Chapter 59: Chapter 59
The Palles region was located in the northernmost part of Pendia, adjacent to the Kingdom of Ajun.
Even so, it was not as cold as one might think, but moderately cool, which was because geothermal heat flowing from the dormant volcano in the northwest warmed the ground.
The uniqueness of this land did not end there.
First of all, to the north and east, rugged, truly sheer mountain ranges stood like castle walls.
Not only was passing through the mountain ranges on foot nearly impossible, but turbulence blew above them as well, making it difficult for even winged monsters to fly in easily.
Furthermore, the Tesen River, flowing diagonally from the northwestern volcanic region to the southeast, was so wide and swift-currented that it was impossible to cross without taking a boat.
At this point, although located inland, it was virtually no different from an island.
In such a safe land, people sowed and harvested seeds to their heart’s content in the fertile black-soil zone, and raised cattle and sheep by letting them loose in the fields, producing large quantities of meat and dairy products.
That was why the people of Pendia said that Palles was truly a land beloved by the Goddess, a paradise existing on earth.
*
A fortress stood on the riverbank where Shan’s group arrived.
The fortress wall was horseshoe-shaped, open toward the river, and seeing that a pier was built there, it seemed to have been built to protect a strategic location good for crossing the river.
“Open the gate!”
When Aran shouted, before long the gate of the fortress opened, and an old knight, who looked well over fifty and close to sixty, welcomed them.
“I have returned, Uncle.”
“You have worked hard, Aran. Then is this person…?”
“Yes, this is Princess Cheryn.”
Judging by the titles they used for each other, he seemed to be Aran’s relative.
Narrowing his wrinkled eyes while looking at Cheryn, he suddenly shed tears.
“Just as I heard, you look exactly like Lady Aste…”
“Judging only by the portrait, I didn’t look all that much like her. Are you Sir Norman? I have heard much about you.”
“I am only worried that those were embarrassing stories. But why does there seem to be far more people than what I had heard? And even…”
Just swallowing the trailing words that they were all Altoans was enough to praise this old knight’s self-restraint.
Cheryn nodded confidently and pointed to the people behind her.
“This time, Conrad expelled the Altoans en masse from the capital, so I brought them along. I will discuss the details with my maternal uncle.”
“I will prepare a few more boats.”
While he gave instructions to those accompanying him, Shan cautiously observed the mood and asked.
“It seems Your Highness is also visiting Palles for the first time.”
“Because I was born and raised in the capital. It was difficult to visit a place that required several days of traveling by carriage. Though we did exchange letters quite frequently.”
Shan had thought, because of how confidently she had spoken until now, that it was a place she had visited in person at least a few times.
A moment later, a few more boats crossed over from the other side, took everyone aboard, and set out onto the river.
“It rocks a lot more than I thought…”
Of course, Shan did not feel any major difficulty, but an ordinary person might fall the moment they lost their footing.
If he were to fight someone, atop a boat seemed like it would not be a bad environment at all.
Unless it were someone accustomed to riding boats, like the old knight standing upright right beside him…
“This is hardly rocking at all. When the wind is truly strong, just standing still makes one feel like vomiting.”
Perhaps feeling the gaze directed at him, the old knight who had welcomed Cheryn earlier, Sir Norman, spoke first.
Even to him, who was almost the age of a grandchild, maintaining a polite tone and attitude was impressive.
“Is this perhaps your first time riding a boat?”
“Yes.”
“For someone who is, your balance is well-maintained. As expected, your reputation was not in vain. My greetings are late. I am Norman of the Lused family. Our household has guarded the Tesen River and protected Palles for generations.”
“I am Shan of the Barendil family.”
“I know a fair bit about Sir. The first Altoan knight knighted by the Princess. The winner of the capital’s jousting tournament hosted by the royal family, and the slayer of a cockatrice and an ogre, is it not?”
For a countryside knight, he was quite well-informed, so Shan nodded, slightly surprised.
“Aran told me that thanks to Sir, the Princess was able to leave the capital safely. I express my heartfelt gratitude. You have saved the most precious jewel of our Palles.”
“I merely did what I had to do.”
The jewel of Palles.
Considering that the one actually called the Jewel of Pendia was Cheryn’s half-sister, Princess Cassia, while Cheryn was instead called a witch, it was quite strange.
At Shan’s polite response, Norman looked at him quietly before asking.
“Do you still intend to dedicate your spear to the Princess?”
“Yes.”
“If a renowned knight such as Sir guards her side, the Princess will become a little safer. What a relief.”
At the unhesitating answer, Norman flashed a satisfied smile.
Clearly Cheryn had said she had never visited the Palles region in her life, yet it was peculiar how she acted as though she had been born and raised here all her life.
Even after that, Norman chattered incessantly with Shan.
Stories like how rocks towered high in places along the Tesen River, and how strange whirlpools flowed from them, making it difficult to cross by boat except at a few key strategic points.
It took several minutes for the ten small boats, each carrying around thirty people, to cross the river that spanned hundreds of meters in width.
Upon arriving at the dock on the opposite side, many people welcomed them, or more accurately, welcomed Cheryn.
“Welcome back, Princess!”
“It really feels like Lady Aste has returned alive…”
“Oh, Goddess. Bless our Princess.”
The enthusiastic welcome grew even more intense as Cheryn smiled and waved her hand.
When the boat touched the pier, the man standing at the front, who had dark blue hair slicked back like Cheryn’s, extended his hand.
“It has been a while, Princess. Has it been two years since we last met in person?”
“I am glad to see you still looking healthy, Maternal Uncle.”
Cheryn held the extended hand in response to his greeting and stepped off the boat.
Count of Palles was a man in his thirties with gentle eyes, a slender build, and the typical appearance of a scholar.
Should one say he gave the impression of Cheryn’s mother from the portrait turned into a man?
However, unlike Cheryn’s words, he did not look particularly healthy.
“By the way, why are there more guests than what I heard?”
“Yes. Somehow… I am tired from traveling a long way, so could we discuss the details while resting?”
“Conveniently, I have prepared a carriage to go to the castle, so let us talk while riding. I will ensure the other guests can follow without discomfort. Sir Norman?”
“I shall obey your command, my lord.”
At the Count’s call, the old knight knelt on one knee and bowed his head.
It was a salute that knights performed only for God and their lord.
Cheryn, who had accepted the Count’s proposal and was stepping toward the carriage, whipped her head around and spoke.
“Ah, would it be alright if just one person comes along? There is someone I want to introduce to Maternal Uncle.”
“Four people will be riding, so that is fine.”
“Let us ride together, Sir Shan.”
At the unexpected suggestion, Shan hesitated for a moment and turned his eyes to his surroundings.
In the eyes of the Palles people looking at the group of Altoans and the household of the Weavers family, vigilance was contained.
It was not to the point of contempt or disgust, but a feeling as if looking at an unfamiliar thing they had never seen before in their lives…
‘Would it be fine to leave these people behind and go?’
Whether he had read such worries, Roden slyly stepped forward and spoke.
“I will manage them well so that no problems arise.”
“I leave it to you.”
As it was in front of others, the two gave and received instructions in a stiff tone.
*
A total of four people boarded the carriage: Shan, Cheryn, Count of Palles, and his escort knight.
The carriage drawn by four horses, as if enchanted by some magic, did not shake greatly despite moving at a fairly fast speed.
Inside the carriage, Cheryn concisely summarized and explained what had happened in the capital during that time.
The struggle between Conrad and Elvin, and the situation of the kingdom that had virtually fractured and lost its focal point as a result.
Upon hearing this, deep sorrow clouded the Count’s face.
“Mmm, so it turned out like that in the end…”
“Yes. Realistically, it is difficult to expect Father’s recovery, so it seems we have no choice but to bring that plan forward. Fortunately, the basic groundwork is completed, so a few years will be enough for it to be fully realized.”
Shan guessed that the topic they were talking about was regarding the so-called ‘Magic Revolution.’
Speaking slightly indirectly was probably because of the Count’s escort knight and Shan.
“Just as before, you are still full of confidence. Will we truly be able to hold out until then?”
“With Sir Shan here, it will be sufficient. Furthermore, among the Altoans brought this time, there are many who know how to fight. If we train them into an army and heavily armor them, they will become quite a significant force.”
“Aha, so you brought them for such a purpose.”
As a clear answer was given as to why refugees had been brought all of a sudden, the Count nodded as if he understood.
Originally, as long as one could handle it, population was power itself, so considering that turbulent times were ahead, a hundred and several dozen able-bodied men who knew how to fight were certainly valuable.
“Yes. I want to turn them into a mercenary group for Maternal Uncle to hire. A wage sufficient for their accompanying families to become self-reliant will be enough.”
“It is not a huge number, and units of a hundred are not difficult. However, even if we aid their adaptation, there will be limits. The people of this land are not accustomed to outsiders.”
“In any case, Altoans were people who always drifted on the fringes even in Pendia. As long as it is not discrimination to the extent of openly driving them out, it will not matter.”
“I can prevent that much with my authority. You do not need to worry.”
The Count, who was nodding, turned his gaze toward Shan.
Unlike the words he had spoken just a moment ago, no emotion such as repulsion toward Altoans was felt in his eyes.
Rather, it was an expression mixed with interest and goodwill, which was slightly flustering.
“I am the Count of Palles, Kladek Barbelka.”
“I am Shan of the Barendil family.”
It was the first time he was introduced by a noble with their actual name rather than their title.
Considering that such formality was meant for treating someone of equal status to oneself, it was politeness to a somewhat excessive degree.
“Yes, Shan Barendil. Of course I know. You are the knight my son most wishes to see.”
“…I am honored.”
“Lately, that child has fallen head over heels hearing your heroic tales. It is only natural, since a boy just three or four years older than him is defeating all kinds of monsters like cockatrices and ogres. Thanks to that, these days he receives his knight training faithfully without running away.”
The Count added in a nonchalant tone that they should have a meal together when an opportunity arose.
Shan quietly answered that he understood.
“More than that, I heard that the Princess was trying immensely to draw you in, so can I assume that the result went well?”
“That is right. It was really not easy.”
The one who answered the question instead was Cheryn.
Seeing the satisfied expression on her face, Kladek showed a slightly surprised expression.
“Surprising. To be honest, I thought it might be a bit difficult. In any case, welcome to being in the same boat.”
Shan held the hand extended by Kladek and shook it.
Contrary to his frail-looking appearance, quite a strong grip was conveyed through his hand.
“Is there anything you are curious about? If it is something I can answer, I will.”
“Earlier you said that the people of Palles are reluctant toward outsiders, but to be honest, in my eyes they feel rather quite friendly. Is there perhaps some reason for this?”
The soldiers Aran had brought were like that, and so were the people at the pier; upon seeing the group of hundreds of Altoans, they did not display a noticeable level of contempt or disgust.
Individuals such as Sir Norman or Count of Palles felt rather quite friendly, even…
“Did you feel that way?”
“Yes.”
“If so, it might be because the people of Palles do not see Altoans as different from Pendians.”
Kladek spoke thus and formed a slightly awkward smile.
“In fact, the people of Palles do not tend to consider themselves Pendians either. Many merely regard the people living across the river as rough folk who even eat monsters. Though those who participate in food merchant caravans and cross the river frequently to contact outsiders are somewhat different.”
In other words, in the eyes of most people of the Palles region, the Altoan refugees were ‘outsiders’ no different from Pendians.
Whether one should call this equal in a certain sense…
“The entry of Altoans into this land happened so long ago that it is not even recorded. Thus, we have no prejudice regarding how you might act. I hope only good feelings remain between us in the future.”
As they conversed, before they knew it, the carriage that had departed from the harbor and traveled along a well-paved road entered the city.
Shan looked out the window at that scene and let out a small groan.
“Ah…”
“What is the matter?”
“It is just fascinating that the city has castle walls.”
The Palles region was a land where let alone monsters, even large wild animals capable of threatening humans had been completely wiped out.
Even more so, due to its nature as an isolated area, it was not an environment where bandit groups could run rampant.
Yet if castle walls were installed, what on earth were they meant to block?
To this, Cheryn answered.
“Why, foreign enemies invading with their eyes on this fertile land. Just over ten years ago, we almost went to war with the royal family of Pendia over diplomatic issues. Though it was hushed up when the daughter of the Count of Palles at the time was sold off to the King.”
That this referred to Cheryn’s mother was something one did not even need to think deeply about.
Perhaps because it was not a topic to his liking, Kladek turned his gaze away with a gloomy face.
Indeed, as it was the story of his one and only sister, it was only natural.
As silence flowed inside the carriage, Shan turned his gaze out the window.
As if proving its abundance, the city’s buildings looked sturdy, and goods were displayed in abundance on stalls.
The people walking about were dressed neatly though not luxuriously, and perhaps thanks to being well-fed, they had healthy complexions and sturdy physiques.
When the carriage drawn with the Count’s crest passed by, everyone bowed deeply to express their respect.
Looking only at such sights, at least Count of Palles did not seem to be a bad lord.
*
“Welcome, Your Excellency Count.”
Count of Palles’s castle, situated in the center of the city, was incomparably larger and grander than Count of Shedil’s castle that he had seen before.
However, to that extent, several aspects that looked somewhat vulnerable from a defensive perspective could be glimpsed.
Should one say it felt like pursuing splendor rather than practicality?
Following the guidance of a man presumed to be the head chamberlain, Shan took off the armor he was wearing, took a bath, and changed into high-quality clothes.
As he rested for a moment in the room provided, before long a servant called him, saying that dinner preparations were complete.
Following him, a massive banquet hall unfolded, large enough to accommodate dozens of people with room to spare.
Sitting down under the servant’s guidance, before long Count of Palles, Cheryn, and a woman and boy he had never seen before entered together.
The Count personally introduced the people to Cheryn and Shan, the only two newcomers at this gathering.
“This is my wife Sina and son Blois. Blois, this is Sir Shan whom you so wished to see.”
Countess Sina was a woman with a quiet, demure impression, looking several years younger than her husband Kladek.
Seeming to have no great interest in Shan, she merely gave a light nod out of politeness, but for some reason, her gaze was continuously directed toward Cheryn.
And the Count’s only son Blois, a boy who would be about ten years old now, tightly held his mother’s hand while hiding behind her skirt, stealing glances at Shan.
As signs of shyness were clear, Kladek chuckled softly and spoke.
“It seems this fellow is shy. Forgive the rudeness.”
“It is alright.”
When Shan formally accepted the Count’s apology, Blois’s eyes sparkled brightly.
Apparently, a boy who was only a few years older than himself conversing with his father like an adult seemed cool to him.
The banquet that began a moment later was luxurious, befitting the most prosperous domain.
High-quality meat and cheese, as well as fresh fish caught from the Tesen River, were cooked with all kinds of spices bought by selling grain, each boasting its own flavor.
Naturally, the protagonist of the banquet was Cheryn.
The Count’s retainers did not dare speak to her directly, but whispered among themselves in conversation.
“Heh, they said she resembles Lady Aste…”
“To be honest, except for the hair, I don’t see any resemblance. That lady did not look so fierce and harsh.”
“Be quiet. How dare you evaluate noble blood.”
In the meantime, Shan conversed alongside Cheryn with the Count’s family… more precisely, with his son Blois.
The boy, who at first had held onto only his mother’s skirt out of unfamiliarity and shyness, rambled on excitedly once the conversation opened up.
“S-So, you mean you also brought the magic sword you used when defeating the ogre?”
“Yes. Currently, I left it with His Excellency Count’s servants. I could not dare bring a sword into the banquet hall, after all.”
“The Guardian of the East… I want to see it…”
“If your time permits, I will show it to you after the meal.”
“Whoa!”
In the cheering figure of Blois, Shan recalled Sir Lug.
However, whereas Lug admired his overwhelming skill, this boy admired his fame, which was the difference, so to speak.
While chatting for a long while about past achievements like that, Blois brought up an unexpected question.
“Um, then did you happen to kill people too?”
For a moment, flustered expressions settled on the faces of everyone nearby, but Shan replied nonchalantly.
Because a knight killing a person was not particularly something to feel hesitant about.
“Yes.”
“…How many?”
“Mmm.”
That Shan groaned was not because it was difficult to answer.
Old fights had already passed a year ago, and since he had fought in so many places, it was hard to recall immediately.
About ten people in Willow Village, a few people from Leaf Village, a dozen or so mercenaries in a city whose name he could barely remember now…
There were times he fought against the Altoan expedition team, and times he killed Holy Order knights in the Demonic Realm.
Not long ago, he had also cut down night watchmen and gate guards.
“It is hard to count accurately, but it is probably over fifty and less than a hundred.”
“Woah…”
At the story that a boy not much older than himself had already cut down countless people, Blois let out a sound mixed with fear and admiration.
Just then, a snorting sound like a scoff came from behind the long table.
“Hmm?”
“Ah, excuse me. It was just a bit funny hearing someone boastingly talk about killing a hundred people or whatever…”
A man smirked as he looked at Shan with an absurd expression.