Chapter 192
The 6th
Joint Supreme Tournament ⑧
The Banquet
Translator : PolterGlast
With the
unprecedentedly exciting Sixth Supreme Tournament safely concluded, a grand
banquet was to be held at the state guesthouse on the final night.
But that was not all.
In gratitude for the hospitality of the citizens, at the behest of His Majesty
the King himself, festivals for the citizens and visitors were also being held
in the town of Teigoon, the post town, and the town of Gaia.
For this occasion
only, all meals from a pre-specified menu at any restaurant or stall, as well
as beverages such as liquor, were provided free of charge, as a gift from His
Majesty the King.
For that reason, the
voices raising their cups in thanks never ceased in any location.
"A toast to His
Majesty the King!"
"A toast to the
Kingdom of Kyle!"
"Thanks to His
Majesty!"
"To His Majesty
the King and our Lord!"
It was not just the
citizens. The spectators who had rushed here from neighboring domains, and even
from the Royal Capital and the eastern border, also partook in His Majesty's
hospitality, and they too enjoyed the final night to the fullest.
※
The banquet, by order
of His Majesty the King that formalities be set aside, was deliberately held in
a semi-buffet style.
In a full buffet-style
event, people tend to concentrate around those who are the target of greetings
and well-wishes, such as His Majesty, and the recipients have no time to eat.
Therefore, for the first half, although it was a standing meal, guests were to
enjoy their food around their designated tables, after which they were free to
move about.
"Demon Territory
Count, everything about this tournament was truly magnificent. From the
hospitality that touched the heartstrings to the operation of the tournament
and the performance of your subordinates, there were many things that I, too,
wish to adopt. Gouras, on the other hand, turned a bit pale. Wahaha."
"Indeed, the
sales pitch using the tournament as an opportunity was also splendid. Now, now,
I wonder how many business deals the Demon Territory Count has concluded? With
this, the domain will surely prosper even more, a truly fine thing."
Yes, right after the
team match, I had been surrounded by Knight Commander Gouras, as well as Corps
Commander Schultz and Corps Commander Hoffman, and they had directly appealed
to me.
That they wanted me to
dispatch an instructor for training archers.
That they wanted me to
sell them the limited-edition new crossbows on a priority basis.
That they wanted to purchase
a large quantity of the saddle harnesses for mounting crossbows.
Their expressions had
changed as they made these requests.
Furthermore, just as
the old fox had said, we had been flooded with a large number of orders and
pre-orders at the trade fair. Honestly, it was to a level where production
could not keep up at all, and Workshop Master Karl was holding his head in his
hands.
"Still, Lord Gorman's
leap forward is also something to behold. He has grown far stronger than when I
saw him four years ago."
Knight Commander
Gouras, who had just been pointed out by His Majesty, was also showing great
interest in Count Gorman. It seemed he was thinking that he would like to bring
the rapid growth he had felt firsthand to the Royal Knights as well.
"No, no, it is
only because I happened to be neighbors with the Demon Territory Count that I
was able to learn so much. That is all there is to it. And it is also thanks to
my daughter. She is very well-liked by the citizens. Thanks to her, the
crossbow spread like wildfire."
"Oh? You mean the
young lady who defeated one of the Demon Territory Count's champions and drew
with another? This old fox, too, was rather admonished by her at the academy.
Hohohoho, to have not only martial prowess but also courage, and to be popular
as well, is a fine thing indeed. She will be a good support for the Demon
Territory Count who will be her husband, will she not?"
"Oh, to face the
old fox head-on, that is an interesting story indeed. To face the old fox that
so many fear... How delightful, endlessly delightful."
His Majesty the King
was laughing in high spirits.
At this table
surrounding His Majesty the King, in addition to His Majesty, Duke Klein, the
Knight Commander of the Royal Capital, and both Margraves Hastburg and Hamish,
the top winners of the tournament—myself, the Demon Territory Count Solis, and
Count Gorman—had been invited.
"Now then, before
people start mingling, there are two things I wish to speak to you about, Demon
Territory Count.
The first is a matter
of politics.
Regarding the victory
in the east and the suppression of the civil war, the Empire has promptly sent
an envoy of celebration. Along with this, the Third Prince has expressed a
desire to expand trade and friendship and has nominated you, Demon Territory
Count. What are your thoughts on this? State your opinion."
"Yes, Your
Majesty! This is but my own speculation, but I believe this envoy was sent not
so much by the Third Prince as by his confidant, Viscount Kämpfer. The purpose
is likely an inspection of the enemy's situation under the guise of trade.
They likely intend to
tour the fortress being constructed by Margrave Hastburg and this Teigoon area,
which are barriers to an invasion, and to gauge our military strength and the
economic base that supports it by observing our industries.
It was because of
their interference in this recent civil war that the First Prince's plot was
thwarted and we were saved. However, I believe there is no need to feel
indebted for that."
"Then, should we
refuse?"
"No, if we do so,
he may spread the word to the merchants that we have obstructed the development
of trade and may gain even more influence. It is likely a proposal made with
the thought that there is no loss whichever way it turns. A certain amount of
information will leak through the merchants anyway. If that is the case, let us
entertain them in a manner that is convenient for us. For the time being, I
believe it would be a great success if we can make them believe that they
cannot possibly invade the kingdom's territory."
"Wahahaha, I see.
Understood. Now, the second point is a matter of business.
I intend to fall right
into your trap. That thing you call a『light-up』—the Queen was
extremely fond of it. I wish to place an order for that『light-up produce』 thing that was explained at the exhibition hall.
The price was
explained as negotiable, but would it be possible for 10,000 gold coins,
including my thanks for your hospitality this time, to add a touch of splendor
to the Queen's birthday celebration in six months?"
"Your Majesty!
That is too much. I cannot possibly accept such a payment. I will, of course,
be honored to add splendor to the celebration."
"I said it
includes my thanks for this occasion, did I not? Think of most of the payment
as being for that. With the matter of the conferment of honors, if I show you
too much favor, there may be those who harbor wicked thoughts. It is for that
reason. Also, those present here are to keep this matter to yourselves."
Saying this, His
Majesty gave me a wink and then looked at the next table. Over there were Her
Majesty the Queen and the ladies in charge of her hospitality—my mother, Lady
Flora, and Yuka-san—who were in the midst of a lively conversation.
I see, so this is an
extension of our conversation from the day before yesterday... He's already
providing me with his shadow support.
"Well then, let
us conclude the talk here and set aside formalities."
With that one word
from His Majesty the King, the standing meal became a free-for-all, and a line
of people immediately formed at His Majesty's table to offer their greetings.
Myself, both
Margraves, and Count Gorman became free for a fleeting moment.
"Takuhir, you've
done it again this time. Ah! My apologies, Your Excellency, Demon Territory
Count. Please forgive me..."
My brother was
laughing, making a deliberately formal bow. For me too, this official position
is extremely troublesome.
"Hey, brother.
You set me up, didn't you? Dragging out our secret weapon like that... if our
captain had been just a bluff, we would have been deeply embarrassed."
"Hey, you're the
one with too many secrets! Couldn't you have at least told me?"
"Well... there
are spies from within the kingdom and from the Empire, you know. But I have no
more secrets."
"Hmph? Well,
fine. Anyway, I have a favor to ask. Could you lend a hand to your brother, who
made a rather pathetic showing in the team match?"
Ugh! Here it comes. A
request to assign Wind Mages to my brother's army...
"There's one Wind
Mage at the Margrave's place. And two others I've made contact with in the
Royal Capital. I want you to train them. Well, what I really want is for you to
send a few mages of instructor class over here, though."
"Hmm... then,
let's do this. I will take charge of those three for a while and have them join
the Commander's training. If they get the Commander's seal of approval, when I
return them to your army, I will temporarily dispatch Gale or Gold. How about
that?"
"Ah. That would
be a great help. Also, in the Margrave's and my new domains, I want to build
more shooting ranges and popularize the crossbow... so a few people from the
reception center..."
"Yes, if you
select some candidates and entrust them to me, I'll have Claire train
them."
I knew my brother's
intention, so I deliberately layered my words. The truth was, my father (Count
Solis) had said the same thing to me.
When I became
independent from my father, I had transferred the jurisdiction of the shooting
ranges and reception centers that were in various parts of the Estol domain to
my father (the steward). However, many of the people working there had said
that if I were to become independent, they wanted to move to Teigoon.
For that reason, after
consulting with the steward, we had decided for the time being to train
successors in each location and then have them move sequentially. At the same
time, I had also told them to send new recruits for me to train here, and they
were also scheduled to come to Teigoon at a later date.
So, I couldn't just
send personnel to my brother's place. Well, if there were any who wished to go,
that would be a different story...
"Got it. I'll
consult with Flora and send about 50, so I'm counting on you~"
"Fifty people!
All at once? No... that's..."
By the time I had said
that much, my brother was already gone. And in his place, someone who had been
waiting behind him called out to me.
"B-r-o-t-h-e-r!"
When I turned around,
there was my sister (Chrisia) in the lead, with Lady Flora, Lady Yuka, and
their four friends.
"You really got
the better of me this time, brother!"
My sister was cutely
puffing out her cheeks a little. As she grows, she is magnificently recreating
our mother's cunning cuteness.
"Huh? You won, didn't
you?"
"We won!"
"Then why?"
"To think you
were making all these preparations... without telling me, you really went above
and beyond my expectations."
"Well, that's...
unavoidable, isn't it? I have my secrets too. Chrisia, did you go around boasting
again that you know what I'm thinking as if you could read my mind?"
"..."
Hey! So you did say
that! Even if you stick out your tongue so cutely, well... I'll forgive you.
"So, how much did
you win this time?"
"Sister Flora won
540 coins, sister Yuka won 500, I won 580, and everyone else won about 100? We
properly followed the limit and bet 100 gold coins each. It's because I
believed in you the most, brother."
"..."
My jaw dropped. With
such low odds, just how insane a betting strategy had they used?
"Congratulations,
everyone. I think it's a wonderful result. But please don't forget that in
gambling, you lose more often than you win. And if you could understand just
how much hardship the citizens go through to earn even 10 gold coins, I think
you'll be able to use the money more wisely, and I'd be very happy if you could
understand that."
Yeah, I just blurted
it out. Was that uncalled for? It's a bit strange for me, the house, to be
saying it.
"Chrisia-san
apparently donates most of the gold coins she gets to orphanages and
infirmaries. Lady Flora uses hers to support the families of soldiers who died
in the war or were wounded and can no longer work. As for me... I have it sent
to the infirmaries and schools in the Gorman domain. So, Takuhir-sama, please
rest assured about how the gold coins are being used."
In response to
Yuka-san, who had answered with a radiant smile, I somehow... felt terribly
awkward. So, I impulsively swept my sister up in my arms, lifted her into the
air, and spun her around.
"I'm sorry,
Chrisia. You really are a sister to be proud of. As an apology, I'll send you a
lot of honey again next time."
"Brother, please
stop! It's embarrassing... But please do send a lot of honey."
And then... I felt
many stares boring into my back. It goes without saying that I ended up having
to give extra honey to all seven of the young ladies, including my sister.
After that, for the
rest of the banquet, I was continuously surrounded by the honored guests and
the participating nobles, who thought, 'Now is the time!' Their questions were
almost always the same.
Will the
limited-edition crossbows be released for sale?
Can we purchase honey
on a regular basis?
We are considering
purchasing the improved crossbows, but what is the delivery time?
If we purchase in
large quantities, will there be preferential treatment in terms of delivery
time and price?
How did you
industrialize things like sugar and soap?
How can we spread the
use of crossbows and turn our citizens into a military force?
There were also a few
requests to dispatch the civil servants, mages, and merchants they had.
Including those
matters, I spent the whole time responding in the way I had arranged beforehand
with Miseri, Claire, and Yoltia.
And so, the banquet
and other events ended without a hitch. With one exception.
There was a certain
count who, after all the events were over, was fired up to lead a "night
inspection team" without anyone being able to point a finger at him.
Based on his
reflection from last time, he had plotted to carry it out on the final day and
was eagerly prepared.
But that night, he was
ordered by his wife to guard and escort the ladies who were going to see the
light-up display. On the promise that he would remain on duty until the time
the lights of the display went out.
Of course, I,
following my mother's request, had secretly arranged for the oil in the
lanterns, which would normally go out by midnight, to be replenished throughout
the night, and was engrossed in coloring the final night of the tournament.
The lights-out that
the count had been waiting for came the next morning, as the sun began to rise
and everyone began to move about for breakfast preparations...
It is said that the
count, haggard and shedding tears of regret, was staring at the morning sun
that dyed the sky red in a corner of the town.
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