Unchanged Samurai In Another World

Episode 51: The Samurai Observes the Meeting

The next morning, after finishing breakfast in the inn’s dining hall, the group made their way to the magistrate’s residence. It was a location less than a quarter-hour’s walk away, but in the manner befitting a noble visit, they deliberately opted to travel by carriage and horse.

“Lord Pina,”

Kurosu spoke quietly to Pina, who was seated at the driver’s position.

“Lord Cross, please, just call me Pina.”

“I see. Very well, Pina. Everyone seems quite sleep-deprived. Did something happen? …And you’ve got dark circles under your eyes. Are you all right?”

At breakfast, Renald and the others had appeared off-kilter.

They were in a state of mild excitement, or perhaps overcompensation for lack of rest. Their faces looked tired, yet their voices were unduly loud and their eyes glaring. They bore the appearance of warriors who had been on the battlefield without rest.

“Hehehe, we discussed future plans until the early morning. Thanks to Lord Cross’s influence, our master was delightedly discussing prospects for the future. Yes, we are a bit sleep-deprived, but I’m rather in excellent spirits, so please don’t worry.”

“…I see.”

Pina smiled brightly, her face glowing with an expression seemingly unmatched in joy anywhere in the world.

…

Arriving at the magistrate’s residence, they handed their horses to the attendants and were ushered into the reception room.

When the servant announced Renald’s entrance and opened the door—Kurosu could not help but call out at the sight of the man standing inside.

“What are you doing here, you?”

“Tyumen, do you know him?”

“Teacher, do you know him?”

In the reception room, with large sofas facing each other across a table, stood Tyumen, and next to him, a slimmer Lizardman.

“Ah, well, not exactly… right?”

Instead of the half-naked state from the other day, Tyumen was clad in an expensive-looking kimono, turning to them for confirmation. His tightly stretched jacket, worn thin from excessive washing, bore clear patches where the fabric beneath had been reinforced. The undergarments were marked with countless fine wrinkles, and the visible hole at the knee clearly suggested it was self-inflicted from excessive wear.

Even Kurosu, who normally did not pay much attention to fashion, could immediately see that Tyumen wasn’t accustomed to wearing such attire.

“Ah. I met him accidentally at the Adventurer’s Guild yesterday. Tyumen, does that mean you’re related to the magistrate?”

“Hold on, why are you, of all people, coming here with the young lord? Aren’t you an adventurer?”

The moment Tyumen said that, the Lizardman standing beside him socked him on the head.

“You stupid son of mine! How dare you speak so rudely to Lord Renald’s retainer!”

“Oww, Dad! That’s unnecessary! He’s my friend!”

The two loudly shouted, their tails rhythmically thumping against the floor, signifying their excitement.

Though they hadn’t exactly become friends, having spent a significant amount of time together, Kurosu did not harbor any ill feelings towards Tyumen’s carefree personality. He decided not to contradict the claim and recounted yesterday’s events to Renald and the others.

After Kurosu and Tyumen were finished with their explanations, the meeting finally commenced. Tyumen and the Lizardman settled into their seats while Renald stayed seated, the rest of them standing behind him.

“Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Baron Magnus Borello, serving as the magistrate of Navar on behalf of His Excellency, the Viscount Angila. Standing beside me is my son, Tyumen. First and foremost, I sincerely apologize for having kept Lord Renald waiting.”

The baron spoke with refined eloquence, exuding an imposing aura befitting his rank. His piercing eyes and a prominent scar stretching from his cheekbone to his right cheek added an air of mystery to his otherwise calm demeanor.

“No, please rise, Baron Borello. It was our insistence on making such a sudden visit. The impudence lies on our side. Moreover, it is I who must bow in this situation.”

With those words, Renald genuinely bowed his head. The fact that Raoul and Pina were silently observing suggested this had been prearranged earlier.

However… “I,” huh.

Though somewhat nervous, this evidently wasn’t his first time participating in such negotiations. His tone neither condescendingly looked down on those of lower status, nor excessively humble, striking a perfect balance.

It was often said that many nobles flaunted their status with arrogance, but such people only inspired resentment, not respect. Renald, in contrast, carried himself with a dignified air befitting a noble.

“No, Lord Renald, this is unacceptable! Why should a nobleman of your standing bow to someone like me? Please cease this immediately!”

The baron desperately tried to stop Renald from bowing. Tyumen too froze in surprise upon seeing his gesture.

“Baron, please forgive me. In truth—”

Renald raised his head and gave an elaborate explanation regarding the series of events that had unfolded as a result of the Orcus Empire’s tyranny.

“…and given this situation, I am afraid we must retract the previous request for tax reductions.”

“——! No, if circumstances are as such, it cannot be helped. Originally, we, too, should have sent reinforcements. That you would show us such consideration is beyond generous on your part. Navar has no intention of making selfish demands amidst such an emergency in Angila.”

Though momentarily taken aback, the baron quickly regained his composure, forcing an awkward smile. While his lips curved into a smile, his eyes remained expressionless.

From what Tyumen had mentioned the day before, fishing boats hadn’t properly gone out to sea for nearly a year. Regardless of whether local taxes were subject to inspection or exemption, the magistrate of a small port town like Navar most likely had limited savings, and with the dire state of the fisheries, reaching a tax reduction would be nearly impossible.

Clearly, his internal struggles were immense.

“But… Father, no, Lord Father. If it continues like this, both the fishermen and the merchants will be driven to ruin.”

“Even so. Should the Northern territories fall under imperial invasion, countless people will be displaced. Tyumen, just as we cherish Navar, the Viscount also considers all of Angila in his decision-making. The Lord’s judgment is sound.”

“But—”

Before Tyumen could voice his dissatisfaction further, Renald cut in.

“Baron, your son’s words are valid. Personally, I have no intention of abandoning Navar for the sake of the North. Therefore, might we consider supporting you in another form?”

“Another form… you say?”

“Yes. I have traveled extensively through various regions of our territory and have connections to some small towns that still have surplus food supplies. Among these, I will personally negotiate with their respective magistrates to arrange low-cost provisions for Navar, avoiding anything that could be requisitioned for the war effort.”

“That… If such were possible, it would be a surprise and immense relief for us. However, every town will be stockpiling food for the war. Prices for foodstuffs will surely soar soon. Wouldn’t this be challenging?”

“I shall make every effort to ensure success. My only means right now are humble appeals through desperate persuasion, but I vow to travel from place to place searching for magistrates who will agree. Thus, I humbly request your time.”

Renald bowed once again, the sincerity in his words and posture evident.

I see… so that’s the path you chose.

Certainly, the lords and older brothers Renald had must act much differently—he himself going to such lengths to visit distant small towns. It was, indeed, a characteristic of his to possess an in-depth understanding of local affairs.

Moreover, Renald’s actions were nothing short of rescuing those who had been cast aside by the ruling lords. Naturally, this would be a thorny path.

Within the household, those in a disadvantaged position daring to act against the head’s wishes—it was far from a path without consequence.

However, the loyal retainers observing their master were unmistakably filled with pride.

…Ah, so you’ve accepted this fully. Everyone carries themselves proudly.

The baron consented to Renald’s proposal, placing the fate of Navar in his hands.

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