Chapter 302
(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)
To the Northern Country Part 3
Translator : PolterGlast
The largest city in the new territory of the Kyle Kingdom,
the former territory of the former Uros Kingdom in the north, is the
city of Virileodore.
Spreading on the right bank of the great river flowing along
the border between fellow Piette Merchant Confederation countries (the
former Uros Kingdom and its western neighbor), the city flourished as a
port city. It is a city where port facilities where trade ships enter, sailors,
warehouses and laborers loading and unloading them, and fishing villages and
fishermen providing food reside, filled with a unique vitality.
We temporarily took lodging in the city, and having those
who accompanied us take turns resting, standing by, and heading out for market
research doubling as free time, the four of us—Yuka, Carla, Sigurd, and I—went out for a stroll.
"Even so, this city is full of vitality."
"It is just as Yuka says. The Kyle Kingdom
is basically an agricultural country, but here is different. There are many who
make their living trading with foreign countries, and those who head out to sea
risking their lives daily. It's probably because they are all sly, seasoned
veterans."
"Takuhir-sama, isn't that a little... similar to
Fran?"
"That is right. I have never been to Fran, but
it feels like there are many people like Brother Raphael here."
In such places, both Carla and Sigurd came to
join the conversation without hesitation and respond frankly. Well, that's only
been the case recently, though.
『If
guards act too much like guards, it stands out even more. It is important to
always be natural and behave so that it is unknown who the master is.』
It seems they have been strongly admonished by Anne
like that many times. I had also told them to dare to act that way for a
different reason, though... Because somehow... being treated like a lord makes
me feel restless too.
"Ah, certainly. It is as Carla says. Have you
ever been to Fran, Yuka? "
"Yes, a few times. But every time, I was together with
Father, and I never went out into the town."
"Hahaha, that place has its own unique color, after all. There are also many playgrounds for mischievous
adults."
"Mischievous adults? Don't tell me, Takuhir-sama
too..."
Saying so, Yuka's expression became just a little stern.
"Hahaha, I was also strictly admonished by my mother
not to go out into the town at night. Besides, Anne was always by my
side."
"R-Right. If Anne-sama is there, there is
absolutely no way you would 'bar-hop' such shops, right."
Bar-hopping... I mean, Brother! Your past debauchery has
firmly reached the ears of not just Chrisia, but Yuka as well,
hasn't it! I almost took collateral damage just now.
I mean, there's something I'm curious about, though...
"Yuka, did sister-in-law (Flora-san) hear
that story too?"
"Ah... yes. She was acting as if she didn't notice,
but... her face was twitching only at that time."
"..."
Brother, it seems the landmine is already set. Women are
scary. Years later, they will bring up the story over a trivial thing. I closed
my eyes and prayed that my brother would not walk the same future as our
father.
While having such a conversation, we proceeded deep into the
market.
"Um... Takuhir-sama, doesn't it smell
strange?"
"I think so too. It's a little... stinky."
I didn't even mind it, but the area was filled with the
unique fishy smell emitted by seafood. Yuka unintentionally frowned, and
Carla was pinching her nose.
It's no wonder. To begin with, we have almost no custom of
eating fish. Even on the rare occasions we do, it's just river fish fried in
oil or roasted over a fire. This smell must be a strong stimulus for those
smelling it for the first time...
Because passersby were looking at their state with wondering
faces, we quickly left that corner.
Then, having almost finished going around the market, looking
sideways at them frolicking over their first sight of the sea, we walked a bit
and arrived at a popular local restaurant we had heard about from a market
vendor.
But that was the beginning of our
mistake. It was certainly neat and clean, and the seafood lined up on the
surrounding customers' tables all looked delicious. However, the ones sitting
there were only men who looked like thugs. Moreover, they were drinking alcohol
since broad daylight.
"..."
Well, it can't be helped. There is the saying "When in
Rome, do as the Romans do," and we decided to enjoy our meal at a table as
far back as possible. Well, "we yielded to the delicious smell" might
be the correct answer.
While doing so, dishes abundantly using seafood lined up in
front of us. They, who initially brought it to their mouths timidly, gradually
quickened their pace of eating.
"It's my first time having authentic fish cuisine, but
it's incredibly delicious!"
"Yuka-sama, me too! The soup soaked with flavor
is also an absolute masterpiece!"
"The soup is also delicious if you dip bread in it like
this. Everyone, try it."
What the two, Yuka and Carla, were delighted
about was a dish similar to bouillabaisse. It's certainly delicious.
"It really is! Also, this mysterious grilled dish is
also incredibly delicious!"
Sigurd was
frantically biting into something like salt-grilled shrimp. It was at that
time.
"It's a truly pathetic story, the cowards living in the
Royal Palace sold us out wanting to save their own lives."
"For real.
Those non-human bastards are walking around the city acting like they own the
place. It's a completely unpleasant sight."
The derogatory terms people of the surrounding countries use
for the people of the Kyle Kingdom are different respectively.
Griffonia Empire uses...
Barbarians.
Istoria Imperial Kingdom
uses... Devil's minions, Heretics.
Fearalt Dukedom
uses... Clowns, Failures.
Piette Merchant Confederation uses... Non-humans
Therefore, I understood that their conversation was directed at us.
"Even so, they have a nice status. They're probably
mocking us, seeing us robbed of our country."
"Absolutely. Even though they were pinching their noses
at the smell, they have the nerve to call it delicious."
" Now that's
being rude to the food too. I wish they wouldn't disturb our only remaining
place of relaxation."
"Ah... Takuhir-sama... I apologize."
Carla had a
slightly pale face. She was probably feeling apologetic about the attitude she
had taken. I mean, was there a guy watching that time?
Should I make things clear here a bit?
"Sorry about that. We are from way down south, and it's
our first time at the sea anyway. We also have a poor understanding of the
food. Although out of ignorance, I want to apologize to the people of this land
for being rude. To correct our discourtesy, we came here to learn more about
the ingredients of this country and show our respect, but..."
"Hah? Can non-humans understand the taste of this
shop?"
"If you want to show respect, send the women over here
and we'll keep 'em company for drinks."
"Well, it's poison for the eyes of you little rich
boys. Go back to your inn alone and cower in fear."
Jeers flew from tables here and there. I mean...
"It’s truly… a cliché (tempure)."
"Haaah? What is that tempura thing?"
『It's
a cliché (tempure)! Tempura would be delicious, though.』 I almost burst out laughing
unintentionally, but somehow held it back just within my inner voice.
"Right, there is something I want to say first. We
don't hold any grudges against this country, no, against those who live
here."
"Well, we do!"
"Why do we have to stand downwind of non-humans!"
"Could you leave it at that? Any more low-level abusive
language than this is just fruitless. We won't be able to overlook it with a
laugh either."
"If that's the case, get down on your hands and knees
and apologize right here!"
"Get lost from our tavern!"
"No, leave the women behind as a token of
apology!"
"Takuhir-sama..."
This time Sigurd looked at me and muttered quietly. 『Is
it okay if I do it?』
His eyes were clearly saying that.
Well, it's a situation where it's perfectly fine to do so,
but it would be apologetic to Frontier Duke Model to cause problems
every single time. Therefore, I lightly put my left hand out to the side and
restrained him.
"Phew, I showed you guys respect. Do you not even
understand that? If you don't back down here, I'll have to have you understand with
your bodies... is that fine?"
"Shut up! on't act tough just because you're in front
of women. The ones who are going to understand with their bodies are you guys!"
Saying so, several people stood up from their seats and
threw punches at Sigurd and me.
Right off the bat!?
But compared to monsters, their movements were far too slow
and sluggish, so avoiding them was a piece of cake. When Sigurd and I
lightly dodged and kicked the two who swung at us first, they fell over
grandly.
"You bastard!"
"What the hell are you doing!"
Belatedly, 4 or 5 people surrounded us. 『Holding
back so as not to seriously injure amateurs is a bit of a hassle...』
"What the hell are we doing? These guys were the ones
who threw punches first, right? We only protected ourselves with the minimum
actions. Or what? Does the law of the Uros Kingdom say the one getting
punched is in the wrong?"
"Are you guys idiots? Do you think you can win against
this number of people?"
"Who cares, get 'em!"
"Listen here, I'm giving you a final warning. Don't
make me draw my sword. If I draw it once, you guys will definitely die. It'll
be a pointless death."
When I declared that filled with bloodlust, they turned pale
and began to cower. 『Hmm? Did it work?』
"I mean, y-you've already... drawn them!"
『Huh?』
Looking behind me suddenly, Sigurd and Carla had already drawn
their swords and were glaring at the surroundings while exuding tremendous
bloodlust.
"Takuhir-sama, the charges sufficient to
constitute lèse-majesté even under the Kingdom's laws have been established.
With this, even if these guys are cut down, no one can complain."
"Beasts need discipline. Losing an arm or a leg or two
won't kill you. Carry the burden of your own foolishness and live on from here on."
""Eek!""
Sigurd was angry, but Carla was extremely angry as well. Carla
especially, while her actions themselves were elegant and like a quiet water
surface, was giving off sharp bloodlust like a razor.
It was at that moment. There
was one man who hurriedly jumped into the
circle.
"Both sides! Stop here! Please, sheath your
swords!"
"Who the hell are you... huh?"
"Eh? Viscount..."
『Viscount?
What does that mean?』
"For such disrespect towards our guests, I will also
apologize."
Saying so and cutting in, the man who apologized to us
looked like a gentle man with long hair, but had some kind of dignity about
him. After that, he turned around and glared at the men in the tavern.
"I understand your chagrin at losing your country. But
our country committed such atrocities that we cannot complain even if our
nation is ruined. Compared to the chagrin of the people whose blood relatives,
lovers, and acquaintances were killed by the neighboring country that suddenly
attacked without a declaration of war, your chagrin is tantamount to
nothing."
"..."
"And you guys, apologize to these honorable people
again. If these honorable people had gotten serious, you would have all been
cut down instantly. If you are sailors, consider that you have received
something equal to the favor of being picked up when thrown into the great
ocean."
"That's... Viscount..."
"I am no longer a Viscount or anything. Watch your
words."
Saying so, they fell to their knees and apologized to us.
Whether it was from the bottom of their hearts or not aside...
After that, I thanked this former Viscount, and proposed
that we surround a table together. Because I was a little interested in this
man.
"Is it fine... for someone like me?"
"Yes, because it is our first time coming to this land,
we do not know the customs as shown earlier. I thought I would like to ask for
your teachings so that we are not rude to the people of this land from here on
too."
That's right, I had forgotten something important. In a
slightly louder voice, I announced toward the shopkeeper at the counter.
"I apologize for causing a disturbance earlier. Today,
all the drinks and food in this shop are my treat. So let everyone drink and
eat to their heart's content. It's the least I can do to apologize."
"!!!"
"I like a generous boss!"
"Sorry about earlier. Thanks!"
"Cheers to the bosses!"
After a moment of silence, everyone in the shop raised
cheers of joy. Well... this should be fine as a necessary expense too.
I mean, you guys... aren't you a bit too materialistic?
"Truly... what kind of person are you... I do not know
who you are, but I offer my gratitude repeatedly. Including the fact that you
saved their lives. I was formerly entrusted with trade in this land as a
Viscount, and my name is Virile Mercante di Savoia. Although now 'di'
has become just a formality..."
Generally, nobles of the Kyle Kingdom use 'von', in
the Empire 'fa', and in the Piette Merchant Confederation 'di' as a
noble honorific. And having a middle name is also the usual custom for nobles
of the Merchant Confederation.
"Thank you for your politeness. I am..."
As I began to speak, he quietly raised his hand and stopped
me.
"No, I believe it would be better if I do not ask your
name. There are prying eyes as well."
Hoh? This man is quite capable. From the circumstances so far,
he probably guessed that I hold a considerable status. Did he deliberately stop
me from stating my name?
"Then, just Takuhir, please call me that."
"Then for me too, Virile..."
After that, while exchanging cups of alcohol, we heard from Virile
about the state, climate, and culture of this city. When I thought the
atmosphere had softened up, I tried broaching a topic.
"By the way, Lord Virile, why are you a former
noble? Even those guys from earlier listened sincerely to your words alone and
were obedient, but..."
"Hahaha, it is an embarrassing story. In the previous
war, stating to the King that it was 'against trust and lacking just cause,'
our house did not dispatch soldiers. Because of that, we incurred
displeasure... And well, my territory and ships just happened to be included
within the ceded land..."
"Don't tell me... the 10 trade ships the Kyle
Kingdom took over are..."
"Yes, they were owned by our house before the
war."
I see, so those are the circumstances. During the
announcement of the rewards for services, I was surprised thinking 'Not only
territory but trade ships too?', but to think there was such a backstory. So
the Uros Kingdom side also used the assets of a troublemaker for
reparations. If so, while opposing the war, he ended up being the one who got
the shortest end of the stick.
"Our house has been nobles who built themselves up
through trade for generations. We were also in a position like a prominent
figure in this port."
Well, that's probably not the only reason. In
that state right on the verge of exploding, they were intimidated by this man.
Words alone wouldn't cause that.
"Well, rough business comes with being a sailor, after
all."
Moreover, it seems he is also sensitive to the subtleties of
human emotions. Looking at my expression, he quickly supplemented the answer.
Rough business comes with it = He is accustomed to rough business. If so, that means he is not just a
gentle-looking man.
"May I also ask a question? Lord Virile, you
were in this shop from the very beginning of the incident, weren't you? Why did
you quietly observe at first?"
『Eh?
Is that so.』
I see! Did Yuka alone stay out of the vortex, quietly
observing and keeping watch on the surroundings the whole time? That's why she
could see the surroundings.
I mean... she truly has a lot of nerve contrary to her
appearance.
"Hahaha, you have sharp eyes. In a port town, fights
and quarrels are everyday occurrences. Their temperaments may be rough and they
have boorish parts, but they are different from bandits or criminals.
Therefore, I dared not stick my neck in and was watching the situation."
"Even if Takuhir-sama was treated coldly?"
"That wouldn't happen, would it? You all had absolutely
no fear. I judged that you had the confidence to beat them down."
However, Sigurd and Carla, taking my honor
into consideration, overreacted. So he panicked and... that's how it is.
Basically sincere and thoughtful, and sometimes having experienced scenes of
carnage and calculating.
As I thought, he is interesting. If we were hypothetically
just people throwing our weight around, he would probably have watched us get
beaten up with a composed face.
He is not just a good person either. If he thinks it's one's
own fault, he would calmly abandon them.
"We also have an interesting man who is accustomed to
rough business, liked by those with rough temperaments, and leading them.
Though, his appearance is completely different."
At my words, Sigurd reacted slightly. Well, since
it's a story about his revered big brother figure (Raphael), it can't be
helped.
"By the way, now that this land is annexed to the
Kingdom, do you not desire to serve as an official? If it were Frontier Duke Model,
I thought he would definitely call out to you..."
"Indeed. Actually... I did receive an offer. However,
ensuring only my own safety and selling myself to an enemy country—though
that's from the perspective of the Uros Kingdom—to secure peace for myself is
something I hesitate to do..."
What a shame... He's a quite interesting man, and my
impression of him so far is extremely excellent.
"Then... what if it were not the Kyle Kingdom?"
"That is... something I cannot answer immediately."
"Then, after consulting
with the Frontier Duke on our side as well, please allow us to contact you
again at a later date. However, the Westlights Dukedom desires excellent
talent. I would like to convey just that in advance."
"Wha-! Don't
tell me..."
I deliberately did not answer, but just returned a smile.
Virile Mercante di Savoia, receiving an invitation from Takuhir, he would later migrate to the Westlights Dukedom, receive his trust, and become active as the Minister of Commerce. In the not-too-distant future...
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