Chapter 74

"It's a noble family that can't be easily discarded, huh..."

"Yes. Even if I were welcomed by the Northwestern Faction as an 'excellent young noble who accomplished the eradication of bandits,' I would still be a mere knight. If I were to ever oppose Count Kivireft in the future, there's a possibility that I could be discarded by you."

The Duke of Bechtholdsheim wanted to say, "That won't happen; I'll protect you as a comrade in the faction," but his position as the leader of the Northwestern Faction did not allow him to do so.

Count Kivireft belongs to the faction in the southeastern part of the kingdom. The northern part of the kingdom, which is mainly engaged in mining, and the southern part, which is prosperous in maritime trade, have traditionally had a poor relationship due to their different customs.

If the Arquvist territory and the Kivireft territory were to oppose each other, it could lead to a conflict between the Northwestern and Southeastern factions.

Moreover, due to the prosperity of trade with the Southern Continent, the southern part of the kingdom is more developed than the northern part. In a full-scale conflict, the Northwestern part would be at a disadvantage. In such a case, it might be necessary to sacrifice the Arquvist territory to maintain the stability of the entire Northwestern region.

"That's why I tried to become one of the central nobles in the Northwestern Faction by providing many gifts and contributing to the military and social development of the Northwestern part of the kingdom. To rise from a state of having no connections to a key figure in the faction, I intended to offer the crossbow and potatoes from the beginning."

"Indeed... If the Northwestern part of the kingdom were to change dramatically due to the crossbow and potatoes, your position in the Northwestern Faction would become solid."

"Yes. Besides, the crossbow and potatoes would eventually leak out of the territory anyway. I thought it would be better to provide them to a close faction and spread them as quickly as possible. It's better for close friends to become strong rather than distant strangers."

Noein's smile became a bit mischievous.

"Furthermore, I aim to develop the Northwestern part of the kingdom and gain more power and influence over other factions by spreading powerful weapons and establishing a stable food supply."

"To ensure peace by making the Northwestern part of the kingdom a strong shield for my territory and gaining an important position within the faction. Is that what you mean?"

"To be honest, that's exactly what I mean. This is my sincere intention, and I plan to continue providing the technology and knowledge developed in my territory to the faction on this basis."

In other words, Noein was saying to the Northwestern Faction, "Become strong and protect me. I will provide the technology and knowledge for that."

It was a rather arrogant and presumptuous way of thinking, but considering his ability to mass-produce crossbows and establish efficient potato cultivation methods in just under two years while developing a frontier, it was not just empty talk.

"Ha ha ha! Your thinking is interesting! Your excessive desire for the peace of your territory may seem cowardly, but your decisiveness in giving up the seeds of profit to achieve that peace is brave. It's not very noble-like, but I like it."

"Thank you. I am not a typical noble from the start. I just want to protect the peace and happiness of myself and my people."

"I see. Then, as the leader of the Northwestern Faction, I will protect your peace. I will make good use of the technology and information you provide to the faction. Let's work together to develop the Northwestern Faction."

"Yes, although I am still young, I will do my best to contribute to the Northwestern Faction."

The Duke of Bechtholdsheim and Noein shook hands firmly, looking into each other's eyes.

...

After the contract with the nobles, the conversation with the Duke of Bechtholdsheim, and the dinner invitation from the Duke, Noein and Matilda returned to their inn late at night.

"Welcome back, Master Noein~"

"You look pretty exhausted."

Rosetta and Pense, who was on guard duty at the inn today, greeted them.

"I'm so tired... really tired. I can't do anything today. Just the contract with the nobles was exhausting, and then the Duke of Bechtholdsheim probed my intentions. I've never been so nervous before."

While Noein was taking off his coat and collapsing onto the bed, Pense asked, "Was the Duke of Bechtholdsheim that tough?"

"Yes. From my perspective, he was so tough that even Viscount Keinitz seemed like a mere pawn. I could feel his determination to extract my true intentions."

Matilda responded while looking at the exhausted Noein.

"I see... That must have been tough. Good job."

"Thanks, Pense... Seriously, the leader of the Northwestern Faction is scary. He is indeed the most powerful noble in this region. It's a good thing he became an ally."

It was fortunate that the Duke of Bechtholdsheim valued practical benefits over formalities. If he had been the type to say, "It's outrageous for a low-ranking noble to try to use a faction!" Noein's plans would have been in vain.

Although he was not too worried because he had heard about the Duke's character from Viscount Keinitz and had assessed his personality during the dinner, he could not be complacent until the results were clear. He did not know where the sensitivities of a great noble lay.

"Being a lord is tough~"

"Absolutely. I could never do it."

"I'd rather avoid complicated social interactions and stay in Noeina all the time. But since our territory is still small, we need to strengthen our connections with other nobles... I think things will be much easier from now on thanks to this success."

By gaining the recognition of the leader of the Northwestern Faction and doing favors for the faction's nobles, Noein had secured a strong position within the faction. This marked his rise from an unknown minor noble to a powerful noble respected in the region.

Despite the many worries, his participation in the dinner and his conversation with the Duke of Bechtholdsheim could be considered a great success.

"Still... while I was working hard, you two seem to have enjoyed the sightseeing in Bechten a lot. I gave you the days off, but still..."

Noein looked at Pense and Rosetta, who were enjoying some baked goods and a uniquely scented tea as a midnight snack, with a slightly annoyed expression.

"Thanks to you, we had a great time in the big city. Here are the souvenirs."

"Would you like some tea and sweets, Master Noein and Miss Matilda~?"

"Sure. Matilda, come sit next to me."

"Yes, Master Noein."

With Matilda by his side, Noein munched on the baked goods and finally took a moment to relax and heal from the day's fatigue.

...

Exactly ten days after leaving Noeina for the dinner, it was now the end of the year, and Noein's party returned safely to Noeina.

"Beloved home!"

"Welcome back~!"

The carriage door opened, and Noein jumped out, followed by the excited Rosetta and the expressionless Matilda.

"Quite a childish entrance for someone who has been away for so long, Lord."

As usual, the steward Yuri, who had been acting as the lord in Noein's absence, greeted them with a bemused expression.

Others who had managed the territory in Noein's absence were also lined up to welcome him, including Mary and Kimberly, who had maintained the mansion as maids.

"Because it's the first time I've been away from the Arquvist territory for so long since becoming a lord. I missed the land."

"I see. At least you're back safely. How about reporting to the stewards?"

"Since everyone is here, let's do it now... In short, it was a great success."

"That's the best news."

Noein, grinning, was greeted by the others as well.

"Welcome back, Master Noein."

"Thank you for your hard work. Socializing with so many nobles must have been tough."

"Thanks. It was tough, but the results were significant. I don't think I want to do it again anytime soon."

He complained to Anna and Edgar, who offered their words of encouragement.

"I worked hard even while you were away, Master Noein! I have new reports too!"

"The crossbows are ready for export at any time!"

"Good job, both of you. I'm glad you're so dedicated, but are you getting enough rest?"

He praised the overworked and slightly manic-eyed Christie and Damian.

"Master Noein! The mansion is spotless!"

"You can rest, bathe, and eat whenever you want."

"Good job. Rosetta bought a lot of souvenirs for you two, so look forward to them."

He smiled at the energetic Mary and the serious Kimberly.

Surrounded by his devoted stewards, slaves, and servants, Noein entered the mansion.

Noein's first major diplomatic effort had ended with significant achievements and considerable fatigue.