Chapter 98

It was around the end of the first week of December when a knight from the Beutelsheim Duchy arrived at the Arquvist territory.

This knight had delivered a message to Viscount Arnold Koenitz in Letvik at noon and, after changing horses, had continued his journey to reach the capital of the territory, Noein, before dusk.

"Lord Arquvist, I am grateful for your audience despite my sudden arrival."

"You have traveled a long distance. Let us hear the message from Lord Beutelsheim immediately."

While comforting the knight, who looked exhausted from delivering messages to two lords in a single day, Noein sat down in the reception room. Behind him stood Matilda as usual, and the Chief Retainer Yuri and Deputy Chief Retainer Pense were also present.

"Then... Lord Beutelsheim has ordered us to prepare for the war against the Lanzel Kingdom and to mobilize the northern nobles."

Upon hearing these words, Noein and the others did not show any obvious signs of surprise or agitation.

This was within their expectations, and they only inwardly acknowledged that "the day has finally come."

"The war is likely to begin as soon as spring arrives. Therefore, we have been ordered by His Majesty the King to prepare weapons, supplies, and troops early and to gather at the southwestern border of the kingdom by the end of January."

"Understood. What about the dinner party of the northern nobles at the end of the year?"

"The dinner party will be changed to a military council to discuss the allocation of troops from each territory. The schedule remains the same, but we have been instructed to attend in military uniforms instead of formal dinner attire."

"Indeed, I have received the instructions... Has Lord Beutelsheim given any specific instructions regarding the mobilization numbers for our territory?"

"Apparently, 5,000 people will be mobilized from the entire northwest. Normally, a viscount's territory would mobilize about 10 people... However, due to your exceptional track record, Lord Beutelsheim expects 'outstanding performance' from you."

Upon hearing this, Noein maintained a calm exterior but sighed inwardly.

In other words, because he had always demonstrated exceptional ability, he was expected to approach the war with a corresponding level of determination. It wouldn't be enough to just send a small number of troops to make a minor contribution.

"Please convey to Lord Beutelsheim that I will certainly meet his expectations... You must have been exhausted from your long journey today. Please use one of the guest rooms to rest and return tomorrow."

"Thank you for your consideration. I will take you up on your offer."

After having the maid Mary lead the knight to a guest room and seeing him off, Noein exhaled.

"Phew... It's really going to be a war."

"I knew it couldn't be avoided, but it's still unsettling to receive the news."

Once they were alone, Yuri and Pense slumped into the chairs where the knight had been sitting, and Matilda quietly sat next to Noein.

"5,000 troops from the northwest means this will be a serious war."

"Is that so...?"

"Yes, if they are mobilizing that many troops from the distant northwest, it means the southwestern nobles, mercenaries, conscripts, and the royal army will gather in even greater numbers. The total could exceed 20,000."

Mobilizing more than 1% of the population of the Roadberg Kingdom would be considered a major war.

"I see. In that case, we won't be able to get through this easily this time. Especially since we've been told to perform 'outstandingly'... I'd prefer a less demanding role in the rear, but I can't avoid combat with the enemy."

"Don't worry. We're here to protect you, Lord Noein."

"Yes, we will protect Lord Noein with our lives."

Yuri and Matilda agreed.

"I'm not saying this out of self-preservation. I don't want Matilda to die protecting me. I don't want Yuri or Pense to die either... It might sound silly, but I don't want to lose anyone, not just myself, but also my subordinates and the people of my territory."

The three of them looked at Noein, who spoke with a pout, with a mix of amusement and affection.

"Don't worry. The main battles will likely be fought by the royal army and the upper nobles with substantial forces. I don't think the lower nobles from the northwest will be given important battlefields... On the contrary, it means the upper nobles will take the opportunities to earn military honors, which might be fortunate for Lord Noein."

"Lord Beutelsheim wouldn't want to risk losing a promising young lord like Noein in a dangerous battlefield. While you won't be given an easy rear position, you won't be placed in a fierce combat zone, I'm sure."

"…I hope so."

Hearing this from Yuri and Pense, who were former mercenaries, Noein's anxious expression eased slightly.

...

After the meeting with the knight and a brief discussion with Noein, Yuri and Pense were about to leave the mansion when a maid named Rosetta came running up.

"Pense! Wait, please!"

Rosetta, who usually had a calm demeanor, looked unusually flustered. She ran up to Pense and boldly grabbed his arm.

"…I'm leaving first."

"Huh? Why, Chief Retainer? And what's with Rosetta?"

Yuri, sensing the tension, left the mansion first. Pense, confused about why he was left alone with Rosetta, asked.

"What's wrong, Rosetta? Do you need something?"

"…I heard that the war is starting, and that troops will be sent from the Arquvist territory."

It seemed the news had already reached the maids, probably from Mary, who had led the knight to his room.

"Yes, that's correct. The war with the Lanzel Kingdom in the west will involve the nobles from the northwest, and Lord Noein will also send troops to participate."

"Does that mean… you're going to war, Pense?"

"Of course, I'm a retainer and the deputy chief. I'll have to go."

Hearing this, Rosetta's eyes welled up with tears.

"Hey, why are you crying?"

"It's because… I like you, Pense! I'm worried about you going to war!"

Rosetta, having mustered the courage to confess her feelings, looked at Pense with determination.

"Huh!? You… like me? For real?"

"Of course! Why didn't you notice before!?"

Rosetta, frustrated by Pense's lack of awareness, raised her voice. She had been trying to win his affection with the help of her colleagues, but this was the result.

"Well, you know… we have a significant age gap."

"Yuri and Mai, and Edgar and Anna, have a considerable age difference too!"

"True… but I…"

"Is it that I'm not good enough? Not attractive enough as a woman?"

Rosetta's direct gaze made Pense flinch.

Pense preferred women around his age. Compared to that, Rosetta still seemed a bit immature. To be blunt, she was a bit childish.

"…Don't you think a younger man closer to your age would be better for you? For your own good."

"…"

Pense's words left Rosetta speechless.

"Hey, Rosetta?"

"…You're such an idiot, Pense!"

Pense, who had placed a hand on Rosetta's shoulder in concern, was pushed away as she ran down the hallway, shouting.

"Oh no, you've really done it, Pense!"

"You've ruined Rosetta's resolve."

"Wha!?"

Pense, who had been watching Rosetta run away, was startled by a voice from behind.

Turning around, he saw Rosetta's colleagues, Mary and Kimberly.

"How long have you two been listening!?"

"From the beginning!"

Mary answered confidently to Pense's question.

"Pense, the way you spoke was like rejecting Rosetta's feelings entirely. Do you dislike Rosetta? Don't you find her cute?"

"No… I don't dislike her. She's not my type, but I do think she's cute."

When Kimberly asked, Pense thought for a moment and replied.

"Then you should accept her feelings and marry her."

"What? That's ridiculous."

"Think about it, Pense. Do you think you'll find a better woman than Rosetta in the future? You're almost 30 and already past your prime. As you age, your physical strength will decline, and you'll eventually step down from your role as a retainer. Your charm will fade. How many people will want to marry you then?"

Hearing Kimberly's harsh words, Pense swallowed hard.

"Do you want to grow old and die alone, feeling your body decline? You can change your fate now. A young and devoted woman like Rosetta will support you and bear your children. Do you think you'll find a better opportunity than this in the future?"

"Alright, I get it. I understand what you're saying, but give me a moment to think."

Pense tried to stop Kimberly, who was relentlessly pushing him.

"You've heard that the war will start before spring. It would be wise to think about it before then. Goodbye."

"Try your best before Rosetta changes her mind!"

With those words, the two maids ran off after Rosetta, leaving Pense standing there in a daze.