The settlement in the Earlkvist territory, which had already exceeded a population of 50 by accepting refugees and displaced people, was developing day by day.
In this ever-evolving settlement, it had become customary for the lord and his retainers to gather for meetings several times a month, a practice that began some time ago.
On this day as well, a meeting was held at Noein’s mansion, attended by Noein, the lord, along with his adjutant Mathilda, head retainer Yuri, and the retainers Pence, Radley, Bart, Mai, Edgar, and Anna.
Yuri, the head retainer, gave a report on the mining site.
Pence, who was responsible for maintaining order within the territory during the absence of the head retainer, provided his report.
Radley, who patrolled the area around the settlement, gave his report.
Bart, the person in charge of procurement, reported on the situation in Retvik.
Edgar, responsible for agriculture and coordinating with the farmers in the settlement, also gave his report.
Anna, the financial officer, provided an update on the territory’s economic situation.
Noein listened to these reports to get a comprehensive understanding of the state of his territory, while Mathilda, sitting beside him, served as the secretary, taking notes on each report.
Though there wasn’t always a major issue to report, it was still useful to share even small pieces of information for smoother territory management. That was why they held these meetings regularly.
After the main reports were done, Noein addressed the group.
“Alright, if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to speak up.”
Mathilda promptly raised her hand.
“My lord, may I make a suggestion?”
“Of course, what is it?”
It was rare for Mathilda, who usually focused on supporting Noein, to propose something herself. Curious, Noein gave her permission to speak.
“This settlement has now grown to over 50 people, houses have been built, and it has reached the scale where it could be called a village. I thought it might be time to give this place an official name. What do you think?”
“Hmm, a name, huh…”
Indeed, as Mathilda said, it was no longer necessary to continue calling it the “Earlkvist Territory Settlement,” a rather bland name.
“Having a proper village name would be more convenient when dealing with others.”
“Up until now, we’ve only been able to explain it as ‘the settlement in Earlkvist Barony,’ after all,” agreed Yuri, with Bart, who frequently interacted with people outside the territory due to his procurement duties in Retvik, nodding in agreement. The other retainers also responded positively.
“Alright, let’s go ahead and start thinking of a proper name. Thank you for the suggestion, Mathilda.”
“I’m glad I could be of service.”
Mathilda answered in her usual calm manner, but there was a faint smile on her lips, pleased to have been helpful to Noein.
“That said, coming up with a name right away won’t be easy.”
This place was set to become the center of the Earlkvist Barony, and if the territory developed as planned, it would eventually be called the capital of the territory. Such an important name would require careful consideration.
As Noein pondered this, Mathilda raised her hand again.
“My lord, if I may, I have a suggestion for the name.”
“You’ve already thought of one? I’d love to hear it.”
Noein, feeling a bit happy at how proactive Mathilda was today, encouraged her to continue.
“Then… how about naming it ‘Noeina,’ after your name, my lord?”
“Huh?”
Noein was startled by the straightforwardness of the suggestion.
“My lord, you have laid the foundation of the Earlkvist Barony in less than a year. I believe that with your exceptional leadership, you will continue to expand this territory. Your name deserves to be eternally engraved upon this land. I think it would be fitting to use your name for the name of the capital. What do you think?”
“W-wait a second. Mathilda, I truly appreciate the sentiment, and I understand what you’re saying, but isn’t that a bit too much?”
As Noein glanced at the others, hoping for some backup, Yuri and Pence nodded without hesitation.
“I think it’s perfect.”
“Yeah, it suits the place.”
“Wait, hold on a second?”
Radley, Mai, Bart, Edgar, and Anna all quickly voiced their agreement, leaving Noein as the only one saying, “Wait, wait.”
“Are you all sure? Isn’t that a little too much like just using my name?”
“It’s not unusual to name towns or villages after the first lord.”
“Even Retvik was named after the first lord, Ludwik Keinitz.”
Yuri added, with Anna, who was from Retvik, confirming it.
Noein knew that many towns and villages had such origins. Logically, he could understand Mathilda’s suggestion. However, the idea of using his name directly and having it unanimously approved so quickly left him feeling somewhat embarrassed.
“Isn’t it kind of… embarrassing? I’ll be introducing myself as ‘Noein, lord of Earlkvist, and our capital is Noeina’ for the rest of my life, right? It feels a bit… awkward.”
Seeing Noein blushing as he said this, the retainers couldn’t help but smile. Normally, Noein would have a confident and mischievous smile on his face, but now he looked more like a boy his age.
After all, Noein had only just reached adulthood this year, still half a boy at heart, the youngest among them. They were reminded of that at this moment.
“Even so, I don’t think there’s a better name than ‘Noeina’ now that Mathilda has proposed it. Everyone else agrees, right?”
At Yuri’s words, the other retainers nodded immediately. Noein still seemed unsure as to why everyone was so fond of the name.
“All of us here, as well as the other inhabitants of the territory, have been given a new way of life thanks to you. When we had no hope for the future, you gave us opportunities and hope. That’s why we all feel grateful to you. If the name of the capital is Noeina, everyone will accept it. In fact, no other name would be as fitting.”
Yuri spoke earnestly, meeting Noein’s eyes. The others followed suit, looking at Noein with the same sincerity.
Under their collective gaze, Noein considered for a moment, then smiled softly.
“…Alright, ‘Noeina’ it is. I’ll strive to be a lord worthy of the name.”
Thus, the village’s name was decided. Just like that, it was settled.
