Chapter 90: Chapter 90

Originally, Count of Shedil’s direct vassals were only five baron families and seven knightly families.

However, in reality, there existed one minor count family, three viscount families, and two more baron families over whom they could exert influence.

As the leader of the east, Count of Shedil represented their opinions, and the neighboring minor families likewise saved face for their leader.

It was closer to a relationship between an elder brother and younger brothers, somewhat looser than a direct vassal relationship.

The families that had sent a letter of protest to the count this time, claiming they could not acknowledge Shan’s existence, were precisely those houses, some of which had agreed in a meeting with Cheryn to create a focal point for the New Faith in the eastern region.

In other words, they were parties who ought to cooperate with each other in the future.

It was also because they believed in this that they had sent such a letter despite knowing Shan’s overwhelming martial prowess.

For if he attempted to subdue everyone by force, the picture Cheryn had previously drawn would be completely ruined.

“So invading and smashing them up without a second thought is problematic, my son.”

“……Ah, yes. Of course.”

“Seeing you smile, I wondered, but you really intended to do that.”

Seeing Shan quietly avert his eyes, the count wore an expression of disbelief.

“Perhaps the princess left behind some troops because she anticipated this backlash as well. If you lead them to pressure them, you will easily overcome it.”

“Then…”

“However, my thought is a little different.”

The count looked at Shan with a meaningful expression and spoke.

“When handling a weapon, you do not keep gripping it tightly all the time; you relax softly and apply force at the crucial moment. Governing as a lord is much the same. Just because you are strong, if you only grip harshly and swing, it will break.”

Expounding on the aesthetics of governance, the count handed the letter over to Shan and added:

“In my youth, I too was a knight full of martial vigor who did whatever I pleased. Unlike you, I was a proper Westerner and the eldest legitimate son of the family, so I was even more reckless. I even beat up the heir of a neighboring territory and crippled him. Looking back in my old age, it was a foolish thing to do. Thanks to that, I suffered many unseen losses.”

“Are you saying I should subdue them without using force?”

“It would be better to describe it as persuasion rather than subduction. Of course, I have no intention of forcing my will upon you. You may think of it merely as an old father’s advice. If you feel there is truly no other way, I will grant you the troops.”

Emphasizing that it was merely advice rather than an order, the count left the choice to Shan.

Leaving with the letter in hand, Shan agonized over what to do before immediately going to find Roden.

He knew from experience that racking his brain alone over such a topic would not yield any particularly good conclusion.

Since the count had said, ‘Finding a good advisor is also a virtue of a lord,’ he was not exactly cheating.

“What do you think? Is the count…… father right, or is the princess’s idea right?”

“Well. Both of them surely have broader foresight than I do, so it’s hard for me to dare judge. What’s your thought?”

At Roden’s question, Shan pondered for a moment before shaking his head.

“I don’t know. Seeing how the princess went out of her way to leave troops behind, it seems she wanted them subdued quickly…… but Father’s words overlap with what Master told me.”

“Which part?”

“That comrades to whom you must entrust your back must not be ruled through fear. On a territorial scale, isn’t it a similar story?”

Even back when he bonded with Arwin in the past, Shan had remembered and practiced that teaching.

Had he beaten Arwin into forced submission back then, they would probably not have become companions who could trust each other as they did now.

In contrast, when dealing with Baron of Lugen, Yurk, he had been swept away by emotion, beating him and miserably violating his pride.

As a result, until he spent a long time soothing his heart, he could not trust him with anything.

Perhaps this time would be similar.

Ranta’s case…… let’s consider that a rather unusual situation.

Roden, who was quietly listening to Shan’s words, nodded and spoke.

“Actually, I think the same way.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Perhaps the princess’s thought was for you to lead the army and quickly subdue the neighboring regions, but her thinking isn’t always right.”

Cheryn was clearly a brilliant strategist and ruler, but at the same time, she was still a young woman under twenty years old.

Due to her peculiar background, she also had a somewhat twisted side emotionally.

Rather than blindly following her thoughts, pondering and judging for himself would be far better for Shan’s growth… such was Roden’s thought.

“Then, shall we ponder a way to persuade them?”

“It will probably be difficult to solve easily. Since everything from history and tradition to social issues is involved.”

In the joint petition submitted by the neighboring nobles, contents that were logical in their own right had been written.

From ancient times, various noble families emphasized that noble status should not be granted to Altoans.

This was because their bloodline easily polluted the blood of Westerners.

If an Altoan ascended to the position of Count of Shedil, who could be called the leader of the east, and expanded his influence through marriage alliances, then in the future, every lord in the east might become an Altoan.

Should that happen, the wish of the ‘Resurrectionists’, a race that was like the most nightmarish entity to followers of the Goddess Order… would be fulfilled.

For the reconstruction of the Altoan Empire, in which Altoans ruled over Westerners, would have been achieved.

In other words, what the eastern lords were feeling was a crisis of their racial identity as Westerner nobles.

Persuading them out of all these issues through dialogue would likely not be easy.

However, as the count had said, it was a path he had to go through in order to become a ruler rather than a mere knight in the future.

“And it will probably be better to talk face-to-face rather than communicating through letters. Exchanging words through text leaves far more room for misunderstanding in subtle emotional expressions than expected.”

*

For three days after receiving the letter, Shan and Roden put their heads together and fiercely drafted a script.

Anticipating what the lords liked and disliked, and with what mindset they had supported this declaration, they used those as clues to devise persuasive answers.

To this end, they also sought opinions from the retainers of Count of Shedil.

For some of them had previously interacted with neighboring lords on the count’s orders.

An unexpected fact was that in the process of asking questions and hearing answers, the number of people who became strangely favorable toward Shan increased.

When Shan brought this up, Roden interpreted the reason for him.

“It’s probably because they feel you owe them a debt. People often feel more comfortable around someone who lacks something and seeks help, rather than someone who is merely superior to them.”

There is nothing one can do for a person who can accomplish everything perfectly.

However, if it is a person lacking something, one can bestow a favor by filling in that person’s deficiencies.

As he was saying that some people felt comfortable in such a manner, Roden slightly grimaced and spoke.

“Mm, maybe it’s not entirely about other people.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing. Come on, let’s write quickly.”

If Shan had been a perfect person in these areas as well, thus having no need for Roden’s existence whatsoever, the relationship between the two might have been even worse than now.

Even if Shan were fine with it, Roden himself would have felt an inferiority complex about remaining like a helpless ornamental friend.

After gathering all clues and creating the script like that, Shan visited the count and requested permission to head out.

“I will go and meet the lords who put their names on the joint petition this time.”

“Very well. How many attendants do you plan to take along?”

“They are not needed. Roden and I, two people will be enough.”

At Shan’s words, the count’s dim eyes widened slightly.

A retainer accompanying him at his side carefully spoke up.

“Young master, for the heir of a count’s family to travel with no attendants is a matter of prestige, but also in terms of safety……”

“Enough. If you wish, go with just the two of you.”

Cutting off the retainer’s words, the count laughed and waved his hand.

“It is absurd for a warrior who slays ogres to need guards.”

“Thank you.”

Nodding his head, Shan felt that a look of satisfaction washed over his adoptive father’s face.

Emerging from his meeting with the count, Shan instructed his two squires, Vico and Tavera, to prepare for travel.

Hearing this, the two gasped in surprise and shouted.

“We will follow you as well!”

“That’s right. As squires, without attending to our lord……”

“That’s fine, so both of you stay here and train. After all, the crucial threshold isn’t far off, is it?”

“Th-That is true, but…”

Having trained steadily and experienced numerous real battles since entering Shan’s service, Vico and Tavera were slowly awakening to Fighting Spirit.

Although it was still only to the extent of unconsciously imbuing Fighting Spirit, if they underwent the process of training and forging their bodies a few more times like this, they would be able to handle Fighting Spirit properly.

At the instruction to focus on personal training so they could be of strength in the future during such an important period, the two squire boys bowed their heads deeply.

Having left the two behind like that, Shan packed his bags with Roden and exited Shedil City.

“Then, shall we get going?”

“Sounds good.”

Mounted on two Horais warhorses, Arwin and Lipo, the two rode out of Shedil City and galloped away.

In truth, this was also one of the reasons for leaving the squires behind.

Because moving together with squires riding ordinary horses would make their movement speed much slower.

Thanks to riding horses that were incomparably faster and had far better endurance than ordinary warhorses, they were able to cover a distance of over 60 km in just a few hours.

To the northeast of Shedil City where they were heading, beneath a small valley, lay the small town of Elros.

“Huh.”

“What is that……?”

Though covered in thick dirt and dust, their attire was clearly extraordinary at a glance.

Seeing the two people mounted on fine steeds with coats lustrous like metal, the guards grew extremely tense and asked for their identity.

“Where are our guests visiting from……?”

“We have come to meet Viscount Elros. I am Shan Barendil-Kurt, who has recently become the heir to the Kurt family.”

“I-I will inform the lord right away!”

Startled by the sudden appearance of such a big figure, one of the guards hurriedly ran inside.

Before long, invited into the interior, the two were able to meet Viscount Elros, who wore an extremely tense expression.

The middle-aged viscount, now around forty years old, had gathered not only his family’s knights but also a large group of armed soldiers.

On his face, adorned with an unsightly goatee, a tense look as if he had encountered a wild beast was clearly evident.

“This is our first time meeting in person, Sir Shan. I am Delan Brom, Viscount Elros.”

“Nice to meet you, Viscount.”

After exchanging greetings somewhat awkwardly, Shan got straight to the point.

“I saw that the coat of arms of the Brom family was on the joint petition that my father, His Excellency the Count, received this time.”

“……If you have come to threaten me to remove my name, you have come to the wrong place. The honor of Brom may break, but it will never bend.”

“I have no intention of threatening you. If I did, I would not have come with just the two of us like this.”

Shan spoke, gesturing toward Roden, who stood behind him with a solemn expression.

Even without mobilizing Shedil City’s army, Shan had over two hundred semi-mounted archers from Horais and an army of one hundred fifty Altoans left behind by Cheryn.

As rumors were rife, the viscount knew that fact as well.

“Is that so. Then…… what is your business for coming here?”

“I wish to speak with you. If I know precisely why the viscount opposes my becoming the adopted son of His Excellency the Count, I might be able to persuade you.”

At the calm and logical words mixed with not even a bit of political rhetoric, Viscount Elros wore a flustered expression.

Because until now, no one had ever spoken to him in such a manner.

“Do you seriously believe such conflict can be resolved through dialogue?”

“I thought it was at least better than not trying to talk. Fighting is fully possible even after we can no longer talk.”

It was a threat that if dialogue failed, there was no choice but to fight.

Yet at the same time, it was subtle enough not to mention it openly, avoiding hurting the opponent’s pride.

Understanding this, Viscount Elros furrowed his brows and spoke.

“……Remarkable, having the nerve to come with just the two of you and say such things.”

“I heard that Viscount Elros is a noble who understands honor.”

Of course, it was not because he truly believed in his honor, but because he judged that the man was not gutsy enough to dare attack the heir of Count of Shedil.

Furthermore, even if they were attacked, he had the confidence to escape.

Although at a glance both appeared to wear only a breastplate, thanks to the transformation function Cheryn had personally crafted for them, the moment they infused a bit of Fighting Spirit into it, it would unfold and arm them in full plate armor.

Of course, to the viscount who did not know this fact, it appeared as though they were acting boldly despite not being properly armed.

“Honor, is it……”

Viscount Elros repeated Shan’s words with eyes that seemed lost in thought.

After a short while, he nodded.

“Very well. Let us go inside and talk. Leaving guests outside to converse like this is rude after all.”

*

The two stepped into the reception room and shared tea with Viscount Elros.

After performing the customs of hospitality, the viscount spoke with an expression full of anguish.

“I have heard much of your fame since long ago. Although my own skill is modest, as a warrior I too possess admiration for you. However, that and becoming Count of Shedil are entirely separate matters.”

The biggest reason the viscount opposed Shan was religious.

Because he was an extremely devout follower of the Goddess Order.

Of course, as was true for most people in eastern Pendia, he too belonged to the New Faith, but the problem was the fact that a significant portion of Altoans were non-believers who did not worship the Goddess at all.

The viscount’s concern was that Shan becoming Count of Shedil would serve as an opportunity to expand the influence of such non-believers.

Listening to his worry, Shan brought out the response he had prepared in advance.

“Then I simply need to prove that I am a devout follower of the Goddess Order.”

“……Do you happen to have something in mind?”

“Yes. I do not know if you have received word, but all the lords west of Shedil received a proposal from Princess Cheryn. To unite the New Faith forces from northern to eastern Pendia and construct a new Holy See to serve as a focal point.”

“I have heard of it. Personally, it was not an opinion I favored much, but it did seem necessary.”

“I will become a paladin of the new Holy See created in that manner.”

At the unexpected statement, the viscount’s eyes widened greatly.

“A paladin?”

“Yes. Apart from me being an Altoan, if I take on the duty of guardian of the Order, wouldn’t concerns over the influence of non-believers growing disappear?”

“That would indeed be so, but……”

A paladin, just as the name implied, was a knight knighted in the name of the Order to protect it, and as lofty as that honor was, various duties were imposed.

Such as poverty, chastity, and temperance.

Of course, in the New Faith, priests could also marry, so there was no need to keep even the vow of chastity, but in many ways, one had to be careful with one’s behavior.

In addition, just as with the duty to obey a lord’s command, the duty to respond to the requests of the Holy See’s priests was also incurred, so some powerful knights even refused the honor of being appointed as a paladin.

Of course, the reason Shan confidently brought up such a story was that the person who would command the New Faith Holy See was Priest Vent.

Because he had faith that the priest would not make unnecessarily troublesome demands or brandish authority at will.

Furthermore, he was not the type to enjoy alcohol or adorn himself with gold and silver treasures, so the other restrictions were not particularly bothersome either.

“I had no idea Sir Shan’s faith was this deep.”

At Shan’s response, Viscount Elros smiled with a relaxed expression, unlike his guarded initial attitude.

Even after that, after conversing for a long while, he expressed his intention to withdraw his family’s name from the joint petition.

“If you display faith in the Goddess as a guardian of the Order as Sir Shan said, there is no reason to intimidate you simply for being an Altoan. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“I do not consider it rudeness. It is fine as long as we resolved it well through dialogue.”

Concluding the meeting amicably, Shan accepted the viscount’s request, stayed one night at Elros Castle, and then departed.

While riding across the wilderness, Roden, who turned his head to look back at Elros City, clicked his tongue and spoke.

“You handled it surprisingly well. Even if you had a prepared script in advance……”

“When I thought of the person I was talking to as Arwin, things somehow worked out well.”

Shan spoke as he stroked the mane of the beloved steed he was riding.

“The reason it was easy to know what this guy wanted was because I liked him. Because I wanted him to like me as much as I liked him, I wanted to know what he wanted. Focusing on the viscount and pondering what story he wanted to hear, I think I saw the answer. Still, if not for the script Roden made for me in advance, it would have been hard to speak so fluently.”

At Shan’s attitude as he tilted his head, saying he didn’t really understand what it meant even after speaking, Roden burst into laughter.

Truly, looking at this, it was difficult to recall the image of that small, frail boy he had encountered in front of the hut long ago.

Was this why people said children grew up fast?

“We don’t have much time, so let’s move quickly. Next is Baron Seorin’s territory.”

After that as well, the two met the nobles who had carved their family seals onto the joint petition one by one.

One noble opposed, worrying that Shan, Cheryn’s puppet, would become Count of Shedil and cause the east to be subordinated to the north.

Him, they persuaded by spreading details of the prosperity that would come as Cheryn’s magic revolution expanded eastward in the future, and presenting a magic device brought as an example as a gift.

Another noble feared that the east would fall completely into Cheryn’s faction and be antagonized by Elvin and Conrad, thus turning into a battlefield.

Him, they persuaded by informing him of the power of mass-produced magic devices to appeal that they had the capability to fight back, along with the logic that the two princes had already brought in foreign powers, so those powers would never back down until they gained profits exceeding what they had invested.

Persuading through dialogue was not always easy.

At times they failed in persuasion, and at other times they received answers saying they would put it on hold considering the opinions of others.

Once, when someone insolently tried to openly despise him, claiming it made no sense for a mere Altoan to become a count, Shan taught him the difference in power.

For not indiscriminately intimidating with force did not mean the same as being looked down upon.

When the three knights standing as guards beside him were subdued in an instant, the lord turned pale and bowed his head.

Thus, spending about a week making a round near the Shedil region to converse with everyone.

Shan finished his final meeting with Countess Haspelt, the lord west of Shedil City, and came out.

She, who had led this declaration, worried just as written inside that the Altoan bloodline would spread among the lords of eastern Pendia in the future.

In response, Shan pledged never to take a spouse from among the noble families of the eastern region.

“It ended reasonably well.”

“Indeed. When we return, I should rest a bit……”

Having engaged in forced marches for days on end, Arwin and Lipo were also visibly exhausted.

No matter how tough Horais warhorses were, it was such a severe schedule.

While leisurely leaving the city, Shan realized that the atmosphere was somehow quite restless.

Thanks to everyone chattering about it, before long he was able to learn the reason.

“Elvin is coming! Prince Elvin’s army is coming!”

Rumors that Elvin, who had driven out Conrad and captured Hasra, was finally sending part of his forces to the eastern region were heard from all directions.