Following the commotion with the bandits and the Northwest Faction’s banquet, the relationship between Noein and Viscount Arnold Keinitz underwent a significant transformation.
Previously, the two had cooperated on mutual interests while maintaining a certain distance. However, they were now rapidly drawing closer, strengthening their bond as noble houses.
The one primarily closing this gap was Arnold. Seeing it as most beneficial to foster a close relationship with the Earlkvist barony for the sake of his own territory, Arnold had been actively trying to please and appease Noein, despite the latter being younger and of a lower noble rank.
“…This tea is truly delightful.”
“Ah, I’m glad you like it. It’s a rare tea renowned as a specialty from the southwestern kingdom. I’ll be sure to send some with you as a gift when you leave.”
Since the end of winter, Noein had frequently received invitations from Arnold for tea and meals. Today, he was invited to the viscount’s residence with the promise of trying an “exquisite tea that had just come in.”
Though Noein felt that Arnold’s sudden friendliness was opportunistic, he recognized the man as a key figure in the kingdom’s northwest. Deepening this connection was undoubtedly beneficial, so he accepted the invitations, viewing it as part of his duty as a noble.
“By the way, how is the mass production of the crossbows I sold going?”
“Oh, that. Production is progressing smoothly in my territory. Since it’s simply a matter of having artisans analyze and replicate the finished product, there are some differences in fine accuracy compared to those made in Earlkvist territory, but for now, they’re able to produce enough for practical use.”
“I see… that’s good to hear.”
“It appears that His Excellency Lord Bechtelheim is also advancing in production, as are the other noble territories. At this rate, the Northwest Faction could surpass other factions in military capability.”
Regional factions throughout the kingdom often clash over territory and resources, so military strength is vital for maintaining respect.
“Moreover, the impact of the potatoes cannot be overlooked. They’re more efficient to cultivate than wheat and even grow in rougher terrain. If this proves true, the food situation in the northwest will improve significantly starting this year.”
“With the price of wheat gradually rising due to ongoing conflicts, having an alternative staple crop is undoubtedly a great advantage.”
“Exactly. I’m truly glad you were granted land close to the Northwest Faction rather than with another faction.”
To solidify his position, Noein had, for the time being, chosen to spread both crossbows and potatoes exclusively within the Northwest Faction, ignoring other factions. For Arnold, this meant his territory could develop an advantage ahead of the other factions, and he could only thank fate for making him Noein’s neighbor.
“I, too, am grateful to have such a considerate lord as yourself governing the neighboring territory.”
Whenever Arnold invited Noein for tea or a meal, it was customary for them to exchange information about recent developments in a relaxed manner. Today seemed like another uneventful social call, and Noein thought he would leave once the time was appropriate.
However, today did not end there.
“By the way, Lord Earlkvist, how old are you turning this year?”
“Huh… Since I was granted my territory the year I came of age, this is my third year, making me seventeen this year.”
Caught off guard by the question, Noein responded with a slightly bewildered expression.
“I see. As the head of a noble house, it’s about time you took a wife.”
Ah, finally, this topic. Noein had been expecting that it wouldn’t be long before people approached him with offers to wed their daughters.
In this world, noble ties are forged through two things: profit and bloodline. Unlike profit, which can fluctuate based on circumstances, blood ties are seen as a durable bond between houses. In the Northwest Faction, many noble families were likely eager to become relatives of the Earlkvist barony.
It was hardly surprising, then, that the first such offer came from the Keinitz viscount family, the noble house closest to Noein.
“So then, as I believe I’ve mentioned before, my youngest daughter… my fourth, remains unmarried and unattached. Since she is seventeen, the same age as yourself, it seems a perfect match. How about it? Perhaps we could begin with an engagement?”
Arnold’s suggestion was precisely what Noein had anticipated. Yet, with Arnold asking, “How about it?” Noein found himself unable to offer a response.
“Lord Keinitz, well… are you aware of my particular situation?”
Noein glanced over his shoulder at Mathilda, who stood silently a step behind him. Mathilda’s expression remained blank, her posture still as ever.
“Ah, yes, I’m well aware. I know that you are quite fond of that beastman slave you always have with you. However, you are a noble with a territory.”
“Of course, I understand my role as the head of a noble family. I believe it is my duty to take a suitable woman as my wife, have children, and secure the stability of the domain for the next generation. But in other words, I view marriage as a duty—an obligation, if you will.”
Noein indicated that he would marry solely out of noble obligation.
“The only woman I could accept as my wife would be one who understands and accepts this perspective. Additionally, she would need to accept Mathilda as well. I hope you can understand that point.”
“Oh, there’s no need to say that—I anticipated as much. My proposal takes that into account. I’ve spoken to my daughter, and she understands Lord Earlkvist’s nature.”
The way Arnold phrased “understands” made Noein frown. As a noblewoman, it would be rare for her to willingly marry a man who openly adores a beastman slave.
“I hesitate to intrude, but isn’t that somewhat unfair to your daughter? While I view marriage as a duty, I have no intention of forcing a union that disregards her true feelings.”
“That’s not a concern. As my fourth daughter, she rarely participates in social events and isn’t heavily influenced by noble society. She doesn’t harbor any particular dislike for slaves or beastmen. In fact, she’s quite open-minded about social and racial differences, especially for a noble lady.”
Noein’s indirect question about Arnold’s view of his daughter as a mere tool for a political marriage was met with this response.
Given that Arnold himself showed no hostility toward Noein, who often accompanied Mathilda, it was likely true that his youngest daughter was just as tolerant.
“Besides, I care for my daughter and wish for her happiness. I’ve assured her that Lord Earlkvist will treat his wife with utmost care, and that has put her at ease. Am I right to expect that?”
“Yes, of course…”
Noein, though somewhat prickly by nature, was known to be kind to his subordinates and subjects. Arnold, who valued his people, viewed Noein as perhaps overly lenient in his kindness.
It was hard to imagine that Noein, even in a politically motivated marriage, would disregard the well-being of his wife. Arnold considered him the best match for his cherished youngest daughter, given his territory, future prospects, and character.
“…I trust you’ve gathered that I want to establish a closer bond with the Earlkvist family. Consider this my earnest offer.”
Arnold continued, meeting Noein’s gaze directly.
“If you marry my daughter, I’ll be fully aligned with the Earlkvist family. I’m willing to accept any so-called unbecoming behavior as a noble, and I’ll act as a political shield to ensure that no troubles come to your domain. I want my daughter’s new home to be a place of peace.”
“…”
Noein considered the offer. Arnold’s proposal was indeed tempting.
The Viscount Keinitz domain served as a final defensive barrier to the Earlkvist domain, and having its noble lord as an ally, under the pretext of family ties, would be reassuring.
Moreover, the assurance that there would be no objections from his future wife’s family about keeping Mathilda by his side was also welcome.
“On a side note, setting my parental bias aside, my daughter is a beauty, you know?”
Though thinking that was beside the point, Noein refrained from saying so.
“Understood. I can’t make any promises without meeting your daughter, but I’ll certainly give serious thought to forming an engagement.”
After all, he couldn’t remain a bachelor forever. This seemed like an appropriate time.
With that thought, Noein accepted Arnold’s offer.
“I’m glad to hear that… So, shall we meet my daughter now?”
“Huh? R-right now?”
This sudden turn of events made Noein let out an odd sound.
