Chapter 70

The year-end banquet of the Northwestern Faction is not a particularly formal gathering. After greeting the Marquis Behotrsheim, the faction's leader, the attendees gather with their close acquaintances to enjoy conversations and exchange information.

However, as a newcomer, Noein cannot afford to do so. He needs to introduce himself to all the attendees and make sure they remember his face and name.

Thus, Noein, led by Arnold, went from one noble to another, engaging in what seemed to be an endless round of greetings.

The reactions of the Northwestern Faction's nobles to Noein varied.

Most of them took a wait-and-see attitude, sizing up the value and abilities of the unknown newcomer, Noein, with polite but cautious words.

Some frowned slightly at Noein, who brought a beastkin slave as a retainer, and remained distant in their responses.

Among the nobles who had been victims of the bandit raids, there were those who showed friendly reactions, expressing gratitude to Noein for their successful extermination.

"Your Excellency, Count Marcel. This is Sir Noein Arkvist, who is developing new territory to the west of my domain."

"I appreciate the introduction, Baron Koenitz... So, this is the famous bandit slayer."

"It's an honor to meet you. I am Noein Arkvist."

The next person Noein greeted was Count Edmund Marcel, the second most influential noble in the Northwestern Faction, as Arnold had informed him beforehand.

"Although you are a mere knight, to be recommended by Baron Koenitz, you must be quite capable... Hmph, but you seem to lack the manners of a noble."

Count Marcel, snorting, directed his gaze to Matilda, who stood behind Noein. It seemed that the count disapproved of Noein's fondness for beastkin.

"I am aware that my behavior is unusual. If it has caused you any discomfort, I apologize."

Noein's calm response made Count Marcel's expression turn stern. Arnold, who was listening to the conversation, also stiffened slightly.

Even in the northern part of the kingdom, where tolerance for beastkin was higher, Noein's actions could be considered quite audacious. Only inexperienced young nobles or those in important positions who could afford to be audacious would be tolerated. Noein was the former.

Noein was using his status as a young noble to assert his individuality, carefully gauging the line between audacity and propriety. For Arnold, who was watching, it was a nerve-wracking exchange.

"Tch. Well, if you want to jeopardize your position in noble society with your audacity, that's your business. But be careful not to tarnish the reputation of the Northwestern Faction or Baron Koenitz, who introduced you."

Leaving those words as if spitting them out, Count Marcel quickly moved away.

"...You gave me a bit of a scare, Sir Arkvist."

"I apologize. But since I brought Matilda here of my own will, I thought it would be pointless to make superficial excuses."

Noein intended to gain a position in the Northwestern Faction where his audacity would be tolerated. That's why, despite being a newcomer, he took such unusual actions.

There was also a childish stubbornness in wanting to show off Matilda, whom he loved, to others.

"But perhaps I went too far. Has the influential House Marcel taken notice of me?"

"No, I don't think so. Count Marcel can be somewhat rigid, but he wouldn't abuse his power as the head of the house based on personal likes and dislikes."

Count Marcel held territory near the border with the northeastern faction, often clashing with them. He was known for his martial prowess and conservative nature, but he was not the type to bully someone of lower status just because of personal preferences.

"Well, next is... Baron Oggolen, whom you've been looking forward to meeting. Shall we go greet him?"

"Finally. I'm looking forward to it."

Arnold and Noein turned their attention to a middle-aged man who looked somewhat overweight and had a kind face. He seemed gentle, but as the head of a noble house, he lacked a certain presence.

Noein was looking forward to meeting Baron Oggolen because of the information he had heard about him.

Baron Oggolen was quite rare among nobles for his fondness of beastkin slaves. As someone who also loved a rabbit girl, Matilda, Noein thought he could become friends with Baron Oggolen.

"Excuse me, Baron Oggolen."

"Oh, Baron Koenitz. It's been a year."

When Arnold greeted him, Baron Oggolen, after a brief exchange, looked at Noein and then at Matilda standing behind him, his eyes shining.

On the other side, Noein also looked at Baron Oggolen and the cat girl slave standing behind him.

The cat girl slave that Baron Oggolen brought was dressed in a frilly maid's uniform that emphasized cuteness over practicality, adorned with jewelry. It was a look that would be impossible for an ordinary slave.

It was clear that she was doted on by Baron Oggolen.

"Allow me to introduce you, Baron Oggolen. This is Sir Noein Arkvist, a new member of the Northwestern Faction."

Noein, introduced by Arnold, made firm eye contact with Baron Oggolen.

"Nice to meet you, Baron Oggolen."

"Pleased to meet you, Sir Arkvist."

Noein and Baron Oggolen shook hands, not just a light social gesture but a firm grip as if they were old friends.

"The rabbit girl you brought is very impressive and beautiful. Her expression, posture, and attire all convey a graceful strength and beauty. She is clearly very well cared for by you."

"Thank you. Matilda is my pride as a slave... The cat girl you brought is also very cute. The decorated maid's uniform suits her well."

The two men complimented each other's slaves. Matilda maintained a neutral expression, while the cat girl, flattered, leaned closer to Baron Oggolen.

"Oh, you understand. I also think Misha is the cutest cat girl in the world. You are the first noble to compliment her like this."

"I also feel the same about Matilda. You are the first person I've been able to talk about her with."

"Being fond of beastkin can make one feel like an oddball among nobles. It's a tough life, isn't it?"

"Yes, it really is."

Noein and Baron Oggolen shared feelings that only they could understand. Arnold, standing beside them, maintained a blank expression, staring at a point in the air, waiting for the conversation to end.

"Sir Arkvist, I believe your territory is to the west of Baron Koenitz's...?"

"Yes, I have been granted a piece of the Bessel Great Forest and am working on its development. I understand that Baron Oggolen's territory is located to the south of the Northwestern region."

"You know well. That's correct."

According to the information Noein had received from Arnold, Baron Oggolen's territory was about a week's journey southeast of Baron Koenitz's.

It was not particularly notable land but had a significant amount of arable land and was known as a granary.

"Although our territories are some distance apart, since we share a fondness for beastkin slaves, I hope we can be good friends. If you have any problems, feel free to consult me, and even if not, come visit anytime."

"Thank you. I would be honored to have you visit my territory as well. You are always welcome."

Noein and Baron Oggolen shook hands again firmly.

For nobles, forming a pure friendship free from self-interest is very difficult. In this regard, Noein's encounter with Baron Oggolen was very fortunate.

"...Shall we move on?"

"Yes, my apologies, Baron Koenitz. I am grateful for the introduction of Sir Arkvist."

"I am glad you enjoyed it. I had a feeling you would be pleased to meet Sir Arkvist."

Arnold smiled, albeit with a hint of exasperation, in response to Baron Oggolen.

After leaving the baron's side, Arnold spoke to Noein.

"I thought you two would get along, but it was more than I expected."

"Other nobles often don't understand, but Matilda is irreplaceable to me. I want to show off her beauty and strength. Meeting someone who can share this with me is a rare and precious opportunity in my life."

"...I see. I don't quite understand, but I'm glad you're so happy."

"Did I get carried away? I apologize, it was embarrassing..."

Noein, slightly embarrassed by his uncharacteristic enthusiasm in a social setting, responded.

Thinking that the round of greetings was almost complete, Arnold looked around and saw the Marquis Behotrsheim, the faction's leader, approaching.

"Baron Koenitz. Has Sir Arkvist finished his greetings?"

"Marquis Behotrsheim. He has met all the attendees. The Northwestern nobles should now be aware of Sir Arkvist."

"Good. Then I would like to introduce his gift... Sir Arkvist, are you ready?"

"Yes. I am honored to have the opportunity to speak here as a young noble."

"Very well. I am also very interested in the new weapon against bandits. This banquet tends to be the same every year, so it will be a pleasure to see something unusual."

With that, the Marquis Behotrsheim led Noein to the front of the banquet hall.

The attendees, seeing this, fell silent and turned their attention to them.