“Everyone. I believe each of you has already exchanged greetings, but allow me to reintroduce myself as the leader. This is Sir Noein Earlkvist, a new comrade who has joined our faction in the Northwest.”
Introduced in this manner by Marquis Bechtolsheim, Noein placed his right hand over his left chest and bowed respectfully to the attendees of the banquet. This was the gesture of courtesy shown by nobles to their superiors.
“Many of you may have already heard, but this Earlkvist is the hero who put an end to the recent bandit troubles. Despite governing a small territory of only about 200 people, he has demonstrated his valor by annihilating a bandit group of the same size.”
As the marquis made this introduction, the nobles leaned in close to whisper amongst themselves. Noein had no way of knowing how they were evaluating him through their conversation.
“This outstanding young man has joined our ranks at the introduction of Viscount Kivileft. Let us welcome this new companion!”
As the marquis called out, scattered applause erupted among the nobles.
Some offered hearty applause, like Baron Oggoren, while others, like Count Marzel, clapped with a cold expression, merely fulfilling their duty.
Noein thought to himself that this was about what he expected. In a faction that was tightly knit, for better or worse, a newcomer of unclear origins would not be unanimously welcomed with open arms.
“Now, the reason I sought your attention was not just to encourage a warm welcome for Sir Earlkvist. It is also to introduce a gift he has brought with him.”
Upon hearing this, the nobles stirred with curiosity.
Only a few—those close to the marquis, such as Arnold, the one who introduced Noein, and Count Marzel—knew about the gift of the crossbow.
“Then, I shall ask you to present it, Lord Earlkvist.”
“Yes… Then, on behalf of Marquis Bechtolsheim, I will explain. The gift I have brought is a new weapon that served as a trump card in our fight against the bandits in my territory.”
At the mention of a new weapon, the murmurs among the nobles grew louder; they seemed intrigued.
As Noein spoke, Pence, who had been waiting in a separate room, entered the banquet hall holding a crossbow.
“This is the new weapon developed in my Earlkvist territory. It has been named a crossbow by the skilled craftsman Damian who created it. You will see at a glance that it is a weapon that represents an evolution of the bow.”
As Pence raised the crossbow for the nobles to see, they moved closer, eager to observe it. Curiosity and the intent to assess the crossbow’s usefulness were evident in their eyes.
“The innovation of the crossbow lies in its ability to maintain the drawn state without exerting muscle strength, and in being able to shoot arrows straight at the enemy without training simply by aiming it at them… It would be quicker for you to see it in action than for me to explain it with words.”
As Noein said this, he looked at Pence, who nodded and pulled back the string of the crossbow. This demonstration had already been communicated to and approved by Marquis Bechtolsheim in advance.
The target was a suit of plate armor covered by a sack of wheat, prepared as a target resembling a human knight.
“Now, please watch closely, everyone.”
At Noein’s signal, Pence aimed the crossbow at the plate armor.
As Pence pulled the trigger, the arrow was released with a sharp “whoosh” that cut through the air.
The arrow flew true, piercing the plate armor and embedding itself deeply into the sack of wheat. It was clear to everyone that if this had been a human, it would have been a fatal blow.
“Oh!” “To pierce through plate armor so easily…” gasps of surprise arose among the nobles.
With a conventional bow, there was no guarantee of penetrating plate armor solely with arm strength.
However, the crossbow, which did not require human strength to support the drawn string, could significantly increase its power compared to a regular bow. This weapon, with more than enough power, must have appeared highly attractive to the nobles who had to defend their territories.
“Furthermore, this crossbow can be used with far less training than a bow. In just a few days, a mere farmer could become an excellent archer.”
With Noein’s explanation, the nobles grew even more excited. The advantages of this crossbow were truly revolutionary.
“Ladies and gentlemen. Despite developing such a powerful weapon in his territory, Lord Earlkvist has generously chosen to reveal and sell it to us, the nobles of the Northwest faction. Let us express our gratitude for his contribution to our faction!”
As Marquis Bechtolsheim called out, the nobles surrounded Noein with a larger applause.
They began to gather around him, bombarding him with questions like, “How much will you sell it for?” “When can we receive it at the earliest?” “Is it possible to purchase it today?” The same individuals who had initially looked at Noein with cold eyes were now eagerly reversing their attitudes.
“Hmph, it’s amusing how they all flock to this so-called new weapon, which is so dubious in nature.”
Count Marzel scoffed as he observed the nobles.
“While you say that, you do understand the extraordinary nature of that weapon, don’t you?”
“Indeed, I acknowledge that it is a groundbreaking invention. However, a weapon that can be used without any training… for someone with the pride of a warrior, such a tool is hardly respectable.”
Even when addressed by Marquis Bechtolsheim, Count Marzel did not stop wearing an unpleasant expression. For him, who held a strong sense of pride as a knight, the idea that anyone could easily take a life with a single finger using the crossbow seemed to be an unpleasant thought.
“Well, well, I understand Lord Marzel’s feelings, but… I find it quite delightful that such a talented young man has appeared to bring in something new.”
The speaker was Count Anton Shvalov, who held a voice in the Northwest faction that rivaled Count Marzel’s.
Count Shvalov, who owned territory near the border with the central kingdom, had established a strong position by supporting transportation and commerce between the central and northwest regions. He was known as a moderate due to his role as a liaison with the central area.
As the three prominent figures of the Northwest faction engaged in conversation, Viscount Arnold Kivileft, the fourth-ranking member of the faction, joined them.
“Oh, Viscount Kivileft. That newcomer has brought an excellent gift. You must take great credit for attracting him to the Northwest faction.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency Bechtolsheim. However, I haven’t played a significant role in this.”
Arnold felt uncomfortable being praised for merely introducing Noein to the Northwest faction.
“It’s been a while since a new noble family joined the Northwest faction… but I don’t think anyone has captured the hearts of the nobles so swiftly as he has.”
As they observed Noein still surrounded by the nobles, Count Shvalov spoke.
“Yes, that is likely the case… and I believe he will achieve great results in the future. Just in our interactions as neighbors, I’ve often felt the impact of his extraordinary abilities.”
Arnold’s voice carried a hint of resignation.
“Sir Noein Earlkvist… He may not seem particularly valiant, but it’s clear from his words and actions that he is intelligent. There’s an unfathomable aspect to him as well; he is an intriguing man.”
Marquis Bechtolsheim said with a confident smile.
