The year-end banquet of the Northwestern faction is not a particularly formal gathering. After greeting the faction leader, Marquis Bechtolsheim, attendees gather with close friends to exchange information and enjoy conversations.
However, things are different for Noein, a newcomer. He needs to introduce himself to each attendee and make sure they remember his face and name.
Thus, Noein, accompanied by Arnold, moved from one noble to another, engaging in what seemed like endless rounds of greetings.
The reactions of the Northwestern nobles to Noein varied.
Most adopted a wait-and-see approach, exchanging neutral pleasantries while assessing the value and abilities of this unknown newcomer.
Some furrowed their brows slightly at the sight of Noein with his beastman slave as an attendant, maintaining a cold and distant demeanor.
Among the nobles who had suffered at the hands of bandits, some expressed gratitude toward Noein for his role in defeating them, displaying a more friendly attitude.
“Count Marzel, allow me to introduce Sir Earlkvist, who has newly developed a territory west of mine,” said Viscount Keinitz.
“I appreciate the introduction, Viscount Keinitz… So, this is the famed bandit slayer,” Count Marzel replied.
“It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Noein Earlkvist,” Noein introduced himself.
The next person Noein greeted was Count Edmund Marzel, who Arnold had informed him earlier was the second most powerful figure in the Northwestern faction, after Marquis Bechtolsheim.
“Being recommended by Lord Keinitz despite being a mere baronet means you must be somewhat capable… Hmph, but it seems you lack the manners of a noble,” Count Marzel scoffed, glancing toward Mathilda, who stood behind Noein. The count, it seemed, was one of those who disapproved of Noein’s fondness for beastmen.
“I understand that my conduct might be considered unconventional. I apologize if I have caused you any discomfort,” Noein responded calmly, with a gentle expression.
Count Marzel’s face hardened slightly. Arnold, who was listening nearby, also tensed. Even in the Northern Kingdom, which was more tolerant of beastmen, Noein’s remark was daring. Such behavior could only be excused in the case of a young, naive noble or someone of considerable standing. Noein was the former.
Noein was deliberately using this youthful privilege, carefully balancing on the edge, while asserting his individuality. Arnold, observing from the sidelines, found the interaction slightly nerve-wracking.
“Tch. It’s none of my concern if your arrogance puts your standing among the nobility at risk. Just be careful not to tarnish the reputation of this Northwestern faction or Viscount Keinitz, who introduced you,” Count Marzel spat, leaving abruptly.
“… That was a bit nerve-wracking, Sir Earlkvist,” Arnold said quietly.
“My apologies. But since I chose to bring Mathilda with me, I thought that offering superficial excuses at this point would be futile,” Noein replied.
Noein intended to gain a position within the Northwestern faction where he could be “important enough to have his insolence tolerated.” That’s why, despite being a newcomer, he was behaving in such an unusual manner.
Of course, part of his motive was a childish desire to show off his beloved Mathilda.
“Though, perhaps I overdid it. Do you think I might have drawn unwanted attention from the influential Marzel family?”
“Ah, I don’t think that’s something to worry about. Count Marzel is a bit stubborn, but he’s not the type to abuse his power as head of the family just because of personal likes or dislikes.”
The Marzel family held lands along the northeastern border of the kingdom, often clashing with the Northeastern faction. They were a family with a strong martial tradition.
Because of this, they had a conservative and rigid family culture, but Count Marzel was not the kind of person to bully someone simply because of personal distaste or because they held a lower status.
“Now then… it seems Baron Oggoren, whom you’ve been waiting to meet, is free. Shall we go greet him next?”
“It’s finally happening, huh? I can’t wait,” said a middle-aged man with a slightly overweight figure and a friendly face, toward whom both Arnold and Noein turned their gaze. He had a gentle demeanor, though perhaps lacking the commanding presence expected of a noble family head.
The reason Noein had been looking forward to greeting this Baron Ogghren stemmed from what he had heard about him in advance.
Baron Ogghren was known for his unusually rare affection for beastfolk slaves—a passion uncommon among nobility. As someone who also loved his rabbitfolk maid Mathilda, Noein thought he could get along well with the baron.
“Excuse me, Lord Ogghren,” Arnold called out.
“Oh, Viscount Keinitz, it’s been a year, hasn’t it?” Baron Ogghren replied, exchanging a brief greeting with Arnold before turning his gaze to Noein and then to Mathilda standing behind him. His eyes lit up with interest.
Similarly, Noein observed Baron Ogghren and the feline beastfolk slave standing behind him.
The female feline slave accompanying Baron Ogghren was dressed in a frilly maid outfit, clearly prioritizing cuteness over practicality. She also wore jewelry, which was an unusual sight for a slave.
It was evident that Baron Ogghren doted on her, perhaps even excessively.
“Allow me to introduce him, Lord Ogghren. This is Sir Noein Earlkvist, a new ally who has recently joined our Northwestern faction,” Arnold said, introducing Noein.
Noein locked eyes with Baron Ogghren.
“…Pleasure to meet you, Lord Ogghren,” Noein greeted.
“The pleasure is mine, Sir Earlkvist,” Baron Ogghren replied as they shook hands. It wasn’t a light, formal handshake but rather a firm grasp, as if they were old friends.
“Your rabbitfolk companion is truly remarkable. Her expression, posture, and attire—all radiate a graceful strength and beauty. It’s clear she is well cared for by you,” Baron Ogghren complimented.
“Thank you. Mathilda is my pride and joy,” Noein responded, before adding, “And your feline companion is quite adorable as well. Her maid attire with embellishments suits her perfectly.”
The two men exchanged compliments about their slaves. While Mathilda remained expressionless, the feline beastfolk, who had been praised, blushed and leaned closer to Baron Ogghren.
“Oh, you understand. I think my Misha is the cutest feline in the world. You’re the first noble who has ever complimented her,” Baron Ogghren said, clearly pleased.
“And you’re the first person with whom I’ve ever been able to talk about Mathilda,” Noein replied with a smile.
“Ah, beastfolk lovers are often seen as eccentric by other nobles, so it’s hard to find like-minded people. It’s not easy, but we both know that struggle, don’t we?”
“Indeed, we do,” Noein agreed.
As the two men shared a mutual understanding that only they could comprehend, Arnold stood beside them with a neutral expression, staring into the air, waiting for the conversation to end.
“Sir Earlkvist, I understand you have lands neighboring Lord Keinitz to the west?” Baron Ogghren asked.
“Yes, I’ve been granted a portion of the Bezel Great Forest, which I am currently working to develop. I’ve heard you hold lands further south in the Northwest region?” Noein replied.
“That’s correct. You’ve done your research,” Baron Ogghren said, impressed.
Noein had learned from Arnold earlier that Baron Ogghren’s domain lay about a week’s journey southeast of Viscount Keinitz’s territory.
Though it wasn’t particularly notable land, it had a large amount of flat terrain and a decent-sized agricultural area.
“Though our lands are a bit far from each other, I hope we can continue to get along as fellow lovers of beastfolk slaves. If you ever need anything or just want to visit, feel free to reach out,” Baron Ogghren offered.
“Thank you. Please, come visit my lands anytime as well. I will be happy to welcome you,” Noein replied.
The two men exchanged another firm handshake.
For nobles, building a pure friendship untangled by personal gain was exceedingly rare. In this regard, Noein considered himself very fortunate to have met Baron Ogghren.
“…Shall we move on?” Arnold interrupted.
“Oh, my apologies, Lord Keinitz. I am grateful for your introduction to Sir Earlkvist,” Baron Ogghren responded with a smile.
“I’m glad you’re pleased. I had a feeling you would enjoy meeting Sir Earlkvist,” Arnold replied with a slight smile, though he was a bit exasperated by the lengthy exchange.
After parting from Baron Ogghren, Arnold turned to Noein.
“I thought you two would get along, but that went beyond my expectations,” Arnold said.
“Other nobles don’t often understand, but to me, Mathilda is an irreplaceable companion. If I could, I’d proudly show off her beauty and strength to the world. To find someone I can share that with—it’s a rare and precious opportunity,” Noein explained.
“…I see. I can’t quite relate, but I’m glad you’re so happy,” Arnold replied.
“Did I get too excited? My apologies, that was unbecoming,” Noein said, a little embarrassed by his enthusiasm in such a formal setting.
Just as Arnold was looking around, thinking that the greetings were mostly done, they saw Marquis Bechtelshausen, the leader of their faction, approaching.
“Lord Keinitz, has Sir Earlkvist finished making the rounds?” the marquis asked.
“Yes, Marquis Bechtelshausen. He has met all the attendees. I believe the nobles of the Northwestern faction now have a good understanding of Sir Earlkvist,” Arnold confirmed.
“Good. Then, it’s time to introduce his gift. Sir Earlkvist, are you ready?” the marquis asked.
“Yes. I’m honored to have the opportunity to present something at such a gathering,” Noein replied.
“Good. I’m quite intrigued by this new anti-bandit weapon you’ve mentioned. These banquets tend to be rather monotonous every year, so it’ll be refreshing to see something new,” the marquis said as he led Noein toward the front of the party hall.
Seeing this, the guests quieted down and turned their attention to them even before the marquis called for silence.
