Volume 8 Chapter 6 Encounter At Nolans
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The time I took my lawful wife Milly and my dear concubines to a lingerie shop in Capital City became the talk of the town by the very next day.
And even at the palace, during a casual greeting, I got teased by His Majesty.
”Kent sure knows how to stir up a story. I burst out laughing when Aldo told me about it. I never would’ve thought of going to buy underwear. Oh, I’m not scolding you! Just that, you know, you’re stepping out of the noble box.”
”Ah, I guess it did spread… I thought that parking a bunch of carriages with the Blackdagger family crest in front of the store would draw attention, even if it was unwanted. Well, my reputation is definitely taking a hit.”
Since today was a casual visit and not a formal gathering of nobles in the audience chamber, but a personal meeting in His Majesty’s private room, I replied with a bit of cheekiness.
”I think the nobles of Capital City would be more at ease if the seasoned commander Kent, with his outstanding achievements, would just keep entertaining the ladies. If Kent starts taking his job seriously, the nobles will panic.”
”Why? I’m not doing anything to the nobles of Capital City.”
Shifa looked at me with a puzzled expression.
Then, with a slight sigh, she explained to me in detail the anxiety of the nobles.
”You’re doing well, Kent. You’re about to be granted the title of Count in the Kingdom, aren’t you? And with your father holding the key position of Supreme Commander of the Kingdom’s forces, and as the South District Margrave, you’ve got a vast territory and the overwhelming might you showed at the Gertroud Battle. Someone like you should really knuckle down and work in Capital City. The Nobles will be eyeing you, wondering if you’ll cast aside the rest and take the Demon Lord’s throne. Meanwhile, those who oppose the Arbalest are trembling in fear, thinking they’ll be crushed. It’s quite the situation.”
”From what Your Majesty is saying, I guess I’m in a pretty sweet power position. Sounds like I could take over the Kingdom.”
”You can think of yourself as being in the same position as Gwain. At least, that’s how they’ll see it in Capital City. I know you’re not power-hungry, Kent, so I’m just casually dealing with the Nobles who come sniffing around.”
Being told I was in the same position as Gwain, I reassessed where I stood.
I had climbed to a position where, if I wanted, I could exile Shifa and take over the Kingdom.
”Why am I in such a position, though? I just wanted to live quietly in the South District…”
”It’s all thanks to Lady Lila. If we’d left you in a coma, Kent, I might not have been able to prevent you from becoming a traitor. Lady Lila negotiated skillfully on your behalf, and you were spared. Originally, many of the Nobles in Capital City were calling for your exile or execution. If Lady Lila hadn’t participated in the post-battle council, it wouldn’t have been surprising if you were either exiled abroad or executed as a traitor.”
I’d heard that Lila fought a lot of battles for me while I was asleep, but this was the first I’d heard about me almost becoming a traitor.
”I was a traitor…? I’m sure I was summoned by Your Majesty to defeat Gertroud… How did I end up being a traitor?”
”The strongest army in the realm is stationed near Capital City, you know. The nobles are probably freaking out. It’s just the way things are for nobles in Capital City. I’m just going to ignore all this drama.”
Shifa looked at me with a knowing smile, like she thought I was just trustworthy.
”It’s just for protection, see? Maybe it’s best I leave early so the nobles can sleep soundly. By the way, I’m putting Kondrad at the head of a group of ten Dragonewt warriors, along with a thousand soldiers, at the embassy. I’ve also appointed Valid Sorby as the full ambassador, so please take good care of them. For anything you need in South District, just ask him.”
I was getting Veris’s father, the noble Valid Sorby, to be the ambassador for South District in Capital City.
We had been acquainted through their daughter, Veris.
His vast knowledge, smooth-talking Eloquence, and impeccable Etiquette made him a perfect choice for the ambassador.
The Sorby family has been a noble family in Abyss Vena for ages, producing generations of researchers and historians.
They were a family of scholars, knowledgeable about all sorts of customs, which made them very useful to my father-in-law.
The current head of the family, Valid, became connected to me when his daughter joined my Hunting Group, the ‘Red Valkyrie,’ and later became my concubine.
He was the only noble in Abyss Vena who stood by me when I inherited the Blackdagger house.
”Never heard of Valid Sorby. For Kent’s representative, shouldn’t you choose a more famous noble?”
”He’s a fascinating man. Your Majesty would like him too. Besides, I don’t have many well-known nobles in my employ.”
The Noble folks, yeah, they’re mostly all about showing off, and that’s not really my thing.
So, the people under me are usually commoners or low-level Nobles, the kind who keep it low-key.
Still, I guess we need some strong characters for diplomacy, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.
”That kind of action would make the Nobles in the Capital City uneasy. ‘Is Kent planning to scrap us and lift up the commoners?’” he said.
”I don’t have any plans like that,” I replied.
”Well, okay then. Just be careful. I assume Kent will be holing up in the South District for a while?”
”Yeah, as long as the Kingdom isn’t at war. There’s still a lot of unexplored land, after all.”
I’ve heard through Aldo that things are getting fishy with the True Demon Kingdom and the True Demon Dukedom, but I don’t want to get involved as long as we’re not at war.
We blew through a lot of funds during the Gertroud Rebellion, so I’m in the mood to focus on developing my own territory.
”I hope Kent’s services won’t be needed, and I intend to rule the Kingdom smoothly,” he said.
Shifa seems to prioritize recovering the Kingdom’s strength after the exhaustion of the war, so it looks like she wants to avoid an all-out war with the Dukedom.
”Everyone wants to recover from the Gertroud Rebellion’s exhaustion. I guess we won’t see any major conflicts for a while. But keep an eye on the northeast; let’s not let it become a spark for a full-scale war.”
”I’ve also strictly ordered Aldo not to spread the flames of war.”
”Then I won’t say any more. I’ll take my leave now,” he said.
I bowed to His Majesty and then left the private chamber.
* * *
When I returned to the palace, everyone except the remaining soldiers and those still healing had already left.
The only ones left were my direct Hunting Group members and the guards.
”Sir Kent, I am deeply grateful for the great role of being the Capital City’s ambassador. Not just my daughter, but even I have been lifted up by you…”
I spotted Valid in the crowd of people who came to greet me.
He seemed a little nervous about the big role he’d been given.
Valid was a Rakshasa Clan man in his forties with long, silver hair tied back, and he wore glasses just like me.
”Sorry to have you come all the way from Estfort, but I need you to work with Kondrad to handle the diplomatic relations of the South District Margrave in Capital City. Seems like the Nobles in Capital City don’t like me much. I’m counting on your personality and eloquence to build a bridge with the Kingdom.”
”Since you’ve honored me, a mere nobody, I’ll give it my all for the Blackdagger family, no, for the people of the South District Margrave!”
Valid seems really fired up about this role.
He knows the Kingdom’s history inside and out, is great with people, and can propose his own opinions in a way that makes others understand. He’s the perfect person for this job.
”Lord Valid, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the military if you need it. We’re related to the Blackdagger family, after all. Hahaha.”
Kondrad, who’s stationed in Capital City, is also connected to me because his daughter Ane is my concubine, so what he’s saying isn’t entirely wrong.
”Yes, please do.”
The two of them shook hands firmly and put their arms around each other’s shoulders.
With this, I don’t think Kondrad and Valid will have any problems getting along.
If the top people in the military and civil service stationed in Capital City start fighting, the Nobles there might take advantage of it, so I want them to get along.
”Both of you, work together and handle everything.”
””Yes, sir!””
The two of them knelt and bowed.
”Well then, I’m going back to Estfort, so I’ll leave the rest to you. If there are any difficult problems, send a messenger via Dragonewt. Basically, you can decide things by talking it out, Valid and Kondrad. Just let my mother-in-law know, okay?”
”Yes, sir! I’ll be sure to keep Chancellor updated.”
Valid has the guts to make snap decisions when needed, so I’m counting on him to hash out plans with Kondrad when things get tight.
That’s why he pretty much has free rein in Capital City.
He’s the top dog in Capital City, and in the whole South District Margrave, only my mom, me, and Milly are above him.
”I’m counting on you, then.”
I climbed into the Blackdagger family’s hunting carriage, all set and ready.
* * *
As we left Capital City, a hundred guards in tow, our carriage journey started off nice and slow.
I could’ve hopped on a Dragonewt and zipped back to Estfort in a flash, but since I’m not feeling my best, I decided to play it safe and take the carriage for a leisurely ride home.
Along the way, we headed south through the streets of the South District, and after about a week, we reached Nolans, the town at the entrance of the South District Margrave.
Nolans’ city streets were spreading fast, with more tents and makeshift huts popping up around the town than when I last passed through.
”There are more refugees than before…”
Even from the carriage window, I could see thousands of tents and huts.
”Refugees keep streaming in from the east, and folks who’ve given up on the Kingdom because of Gertroud’s mess are flooding into the South District Margrave, hoping to make a name for themselves.”
Milly, who was riding with me, filled me in on the current situation.
My mom had already headed back to Estfort on a Dragonewt, along with her 3 bureaucrat girls.
So, it was Milly giving me the rundown.
”Even though the South District is warm, living in tents and huts must be tough. Are people settling down in Nolans now?”
”Yeah, thanks to Magnus’ hard work. The population’s doubled in a few months, broke through ten thousand. They’ve started expanding the roads to the east, making it a hub for traffic. People and goods are gathering here.”
Magnus, who oversees the Nolans territory, asked my mother-in-law for approval on the street expansion project proposed by the Garuda Principality, and since last month, the street construction has begun.
While there are some jobs available for the refugees gathered in Nolans, the improvement of living conditions hasn’t progressed much.
”Westferm should be starting to establish its territory soon, right? Should we move over there?”
”Their living conditions are similar, but I think those who wish to move should just go ahead. Westferm is set to become a city of workshops and battles. When I suggested relocating shops related to Mr. Golerg’s craft, he was all in. Each shop is going to be about double the size of Abyss Vena! Plus, I heard the Hunter Guild is planning to set up a new training area. It sounds like they’re aiming for a dedicated training facility that’s several times larger than their current cozy setup.”
Milly told me about Westferm’s development plans.
I had been leaving the development plans to Aurelia and didn’t know much, but it seems Aurelia is planning a workshop shop and a Hunter Guild training area for their territory, along with a temple and arena that will be sacred to the Garuda Clan.
I knew that the workshop aspect included mass production facilities for Aida’s Gunslinger shop funded by the Blackdagger family, as well as workshops for Rosella and Rosana, but hearing that Mr. Golerg is planning to move his workshop-related shops was a surprise.
”Whoa, Mr. Golerg is moving too? If that’s the case, let’s give them a huge plot of land right next to Rosella and Rosana’s workshops so they can learn his skills. After all, Mr. Golerg doesn’t take on apprentices, and it’d be a shame to let his talent fade away.”
”I wonder if manufacturing techniques can really be stolen… I guess there must be some secrets beyond the skills involved. Well, if Kent says so, then let’s go with that.”
”I think the two of them will gain something valuable from watching the work of the Equipment craftsmen known as ‘Golerg of the Darkness’──the best in the South District, no, the whole Demon Continent!”
”Yeah, that’s just how it is… But I gotta say, I was surprised when that flashy Hunter Guild set up a huge training ground. Word has it that even my mom’s been getting curious from the other side.”
”Huh, so they’re building a training facility because of the sudden increase in Hunters. Must be nice for beginners, right?”
”True. By the way, we got off-topic, but what about the Nolans?”
Milly steered the conversation back to the Westferm construction.
I want to hear what the refugees have to say too, so I’m thinking of going incognito with a small escort for some information gathering.
I wonder if Milly will be on board…
”I want to hear what the refugees have to say… Is it okay if I wander around with a small escort and in disguise?”
Milly made a face like she was going to say ‘I thought so’ as she rested her hand on her cheek.
As the head of the guards and the intelligence organization, Milly probably doesn’t want me strolling around with a tiny escort more than anything, but I still want to see and hear things for myself.
I may be lazy and like to leave things to others, but I couldn’t just turn a blind eye to the refugees’ situation.
”Can’t be helped. I’ll give the shadow guards their instructions. And I’m coming along too! I’ll bring Manon, Ms. Annabella, and Beatrice. Kent will become an old man with a Mirage Body. He’ll be a retired merchant guild master from the capital city.”
As Milly chanted her magic, light enveloped her body.
When I looked into the mirror handed to me, there was an elderly Majin Clan member, his body covered in white hair and wrinkles.
…Oh no!
This is gonna be a disaster!
Milly as the corner shop lady, Annabella as the helper, Manon as the silverware, and Beatrice accidentally ends up as the 8h samurai.
”Ms. Milly… couldn’t you have made me a bit younger…”
The Mirage Body’s finish was so good, even the voice was crackly like an old person’s.
”Nope. Kent being seen as a young man is better for us!”
After that, Milly and Annabella transformed into Mirage Bodies, and all the accompanying members became part of the Majin Clan, with Milly and Annabella now looking like men in their thirties.
Beatrice and Manon had become women in their twenties.
* * *
Without wasting any time, we decided to check out the tent village and the little huts on the outskirts.
Most of the refugees were those driven out by the eastern war, residents from the outskirts of Capital City, or people who had aimed for the South District during Gertroud’s invasion.
They all fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
”Ah! Please stop! I don’t mean any harm!”
As we walked through the tent village, a young woman’s scream pierced the air from somewhere nearby.
Looking around, I spotted a young woman surrounded by men up ahead.
The vibe told me something serious was going down.
I glanced at Milly and immediately headed towards the woman.
As I got closer, I saw the refugees in the tent village gathering around, watching the scene unfold.
”Hey, lady. Consider yourself lucky! I’m one of Sir Kent’s direct vassals from the South District, and I’m saying you’ll be my concubine. So stop messing around and come to my mansion in Abyss Vena!”
A guy from the Asura Clan was tugging on the hand of a woman who looked to be in her twenties from the Majin Clan.
This seemed to be a kidnapping in progress, didn’t it?
Or was I witnessing a scene of forced subjugation?
”I may be short on cash, but I don’t want to be your concubine.”
The woman wore tattered clothes, her face dirtied and smudged, but still, her beauty shone through.
I could understand why the man was fixated on her, but I couldn’t stand the thought of him forcing her into submission.
However, the other refugees were too scared to intervene, letting the man have his way.
”…Milly, why isn’t anyone trying to stop this?”
I discreetly asked Milly next to me why nobody was stepping in.
”Well, didn’t you hear? That guy is apparently one of Kent’s direct vassals. It’s rare for anyone to stand up to a royal vassal.”
Milly casually explained the reason for their inaction.
”A vassal? I don’t recall hiring that guy. Did you, Milly?”
I had no idea who the man was.
I mean, I should have known, right?
He’s supposed to be a retainer of the Blackdagger family, but I just couldn’t place his face.
”No way!? I would never hire someone like that!”
”So, Annabella?”
”I wouldn’t hire someone like that either. I can tell just by the vibe.”
Annabella shook her head, clearly feeling uncomfortable around the guy.
”Listen here, you! Don’t get smart with me. If you keep going at it, I’ll have you accused of treason for defying the king!”
The man still wouldn’t let go of the woman, trying to drag her away.
”Kyaaa! Stop! Please, stop! Someone help! Please! Help!”
The woman desperately tried to cover herself, pleading for help from those around her.
But the other refugees were too afraid to get involved and just pretended not to see it.
I had enough.
I stepped in, cutting him off.
”Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hey there, young man. Do you really think it’s okay to treat a woman this way, even if you say you’re acting on the king’s orders?”
”What the heck, old fool! You know I’m a direct vassal of King Kent, and yet you still talk to me?! I’ll kill you if you interfere!”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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