciate your help."

Noein's words seemed to please Arnold, who appeared eager to demonstrate his influence as a senior noble.

According to the information Arnold had provided, the northwestern faction, led by the Duke of Beutelsheim, included two count families, six viscount families, 14 baron families, and several lower nobles, such as baronets and knights.

The Koenitz viscountcy, having achieved considerable success in mining, held a position second only to the two count families within the faction.

Generally, only higher nobles, such as barons and above, belonged to such large noble factions, while lower nobles connected with the nearest higher noble and indirectly belonged to the faction.

Baronets and knights who were invited to the faction were either cadet branches of great noble families or, like Noein, had exceptional achievements or abilities and were treated as honorary members.

Holding a wine glass in one hand, as was proper etiquette, Noein was led by Arnold to meet and greet the other nobles.