“A dinner party, huh… I’ve never experienced a gathering of nobles before, and it seems like I’ll have to be careful with a lot of things. I know I’m the one who suggested it, but now I’m feeling a little depressed about it.”
“It’s really too late to be saying that now.”
As Noein grumbled right when he was about to board the carriage, Yuri, who was beside him, responded with a look of exasperation.
In the blink of an eye, December had arrived, and Noein was about to leave the capital of his territory, Noeina, to attend the Northwestern faction’s dinner party.
“Looking at it now, it certainly looks like a proper noble’s carriage.”
“Well, it better be. I spent a significant amount of money getting it refurbished, so it’d be a problem if it didn’t look good.”
The carriage, which Noein was about to board, was a dedicated one for the Arlkvist baronet family. It had been passed down from Viscount Arnold Keinitz and refurbished at the workshop in Retvik—where Damian used to work.
The carriage was a two-horse box coach that could accommodate up to four people excluding the coachman, with some space at the back for luggage. Originally, it had a bright and lavish appearance, but now it was painted black, exuding a calm and dignified atmosphere.
“With this, I think it will hold up well against other influential nobles in the faction. Really, nobles are such a hassle.”
“It’s just like you, Noein-sama, to call things like that a hassle,” Anna said with a wry smile, having come to see him off.
“Well, I was born into a count’s family, but I’ve been completely detached from noble society up until now. A large noble faction’s dinner party being my first social event… I might be a bit nervous.”
“You say that, but I bet you’ll just sweet-talk the other nobles and come back with more allies.”
“Who knows? I’ve had complete victories over Viscount Keinitz so far, but there might be tougher opponents among the higher-ranking nobles.”
Despite his words, Noein wore a carefree grin, showing no sign of tension. Yuri and Anna, knowing Noein, didn’t seem worried at all, as they couldn’t imagine him losing a battle of wits.
“Noein-sama, we’re ready to depart. We can leave anytime,” said Pence, who had been tasked with accompanying them as a guard on horseback. Due to the winter season, he wore a thick cloak over his leather armor.
“Alright. Well, Yuri, Anna, take care of the territory while I’m gone.”
“Leave it to me. You’ll be gone for about ten days, right?”
“Yeah, I’ll be staying a few days over there too.”
The dinner party was to be held in the territory of Marquis Bechtoldshaime, the leader of the Northwestern faction, east of Viscount Keinitz’s land.
It would take about three days by carriage to reach the capital city, Bechtria. Since he was traveling to such a grand city, Noein planned to stay for a few days to broaden his knowledge.
“Got it. We’ll handle the territory’s affairs while you’re away, so don’t worry.”
“Take care, Noein-sama.”
With farewells from Yuri, Anna, and other servants and slaves, Noein and his group departed from Noeina, the capital of his territory.
The sight of the elegant carriage, clearly of high quality, drew admiring gazes from the townspeople as they watched Noein’s departure.
…
“Traveling becomes so much easier when you ride in something like this. I’m getting sleepy,” Noein murmured in a relaxed voice while gazing out the window.
In the past, whenever Noein left Noeina, he had to endure the rough ride in a cart. Traveling long distances in a cart, which was never designed for comfort, was always exhausting.
Now, riding in a well-cushioned noble’s carriage equipped with suspension, the difference was striking. To top it off, a magical heating device kept the inside warm, despite the freezing winter outside. It was no wonder that Noein felt drowsy.
“If you’d like, please use me as a pillow and rest. You must be tired,” Mathilda offered, concerned for Noein, who had been working extra hard to prepare the territory for his ten-day absence.
“That sounds nice. I’ll take you up on that… Oh, and Rosetta, you can relax too. Don’t worry about me.”
“Yes, I’m fine~” Rosetta, the maid sitting across from Noein, replied calmly in her usual unhurried manner, showing no signs of nervousness.
With that, Noein laid his head on Mathilda’s lap and quickly drifted off to sleep.
For this journey, Noein was accompanied by a total of five people. Bart, the coachman, Pence and Radley, who served as guards on horseback, and the maids, Rosetta and Mathilda.
While Pence and Radley guarded the front and back of the carriage, Bart sat outside at the reins. Inside, it was just Noein, Mathilda, and Rosetta.
“Hehe.”
“…Is something wrong?”
“No, no~. I just thought that Noein-sama must truly trust and love you, Mathilda-san,” Rosetta said, smiling warmly at Mathilda.
It was only natural for Rosetta to think so, seeing Noein sleeping so peacefully and contentedly with his head on Mathilda’s lap.
“You’re the only one Noein-sama feels this comfortable enough to rely on like this, Mathilda-san. You’re really amazing~”
“…Thank you,” Mathilda replied, trying not to let her slight embarrassment show, though she couldn’t help but worry that her face might be turning red.
・・・・・
After entering the Viscount Keinitz’s territory, passing through Retvik, and heading further east, they spent the night in a small town. The next day, they crossed into the Marquisate of Bechtelheim, staying in another small town along the way.
On the evening of the following day, Noein and his party finally reached their destination, the city of Bechtoria.
This city, the capital of the Bechtelheim Marquisate, boasted a population of 30,000, making it a vast metropolis. The height and length of the city walls were incomparable not only to the wooden palisades of the capital Noeina but even to the walls of Retvik.
“This is… amazing!”
“Is this your first time in a big city, Rosetta?”
Noein asked Rosetta, who was gazing in awe at the scenery through the carriage window.
Incidentally, Noein and Mathilda had grown up in a city just as large as Bechtoria, so they weren’t particularly surprised.
“Yes, I grew up in a small town, so this is the first time I’ve seen such a large city!”
“I see. Since you’re here, take the chance to enjoy your stay. I’ll give you some time off, so feel free to explore.”
“Really!? Thank you so much!”
Rosetta’s eyes lit up with joy, and Noein smiled, nodding at her enthusiasm.
While they spoke, the carriage continued down the streets of Bechtoria and eventually arrived at their destination, an inn.
This inn, located along a main road near the city’s center, catered to nobles, wealthy merchants, and affluent farmers. It had been recommended to Noein by Viscount Arnold Keinitz, who was also staying there.
As they approached, a staff member stood by the entrance, promptly rushing to open the carriage door as it stopped.
Noein thanked the attendant as he stepped out of the carriage, and at that moment, an older man, likely the inn’s manager, emerged from the entrance.
“Welcome, Sir Noein Earlkvist. We’ve been informed of your arrival by Viscount Keinitz. I am the manager of this establishment.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Noein replied courteously, though inwardly, he was a bit surprised.
Viscount Keinitz had mentioned that he would arrive in Bechtoria ahead of them and had recommended this inn, but Noein hadn’t expected him to go so far as to arrange their stay in advance.
The manager seemed to recognize Noein immediately, likely because Viscount Keinitz had described his appearance—particularly that of a young man accompanied by a rabbitfolk slave.
“Allow me to show you to your rooms. We’ll have the staff take care of your luggage.”
“Please do… Pence will stay with me, while Radley and Bart will join us tomorrow.”
“Aye.”
“We’re staying at another inn just a bit further back.”
This inn, designed for the wealthy, included two small servant rooms attached to the main one. However, since one room was reserved for Rosetta, it wouldn’t be possible for all three of Pence’s men to stay. Therefore, they had decided that while Pence would stay with Noein, Radley and Bart would lodge at a nearby inn for commoners.
After briefly parting ways with Bart and Radley, only Noein, Mathilda, Rosetta, and Pence entered the inn.
The manager led them down the hallway while exchanging pleasantries, such as, “I’ve heard of your accomplishments from Viscount Keinitz.”
Once they arrived at their room, the manager added, “Viscount Keinitz instructed us to notify him upon your arrival, so I expect he will visit shortly.”
With that, the manager left.
“Phew… I’m not used to this sort of treatment—people bowing and flattering me like I’m some kind of noble,” Noein muttered, sinking onto the bed with a sigh of relief now that they were alone.
“Shall I prepare some tea, Sir Noein?” Mathilda offered.
“Thanks, Mathilda. Let’s have tea together with the four of us.”
“I’ll help as well!” Rosetta chimed in cheerfully.
While Mathilda and Rosetta prepared the tea, Noein and Pence sat at the table provided in the room.
“Viscount Keinitz must be quite considerate, going so far as to make arrangements for your stay,” Pence remarked.
“Well, I did give him quite a scare when we met after the bandit incident. He’s been rather accommodating since then, though it’s not very challenging for me now.”
“That sounds like something you’d say, Sir Noein.”
As they chatted, a knock came at the door, followed by a familiar voice.
“Sir Earlkvist, are you in?”
It was Viscount Arnold Keinitz.
“Ugh, already? His timing couldn’t be worse,” Noein groaned.
“He can probably hear you,” Pence quipped.
“What should we do about the tea, Sir Noein?” Mathilda asked.
“We’ll just have it while we talk. Mathilda and Pence, stay behind me for protection. Rosetta, I’ll need you to serve.”
“As you wish.”
“Understood.”
“Got it~”
With the unexpectedly early visit from Viscount Keinitz, Noein reluctantly prepared to meet him. They were about to discuss the upcoming banquet for the Northwestern faction and go over the main attendees, as well as how to introduce Noein.
