NOVEL NEXT Chapter 446
Crossing the wide lake, the outer castle area appeared.
As I passed through the expansive winter wheat fields and the peasant cottages, the long inner castle walls finally came into view.
‘Larger than I expected.’
It seemed that, being a royal direct territory, a significant amount of wealth had been invested here. For a barony, especially the last of the lower nobility, it was surprisingly developed, leaving me with a first impression of amazement.
The lengthy castle walls were difficult to gauge in their expanse. As my anticipation grew about what the city inside would look like, a somewhat imposing figure approached me.
Hanelrn explained about him.
“That gentleman has been managing the territory as the acting head of the family in place of the lord.”
His hair, sprinkled with gray, was neatly slicked back.
His face was lined with the wrinkles of time, yet his eyes still sparkled with vigor and wisdom, like a distinguished old man.
He greeted me.
“Greetings, Baron. I’m the old man who has been governing the barony on behalf of the Lord. Please feel free to call me Benor.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope we haven’t kept you waiting too long.”
“Haha, to say you’ve kept me waiting! It is only right that I welcome you and your warriors back home.”
With a hearty laugh, he naturally shifted our gaze toward the gradually opening castle gates.
“I understand you have many questions for me, as do I for you. However, I have prepared something according to your letter. Why don’t you indulge in that first?”
Beyond the gates, a path was laid out for our baronial soldiers to march in formation.
Each soldier raised their spear, guarding our procession, while villagers lined both sides, their eyes filled with anticipation as the gates opened before us.
“Then let’s proceed.”
Benor’s kind smile accompanied him as he cleared the way.
Before stepping inside, I turned to our commanders and said, “I’m sure you’re all exhausted from the long walk, but I presume no one would decline the welcome ceremony?”
“Everyone has been looking forward to it since we left the Alenarr Marquisate for the barony. A mere half-day stroll through the city poses no problem.”
“Honestly, we might even forget the fatigue, so walking all day wouldn’t be an issue at all.”
“No large-scale welcome ceremony has been held in the barony until now. My heart is already racing.”
“More than when charging toward enemies, I suppose?”
“… Honestly, this is even more exhilarating.”
It wasn’t just Theia who brimmed with excitement. Although trying to act composed, Hanelrn and Dorothy also couldn’t hide their enthusiasm.
After all, I had sent a letter to Benor, requesting preparations for the welcome ceremony. The plans for the victory celebration involved collecting opinions from the warriors and commanders who participated in the battles, and it seemed that the three commanders had been anticipated to be the stars of the event.
Thus, without further delay, I took action.
“Then it’s best to enter before we get too nervous and stiffen up.”
As we began to pass through the gates, a booming voice overwhelmed the crowd.
“I hereby introduce Ray Karpel, the rightful ruler and master of the Karpel Baron Family! The loyal knights of the baron have returned victorious from the wars they fought for the kingdom! The villagers ought to bless and praise them heartily!”
At the woman’s words, the villagers scrutinized the soldiers even more closely.
Being a trading city, sensitive to every news and rumor, the people here couldn’t help but react to the reports from the northern front and the dangers that followed.
The sight of the soldiers standing proudly, despite their battered armor and wounds that testified to fierce battles, was enough to make them appear as heroes returned from hell.
“From now on, the barony will cease all activities and focus solely on the welcome ceremony for our heroes!”
As the ceremony commenced and the soldiers began their march, cheers erupted from all around.
Heroes had emerged from the baron’s family. The peril of the northern invasion would have left them unsafe had they not intervened. Although they hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, they had heard enough to worry.
It might sound a bit awkward, but—
‘What a relief.’
The faces of the weary soldiers looked brighter than ever, allowing me to march comfortably while surveying my surroundings.
‘From the well-organized roads to the clearly divided zones, it’s remarkable how planned this city is.’
I felt delighted once more, not just by the beautiful scenery of the outer castle area, but also by how the inner castle area was neatly arranged, harmonizing well.
This entire city was mine! Just receiving a single bow when I was a slave in the seventh iron cage had felt momentous, but now, gaining an entire city was simply beyond compare.
Thus, as we reached the central plaza where a high platform was prepared, I was reminded of when Ainel had celebrated my return from war with Shione and Siabel.
Standing before the three commanders and soldiers, I began my speech.
“As the rightful master of the Karpel Baron Family, I fought alongside my family’s soldiers in the north, facing the gravest calamities at the front lines.”
“The battles were fierce, but the loyal soldiers of the baron did not tremble. The Special Assault Brigade relentlessly pursued the demons while the Knights’ Order and Reserve Mage Corps formed a line of defense to confront the demons directly.”
“Their bravery reached the heavens.”
The people whispering about their lord fell silent upon seeing me.
That silence seemed to urge me to continue speaking, as if they were impatient to hear more.
So I responded to the atmosphere.
“The ordinary soldiers are no different. One such soldier, Meltrin, once an ordinary spearman, became a formidable warrior through numerous battles and halted the enemy’s advance.”
“They overcame the madness and fear of war, and it was because they held their ground that we could emerge victorious.”
“Among them, Commander Hanelrn, Theia of the Special Assault Brigade, and Dorothy of the Reserve Mage Corps, along with their comrades…”
Despite the overwhelming gaze upon me, I recognized the importance of the words I had to convey.
“I gladly call everyone who fought alongside me heroes, and I will treat you all as loyal soldiers!”
As my words concluded, cheers erupted from everyone.
“Waaah!!”
With the end of the welcome ceremony, the barony was filled with a festive atmosphere.
The tavern offered free drinks to soldiers, who filled the place with amusing stories while they rested for the first time in ages. Those who reunited with their families embraced each other, celebrating their joy of reunion over dinner. The commanders enjoyed a much-deserved respite as well.
As everyone reveled without worries, delighted to lose themselves in happy dreams—
“…May I ask about the gold spent during the welcome ceremony and today?”
“The Karpel Barony has a considerable surplus, so the ceremony didn’t cause much strain… However, considering the costs for equipment repairs and purchases upcoming…”
“Upcoming?”
“If we factor in everything, it would come to about this much.”
“Ugh.”
I couldn’t help but feel a headache about the tough realities of managing the territory.
By the look of that trailing zero, it seemed like there were more expenses than I had anticipated. Is money truly this hard to come by?
Since my specialty was fighting, not territory management, I had no choice but to swiftly seek counsel from the experts in this field.
“You mentioned conducting funeral rites, right? Indeed, honoring those fallen soldiers and treating them with respect until the end will surely boost the military’s loyalty and morale. It would lay a solid foundation for the lord’s support. This budget can be drawn from here…”
“There are some stored weapons and armor, although they’re insufficient. Therefore, equipment replacement and repair will also be an issue. It would be best to carry it out step by step. This budget should become available after winter, when trade flourishes, and we can see competitive bidding among merchants…”
While the discussions flowed smoothly among the retainers—
“Lord, what do you think of this plan?”
“Regarding the funeral rites as you suggested. I also mentioned competitive bidding for the military’s reorganization. If you have any merchants in mind as potential candidates, could you share their names and characteristics? Additionally, I’d like to know how many blacksmiths are bound to our family before the bidding begins.”
I had to scramble to keep my head clear.
“Thank you for your hard work, my lord.”
“…And you too, Benor.”
“Haha, you seem worn out. If this work is still unfamiliar to you, I could take on your tasks in your place. If you joined me in the practical side of things, you’d adapt quickly.”
“It’d be better to try as much as I can.”
“Nevertheless, my lord, this isn’t just about internal matters; there are plenty of diplomatic tasks waiting for you as well. That’s beyond my authority…”
“Ah.”
Even after finishing my task here, there was still a pile of work left.
What could they possibly want regarding diplomacy? As I held the scene outside the office in my sights, I took a moment to clear my head.
‘Ironically, I haven’t had the chance to properly check out my mansion yet.’
Thanks to the internal meeting where acting head Benor would soon attend, I followed his suggestion and accidentally got caught up in it all.
Having recently joined the family, but rushing to work, it seemed those around me had started to harbor not just burdens about my presence but also some favorable feelings.
Still, it is what it is; I can’t escape the fact that it’s tough.
‘…How on earth do Ainel and Siabel handle all this so effortlessly?’
With nowhere to lament my tiring circumstances, I finally asked about diplomacy.
“What does it entail?”
“Currently, there have been proposals regarding trade items from nearby families, and discussions for joint ventures are underway… Several noble families have also approached regarding engagement offers for you.”
“Engagement offers?”
“Yes, several high-ranking nobles are aiming for an arranged marriage with you, my lord.”
If Shione hears that, she would undoubtedly turn green with jealousy and be ready to eat me alive right there.
Thus, without hesitation, I expressed my position on the engagement proposals.
“I’m sorry, but I think I’ll have to decline them all.”
“That means….”
“I intend to send an engagement proposal to the Count’s House, the shield of the west.”
Upon hearing that, Benor, who seemed to expect my response, nodded in understanding.
When I stared intently at this notion that he was supposedly waiting for, he provided an answer.
“Benor Loriman. Before coming to the Karpel Baron Family, I served as a retainer to Count Ainel.”
I already had a sense this would happen, based on both Ainel’s and Shione’s reactions.