Chapter 284 – The Princess and the Old General's Hospitality

Princess Stephania’s territory serves as a fairly large stronghold in the northern region. Both the Marquisate of Fobrester and this place play central roles in the north. Most exchanges with Silvatoria occur through these two port towns.

However, the circumstances here differ somewhat from the Marquisate of Fobrester, which places greater emphasis on maritime affairs, due to the nearby forest inhabited by numerous monsters.

It’s said that Princess Stephania’s territory maintains not only strong naval forces but also formidable land troops. This is why Princess Stephania governs the region with Georg, known as a fierce general, serving as her advisor.

Shortly after, Georg returned, having changed out of his armor and apparently finished giving instructions to his subordinates. Now that he had free time, he requested to hear more detailed explanations of the situation.

Though dressed in formal attire, Georg possessed a heavily muscular, massive build. While he seemed to have a bold personality, his demeanor also carried the refined air of nobility, suggesting his long association with the royal family.

With both Princess Stephania and Georg present, one could imagine the soldiers’ morale would be quite high.

Georg is a military officer from Verdgar, nicknamed the “Steel Sword.” I’d even heard his name mentioned in BFO. He’s known for a legendary feat from his youth where he single-handedly stood his ground on a bridge against a band of Orcs that had stormed a frontier village and repelled them.

“I understand that ship belongs to Silvatoria… but how did this come about? For His Majesty Eberhart to visit without any prior communication suggests an extremely urgent matter, does it not?”

“It’s not exactly an emergency, but we couldn’t spare the time for the usual exchange of visit notifications… I suppose that’s the situation. His Majesty Eberhart said since it’s an impromptu visit during travels, we shouldn’t go to any special trouble.”

Princess Stephania conveyed the message in that manner. Having observed the reaction and seeming satisfied, she appeared to be providing cover to ensure subordinates wouldn’t be held responsible even if preparations weren’t perfect.

“Understood. But one might say the timing is quite fortunate. We just happened to hunt down a large boar monster, and our chefs are putting their full effort into preparing it.”

“But… wasn’t that meant to be your share to eat?”

“No, no, we have more than enough.”

Georg flashed a broad grin as he said this, then turned his gaze toward me.

“And this gentleman is?”

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Theodore Gartner. I accompanied them as an escort from the airship to here.”

“Ah, Theodore-dono! I heard you saved Her Highness Stephania’s life from bandits! Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ambassador-dono.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

Georg brightened his expression and offered a handshake, which I accepted.

Bandits… must be referring to the incident with Roy. I’m not sure how much of the internal details of that incident have been revealed, but it seems some information about me has been shared.

“However, not only are His Majesty Eberhart and Her Highness Adriana here, but Theodore-dono as well. Perhaps your fiancées are also present?”

“Yes, they are.”

“Hmm. Then we must provide a grand welcome indeed.”

Georg laughed heartily. Though he’d been surprised by Princess Stephania earlier, he was already handling the situation adeptly – quite characteristic of a military man. Once he grasped the situation, he became flexible in his response.

Soon the airship approached, docking just before the fortress gate. From there, Grace and the others, along with King Eberhart’s group, disembarked.

The royal family, the Marquis Zilbolt household, elders from the Sages’ Academy, a High Spirit… Looking at the lineup again, even just the Silvatoria side comprised an impressive gathering.

“Lord Georg. It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Lady Rosemary. You haven’t changed. Lady Marlene, you’re looking well.”

Georg exchanged greetings with both women. Not only Rosemary but Marlene also seemed acquainted with Georg, smiling and nodding in response.

Judging by their reactions, Georg appears to be fairly trusted by Marlene as well. Well, considering his legendary feats, that makes sense. He himself seems like quite an interesting character – bold yet gentlemanly.

“My, my, what an assembly. This is quite something. I don’t quite recall such distinguished persons gathering together in this castle before.”

“Well, I’m in a married-away position now.”

Rosemary covered her mouth with her folding fan, acting as if it were nothing. Marlene was smiling cheerfully as usual.

“Lord Georg, is it… Indeed, seeing my sister in her natural state, they might make a good combination.”

Rosemary calmly analyzed the situation.

“First, let me show you to the guest room.”

With the airship arrived at the castle and everyone disembarked, Princess Stephania personally escorted King Eberhart and the other Silvatorian guests.

After passing through stone corridors and being shown to the guest room, everyone finally caught their breath.

“Please wait a little while until dinner. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask the servants.”

With these words, Princess Stephania bowed slightly.

“Shall we take care of our promise before dinner?”

When I mentioned the hidden room since I had free time after conveying the necessary information, Princess Stephania gave a wry smile.

“That’s something to look forward to and I’m happy about it, but since you said you plan to depart leisurely tomorrow, I’d like you to rest and recover from your journey today. You’re one of the guests I’m hosting, after all.”

Hmm. If that’s the case, I’ll take you up on your offer. I decided to wait while having some tea until dinner time.

“You’ve returned to Verdgar, haven’t you?”

“Yeah. I suppose so.”

In response to Grace’s words, I took a sip of tea while feeling sentimental. When looking at the time period, it wasn’t really that long, but perhaps because so much had happened, it felt like I’d been away for quite a while.

“I find this quite moving.”

Elliot said this while narrowing his eyes. For Elliot, this would be a homecoming after six years. Though he was smiling gently, he must have had various emotions inside. Ashley nodded quietly at Elliot’s words.

“…Come to think of it, I was suspicious of Marquis Zilbolt and Lord Elliot. I even wrote as much in my secret letter to Steph… I must properly apologize for that lack of thoroughness.”

Seeing this, Princess Adriana spoke apologetically.

Well… it was understandable that Princess Adriana would misunderstand at that point, but knowing the full context now, she might be thinking that she could have inadvertently fueled Princess Stephania’s suspicions toward Marquis Zilbolt and Elliot.

“Your words are too generous.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Marquis Zilbolt and Elliot responded to Princess Adriana with formal deference.

Although the preparations for hospitality might not have been perfect, the dishes served were still splendid. The boar dish served as the main course was so well-stewed it practically fell apart. It had a more refined taste than one might expect from the word “boar,” and was quite delicious.

“Even though this is a sudden visit, preparing something this elaborate must have been difficult.”

King Eberhart also praised the response unreservedly. By King Eberhart himself speaking these words, the castle staff could breathe a sigh of relief knowing their work had been properly acknowledged.

“We happened to obtain a fine specimen from hunting. I too am relieved to receive Your Majesty’s words.”

“Oh? So this boar meat was from Lord Georg?”

“Yes. Though I’m embarrassed to admit it.”

“Truly worthy of Verdgar’s Steel Sword.”

When Georg answered, King Eberhart nodded with satisfaction. It seemed King Eberhart and Georg were also acquainted.

Considering the era, Georg has likely been a loyal retainer since King Melvin’s time, or perhaps even the previous generation. So it wouldn’t be strange for him to be acquainted with King Eberhart.

“Thank you, Georg. Even though it was such short notice.”

“Not at all. While I was certainly surprised, being prepared for anything at any time is my creed. Though it’s somewhat regrettable that we don’t have a musician.”

While I was satisfied with the meal, Georg still seemed to have some dissatisfaction.

Irmhild and I made eye contact, so I nodded.

“If I may have permission, I could play something after dinner.”

Irmhild said to Princess Stephania. Irmhild is quite service-minded as well.

Well, performing is probably something she takes pride in. It’s also the farewell gift Claudia gave her when leaving the Labyrinth Village.

There’s a saying that skills will support you in life, and music was also what brought her closer to Sheila. Her experience at the theater must have given her confidence too.

Princess Stephania had once come to see the theater, so she knew of Irmhild’s skill. Perhaps because of this, she nodded happily.

“Well then—”

Melodies began to weave forth from Irmhild’s lute. Given it was a hospitality occasion, she played mostly cheerful tunes. Her repertoire seemed to be steadily growing too, as she skillfully played various pieces – from brilliant melodies to light, bouncing tunes – all with just one lute.

“Hmm. This is quite good.”

Tephra closed her eyes and listened to the music Irmhild was playing.

“Magnificent indeed.”

“It’s truly been a long time since we’ve experienced something like this.”

Old Sigmund and Valentina also seemed in high spirits. They had been imprisoned at the Sages’ Academy, so they probably had no entertainment there. King Eberhart and the others also appeared to be quietly enjoying the music.

…Though there was no preparation time, with Georg and his men’s efforts combined with Irmhild’s cooperation… I’d say the hospitality was successful. Even though Irmhild isn’t from Princess Stephania’s territory, it served as a welcome from the Verdgar side.