Chapter 65

In the Earlkvist territory, a band of thieves was defeated.

The news spread first to the neighboring Viscount Keinitz territory and then to the surrounding noble lands.

The nobles and the public who heard the news were astonished that a small territory with a population of just about 200 had managed to defeat a large band of thieves, feeling relieved that “there’s no longer any need to fear the threat of bandits.”

Amidst this, one person felt more anxiety than relief—Arnold Keinitz, the Viscount.

“Lord Arnold, the Earlkvist Earl has arrived. He is waiting in the reception room.”

“Ah, I’ll go there right away.”

Responding to the servant’s report, Arnold tried to reply in a calm voice. However, his face was pale. This was only natural.

Arnold had spread a rumor to divert the thieves to the Earlkvist territory. Naturally, the Earl of Earlkvist would have noticed this, and he would likely have a suspicion about the source of the rumor.

In the original plan, the forces of Viscount Keinitz were supposed to deliver the finishing blow to the thieves while assisting the weakened Earlkvist territory, thus creating the fact that they had “saved Earlkvist territory.”

Yet, the Earl of Earlkvist had managed to defeat the thieves on his own.

The Earl of Earlkvist would probably harbor resentment towards Arnold. Moreover, the Earl was a sharp-witted man.

Who in the world would want to confront someone who is both resentful and clever?

Having requested a meeting with the Earl of Earlkvist, Arnold made his way to the reception room of the mansion, filled with great anxiety about what he would be told on that day.

…

“Long time no see, Viscount Keinitz.”

“…Ah, it’s good to see you are well, Earlkvist.”

“Yes, thanks to you, I’m in good health.”

As he said this, Noein dropped his facade of a good-natured smile and flashed a defiant grin.

Seeing that wicked smile, Arnold trembled. It was a stark contrast to the gentle smile he had been shown until now. Is this how he truly smiles?

Mathilda and Bart, who stood behind Noein, also emanated a subtle cold killing intent. This made even the soldiers guarding Arnold tense up.

“By the way, I heard the bandits have drifted your way. I’ve been told that you all managed to defeat them. Quite a brave story, indeed.”

Arnold knew he must not be caught off guard. He had to somehow take control of the conversation…

“Yes, it was a large band of thieves, so I felt quite anxious, but… we managed to handle it with a new weapon developed by skilled craftsmen in our territory.”

“A… new weapon?”

“Yes… allow me to show you.”

Noein turned around and signaled with his eyes, and Bart nodded before placing a bag he was holding on the table in the reception room.

He deliberately set it down with a loud “bang,” and since it was touted as a “new weapon,” Arnold’s guards instinctively reached for their swords. Arnold restrained them with a hand and examined the weapon that emerged from the bag.

“This is… I see. A weapon that compensates for the strength and technique required to wield a bow.”

“As expected of Lord Keinitz, that is precisely correct.”

Arnold prided himself on not being dull-witted. Seeing a device that resembled a wooden base with a bow fitted into it, he quickly understood what advantages it held.

“The craftsman who developed this named it a crossbow, after a character from a heroic tale. It is a weapon that allows anyone to become an archer without long years of training.”

“Anyone can become an archer… Then, even inexperienced farmers can be turned into a sufficient fighting force. So, this is how you defeated the bandits.”

“Exactly. We have over 100 of these in our territory. Even an army of 200 is no match for us.”

In reality, there were still fewer than 50, but Noein was bluffing. Arnold would never find out the truth by merely inflating the numbers.

Arnold concealed his agitation while maintaining a calm expression, but inside, he was shaken.

If they indeed had 100 of these, it meant that Earlkvist territory possessed a battalion of 100 archers.

Moreover, Noein had stated, “Even an army of 200 is no match for us.” To Arnold, this sounded like a veiled suggestion that “the forces of Viscount Keinitz would also be no match.”

“And we have my golem as well.”

“Oh, you mean that thing you often bring with you?”

“Yes. It also proved useful in the fight against the thieves. Perhaps about one-third of the thieves I killed were due to my personal efforts.”

Arnold had seen Noein’s exceptional ability to control his golems. It was understandable that a golem, resembling a mass of weight, would demonstrate unparalleled strength in close combat when it rampaged like a human.

Thus, every word from Noein, casually discussing his own territory and strength, sounded to Arnold like veiled threats.

Though outwardly calm, Arnold felt as if he were being told, “Don’t underestimate Earlkvist territory.” And this attitude was not mere arrogance on Noein’s part; the outcome of “defeating a large band of thieves” proved that.

“Lord Keinitz? You seem a bit pale. Are you feeling unwell?”

“…No, I’m fine.”

In response to Noein’s feigned concern, Arnold wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Gaining control of the conversation was utterly out of the question. He was being completely ridiculed.

“…By the way, Lord Keinitz. At the same time that rumors of the bandits’ approach are circulating, I’ve also heard strange rumors that my territory is weak but wealthy. Do you know anything about this?”

Noein’s voice turned icy as he turned to face Arnold after lowering the crossbow.

“I see. I’ve heard that rumor too. I wonder who started it… I can’t imagine.”

Arnold suppressed his agitation and spoke with all his might to maintain his composure.

If he was trapped by a statement here, it would be a loss. Conversely, if he could get through this, everything would somehow work out. While it was evident that Arnold had spread the rumor, there was no conclusive evidence to prove it.

“Surely Your Excellency is aware… It’s truly troubling for us. This rumor seems to have attracted thieves.”

“That sounds unfortunate, Lord Earlkvist.”

Noein, seemingly unwilling to pursue the matter further, dropped his voice, which had held a hint of sharpness, and spoke casually. Arnold felt a sense of relief at his tone.

“People love their rumors… I’m worried that now that we have defeated the bandits, there might be bad rumors about the noble territory that allowed their rampage and movement.”

Upon hearing this, Arnold realized Noein’s intentions.

Arnold had diverted the bandits to the Earlkvist territory by spreading vile rumors. Those rumors spread primarily through the Keinitz Viscountcy and into neighboring lands.

For now, that was all. However, if Noein were to start proclaiming this fact throughout the kingdom…

It would not be surprising for the public to say, “The Earlkvist viscount, who defeated the bandits, is brave. Meanwhile, what a coward the Keinitz viscount must be.”

In Arnold’s calculations, the Keinitz viscount’s army should have dealt the final blow to the bandits. But now that Noein had vanquished the bandits himself, only the scandal of “the Keinitz viscount is a coward” had emerged.

“I hope I can be of help to ensure that no bad rumors spread…”

Noein smiled, appearing troubled. His expression was also somewhat forced.

Noein now had sufficient connections as a merchant. He certainly had numerous ways to spread the scandal that “the Keinitz viscount was frightened by the thieves” throughout the kingdom.

Noein’s implication that “if you don’t want the scandal to spread, you must apologize” was clear to Arnold.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. He should have been able to gain favor with the Earlkvist viscount. Even as he thought this, it was already too late.

“…Lord Earlkvist, you must have faced a bandit attack recently. Is there anything troubling you? If it’s within my means, I’d like to help. As a trade, I would appreciate your assistance in preventing any bad rumors from spreading.”

Please show me the apology you wish for me to accept silently. I hope you can overlook this incident. As Arnold hinted indirectly, Noein’s expression brightened as if he had been waiting for this.

“Is that so? Thank you very much. Then… I would like you to introduce me to the factions of the nobility in the northwest of this kingdom and help me join their circle. I would like to request your mediation, Your Excellency.”