Chapter 71

"Gentlemen. I believe everyone has already greeted each other, but I would like to introduce him again as your leader. This is Sir Noein Alquvist, a new comrade who has joined our Northwestern faction."

Introduced by the Duke of Bechtholdsheim, Noein placed his right hand on his left chest and bowed respectfully to the attendees of the banquet. It was a gesture of respect that nobles showed to their superiors.

"Many of you have probably already heard, but this Sir Alquvist is the hero who quelled the recent bandit unrest. Despite governing a small territory with a population of only about 200, he demonstrated martial prowess by annihilating a bandit gang of 200."

As the Duke introduced him, the nobles leaned in and whispered to each other. Noein couldn't tell what they were saying about him.

"This excellent young man has joined our faction through the introduction of Viscount Keinitz. Let us welcome this new comrade."

At the Duke's call, the nobles began to clap. Some, like Baron Oggolen, clapped heartily to show genuine welcome, while others, like Count Marzelle, clapped half-heartedly with a cold expression.

Noein thought this was to be expected. In a faction known for its strong unity or, more negatively, for being tightly knit among insiders, a newcomer of unknown origin would not be welcomed with open arms.

"Now, I did not gather your attention just to welcome Sir Alquvist. I also want to introduce the gift he has brought."

As the Duke spoke, the nobles stirred slightly.

Only Arnold, who introduced Noein, the Duke of Bechtholdsheim, and a few others close to the Duke, such as Count Marzelle, knew about the crossbow.

"Please, Sir Alquvist."

"Yes... On behalf of His Grace the Duke of Bechtholdsheim, I will explain. The gift I have brought is a new weapon that played a crucial role in my territory's bandit suppression."

The nobles' murmurs grew louder at the mention of a new weapon. They seemed intrigued.

While Noein was speaking, Pense, who had been waiting in another room, entered the banquet hall with the crossbow in hand.

"This is the new weapon developed in my Alquvist territory. It is called a crossbow, named by the skilled craftsman Damian who created it. As you can see, it is an evolved form of the bow."

The nobles moved closer to get a better look at the crossbow Pense held up as Noein explained. Their eyes were filled with curiosity and a desire to assess the crossbow's usefulness.

"The innovation of the crossbow lies in its ability to maintain the string tension without using muscle power and to shoot an arrow straight without training simply by aiming it at the enemy... It would be faster to show you rather than explain it."

Noein looked at Pense, who nodded and drew the string of the crossbow. The demonstration of a live shot had been pre-approved by the Duke of Bechtholdsheim.

The target was a burlap bag placed over a suit of plate armor, designed to resemble a human knight.

"Let me show you. Please pay attention, everyone."

At Noein's signal, Pense aimed the crossbow at the plate armor.

When Pense pulled the trigger, the arrow was released with a "swish" sound, piercing the plate armor and deeply embedding itself in the burlap bag. It was clear to everyone that this would be a fatal wound if it were a human.

"Oh!" "It pierced the plate armor so easily..." The nobles were amazed.

With a regular bow, it was not always certain that an arrow would penetrate plate armor.

However, the crossbow, which did not require continuous muscle power to maintain the string tension, could significantly increase its power compared to a regular bow. This weapon, with its superior power, was undoubtedly very appealing to the nobles who maintained their own armies and protected their territories.

"Furthermore, this crossbow can be mastered with far less training than a regular bow. In just a few days, an ordinary farmer can become an excellent archer."

Noein's explanation further excited the nobles. The benefits of this crossbow were truly revolutionary.

"Gentlemen. Despite developing such a powerful weapon in his territory, Sir Alquvist has not kept it secret but is willing to sell it to us, the nobles of the Northwestern faction. Let us show our gratitude for his contribution to our faction."

At the Duke's call, the nobles applauded Noein loudly.

They gathered around him, bombarding him with questions: "How much will you sell it for?" "When can we get it the soonest?" "Can we buy it today?"

Even those who had initially looked at Noein with cold eyes now seemed to have changed their tune.

"Hmph, it's no wonder they all jumped at this unknown new weapon."

Count Marzelle, who was watching the nobles with disdain, muttered.

"Even so, you must understand the power of that weapon, right?"

"Indeed, I admit it is a groundbreaking invention. However, a weapon that can be used without training... It undermines the pride of warriors."

Despite the Duke's words, Count Marzelle's displeasure was evident. For a knight with strong pride, the crossbow, which could easily take a life with just a finger, was an uninteresting tool.

"Well, well, I understand your feelings, Count Marzelle... But I am pleased to see a capable young man bringing something new to our faction."

Joining the conversation was Count Anton Schvarov, who had equal influence in the Northwestern faction alongside Count Marzelle.

Count Schvarov, whose territory bordered the central part of the kingdom, held a strong position by protecting and supporting the traffic and trade between the central and northwestern regions. Known for his moderate stance as a liaison with the central region, he added his voice to the discussion.

As the three senior members of the Northwestern faction conversed, Viscount Arnold Keinitz, the fourth-ranking member of the faction, joined them.

"Oh, Viscount Keinitz. That new recruit brought a wonderful gift. You have done a great service by bringing him into the Northwestern faction."

"Thank you, Your Grace Bechtholdsheim. But I didn't play a significant role."

Arnold had only connected Noein to the Northwestern faction at his request. Being praised for such a minor role made him feel uncomfortable.

"It's been a long time since a new noble family joined the Northwestern faction... But I don't think anyone has ever captured the hearts of the nobles so quickly, have they?"

Count Schvarov said, watching Noein, who was still surrounded by the nobles.

"Yes, probably not... And I believe he will achieve great things in the future. Even just interacting with him as a neighbor, I have often felt his extraordinary nature."

Arnold's voice carried a hint of resignation.

"Sir Noein Alquvist... He may not be a bold type, but his intelligence is evident from his words and actions. He has an unpredictable side, but he is an interesting man."

The Duke of Bechtholdsheim said with a sly smile.