Chapter 84 : Chapter 84

Chapter 84 : Western Noble Coalition (2)

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Baron Renwood explained the Western Noble Coalition’s banquet in detail.

Excited about hosting the coalition’s banquet, Renwood was quite talkative.

So, I held onto my fading focus and listened intently about the event.

Among his words, one struck me like a bolt.

“There’ll be sparring between the nobles’ escorts. Of course, it’s not a life-or-death battle—just a friendly exchange of swordplay to show off their skills.”

“Could I participate as your escort, Baron Renwood?”

I was already feeling burdened about making my debut at the noble banquet.

How could I make an impression? How could I win over the Western Nobles to gain their support for my future speech?

Amid my worries, this was golden news.

“Hahaha, that won’t do. It’s already been decided that Arcadius will represent me as my champion.”

But Renwood firmly refused.

I tried to persuade him, but it was no use.

“Your job today isn’t to wield a sword but to use your words.”

Though his refusal was firm, it snapped me to attention.

Since coming to this world, I've been swinging my sword constantly.

I seemed to have some talent for it and had gained confidence.

But I also knew not everything could be solved with a sword.

Sometimes, words needed to be a sharper weapon, and I had to prepare for that.

As I was lost in thought, Renwood patted my shoulder encouragingly.

“Don’t worry too much. If you show them the real you, as you did with me, they’ll all welcome you.”

“Yes, understood. Let’s go.”

Hearing the resolve in my voice, Renwood grinned.

* * *

This quarter’s Western Noble Coalition banquet was held in the courtyard of Manoa’s lordly castle.

At the garden’s entrance stood a grand granite archway, with Manoa’s emblem carved at its peak.

“You’ll receive the finest treatment under that emblem.”

“Thank you for saying so.”

Stepping through the archway, I saw a beautifully landscaped garden.

A straight stone path, calming just to look at, was flanked by neatly trimmed trees acting as a fence.

Various flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, yet it didn’t feel chaotic.

Renwood walked into the garden with ease, but I couldn’t help but marvel.

Deeper inside, an even more astonishing sight unfolded.

Seeing a fountain powered by a magical device, I flinched, recalling Turoko’s fountain.

But Manoa’s fountain merely sprayed water in the garden’s center.

The water jets, catching the midday sunlight, created a picturesque scene.

Then, applause echoed from within.

Nobles of the Western Noble Coalition, their knights, and their ladies sat at a long table arranged in two rows.

The table was covered with a gold-embroidered cloth, with silver tableware neatly arranged atop it.

“Thank you for inviting us to Manoa’s garden, renowned for its beauty even in the Empire.”

A count from the Western Noble Coalition stood to welcome Renwood.

Then, everyone rose and clapped.

All were dressed in refined attire, exuding noble grace.

Fortunately, thanks to the clothes Labella gifted me, I didn’t feel out of place in appearance.

“You must be the famous Polarin Adjak. I’ve heard much about you from Baron Renwood.”

“Hello, I’m Polarin Adjak. It’s an honor to meet you.”

I followed etiquette, greeting each person individually.

There was a reason Renwood told me not to worry.

He had already spoken highly of me, so many at the banquet were already favorably disposed toward me.

Soon, the escorts’ sparring took place, followed by a ball, as the banquet’s events proceeded in order.

Renwood ensured I felt at ease, always keeping me by his side and introducing me to every noble present.

‘I hardly need to speak up. Baron Renwood has practically paved the way for me.’

Renwood, with his bold personality, moved through the banquet hall, allowing me to greet most of the nobles, their ladies, and their escorts.

After much socializing, lavish food arrived.

Manoa’s turkey dishes, Olbern pork, fresh seafood, sandwiches, cheese—a feast of delicacies.

These were rare dishes unseen in Gullok, and even the mages of Ostrum, who dined luxuriously, would rarely sit at such a table.

“For the Empire, we live!”

“For the Empire!”

The Western Noble Coalition members shared delicious food while discussing the day’s agenda.

First, they discussed various interests of the western region—building a road between Rockville and Duke, and trade in specialty goods.

Then, the topic I was most interested in—war—came up.

“The war is nothing but the tyranny of the Northern Archduke and the First Prince, who’ve taken control since His Majesty stepped back from governance.”

“What about persuading the southern nobles?”

“If war breaks out, agricultural prices will soar. They’ll support the war.”

“How about formally expressing concern?”

“Concern? We should protest.”

“If the Archduke takes offense…”

Various ideas were exchanged, but no clear solution emerged.

Still, the Western Nobles didn’t lose heart.

“We oppose the war. Confirming our shared resolve is meaningful enough.”

“Let’s think of solutions gradually. How about each of us brings one or two ideas to prevent war at the next banquet?”

“Agreed. I’ll think about it.”

I had much to say, but I had to wait.

After the main agenda began, only nobles spoke, so I quietly observed their discussions.

One thing was clear: everyone in the Western Noble Coalition opposed the war.

Confirming that was, for me, a good outcome.

As the banquet was nearing its end, Renwood whispered to me.

“Let’s go greet Lord Rodos La Roche, the only marquis of the Western Noble Coalition.”

“Yes, understood.”

I adjusted my attire and followed Renwood.

Though Renwood hosted the banquet, Rodos, seated at the highest place, had been observing everyone.

The only marquis in the west—his prominence was undeniable.

“Greetings, Lord Marquis. I’ve come to pay my respects before you leave.”

“Pleased to meet you.”

Marquis Rodos smiled kindly, responding to Renwood.

Like the other nobles, he seemed fond of him.

‘But… his aura feels strange.’

Yet, I felt an inexplicable unease about Rodos.

He was clearly human, but he didn’t feel human.

Why? I couldn’t figure it out.

I cautiously activated [Ghost Eye].

The colors of people’s souls came into sharp focus.

Humans, like Renwood and the other nobles, had a blue hue.

The more mana a knight held, the deeper the blue.

Rodos, too, shimmered with blue.

But near his heart, in the most intimate part, it wasn’t just blue.

A black hue? Or perhaps turbidity? Something else had intruded.

What was that color? That must be why I felt uneasy.

“Polarin? Greet the Marquis.”

While lost in thought with [Ghost Eye] active, Renwood called me.

I deactivated it and greeted the Marquis.

He returned a kind smile.

“Ah, a descendant of the Adjak family! That lineage has many outstanding talents. I hear you’re no exception, Lord Polarin.”

“No, I’m still lacking in many ways, striving to live up to my ancestors’ name.”

“Modest, aren’t you? Be a fine ally to Baron Renwood. Then the Western Noble Coalition will be your friend as well.”

“I owe much to the Baron. I’ll strive to repay his kindness for a long time.”

Renwood watched my exchange with Rodos with a pleased expression.

With that look, he almost felt like an adoptive father, though we’re only a dozen years apart.

“Lord Marquis, did the meal suit your taste? Knowing you only eat vegetables, I prepared the freshest ones possible…”

“The fruits and salads were excellent. Thanks to Baron Renwood, I’m dining luxuriously in this beautiful garden.”

The conversation shifted back to Rodos and Renwood.

I kept watching Rodos with a puzzled gaze. Then, a fleeting realization struck me.

‘A demon?’

Though [Ghost Eye] confirmed he wasn’t, I couldn’t shake the thought that Marquis Rodos might be a demon.

When I first met Derix, he looked human but couldn’t hide the demonic energy emanating from him.

Yet, I felt no demonic energy from Rodos.

So why did he feel like a demon?

“Well then, until the next banquet. I hope to see you again, Lord Polarin.”

With Rodos rising from his seat, the splendid Western Noble Coalition banquet concluded.

* * *

All the nobles left, and Manoa’s servants cleaned up the banquet hall.

Amid the bustling servants, Renwood and I ate leftover food by the fountain, chatting.

Though Renwood looked tired, he patted my back and laughed.

“Didn’t I say you’d do well without swinging a sword?”

“I didn’t do much. It’s all thanks to you, Baron Renwood.”

Hahaha!

Renwood’s hearty laugh echoed through the garden.

“By the way, what kind of person is Marquis Rodos?”

“A remarkable figure. He’s the leader of the Western Noble Coalition and a role model for many nobles.”

Renwood spoke highly of Rodos.

Though visibly tired, he explained Rodos’s achievements with an energetic voice.

“You worked hard today. I’ll have a room prepared. Rest well.”

“You worked hard too, Baron. I hope you have a peaceful night.”

As Renwood left the garden, one of his guards guided me to a room.

Exhausted, I felt sleep creeping in, but I didn’t fall asleep right away.

Thoughts of Marquis Rodos lingered in my mind.

‘Tomorrow, when the sun rises, I’ll greet the Baron and head to Rodos’s territory.’

This uneasy feeling.

I had to confirm if he was really a demon to put it to rest.

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