The Marquis’ Eldest Son’s Lascivious Story 176

Chapter 176: Tranquility and the peaks of immovable mountains

The highest peak on the continent, Mount Erechtheion, soars high above the steep mountains and deep valleys in the distance.

Although there is a well-maintained road for passage, one step outside of the road and you are surrounded by virgin forests that block out the sunlight.

In the scattered basins, people have gathered together to build cities.

The Aterahan region on the continent of Eluo.

It is a land ruled by the aristocratic Aterahan family.

Despite the fact that the snowy season is a time when few people come and go, a number of horse-drawn carriages were gathered in Zaleazeria City that day.

These carriages were decorated with glittering ornaments, and it was obvious from their appearance that they were not for commoners to ride in.

One of the largest carriages passed through the city gates.

The emblem on the body of the carriage is a double-edged sword standing between two horses facing each other. It represents the aristocratic Aterahan family. Simplified and the colors are restricted, so to speak.

Nova.”

A woman's voice echoed through the carriage.

Apart from the servant in the corner, the only other passenger in the carriage was her son, Aterahan Novaruf, who was sitting diagonally in front of her.

Sitting diagonally in front of her, he slowly opened his eyes and caught sight of his own mother of hers.

'Take off that sling.'

Novaruf felt that his mother's words and her eyes were not on him, but on his own shoulder girdle, which he wears as a warm-weather garment.

He has been known for his good physique since he was a child, and that has not changed even now that he is twenty years old.That shoulder strap made for him was big enough to be a blanket for a petite woman.

'Let me tell you why. You know, Mother, that this shoulder blanket is……'

In response to Novaluf's question, the mother's expression of her twisted slightly and she pointed a fan made of bird feathers in her hand.

Of course, I know. Of course, I know, so you will know what my mother is thinking.

Nowarv knows what his mother thinks.But his hands her stop when he thinks about the implications of following her instructions her.

Fingering the strap of his shoulder strap, he pressed on.

Nova, you have no need to be humble. If you wear such a garment, you may think we have bowed to the head family.

But, Mother, ……

But, Mother , you have been favored by the Grand Old Lady. You are not so foolish that you do not know what an honor this is. Come on.”

When he saw that his mother's tone had changed to one of disapproval, he carefully took off his shoulder coat and handed it to the servant who was waiting for him.

He decided that it would be better to follow her lead her than to provoke her by continuing to push and prod her.

He handed it to the waiting servant.

“Yes, ma'am.”

The shoulder coat he was wearing had been given to him by the princess of the main Aterahan family.

The mother's idea of ​​daring to take it off,……, Or even hatred, made it difficult for Novaruf to deal with it.

'That's all right. I'm not going to use my daughter to subdue my own child, that's what that foolish sister would think.

Novaluf's mother is in the delicate position of being the eldest daughter of the previous head of the Aterahan family and the sister of the current head.

She believes that she is the rightful head of the main Aterahan family, and this has not changed even now that she was unable to inherit the family title and was married off to a branch of the Aterahan family.

When her mother begins to harp on her resentment toward her own sister, the current head of the Aterahan family, the Marquis of Aterahan, Novaruf gives her a sympathetic nod.

His admonition his to stop talking behind his back his was like pouring fuel on the fire, and it would do no one any good if he mishandled his mother and started a huge fire.

Whenever he saw his mother her becoming paranoid as a result of her resentment, he worried about the future of the Aterahan territory.

The Aterahan family has also lost many members due to the strange disease wrought by the magical beast Elsinia.

In addition to the previous head of the family, most of the older and wiser members of the family have fallen ill, leaving the current head of the family with an overwhelming lack of ancestors to support him from behind the scenes.

The Aterahan territory is a rugged mountainous area, easily isolated from the outside world by its natural barriers. , Where the main ancestors of the branch families were located.

Although the top family is the main Aterahan family, the branch families are indispensable in governing the territory.

While the main ancestor of the main family fell ill from a strange disease, the main ancestor of the branch family often survived comparatively well. In isolated environments with few comings and goings.

As a result, the branch families were able to speak out more strongly against the main family.

It is also because of the disaster of the magical beast Elsinia that the mother of Nowaruf began to complain openly about the main family.

She said, “I wonder if she's crying to Grandma again. She's really pathetic. Don't you think so, Nova?”

And then the conversation turns to her favorite backbiting of late: “I'm tired of hearing that. She was tired of hearing her mother's sarcasm, and she was getting tired of it.

'Do you think you've become a grand old lady by moving Nabashin around? Such a thing would make the Quordentzes think less of Aterahan.'

The letter arrived in the Aterahan household less than half a month after the new year. The letter was stamped with the coat of arms of the head of the Galiana family, but the sender was not Galiana Milord.

We have taken the Spiaseik family's strategy and expelled the current head of the family, who is in favor of the Quardenze family. We hope to establish good relations with the Aterahan family in the future. …… It is a letter that means that there has been a rebellion by a family member in the Galiana family.

The letter also outlined the strategy that the Spiaseiks had devised, probably to gain the trust of the Aterahan family.

The Quordentse Gulfis would be neutralized by surrounding it with multiple mainland armies, and a separate force would control the city of Nambonan and other riverside strongholds to prevent reinforcements from the city of New Nellie. The plan is then to move several noble houses in the Free Cities group to pincer the Evenapis family, an ally of the Quordenze family, and to strike a note of caution against the East by launching a rebellion in the Galiana family.

Considering the details of this plan and the strength of the Spierzeig family, it was quite possible that the Quardenze family would be outnumbered.

The main Aterahan family immediately called for a meeting of the branch families to discuss how to proceed.

However, the discussion was interrupted soon after it began.

But the discussion was soon interrupted by the news of the fall of Raishleif Castle.

But, Mother, the fall of Raishreef Castle is no light matter. I think it was a mistake to send Nabashin as an emissary. I have been trying to get a hold of the relationship between Aterahan and Quordenze at ……. “

'Well, well! Even Nova would say such a thing! You only got away with it because the castle was really falling. If the rumors had been wrong, it would have been a disgrace for Aterahan, you know? Led astray by uncertain information, you would have disgraced yourself as well as Grandmother.

This information was hard to believe.

To begin with, the Quardenzes were supposed to be in the midst of a large-scale counteroffensive against the Spierzeiks. Considering the letter from the Galiana rebels, it was clear that the Spiaseiks had launched a campaign.

None of the Aterahan family members could imagine how in the world it could be rolled out to lead to the fall of Raishleif Castle.

Therefore, at one time it was concluded that the information was erroneous.

However, things took an unexpected turn.

The more time passed, the more rumors of the fall of Castle Raishleif increased.

A legitimate son of the Kuordenze family defeated a legitimate son of the Spiaseik family in single combat, the knights who were the vassals of the Spiaseik family were exterminated in the battle of Nambonan City, Raishleif Castle fell and was overrun by the Kuordenze forces, the Spiaseik forces fled back to their territory…….Rumors began to spread of a complete victory for the Quordenze.

And as if to prove it, the number of letters requesting official recognition arriving from the rebels of the Galliana family increased.

Perhaps the Quordentze family really did bring down the castle of Reishleif,…… And as more and more householders began to think so, the current head of the Aterahan family, the Marquis of Aterahan, made a move.

He decided to send an envoy to the Quardenze family to confirm if the rumors were true.

The person chosen was Ritabria Nabashin, who had already retired from diplomatic service and was living in retirement.

According to Novaruf's mother, Nabashin was chosen to be the emissary in order to give authority to the current head of the family.

Nabashin, the first head of the Ritabria family of knights, is known for his efforts to unite the Aterahan region by traveling through the mountains with Atterahan Clowne, also known as Grandmother. He is also said to be the knight that Clowne trusted the most.

It is said that the Marquis of Aterahan dared to use the retired Nabashin to assert to his branch of the family that he is the successor of Clowne.

He said, “…… Really, she is a woman who is only good at hunting monsters and beasts. I wonder if she can really protect Aterahan with this.

If this is the case, shouldn't you, my sister, be the one to support her? …… Novaluf swallows his words. Going to be affected by this.

'Mother, this is already Zalezeria. I don't know where the head family's ears are. It would be better not to be fried by trivial matters, or you may be taken advantage of. If you are a wise mother, you will understand ……”

The mother of the Novarufs looked aghast at these words, gently placed her fan on her cheek in the manner of a cat grooming its fur when it is humiliated, and smiled.

The city of Zalezeria is located in the northeastern part of the Aterahan territory and is the home of the Aterahan family.

It is located on one of the few plains in the mountainous Aterahan region, and has many water sources, including many tributaries from the great river that flows through the northern part of the city.

However, if one step beyond the great river, there is a misty land contaminated by magical beasts.

For the Aterahan family, sitting in Zalezeria City is also a preparation against the mature demonic beasts that will appear from the north.

In Zaleazeria Castle, the center and hub of Zaleazeria City, the Aterahan family, their relatives, and the knights of the territory were all gathered.

If Wilke had seen the arrangement of the desks in the hall, he would have thought it resembled an elementary school classroom.

The head of the Aterahan family's desk was where a teacher's table would be, and Nabashin was standing next to it.

The desk was made of marble and had seating for three, and Novaruf and his mother he was seated in the third row in front of it, silently listening to the words of Ritabria Nabashin, who was in a sense the main character of this evaluation .

Nabashin, who had gone to the Kuordenze territory as an envoy, had met with Kuordenze Lukuse, the current head of the Kuordenze family, in Newnery City, and then had visited Raishleif Castle to see the situation there with his own eyes.

Although he is already close to 100 years old, there is nothing stagnant in his speech, and it is clear that he is well aware of what is going on.

He was already close to 100 years old, but his speech was not stilted, and his consciousness was clear.

As soon as Nabashin finished speaking, a woman from the branch line let her voice trail off.

Perhaps the knights must have thought the same thing, but they could not speak up in the presence of all the Aterahan relatives.

The relatives of the Aterahan family are, in other words, the blood relatives of the main ancestor. Bloodline between the master and the followers.

Ha, with my own eyes.

In the past, Nabashin had served as a sharpshooter of the Crone, obtaining important information and making great achievements in the march.

May I?

The members of the main Aterahan family had already heard the information, so most of the questions were asked by the nobles of the branch families.

You said that there was no exhaustion in the Quordenze army, but you meant both in terms of troops and supplies, is that correct?

I am sure you are correct. I inferred this from the commoners who were deployed, but I felt that they had plenty of time to spare.

When supplies are scarce, Nabashin said, it is the equipment and treatment of the commoners that is most noticeable.

However, when Nabashin visited Raishreef Castle, he found the commoners nourished by hot soup rations.

Such a thing would not have been possible if they did not have enough food as well as firewood and other fuel to spare.

It seemed to me that the dead had already been disposed of. If no burial sites existed other than the one I saw, then the loss to the soldiers would be very slight.”

If there had been a large number of dead in a siege, it would take a long time to dispose of them. This is because the Spierzeig forces will inevitably deal with the dead later, considering that they will be storming the castle to retake it. Fortunately, it is winter, so the corpses are less likely to decompose, and even if they are left to rot for a while, it will have little effect on them.

If the burial of low-priority war dead is completed, it can be analogized to the fact that the number of corpses to be disposed of was small.

The castle of Raishleif is impregnable. I don't think it can be taken down without damage. Or, perhaps, it was just a piece-of-shit castle that was all talk and no substance…….

Nabashin firmly denies this.

The name of the great shield of Vojstra is not false. I saw it as comparable to the Corroborean line in terms of robustness,…… Presumptuous. I think it would be impossible to defeat the castle this time by a straightforward attack. .”

Nabasin's assessment of Raishleif Castle was met with murmurs from the knights as well as their relatives.

The Corrovian Line is one of the defensive facilities that the Levios family is proud of, and as its name suggests, it serves as a shield that protects the Corrovian Plain and the ancient city of Corrovia, the true home of the Levios family.

For the Aterahan family, the Corrobia line was in a sense familiar.

The Kingdom of Levios is, after all, a political, economic, and military alliance among aristocratic families, and depending on the situation, it is quite conceivable that their hands could be separated. Against the Aterahan family, which is sometimes regarded as the strongest noble family in the kingdom.

Although they do not explicitly strengthen their defenses because of their good relationship, the Corroborean line is still sturdy enough to make the Aterahans hesitate to invade.

Now that a concrete comparison has been made, the image of the castle of Raishleif is shared by those in the great hall.

Perhaps truly understanding the magnitude of the military achievements the Quardenze family had acquired, the household members turned to each other and spoke thoughtfully to each other.

The Quardenzes looked at each other and said thoughtfully, “You have done a great thing, Quardenze. What do you think, Nova?

The fate of the Spierzeig family is now finished.

A dry thud echoed through the hall, just as Novalov was about to answer his mother's question of his.

The sound was made at the very back of the room, so it could not be seen.But it was a habit of Aterahan Crone's to keep the room quiet, and it was obvious who he had clapped his hands, even without looking back.

The relatives, without anyone else, straightened their backs and gasped. Since they were not allowed to look back, everyone could only stare at the Marquis of Aterahan sitting in front of them.

If they looked back here, they would be turning their butts to the current head of the family, and would rather receive a scolding from Claune. She is already retired, and the Marquis of Aterahan is nominally at the top of this great hall.

The royal house of Wojstra is finally dying.

Clowne's hushed voice echoed quietly in the silent room.

The Marquis of Aterahan spoke his thoughts directly in response to Clune's statementhis.

Grandmother, the kingdom of Vojstra is no more. Besides, the family name has reverted back to the Spierzeig family: ……”

A fool.”

The voice was small, but the words penetrated deep into his ears.

Vojstra is not dead. Vojstra was not destroyed. She remained in the empire, pretending that she had given in to that little bastard.

Clowne speaks slowly, separating each word.

The chain of battles that began about 200 years ago as a result of a political dispute among the Zethusian High Priesthood dragged the continent into the mire of a turbulent world.

While many aristocratic families fell from grace, exhausted and at the mercy of the swell of the times, the Spierzeig family was quick to see this as an opportunity to unify the Voistula Plain and establish the Kingdom of Voistula, and their power was outstanding.

As a member of the generation that knew the heyday of the Voistra Kingdom when it was at its most energetic, Clune looked upon the Spiaseik family as a symbol of “Strong nobility” With a feeling akin to admiration.

In fact, Croune chose to use the name of the Aterahan region, which he had unified, as the name of his family, and to call himself the Aterahan family. There was a strong respect there.

The Vojstra royal family, with …… Such power, cannot be crushed so easily.”

With a deep sigh, Clowne called out the name of the previous head of the Aterahan family.

There are only two old men left in the main Aterahan family: Clowne and the previous two heads of the Aterahan family.

However, even though she is a daughter, she is already over 80 years old and is approaching the realm of an old woman.

The effects of aging on the main and second generation ancestors vary greatly from person to person, and the previous generation is already more decrepit than her own mother, Claune. Of old age, but this time she was asked to attend as an observer because of the circumstances.

When she realized that her mother was urging her to continue her explanation, she cleared her throat and then spoke up.

The policies of the Zinnikhaen Empire at the time of its founding were mainly focused on suppressing the Spiaseik family.

There was no aristocratic family at that time that could single-handedly stop the Spiaseiks if something happened to the first emperor, Zinkaanen. The previous generation asserted that the weakening of the Spiaseik family was an urgent and essential task in order to maintain the organization of the empire.

Then there is no longer a kingdom of Vojstra.

The Marquis of Aterahan, who has the temperament to spill out whatever comes into his mind without thinking, lets out a sigh.The gesture was much like his mother, Claune.

Novaruf faintly heard his mother his sitting next to him, scornfully saying, “You fool.

'I would say it was effective until Emperor Zinkaen, the second Emperor Arginis. Spierzeig's power was definitely diminished. But many of you know that the empire was greatly troubled by the succession to the imperial throne after that. .. Current emperor, Emperor Ferold, did not follow the policy of the first and second generation. He relied on the Spierzeik family as his backers for the succession to the throne, which is not surprising. It was around this time that the Spiaseik family took the lead of the old Voigtlanders, and in effect, it was as if the Voigtlanders had been restored to the empire.

The previous generation concluded and then shut his mouth.He was probably trying to say that his role was over.

'Sylphazazea, Sylphazel. It is a sad thing to see a giant tree decay, even if it is the fate of the …… Earth.

In a fading voice, Clowne uttered a saying in an ancient language.

The literal translation would mean “Fall to the ground and fall to the earth. A seed that falls to the ground eventually sprouts, grows a stem, and grows leaves to become a giant tree, and finally decays and falls to the ground. It is a saying that tells of the inevitable decline of the prosperous.

The first thing that comes to mind is the kingdom of Voestra in its heyday, and the way it squints at you as if it is reminiscing about something.

He was so impressed that he was able to break the great shield of Voistra, which not even the emperor Zinkaen had been able to break.

The previous generation did not fail to overhear the mutterings of one of his relatives his.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that the Jingkaan emperor was the one who had broken the great shield of Vojstra. It is not that Emperor Jing Ka Yan could not break the shield at that time, it is that he did not intend to break it.

“Oh, no, he didn't?

The great shield of Vojstra is nothing more than an exaggerated reputation spread by the Spiaseiks.

The previous generation brushes his hair back in a tedious manner and continues his commentary to his children and grandchildren present.

The Spierzeig family has a lot of honor left in it for having entered the imperial fold before the start of the second …… Major invasion with its main forces. The Spierzeik family has a lasting legacy of having repulsed Emperor Zinkaen's attack.

The Spiaseiks exaggerated the fact that they had prevented the invasion of the Jinkaen Emperor.

The reason was that it would be an honor to have prevented the invasion of Emperor Jingkaen, who was known as the Western Champion and was feared to be the strongest man on the continent at the time in terms of warfare strength.

Thus, by surrendering early, they prevented Emperor Jinkaen from rechallenging the invasion, thus confirming the legend of the impregnable impregnability of Raishleif Castle. Generation.

“Such is the backstory of……

It is true. The Spiaseiks needed to show their prowess so that they would not be underestimated by the other houses that had already fallen under the Zinkaen emperor's control.

Those who don't know or have forgotten that era believe in the stories told by the shield.

This was probably a subjective view.

However, it was true that there was nothing more dependable than when the two of them, Clune, who had overcome stormy times with his intuition and inspiration, and his predecessor, a theoretician with a broad vision who excelled in aristocratic diplomacy , agreed on the same point of view.

The Marquis of Aterahan was a good military man, but he was not good at diplomacy or domestic politics, and he accepted it without any particular objection.

The Spierzeig family, which had been outnumbered in the war with the Quordenzes, had no choice but to cling to the legend of the great shield they had created.

But the praised shield was broken. But the shield that praised it has been broken, and the kingdom of Vojstra has no future.

The Spierzeig family was never underestimated by the other houses, even though they kept losing the war against the Quardenzes.

This was due in large part to the existence of Castle Reischlieff. No matter how many times the Quordenzes defeated the old Voigtlanders, the Spierzeiks still had the great shield of Voigtland.

But it was like holding a fragile sword.

When the shield, a symbol of military might, was broken, the nobles in the vicinity became aware of the downfall of the Spiaseik family, whether they liked it or not.

If it was that red devil that broke the shield, there might have been a way to deal with it,……, But it was too late.

The Spierzeiks had a chance to turn the tables.

Quardenze Garfis, the general in charge of the invasion of Spierzeig, was already in his 80s and very old. Although most of the generals reach the age of 100 or so, it does not mean that they will not die in their 80s. Not be so surprising if the fire of his life were to go out tomorrow.

For the Quardenze family, the loss of Gulfis would have too great a military impact.

Even so, the Quardenze family has fewer ancestors than other families due to the purging of collateral relatives during the reign of Quardenze Cassia, the previous head of the Quardenze family. Family's main ancestor army, which has many of the noble families under its umbrella as pawns.

However, the bud was crushed.

The still young heir apparent of the Quardenze family defeated the next head of the Spiaseik family in single combat, and achieved the great shield-splitting feat that is generally said to have been impossible even for Emperor Zinkaen.

The nobles in the vicinity, and those who still remember the turbulent times, must have seen the shadow of Gulfis in his valor.

Even if Gulfis retired from the front, the impact would be completely different if he did not have a successor of military prowess.

In addition to his shield-splitting eldest son, the devil child is still alive and well.The snake now has two fangs.It's……All over.”

That's the end of the story, Clown said.

The Marquis of Aterahan summarized the conversation briefly and suggested that they consider where the Aterahan family should go from here on out.

As the household members began whispering and discussing the matter, Nowalph heard his mother her, sitting next to him, raise her voice her.

'Quordenze eats Spierzeig …… That this is not dangerous?'

The Quordenze family has several fertile granaries and maintains a strong territory with a population supported by its wheat.

If the Spiaseik Vojstra Plain were to be added to this list, it would grow to a scale unrivaled by any other family in terms of food production.

Although they should not immediately become enemies because of their alliance in the name of the Kingdom of Levios, there was no doubt that they would still be a threat to the Aterahan family. To confront them would be the Aterahans, geographically speaking.

Wouldn't there need to be interference?

'Yes, yes. Right now, we have only conquered Leithleif.

We have to do something before we get the Voistra Plain.

Seeing his relatives beginning to make noise, Claune's expression hardened and he clapped his hands again.

The only people who could sense some irritation in the sound were a few of the household members.

You underestimate the Quardenze's leader,” He said. He is the offspring of that snake girl. Have you not forgotten that?

The householders' faces lit up with question marks, as if they could not immediately determine to whom the pretty word “Snake girl” Was referring.

It was the previous generation who supplemented the lack of words.

She said It was the “Five Dominions Princess…… Quordenze Cassia.”

The previous generation was well aware of the existence that Clowne called the snake girl.

Perhaps because she has many painful memories in proportion to her heroic tales, Clowne does not like to talk about her own past.On the other hand, she could easily talk about events in other families, perhaps because she could Talk about them as a third party.

The previous generation had heard the story of the princess who united the five Quordenze fiefdoms more than Claune many times, and there was a time when he was aware of her because she was close in age to him.

I was aware of her at one time because she was close to my age. Nowadays, she is called the Princess of the Five Ridges, but she is a snake. The blood of the serpent called the “Prince of Measures” Has been passed down through the generations.

The current head of the Quardenze family, Quardenze Rouxet, is a man who is not talked about much in the Aterahan family.

Especially for those from the branch families who do not have much contact with the outside world, Luke, who has no notable military prowess, is almost unknown to them.

The Quardenze family knew Gulfis, the red devil, followed by Kasia, the princess of the Five Kingdoms, and then Louxe, who came after her.

The first person to know of the Kuordenze family is Garfis, the red devil, followed by Kasia, the princess of the Five Dominions, and then Louxe.

…… Well, guess when Quordenze's attack on Othelloia will begin.

The relatives braced themselves for the question posed by Croune. The city of Othellia is the stronghold of the Spiaseik family, and they felt that they were being asked to predict the outcome of the war, so to speak.

It would be a disgrace if he gave a ridiculous answer.

If the castle of Raishleif had fallen, wouldn't it be about five years?

I thought it would be about the same.

As Grandma said earlier, the fall of Raishleif Castle has destroyed the Shpiazeik family's prestige, and they should be able to reach the castle within three years.

She said, “I believe the Spiaseik family suffered little damage during the siege. They should still have enough strength. I think it will take seven or eight years. I think it will take seven or eight years, but we are up against the Spierzeiks .

If we were to attack Othellia with all possible means, there are other cities that we would like to take down. If we consider securing the cities of Zanahorus and Sikinaon first, it would still take five years.

Each of them went on to predict the fall of the city, but the average was around five years.

Novaruf's mother declared a four-year projection and looked at her son sitting next to her.

She looked at her son, who was sitting next to her, and said, “…… You answer quickly too. Grandmother is waiting for you.

Her eyes her told him not to give any strange answers, but he silenced her and gathered his thoughts once more.

He was talking about the Marquis of Quardenze, and suddenly he was talking about the fall of the city of Oceloria, so naturally, the answer that Croune was looking for would not be a simple clash of forces or a prediction of a sequential war.

He finally asks permission to speak when his mother starts poking him with her elbow.He was the last one to do so.

As early as this fall.”

The room buzzed a little at the unexpected prediction of the end of the year.

The mother of Novaruf turned her face as red as fire and looked away from the Marquis of Aterahan, who was sitting in front of her, as if she thought she had embarrassed herself in front of Claune and her predecessors of her.

'Even though the shield has been broken, I can't …… Believe that the Spierzeig family will fall before the end of the year.

'It can't happen, not that fast.

You are overrating the Quardenze family a little too much, aren't you?”

The questioner, Claune, broke off the mockery.

It's funny. I think so too.

No one here could make fun of Clune's prediction.

The relatives were ashamed of their careless remark, and their faces fell.In contrast, the face of the mother of Nowarulf became joyful and she looked at the Marquis of Aterahan as if she were mocking him.

Tell me why.”

In response to the voice behind him, Novaruf looks at the Marquis of Aterahan, who is sitting in front of him, and expresses his thoughts of him.

The Marquis of Quardenze would not miss his only opportunity to destroy the House of Spierzeig.

His words his which summed up his conclusion his turned Clowne's gaze sharp, and the air in the hall was tense.

Ho.

Speak.”

The voices of Claune and his predecessor echoed through the silent space.

'…… Originally, it would have taken at least 10 years at the earliest for the fall of the castle of Reishleif.

Novaruf was right, and the household members, relatives, and knights of the Aterahan family had predicted as much.

Several of them silently nodded their heads in affirmation of his opinion of him.

If only the castle of Raishleif could be captured, the rest would be flat land with the Voistra Plain in the distance, and the serpents that entered through the wound holes would devour Spierzeig's guts in every direction. Depending on the strength of the force, it should not be difficult to reach the city of Othellia in five years, fully prepared.”

I still think you're expecting five years,……,” He continued, pausing once to catch his breath.

'But that's a projection that only looks at the Quardenze and Spierzeig families, and it's not realistic.

'Go on.

'The House of Levios will not tolerate the annexation of Spiaseik territory by the House of Kuordentse. How long will the Kuordenze family, which has swallowed the Vojstra Plain, keep pace with the kingdom, or rather with the Levios family? That is something only the Marquis of Quardenze knows.”

The Levios family would like to avoid the Quardenzes absorbing Spierzeig's territory and becoming a powerful aristocratic family that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The Levios family would like to avoid the Quardenze family becoming the most powerful and powerful noble house by absorbing the Spiaseik territory.

So far, House Levios has supported the invasion of House Quardentze on the grounds that it would reduce the power of the empire.

Although the Levios family has not sent reinforcements to the war between the Kuordenze and Spiaseik families, it has accepted the Kuordenze's claims and recognized that there is justice in it.

The Quardenzes had decided that it was in the interest of the Kingdom of Levioth, and by extension, the House of Levioth, for the Quardenzes to stir up the internal affairs of the Empire by engaging in diplomacy against the Spiaseiks.

It would be against righteousness to abruptly change this policy and restrain it. Therefore, the Levios family had to gradually change its position and words and deeds. Castle last year, I heard. Naturally, the Levios family must have that information. Then it is a good time to start laying the groundwork for the fall of the castle in 10 years' time.

Novalph strongly insisted that the invasion cannot be suddenly stopped, and that it is therefore necessary to change their attitude little by little.

We support the Quardenze family's argument.

'You are in good form. This rapid advance will not be too much of a burden on the people.

The longer the battle goes on, the more exhausted the army will be. I know it's none of my business, but it might be a good idea to be careful about the outbreak of magical beasts.

I wonder how many years have passed since the war began. The decision to continue the war is good, but I'm a little worried that it will be too much for the government to handle.

'Isn't it time to call it quits? If the peace is on good terms, we, the Levios, will be responsible to act as mediators.

“It's all well and good to expand our territory, but can we really rule? If a mature monster arises, it will not be a problem for the Quardenze family alone.”

As guardians, we have the responsibility to protect the land and the people.

Novaruf gave a simple example of how the Levios would exert pressure.

He goes from the exhaustion of the land and the army due to prolonged fighting to the nobles' duty to protect the land, and finally to the accusation of the Quardenzes for continuing the war of aggression.

This was just an example of what he thought, but it was a very effective argument in that it was difficult to refrain.

If he intervened forcefully without going through the steps to the detriment of the Quardenze family, the kingdom would in turn be rocked by discord. The Levios family's prestige has been weakened by the recent civil war between Elsinia the Hexenbiest and the Millendorfer family. Juncture, they would not want to be in full-scale conflict with the Quardenze family. In the worst case scenario, a strong alliance between the Quordenzes and Zel'Dmitra could be formed and trigger the collapse of the kingdom.”

The Quardenzes are on relatively good terms with the Zeldmitra family, the great noble family in the southern part of the kingdom, and if their interests coincide, they may join forces and secede from the kingdom.

Naturally, if this were to happen, it is highly likely that small and medium-sized noble families belonging to each faction would also follow suit and leave the kingdom.

Seeing the timing of Novalov's halt in his speech, the previous generation asked a question.

At what point do you think the Levios family intended to stop the Kuordentse family? Answer.

I think the fall of Raishleif Castle was the end of the matter.

The immediate answer showed that Nowalkh understood the problem well.

As long as the Spierzeig family exists with the Voistra Plain, the Quardenze family will not be able to relax and will have to keep pace with the kingdom. If relations with the kingdom deteriorate, the Spiaseiks will take advantage of the opportunity to act in the dark. On the other hand, the Spierzeiks, who hold the castle of Raishleif, have fangs pressed into their necks and cannot move satisfactorily. The most suitable situation for a stalemate in the central part of the continent would be a peace after the castle of Raishleif is conquered.

Novaruf's answer seemed to fully satisfy his predecessor and Croune.

Clowne's voice becomes a little higher.

Yes, the Quardenze's father knew exactly what he was talking about,” He said. He must have resented the fact that the Levios alliance was the only reason he was able to fight with Vojstra, but because of that alliance, he was not able to attack to the end. It is frustrating, but there is no way to break through it. As long as Leischlieff has a shield, there is no way. But that, too, is inevitable. We are using Levios to fight Vojstra, so it's only natural that we are trapped in our ties.

The castle of Leithleif can be taken, but not all at once. But you can't take it down all at once. And if you take too much time, the Levios family will move to create a cease-fire.

We can't settle things with simple force alone. Clune, who had gone through a great deal of trouble to unify the Aterahan region, had experienced this firsthand and understood the Levios family's way of thinking well.

'As Grandma said, the Marquis of Quordenze had no way to advance beyond the Reischliefe.

But the shield was broken?

Yes. The capture of Raishleif Castle, which would have taken more than ten years, was over in less than half a month, in a way that no one could have predicted.

Before long, everyone was listening to what Nowalkh had to say.

“The Marquis of Quordenze is already on the move,…… But there's no way he won't move. He is a strategist who built the diplomatic isolation of the Spierzeig family…… Old Voistra faction by scheming across the kingdom and empire, and it is safe to assume that the other houses, including ours, are already late to the game. I don't think the Levios family will be able to interfere so easily when they make their move now. They will be able to escape from the interference like a snake dancing on a snake's back.

The spring socials in the capital, he predicts, will be the most diplomatic ever.

We can defeat House Spierzeig only now, when we can slip past the interference of the other houses,” He said. To achieve this, we must first and foremost conquer the city of Othellia. Once we have this under control, any subsequent intervention by other houses will no longer have any effect on us.

If Othellia City, the keystone of the Vojstra Plain and their stronghold, were to fall, there would be no chance for the Spierzeig family to regain their footing.

Their prestige would be completely shattered, and the noble families under their control might give up on the Spiaseiks and not send out reinforcements. For the Spiaseiks to be crushed by a one-sided wrestling match.

The Spiaseiks' fate after losing the city of Ocelotia would be the same as that of a snake coiled around its prey, waiting to die, Novaruf asserted.

It is not too early to say that the capture of Othellia will begin this fall. On the contrary. The longer it takes, the more interference from the outside and the more difficult the invasion will be. The Spiaseik family, he will move with the invasion of Oceloria as his first priority.”

The sure way is to drop several important cities located in the Vojstra Plain, isolate the city of Oceloria, and then attack. However, considering the uncertainties of the movements of other families, this would not lead to a sure path to the destruction of the Spierzeig family.

As soon as Nowarv finished, Croune clapped his hands twice in satisfaction.

You see,” He said.

It was the best assessment she could give him.

The mother's cheeks her relaxed and she looked at her son her proudly.

The Marquis of Aterahan, who had lost the lead in the conversation to Novalph, opened his mouth, looking a little flustered.

Well, then, we need to think about our future plans,” He said. We need to think about the future of the Quardenze. We have been able to obtain information earlier than the Levios and Millendorva families because we sent Nabashin as an emissary, and we must take advantage of this.

There, seemingly brought back to reality, the family members and kinfolk began to discuss the matter thoughtfully.

The story of Nowarv was unexpected for the family and relatives.

Nobles and knights are often short-sighted people who only see their own territory. At most, they are aware of other families adjacent to their territories.

Most of the people gathered in the hall were astonished that the Quardenze army had defeated the castle of Reischlieff. However, this was by no means due to their prediction of the future continental situation or the vicissitudes of aristocratic diplomacy. Emergence of an individual with the strength to break through the massive walls of Raishleif Castle, a legitimate son with superior military prowess.

It can be said that the difference between those who think of an individual nobleman as a unit and those who think of a group of noble families as a unit became evident.

And in the Aterahan family, it could be said that most of them, including the Marquis of Aterahan, were the former.

By the way, is there anyone who is familiar with the rumored Lord Quardenze Wilk?

He is a legitimate son who has not been nominated as successor, and I hear that he has only appeared before the nobles of the Quordentse faction.

Considering that he is the grandson of Lord Gulfis, he must be a very good warrior, isn't he?

Is it true that he defeated the heir of the Spierzeik family in single combat?

The commoners are wasting their time talking about it.The commoners are always making up stories out of thin air, so we should only listen to them half-heartedly.

In response to his relatives' question, the Marquis of Aterahan looked at Nabashin.

When the relatives saw Nabashin silently nodding his head, they stopped their chattering and focused their eyes on him.

What rumors have you heard?

Nabashin's question was answered by Novaruf's mother on behalf of the relatives.

The rumors I have heard have been greatly exaggerated. The rumored Lord Wilk was at the New Year's festivities at the castle of Newnery when the Spierzeig counter-offensive took place…….”

Several people nodded, probably to indicate that they had heard the same rumor.

When Wilke heard of the raid on Nambonan, he persuaded his father, the Marquis of Quardenze, who was reluctant to give reinforcements, by acting out a passage from the play The Princess of the Five Dominions.

Wilk was allowed to reinforce the city, and he led a very small elite force made up of only knights, military officers, and retinue soldiers to rush to the city of Nambonan and surprise attack the flank of Spiaseik's army, which was attacking the city, and killed a number of famous knights and military officers.

He then engaged in single combat with Spiaseik Verret, the general of Spiaseik's detachment, and defeated him in the blink of an eye. In order to save his grandfather Galfis, he again led his army in an attack on the castle of Laishleif, which he successfully defeated.

As she said this, Novaluf's mother began to feel ridiculous. Even though it was an amusing exaggeration by a commoner, it was still too much of a fiction.

She said, “I'd like to hear something a little more realistic than that. Hasn't Lord Gulfis told you anything?”

The other members of the household seemed to feel the same way, their expressions of disbelief.

Nabashin sucked in a breath and opened his mouth as if ready to speak.

Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a meeting with Lord Wilk.

In order to ensure that he would be able to reconnoiter Raishleif Castle, the name of the messenger was “To congratulate the Quardenze family for capturing Raishleif Castle and General Gulfis, the general in charge of the invasion.

The heir to a noble family who had not been nominated as the next head of the family was, so to speak, a private citizen, and could not be forced to meet with them. The Quardenze family is even more so.

But two things are certain.

Nabashin is a man who does not like to speak of vague facts.

If he was sure, then it was information worth believing. The expressions on the relatives' faces turned serious.

One thing. We have confirmed the body of Spierzeig Verret, the heir apparent who was nominated to be the next head of the Spierzeig family.

A feeling of awakening spread through the hall.

It was only natural, since the fact that the family's ancestor was dead had become clear.

Are you sure about that?

I am sure of it.

On his way to Raishleif Castle, Nabashin was to spend the night in the city of Nambonan.

On his way to Raishleif Castle, Nabashin spent a night in the city of Nambonan, where he was allowed to identify the body by a civil official of the Kuordentse family.

As the next head of the Spierzeig family, information about the color of his hair and eyes he was also available.Even if we had never actually met him, we would be able to identify him to some extent.

Hair color, eye color, age, and the corpse of the main ancestor. The information obtained from the corpse clearly showed that it was Spierzeig Verret.

Nabashin briefly explained how he had made his decision, and then moved on to the next part of the story, leaving the relatives still in confusion.

Two things. We have confirmed the knight who was killed in the battle of Nambonan. To be frank, they were destroyed.

Nabashin named the knights, Zannaholus and Deonona …….

At first, the relatives thought that he was merely listing and stating the knightly families serving the Spierzeig family, but they soon realized that it was a recitation of the knights and military officers who had been killed.

They moved their heads from side to side to check each other's reactions to the reading, which did not seem to end.

There were rumors that a number of knights of the Spierzeig family had been killed, but the specific names were unknown. They were again surprised to find that there were far more big names than they had expected.

I had no idea that even the knight Zannaholus had been killed.

'I did not expect the first knight of the House of Spierzeig.

This is indeed …… Devastating.

To the horrified relatives, Nabashin added that he had secretly interviewed the citizens of Nambonan City and confirmed the fact that a battle had actually taken place in Nambonan City and that he had identified the bodies of the knights and military officers.

I would like to add that many citizens tested that Lord Wilk rushed to the city of Nambonan in distress and defeated the enemy army in one fell swoop. We are still not sure how he moved his army, but the rumor of a surprise attack may be close to the truth.

Not wanting to give away uncertain information, Nabashin closed his mouth.

This honest attitude showed that he was aware of the truth about Verret's death and the knight's extermination.

Did anything else occur to you? I would like to know what you actually felt during your visit to Quardenze territory.

Nabashin hesitated for a moment. He seemed to be wondering whether he should say something or not.

The Marquis of Aterahan looked at Nabashin and told him with his eyes to speak. He opened his mouth gravely, as one would expect when asked by one's lord.

Speaking of things that have been bothering me,……, I guess it's the corpse of Lord Velette.

The corpse?”

Nabashin continued, as if in response to the Marquis of Aterahan's hammering his.

There was no damage other than the flash of the spear that would have taken his life, and it was a very clean body indeed.

Verette's body in the coffin, Nabashin says, looked as if it were asleep, except that the neck and torso were separated.

In battles between the ancestors, many of the bodies are unattractive to look at because of the intense and deadly magical attacks that fly about. Clean bodies are relatively rare.

Of course, even the victors are rarely unscathed, and often suffer aftereffects from the residual magic power left behind by the magic that was used.

The relatives probably thought that Wilk had been wounded to some extent when they heard that the main ancestor had fought in a duel. However, this was denied by Nabashin's testimony.

He was buried with a single blow!

How bold……

He is indeed the grandson of Lord Gulfis.

While the men focused on the fact that he had struck them down with a single blow, Novaluf was concerned about something else.

I wonder if he's a wild spirit,” He asks Nabashin, trying to shake off the creepiness of the unknown.

A clean body …… Is a little hard to believe,” He asks Nabashin. Nabashin, was this done at the behest of Lord Wilk?

Nabashin replied, “Yes, that is what I have been told by the Quordentse civil officials. I heard that he received the order directly from Lord Wilk.

The mother of the Novarufs whispered to her son in a quiet voice.

What's so funny, Nova? It may be hard to believe that a twelve year old boy can win a fight with a single blow, but ……

Wilk's age and Verret's age were already known.

The reality that the main ancestor of 12 and 19 years old is like a boy with a shotgun and a young man with a machine gun fighting on earth, it is not impossible to defeat them unscathed, depending on the standing. The knights have been annihilated and they are outnumbered, any number of moves can be made.

No, sir.”

However, that is not what Novaruf was concerned about.

The Spierzeig family is a vicious enemy of the Kuordenze family.

Hearing Nowarv's question, the relatives also seemed to have taken notice.

'Indeed, that's odd.

'Hmmm,…… Why not just strike it down or burn it black?

If Nabashin's story is correct, why did he go to the trouble of having a coffin prepared?

On the continent of Eluo, cremation is considered to be a good thing, and the best funeral service is to burn the body to ashes, even the bones. On the other hand, half-burning or carbonizing the dead is considered the greatest desecration of the dead.

If the next head of a rival family is defeated in a duel and the body is obtained, it is not only a military victory for the family, but also the greatest chance to humiliate the enemy family.

A boy nobleman with a penchant for bravery would boast of having the body seared to the point where it could be recognized as a former human being and display it at the entrance to his home city. If he is the boy imagined by the rumors of charging into the enemy army, destroying the knights, and going into single combat, he would certainly do it.

…… Lord Gulfis told me that Lord Wilke does not like to play with such bodies.

“Is it a matter of likes or dislikes?”

“It is foolish of him to throw away such a valuable service.”

I wonder if the Marquis of Quardenze has anything to say about it. I wonder if the Marquis of Quardenze has anything to say about it. It is an honor that your son has earned.

The only positive thing that I had heard about Wilk was that he was a good person, so I was only able to focus on the few negative things that I could see.

He was a little disappointed to see his relatives, who, like commoner girls, inflated the negative elements and began to evaluate them in a manner akin to backbiting.

To him, Quardenze Wilk's behavior seemed more creepy than foolish.

I wonder if Lord Wilke does n't have a good relationship with his father, the Marquis of Quardenze?

As Novaluf pondered the nature of the creepiness, his mother's words his jumped into his ears.

It was the Marquis of Aterahan who responded.

What do you mean?”

I heard that the Marquis of Quardenze hates the Spierzeig family, who conspired to kill his own brother, very much. The fact that Wilk has abandoned his own military exploits to treat the body of Veretto with such respect is a rebellion against his father, isn't 't it? Isn't it common for young children to make such trivial insinuations?”

…… “That may be true, but isn't that enough of a reason?”

Of course, it's not the only reason.

The mother of Novaluf stood up on the spot and continued to present her theory.

Rumor has it that when Lord Wilke received the news of the raid on Nambonan in New Nelly, he pressed the Marquis of Quardenze to go into battle. She used the words of her grandmother, the Duke of Cassia, to inspire the Marquis of Quordentse. “

Then she chuckled.

'As many of you may know, Lord Cassia once gave up on the then head of the family, who was at the mercy of the Vojstra royal family. Hmmm, don't you see the resemblance? Did not Lord Wilhelm of Wilk follow in the footsteps of his heroic grandmother by dismissing the head of the family as unreliable when he was at the mercy of the invading Spierzeig family?”

Oh,” The relatives groaned.

What she said made a certain amount of sense and fit the image she had initially portrayed of a bloodthirsty, martial boy aristocrat.

If …… Is the case, it is quite conceivable that there will be a difference between the current generation and the next in terms of future policy toward Spierzeig.”

The Marquis of Quardenze might have a hard time, since he can't treat his son, who is a great shield-splitter, with impunity.

“Well, well, well! It's a sad thing for a father and son to be at odds with each other.

It might be a good opportunity to block the invasion of Spierzeig territory. Perhaps we should try to make contact with Lord Wilk at least once?”

The relatives, perhaps thinking that there might be a breakthrough now that Wilk had reverted back to the rough boy aristocrat, were all atwitter.

Peering at them from behind wrinkled eyelids, Clowne let out a guttural cry like a tiger snarling, “Don't sing,” He said.

Don't sing.

The voice was small, so thin that it could easily have been overheard.

But the relatives in the room fell silent as if their hearts had been seized, and they almost turned to look back at Claune.

Those who felt the pressure on their backs and dripped with cold sweat were by no means a minority.

'You are now entangled in a serpent.

Everyone, including the Marquis of Aterahan, looked like a child being scolded by his parents, all waiting for Clowne to continue.

The peaks of Aterahan are shaken by the rumors.

As expected, after being told this much, everyone realized what Clune was trying to say.It was a mere rumor, and he was being blamed for the folly of imagining the other party and changing his strategy in a wavering way.

Slowly …… Little by little, the Quordenze of our time are entangled. We are Aterahan. We must stand like the peaks of tranquility and immobility.”

No one could refuse him, and he simply accepted the sermon.

Clowne spoke in a grave tone as if rebuking an inadequate child, “Protect the earth” And the family motto.

'…… To confront the serpent, we must be discerning. My mother is a woodcutter. But the snakes that come from it are not always the same.”

Remaining silent, everyone pondered the meaning of the word “Kikori” And looked at the Marquis of Aterahan.

Under the pressure of his relatives 'stares him, the Marquis of Aterahan squeezed out a word.

Does 'kikori' mean 'kikori serpent'?”

In the Aterahan region, there is a poisonous snake known as the kikori.

They are good at climbing trees and often get entangled in tree branches because of their habit of taking eggs from birds' nests and eating them. When people swing an ax to get lumber, the vibration of the ax causes the snakes to plop down.

The venom of the wood snake is actually not very strong. Depending on the location of the bite, death is not very common.

However, the commoners are very afraid of this snake because its venom is intolerable to ordinary people. Ax to escape the pain.

There are various theories as to why this poisonous snake came to be called a woodcutter snake, but the two most commonly accepted are that it fell on lumberjacks and that its arm was chopped off with an axe.

Clowne compared Cassia to a lumberjack snake.

She was of that disposition, “He said. She is a snake that flaunts the horror of its venom, confusing its enemies her and driving them to self-destruction.”

But not the Marquis of Quardenze?

The householder's question was not answered by Claune.

Nowarv's mind is reorganizing all the information he has gathered so far, and he visualizes the Marquis of Kuordentse, whom he has never met before. The image that came to mind was not of a poisonous snake, but of a snake that kills its prey by Constricting it with its long, coiled body.

The hall was silent as each of them seemed to be pondering.

In the suffocating air, the Marquis of Aterahan said.

As for our future policy toward the Quordenze family, I don't think we should make any easy moves at this time.

The Marquis of Aterahan, well aware of his own lack of diplomatic power, did not want to make any sudden changes in policy.Since he had just been told by Claune to stand firm, it was the best time to propose maintaining the status quo.

And it was also Novaluf's mother who objected to this.

She said, “Then, maintaining the status quo is not a good idea, is it? I think we should take this opportunity to think carefully about our relationship with the Quardenze family.

Another family member followed in agreement.

The Quardenzes are going to swallow the Spiaseik territory, aren't they? The more food we import, the better; if there is a famine like the one we had five years ago, we will have to rely on the Levios family again.

The Aterahan territory does not produce much food due to the small amount of arable land.

The territory is not so poor that its people suffer from starvation, but it is not uncommon for the territory to be in a state of near famine just because of a little bit of bad sunshine.

On the other hand, the stone that can be extracted in the Aterahan region has been considered the finest since antiquity and has a very high brand value. , Such as the Levios family.

Most recently, five years ago, there was a large-scale famine in the Aterahan region, and the people suffered from starvation. The most recent famine occurred five years ago in the Aterahan region, where the people suffered from starvation, and they were able to cope by importing food from the Levios family.

The Levios family was able to cope with the famine by importing food from the Levios family. You have also suffered a lot because of the Levios family, Novaruf.

Another relative from a different branch of the family looked at him and said, and his mother agreed with him.

Yes, yes. I never thought that I would have to send my son into battle because of the fault of the Levios family. Be fighting each other.

You were also pained, I know.

About a year ago, the Athelahan family received a request for reinforcements from the Levios family. The Milendorva army, led by Princess Orsian, had crossed the Great River and launched a large-scale invasion of the Levios territory.

Although the Aterahan family had nothing to do with the conflict between the nobles, it was difficult for them to refuse the request. The Marquis of Aterahan had been in debt to the Levios family for their assistance during the famine.

The Marquis of Aterahan did not want to send out personnel from the main family, which had been reduced to a mere handful due to the disaster of the magical beast Elsinia. Between nobles.

The Marquis was not willing to send out personnel from the main family, which had been reduced to a mere handful due to the disaster at the end of the war.

At that time, I was very anxious,” He said. My hands still shake …… When I think of what would have happened if Grandmother had not accompanied me.

This mother was furious that her son had been made a reinforcement without her permission. It is no longer possible to know whether she was angry because she cared for her son or because she was angry with her sister, who was in charge as the head of the family.

The anger was to be resolved in a surprising way.Claune declared that he would serve as Novaluf's second-in-command.

The mother of Nowarv saw this as the perfect opportunity to sell her son to Croune, and after that declaration, she became interestingly cooperative with the reinforcements.

Mother……”

The blatant insinuation against the Marquis of Aterahan made Novaruf feel like holding his head in his hands.

'Mother, I think I have had a rather good experience. It is not every day that I get to see the Grand Old Lady's command with my own eyes. So, I'm not going to talk about it anymore. ..

I tried to silence my mother somehow, but it was a bad idea.

I'm sure that Nova is right. Not many people have been able to learn directly from Grandma's command. I am sure it will be of great use to you in the future.

By the time Novaluf realized that he had made a mistake, it was already too late.

Now, the only young nobleman who has seen Croune's command directly, including those of the main and branch families of Aterahan, is Novaluf.

Due to a strange disease caused by the magical beast Elsinia, all of the children of the main family have died of illness, leaving only the princess as the sole survivor. His mother thought that having a male nobleman from a branch of the family who knew Clune's command would be a great advantage here.

The reinforcements have brought us fame, but we should think carefully about the future,” She said. We are not vassals of House Levios.

I don't like the idea, but the relationship with the Quardenzes is important.

I don't trust the serpent who kills bystanders.

There is little interaction between the Atelahan family and the Kuordenze family.

In the Aterahan family, where the branch families are powerful in their own right, the impression of Quardenze Cassia, who went around purging the collateral relatives, is very bad.

From the perspective of the Aterahan branch of the family, Cassia's actions her may not be a fire on the other side of the river.

However, his way of life, in which he was martyred for fighting the matured magical beasts that appeared in Evermill City, is the most precious thing for a nobleman who is the protector of the earth. The earth, and the Aterahan family has a female head of the family.

For this reason, he was in the delicate position of not being able to completely dislike Kasia, even though his impression of her was not good.

The Marquis of Aterahan felt his shoulders lighten a little when he heard the opinion from his branch of the family that the relationship with the Quordenze family should be closer than it was now.

But there was, of course, her sister's intention of her.

She must have wanted to connect the story here, because Novalph's mother replied with a smile, her cheeks turned up.

I heard that Lord Wilke doesn't have a fiancée yet.”

The Marquis of Aterahan's expression clouded.

The Marquis of Aterahan's face clouded as he said, “Since ancient times, marriage has been the surest way to bring a house and family closer together. Considering the future of the Quardenzes, it may be an option.

Seeing the Marquis of Aterahan on the verge of rage, Novaruf's mother realized that this was the upper limit.

She had no difficulty in estimating the capacity of her sister's anger.

She was a little too quick to jump to conclusions,” She said. It is up to you, the head of the House of Aterahan, to decide. Ohohohohoho ……

The mother of Novaruf is also not that good.

She was saying, “I sent my son to war with another family for the Aterahan domain, so you should send your princess to another family for the Aterahan domain.

The Aterahan family has a continuous female head of the family, but that is by no means an absolute rule.

Claune, the de facto first head of the family, choose a woman as the successor based purely on her ability her.In other words, it is not impossible for a male head of the family to be elected as long as he is capable.

If the situation on the continent were to change drastically and a strong head of the family was needed, who would be called upon? It would have to be a young man, and since he is highly regarded by Claune, it would be Novaruf. Mother of Nowarv thinks so.

She says, “…Yes, that's right. It is I, the head of the House of Aterahan, who decides. Not you.

The Marquis of Aterahan's voice was filled with anger.

His words, which hit the heart of the complex, made even Novalh's mother extremely angry.It is no longer a dispute between the main and branch families, but only a confrontation between sisters who are not on good terms with each other.

Just as the worst of the situation was beginning to form in the knights' minds, their predecessor tapped on the desk.

Dismissed!

With these words, the day's evaluations came to an end.

Returning to the family residence in Zaleazeria, Nowarv went out into the garden with a sword in his hand.

Ha!”

Swinging the sword endlessly without using body enhancement magic was one of his ways of relieving stress.

He had come all the way to the city of Zalezeria to do this, and it was a fight between sisters, his own mother and aunt. It was pointlessly adding heartache to him.

Ha!”

The sword he had swung many times since his childhood his lacked delicacy, however.

With a face as if he had stepped on a bitter bug, Novaluf looked down at his palm.

You are in rough shape.

A voice suddenly came to him, and he turned to look.

The old woman and the grandmother, and the princess.

There stood Atellahan Kalmia, the last remaining princess of the Atellahan family, as well as Clowne and her predecessor of her.

Novaruf sheathed his sword and dropped to one knee to show his gratitude for him.

'Nova, don't call me princess.

At Kalmia's words, Novaruf looked at Crone and his predecessor, but they both looked at him with no particular interest.

When he calls out “Kal” In a small voice, Kalmia smiles with her eyes closed.

I heard,” He said, “That your marriage was the topic of discussion at today's evaluation. What is your aunt thinking, marrying into the Quardenze family? It would be disrespectful to the other party to send an impostor like me.

…… Cal, it's not so demeaning.

It is not demeaning, it is true.

Kalmia responded without any condescension, but simply and plainly. There is a reason why she describes herself as a “Master-sufferer.”

The Lord Ancestor was born with a strong body, so strong that even if his upper and lower bodies were amputated, he would continue to live until he starved to death.

However, this does not mean that they are always born healthy. Kalmia was born visually impaired, the main ancestor of the blind. Considering that most people can be cured by healing magic, this is a very rare occurrence.

For a master ancestor who wields powerful magical power, even if he is blind, his magic has little effect on his real life.However, even so, they are recognized as inferior because of their lack of sight, and are regarded as low. Value on the continent of Eluo.

The main ancestor is a symbol of strength and must not be flawed,……

Kalmia was not present at today's evaluation.

He said, “Things are not seen only with the eyes. Kalmia, you are blind, but you use your head to see things. That is the most important power to protect the house.

Clowne nodded her head in agreement with her predecessor's words and looked at Nowaruf.

The only people in Aterahan today are those who can only see with their eyes.

These were not words of scolding, but rather words filled with regret.

Clowne is Aterahan's mother, so to speak.She must feel that it was her fault her, not anyone else's her, that she could only raise such a thoughtless child.

The previous generation looked at Nowarv with a curious gaze.

Kalmia has been taking care of me, so it's only natural, but I was surprised at the breadth of your vision, Novalov.

He accepts the compliment from his predecessor with a shrug of his shoulders.

Is it still King's Landing, after all?

Novaruf guesses that his predecessor is asking him where he learned to think like that, and he answers without replying to the question.

Yes, I did. Studying in the royal capital was a big part of it.

In the royal city of Levios, there is an educational institution for the children of the kingdom's aristocracy.

The school is currently closed due to the chaos caused by the magical beast Elsinia, but Novaluf had attended the school before it was closed and had stayed in the royal capital for a number of years.

He has met and seen many nobles and their relationships, and has developed a way of thinking that is not tied to his hometown.

I see,” He said, “I understand, because I have been there myself. When you live in another territory, you start to see things you didn't see before.

The previous generation had stayed in Levios when he was a child.He was taken hostage by his mother, Clune, who was desperate to protect the newly established Aterahan family, and so he went to the Levios family.

It was during this time that the previous generation learned the ways of nobility and aristocracy from the first King Levios and sometimes from his brother, the first Duke of Millendorva.

She was the most skilled in aristocratic diplomacy in the Aterahan family, partly because of her talent, but most of all because she was able to relate to and gain insight from many aristocrats under the protection of the Levios family when she was young.

…… That's why Nova was chosen as a reinforcement, though.”

Kalmia says in a slightly resentful tone.

One of the reasons why Novaruf was chosen by the Levios family for reinforcements was that he had stayed in the Levios territory and would be able to move more easily than the others.

Kalmyr was opposed to sending Novaruf as a reinforcement, but the Marquis of Aterahan, who was constantly receiving ill will from his own sister, didn't change his mind.

He was not about to change his mind. I can feel your magic power still wavering.”

Kalmia's white hand touches Nova's thick arm her.

Perhaps because she was blind, her sensitivity to magic was extremely high.

And because of this, even the invisible magic wound that Novaluf had been hiding became known.

The wound from that time?”

At Clowne's words, Novaluf nodded.

Yes. The frequency has decreased considerably, but every now and then my arm goes numb as I remember it.

As the three of them can see, Nowarv shows his right arm his, which is as thick as a log.

It was not visible to the naked eye, but only Kalmia could see it. The arm has a very fine, foreign magic and magic residue that does not belong to Novaluf.

Only he had confronted it directly.

Yes, I have. The first clash with the Mirendorva army was at a great distance from the river.

Novaruf advanced through the Levios territory as the general of the reinforcements to be sent out by the Atterahan family.

The Milendorva army had already crossed the Great River and invaded Levios.

Upon encountering the Mirendorva forces, the Novarvian and Levios armies immediately began to engage in battle.

The two armies crashed repeatedly, but basically the Levios side had an overwhelming advantage.

The main reasons for this were the fact that the Levios army, with its geographical advantage, was on their side, the skill of Novalph's soldiers, and above all, the fact that Novalph's second-in-command was Aterahan Crone. Continent's great heroes greatly boosted the morale of not only the Aterahan soldiers but also the Levios soldiers, while the Mirendorva soldiers were terrified.

The Milendorva army, which had cut deep into Levios territory, was slowly being worn down, and the front line was retreating until the great river could be seen in the distance.

It was precisely at this time that the incident occurred.

The blow received from Princess Orcian, who had rushed through on her own at that time,…………, Was of unbelievably mighty magic power.

The princess must have been impatient, and although she was the general-in-chief, she began her charge alone.

Even if the main ancestor had made the assault, the army has its own way of fighting, and as long as you have the numbers, it should be easy …… To contain it.

The princess of Orsian released her magic power as if this was her true power, and it was so powerful that it astonished even Novaruf and even Clowne.

The magical power, which had been somewhat eerie to Novaruf ever since he stood on the battlefield, delayed his judgment for a moment.

The next moment, Princess Orcian's long sword shattered the great ax that Novaruf was holding.

The second blow from Orsian fell on Novaruf, who was knocked out of his stance, but it was barely blocked by the other great battleaxe.

Unable to withstand the impact of the attack, Novaruf fell to the ground.Another blow aimed at his neck, which jumped into the air, was successfully blocked by the treasured sword at his waist.

And there the single combat, which was like a street fight, ended.

The unit that had been left behind by Orcian was attacked by Croune. The soldiers, who had lost their guiding hand in the form of Orcian, were unable to move satisfactorily due to the cancellation of their body enhancement magic, and their lives were scattered one After another before the overwhelming attack of the master, Croune.

Orcian was said to have fallen for Croune's provocation so successfully that he withdrew his hand from Novalph and returned to his own unit.

He said, “I was able to prevent the …… First blow, the flash of the blade, but because I was caught off guard, I was unable to prevent even the magic power of the killing intent. I am ashamed to say.”

The blow that shattered the great ax caused serious magic exposure to Novaluf's right arm, resulting in the accumulation of a lot of magic residue.

In the end, his right arm was useless for about a week after that, and even after all this time, he says that his arm sometimes goes numb as he remembers it.

Nova……”

Kalmia let out a voice that sounded as if she was about to cry, and she clutched Novaruf's arm tightly.

The first thing I heard from your mother was that your leadership after that was quite brilliant.You did a good job of getting him back on his feet.

After the single combat with Orcian, Novárvmoved his troops while hiding his immobilized right arm, and continued to pursue the Millendorfer army.

As a result, the army of Mirendorva succeeded in reducing its area of ​​influence, although it could not push back across the river.

No, it was thanks to the presence of the Grand Old Lady as second-in-command. I also felt that Princess Orcian had little experience in leading an army, and that her spur-of-the-moment strategy was just too well executed. I don't think the same strategy will work next time.”

The strategy that Novaruf took against the crystal of power with extraordinary magical power was simple.

The next time you fight a matured demonic beast, you should be able to use the same strategy.

That was hilarious. It was just right for a princess who is a demon beast.

The army was moved because they saw their opponent not as a human, but as a mature, rampaging magical beast.

Without being satisfied with the power he had, the Orcian retreated with his weakening army of hers.

The “Can't you command an army at all?…… I guess Princess Orcian is from the shadows, just as you say. It is also understandable then, that you have suddenly adopted her.

'Mm, if she's the daughter of a shadow family, she won't be leading the army, it makes sense. Certainly, the …… Mother does not seem to be convinced.”

Most aristocratic families have what is called a “Shadow family. As the name implies, they are always lurking in the shadows and never come out.

In aristocratic diplomacy, the number of family members is very important. It may be similar to the idea of ​​how many aircraft carriers a country has.

Whether it is more or less, knowing the exact number of family members in another family is only a negative in most cases. Rebellion.

Therefore, the nobles hide some blood families from other families altogether.

The existence of shadow families is also an important factor in preventing enemy invasion.

When invading enemy territory, it is nothing but fear for the invaders to see their main ancestor's ambush soldiers coming out from an unexpected place.

Most noble families will make it known that they own a shadow house, and if they are vulnerable to attack but do not have the resources to send troops, they will build a mansion as if it were inhabited by a nobleman of the shadow house. Enemy would be wary of the shadowy family members who might be there and be unable to attack them.

The enemy would be wary of the shadowy family members who might be living there, and they would be fools to attack them.

Having actually felt the magic of the Orcians, Claune and Nowarv deny the words of their predecessors and Kalmia outright.

I agree. The fact that she possesses such magical power means that she must not have intended to grow up in the shadows.

Generally speaking, the main ancestor of the shadow family is a bit weak. The role of shadow is forced upon them, and because of their cold position of not being treated as family, they have no choice but to be wary of rebellion.

They are taught only the bare minimum of how to use and train their magic, and when the enemy invades, the knights act as effective generals, so there is no need to teach them how to lead an army.

Kalmia raises her eyebrows at the words of Croune and Nowarv.

The Millendorva family had suffered a string of defeats, so the shadows are also a valuable asset. Naturally, they must have been training them, right? It wouldn't be too surprising if they were kept secret to be used in surprise attacks. …..

Kalmia's idea made sense, and Novalov did not have enough material to completely deny it.

The fact that the rumors in aristocratic circles that Orcian is from a shadowy branch of the Millendorva family are spoken of as if they are half-true can be said to be partly due to the fact that they fit that line of reasoning.

It is no use being preoccupied with where you come from,” He said. Do not forget that the person you are about to face is not a shadow, but the Grand Duchess Mirendorva Orsian.

The previous generation exhaled.

The only one who noticed was Kalmia, whose breath was tinged with a hint of fatigue.

He was still in a state of shock, “It is not …… Easy. The disaster of Elsinia, the Orcian of Millendorva, and now the shield-splitting of Quardenze.”

Kalmia went behind his predecessor and touched his back.

The first generation of the family is the most famous in the world. I have heard your name mentioned several times by peddlers.

Novaruf was a little surprised to hear the name of the person he was talking about from an unexpected person.

'Is that so?'

'Yes, I heard that his name was known among the merchants even before the shield-splitting. 'You see, there is the New Nelly Silk,' he said. I heard from my favorite peddler that it was Lord Wilke who had it made The peddler was from the city of Nambonan, so I was able to hear many stories about him, you know? I don't know how much of it is true, but I have heard a lot of stories…..”

Although Novaruf knew the name of New Nelly Silk, he had no idea that he was involved in its production.

'Does Cal buy New Nellie Silk too?

No, sir. No. He buys books.

Kalmia's hobby is reading. She is blind, so she has a servant read to her and enjoys books.

Novaruf knew of Kalmyr's taste her, as he had found and sent her books of her liking her several times during his stay her in King's Landing.

The first time I heard her talk about shield-splitting, I had a strong impression that she was a warrior, but I thought that she was a rational person. How did you feel about that, Nova?”

Novaruf could not answer that question immediately.

He slowly answered the question, gradually connecting the words to the vague sensations he was feeling.

'I get the impression from Mister Wilk that he is…… Cold-hearted and cunning.'

Hearing these words, Claune, the previous generation, and Kalmia nodded their heads in agreement.

I understand what you mean. I also feel a little scared of Lord Wilk.

The word “Scary” Made a little sense to Novaluf.

He had felt something …… Eerie from the boy Wilk, whom he had heard rumors about.

Why do you think that?”

He answers Claune, recalling the part of the story that he found eerie.

The first is that it's a very good idea. A 12-year-old boy can't do both.

Perhaps he was able to organize his mind by putting it into words, he was able to theorize and talk about things much better than he had thought he could.

He was driven to single combat by the boy's characteristic passion and vigor, and he was lucky enough to defeat Verrette-sama,…… This much makes sense.”

Because of their strength, it is not unusual for the Lord's ancestors, especially boys, to overflow with a sense of omnipotence and run amok when they are young.

If he grows up to be such a rambunctious boy because of his strength, it will cause difficulties for those around him.

It is almost always a youthful mistake for a young noble boy to engage in an act such as single combat.

But Lord Wilke has destroyed the knights and military officers on the battlefield.This is the part where the power of the army, not the power of an individual, comes into play.It depends on how well you can move those under your command.A boy who goes into single combat on the spur of the moment cannot do this.”

The knights and military officers under his command cannot work satisfactorily with a runaway young master in their arms, Novaruf assured him.

If you want to maximize the power of the army, it would be best to leave everything to Gatoren, a knight with a wealth of battlefield experience, and let Wilke himself serve as a decoration. .”

If a knight were to make a strategy, there is no way he would incorporate single combat with a nobleman, which is very dangerous.

If the nobles were willing to leave the battle to the knights, they would probably refuse the invitation to fight single combat.

I think it is safe to say that it was the knight Gatoren's command that wiped out the enemy. Talent is important in a battle, but experience is more important. It is a heavy burden for Sir Wilk, who has just completed his first battle. “

Since his first battle in Nambonan City last year, there had been no particularly large-scale battles.If this is the extent of the information, Novaluf also knows through peddlers and other people.

In other words, it was clear that Quardenze Wilk had little battlefield experience.

The figure of Lord Wilke that emerges from this,…… Is that of a man who has the courage to go into single combat between nobles when he sees an opportunity, but who also understands his own shortcomings and has the courage to accept the wisdom of his elders.

“Hardly the age of a 12-year-old boy.

I find it hard to believe …… But now that Nabashin has confirmed it, I have to believe it.

Nabashin, who actually visited the Quordenze territory and confirmed it, affirmed both of them, so we should see that there was both single combat and the destruction of the knights.

Novaruf, by his own admission, was once again becoming creeped out by his awareness of this alien existence.

Then that's why, Novaruf thinks.

'Lord Wilk is the same age as Princess Orcian, but he uses the army in a very different way. Princess Orcian had too much personal power, and she had too much of an army.

He uses his army as a tool to make sure he kills his enemies.”

Novaruf nodded at the interrupted Claune's words.

Yes, after all, he is the heir apparent of the prestigious Quordenze family, and I think he understands the military very well. The most important thing to remember is that the best way to get the most out of your money is to be prepared to pay for the cost of the service. The fact that the two armies clash makes a big difference in the outcome of the battle.

Even in battles in which the main ancestral armies clash, it is basically the knights who fight the main battles. For the nobles, who have almost no connection with injuries and illnesses, physical disabilities caused by magical residues are more frightening than anything else.

Therefore, the presence of nobles who boldly attack is a nuisance to the enemy. They have to be constantly on the lookout for the appearance of their ancestors, which makes it difficult for them to march quickly, and as a result, they are restricted in the actions they can take.

The presence of nobles who can step on the gas pedal where ordinary nobles put on the brake is very important in terms of zone of control. Enemy always had to keep the appearance of Gulfis in mind, and they were always on the back foot against the bold actions of the Quardenze army.

Since he is able to defeat an older nobleman, Lord Wilk must have strong individual power……. Oh, that reminds me.”

I'm sure you've heard the rumors about his heirdefeating the matured magical beast that appeared in the territory of Quordenze sometime last year.Now that I think about it, it might have been Wilk-dono.

'Ah, come to think of it, I think my mother mentioned something like that ……. I heard that it was unreliable gossip exaggerated by commoners as they pleased. What kind of story is that?”

'The story is that a mature demonic beast that appeared in New Nellie City was defeated in a single night. No wonder your aunt thinks it's a lie.'

…… That's quite an exaggeration. If it is a mature demonic beast that appears in New Nellie City, it must have originated in New Nellie Field, right? Think an Elsinian class would be born, but it would still have to be a catastrophe on the scale of once every 100 years. We wouldn't be able to defeat it even if we spent a week, let alone a night.”

Novaruf pretended not to care, even though he felt something nagging at his chest.

'Perhaps, but even in the New Nellie Field, they only took out the demonic beasts that had popped up because they could not grow up in a large enough space. Main ancestor to go out to the field, and there is no better subject to teach his son how to defeat a demonic beast. …… But to a commoner, all vicious magical beasts would seem like mature magical beasts, especially when a nobleman's bastard son is coming to defeat them.

He was not sure if he was talking to Kalmia or to himself.

He was so wary of Wilk that he didn't understand it himself.

You seem to be very wary of Quardenze,” He said. But as Mother said, you won't be able to hold your spear if you are entangled with a snake.

But he did not know the reason for this caution, and Novaluf was inwardly impatient.

He looks to Crone and his predecessor for help.

'Grandma, Grandma ……. Why do you think Lord Wilk treated Lord Verret's body with such respect?

I see, that's the root of it.

This was the one thing that had been bothering Nowalph ever since the verdict.

Claune had an idea why his mind he had wandered.

There could be several reasons, but I can't say for sure. I can think of several reasons, but I can't be certain, but I can tell you why you are so suspicious of the little boy from Kuordenze. Difference of belief in the Quardenze boy.

Belief……?

“Indeed. People are most wary of those whose principles they do not understand. It is like a priest for a nobleman, and a nobleman for a priest. You must have met many nobles in King's Landing. Therefore, you unconsciously try to match them.” With the little boy from Quardenze. As a result, you notice the slightest difference. In other words, your intuition is telling you that …… He looks like us, but he is not us, so beware …….”

I, Mother, and Kalmia find the handling of Quardenze Wilk's body strange, but that's all. But you should treasure that kind of intuition. There are many things in this world that cannot be measured by logic. As you have sensed, he may be a being who lives by a completely different set of values ​​than we do. It operates on a completely different theory than ours, so be on the lookout …… For it!

The next moment, I thought the previous generation had clamped its mouth and spat something out on the ground.

The reddish-black blood spread out as much as it could, and no matter how you looked at it, it didn't look like the color of healthy blood.

“Grandma!

Don't make a fuss. It's just a loss of strength, nothing serious.

Kalmia, who had been circling around before he knew it, confirmed that she was applying healing magic to the previous generation, and Novaruf released the tension in his body.

The firstborn continued to spit blood on the ground, but it was blood that remained in his mouth, not new blood loss.

He continued, “These days I have nothing but compassion for those born of fragile flesh. They are an abomination.

Old woman, your magical power is……

The Lord Ancestor's strong body is maintained by his magical power. The main reason is that without the magic power that comes from the body, the body would no longer be the same as the slave ancestor's. And more vulnerable.

As the main ancestor gets older, at some point in time there will be days when he does not produce any magic power.

The intervals between days of no magic output gradually become narrower and narrower, until eventually there is no magic at all.

This can be said to be the life span of the main ancestor, and shortly thereafter, the physical body also comes to an end. Whether it is because the magic power runs out that he dies, or whether it is because he has a long life span that his magic power runs out, we don't know.

As you can see from ……, I do not have long to live. The time is near when I will be ashes dancing in the winds of Aterahan.

I would rather not say such a thing, Old Mother. I would like to hear more of what you have to say.

Because of her blindness, Kalmia was not cared for as much as her other siblings.

She was mainly taken care of by the previous generation, who were also her most important family members of her.

She was the most important member of her family.”Not only me,” She said, “But also my mother.Aterahan will soon fall off the cliff if it only follows in our footsteps as we walk through the old times.”

These were not words of bitterness toward the current Aterahan family, which is dependent on Clune and his predecessors, but words of regret.

The only regret they have is that they neglected their children's education because they were so focused on the great project of unifying the Aterahan region.

“Novaruf.”

He stared at me with sharp eyes.He felt a tightening of his grip, even though he had no magic power.

Quordenze will eat Spierzeig. The fat snake, having swallowed its huge prey, would not be able to move for some time. But when it has made the Vojstra Plain its flesh and blood, the snake may seek its prey again. What should I do as the guardian of Aterahan? Answer me according to your own convictions.

Despite the bloodlust in his eyes, his Novaluf remained calm.

He was not asking him to predict the situation, but rather to answer based on his beliefs as a family member who protects Aterahan.

And the answer was already in his mind.

I will crush the ambition of the Quordenze.”

As his predecessor stared at him in silence, Novaluf continued.

The Quardenze family's domination of the continent will lead to its downfall. Even if they conquer the continent with military might, they will end up as Silphazazer, Silphazer, and Silphazer. , Just as the uprisings of the priests 200 years ago led to a turbulent era on the continent.”

Mistakes must not be repeated, he insists.

The nobles who are rooted in their lands must protect their homelands and prevent any consolidation of power by maintaining a federation of noble families. I believe that this is the ideal form of society that the first King Levios aimed for, and that this is what the nobles, the guardians of the land, should be striving for.”

His speech his is free of any stagnation.Claune and his predecessors felt his conviction his.

He was not bound by the customs and customs of his hometown, but he took even the wisdom from the outside world into his blood and sublimated it as his own philosophy.

Is that …… Your answer?”

The first thing that comes to my mind is the fact that I am not a fan of the idea.

Mother,……, I don't mind. I'm still a bit green in some ways, but I'm sure Kalmia will support me there.”

I'm sure Kalmia will support you there.”

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that the two are not the same.

You will be my adopted son.

To be adopted by Clowne means to leave the branch family and become a member of the main family.

The suddenness of the situation rendered Novaluf speechless for a moment.

He said, “People will be very strict if I just marry Kalmia, who is going to be the next head of the family. It would be easier for you to make your move if you came to the main family and severed the current relationship.

It was immediately clear to Nowarv that he was talking about his mother.

If she had only married Kalmia, there would be a lot of trouble because the relationship with the branch of the family would continue.

If he became an adopted child of Clowne, it would be easy for him to reject anything the branch family said to him.

If you are a member of the main family, you will understand that the main family needs a son-in-law. Of course, Kalmia is blind as you can see, so inviting someone from another family would be too risky, and she would Besides, Kalmia is highly respected by Levios because of the Orcian incident, so it would be politically significant to have her as a son-in-law in the main family.

Every single thing his predecessor he said made sense.

But Novaruf could feel his father's love for Kalmykia in every word he said.

Nova …… Still don't like the idea of ​​me being your wife?

I don't think so.

The first time I saw the two of them together, I was surprised to learn that they were not inseparable.

The reality of the matter was that he was at a loss for how to digest it, and it was difficult for him to react honestly.

I think. …… No, it's a hunch.”

Kalmia's response was a bit of a struggle, but she was able to get through to him.

If all the rumors about Quardenze are true.

Ignoring his silence Her Clune continues.

'Upon hearing of Vojstra's surprise attack, he convinces his father to cross the river with a handful of knights, surprise the enemy, and win the nobleman's duel. Then, with the same momentum, he drops Leithleif.”

If someone else had said, “You're thinking too much,……,” I would have cut him off, but mother's intuition is often right.

If such a man were to become the head of the family, Quardenze would be a monster. Like the water serpent that ascends the mountain and becomes a dragon.

A thought sprang up in Novaluf's mind.

He gulped down a swallow, but the sound was surprisingly loud.

The boy from Quardenze will be in the city in the spring. I will have to see for myself. If I am to take you with me, it is essential that you be the husband of the next head of the family, Kalmia.

“And Grandmother, will you go to King's Landing in the spring?”

It is no coincidence that such detailed rumors are circulating. If you want to see my child, come to King's Landing,……, The head of the Quardenze says so implicitly. .

But does that not benefit the Quordentse family?

If you are right, the Qordentse will breathe easier if the mother goes to King's Landing. But missing out on this would be even worse. It would be better for the mother, Kalmia, and the others to know the magnitude of the Quordente later on.”

Neither the previous generation nor Croune said anything more, but there was a hint of worry in their words.

The Marquis of Aterahan, who is weak in aristocratic diplomacy, Kalmia, the next head of the family, who is visually impaired and easily underestimated, and Nowarv, who has lived in the branch of the family until now and absolutely lacks experience in diplomacy. These three alone were not expected to be able to overcome the expected turbulence in the social life of the royal city.

And considering the body of the previous generation, those who could go outside the territory would inevitably be limited to Claune alone.

Besides, if Croune was well known throughout the continent, he could be a trump card in diplomatic battles.

However, there was another reason that Clune himself was unaware of.

Having lived in a time when the world was dominated by a group of powerful men, she felt the feverish excitement of the times and subconsciously let her heart dance in the air.

The only one who was aware of the ups and downs of her emotions was the previous generation, who had seen the former Claune with their own eyes.

What is the answer? What is it that you must do as a nobleman, Aterahan Novaruf?

In response to Clowne's question, Novaluf shook Kalmia's hand and simply answered, “The only thing I have to do is to teach the Aterahan family.

It was the family motto of the Aterahan family and the belief of the nobility.

“Protect the land.

A new wind blows in Aterahan.