Chapter 442 – A New Step Forward

“I’m back.”

“Welcome home.”

When I returned after the discussions between the Grand Duke and the Duke, everyone welcomed me back with smiles.

“So how did things go with the Grand Duke and the Duke?” Rosemary asked.

“No problems,” I replied. “They shook hands and confirmed each other’s intentions… It seemed they were both being considerate of one another, so I think the relationship between the three houses will improve from now on. Regarding domestic affairs and previous agreements, they’re maintaining the status quo since things are stable.”

When I answered, Marlene smiled, while Rosemary covered her mouth with her feather fan and seemed to be thinking.

“…In that case, wouldn’t most of the nobles in each faction follow that direction? Their existing positions aren’t being threatened, and if they desire more, they’ll earn the displeasure of all three houses, right?”

“That sounds about right. I think they’ll have no choice but to accept their changed positions.”

While there were certainly opposition factions within each camp, you could say they had the excuse that the higher-ups’ policies aligned with their own claims. When it comes to whether they’d oppose the three houses while taking on risk… well, after Rosemary fell from power, most nobles she’d associated with had distanced themselves. Based on experience, it seemed most nobles were weathervanes. Well, that assessment was probably correct.

“And then… they also discussed properly accommodating certain nobles with legitimate reasons.”

“That makes sense. It’s very like Father.”

“Certain nobles… you mean the lords directly governing the gold mines?”

“Yeah. They said they wouldn’t allow them to suffer disadvantages from the policy changes.”

When Ashley asked and I nodded, she smiled quietly and nodded back. Ashley was also a lord with territory, so she was probably sensitive about such matters.

“Exactly. Their situation differs from other nobles – there are emotional aspects beyond just logic and interests, and you can’t really say the backlash is their responsibility to begin with.”

Claudia closed her eyes. Well, this was definitely an area where royalty and nobility like them excelled.

Regarding the gold mine lords, you could say they were contributors under the previous policies, and there were aspects where their circumstances forced them into that position. It would be unreasonable for them to suffer disadvantages because the higher-ups changed policies. That’s why, unlike others, accommodations had to be made for them, and King Melvin and the others had reached agreement.

“Probably there will be rewards for their past contributions.”

On top of that, the Grand Duke and Duke would work toward resolving their lingering resentment.

“It’s good that everything seems to be wrapping up neatly,” Grace said with a smile.

“Yeah. It’s not like the opposition has no reasons either,” I nodded.

“Oh, and I also discussed the island matter the Duke mentioned,” I told everyone about what had just been decided, when a maid arrived.

“Thank you for waiting. Preparations are complete.”

It seemed the venue for the celebration was ready.

“Sheila and Irmhild… have they already gone to prepare?”

“Yes. They were called and left earlier,” Seraphina answered with a happy smile.

“We’re very grateful for both of their cooperation as well,” the maid bowed. Hmm. Well then… let’s move.

When we headed to the guesthouse balcony seating, one area was occupied by the Grand Duke and Duke, the Duchess, Oscar, Vanessa, Prince Josiah, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana. We were guided there too.

Quite the impressive gathering. King Melvin would be observing the celebration from a tower near the square. Having Prince Josiah and Princess Stephania on the balcony was probably meant to show the royal family’s deep involvement in the reconciliation between the two houses.

Having our group and Princess Adriana’s Silvatoria team, plus Princess Elham and Forset’s Baharzard team sitting alongside them probably also carried the meaning of demonstrating that both domestic and foreign parties were uniting to counter the demons.

“Good work. It must have been quite difficult attending the reconciliation meeting, wasn’t it?” Princess Stephania smiled as we bowed to those already on the balcony and took our seats.

“Thank you. Well, I wasn’t in a position to offer opinions or anything.”

“Does facing demons require that much courage? Many nobles would be nervous just being in the same room with such distinguished company,” Prince Josiah said with a wry smile.

“…I see.”

But in my case, I knew from the start that King Melvin and the Duke were approachable, and I knew that Grand Duke Debonnis’s strictness was meant to admonish nobles in power from acting selfishly – he was actually quite thoughtful – so I didn’t have much reason to be nervous.

“Indeed, it’s quite reassuring. Though emotionally, it pains us to have the Ambassador at the forefront against the demons…”

“Having witnessed that pillar of light, there’s no room for disagreement, I suppose.”

“Well… that would be the case.”

When the Duke continued Grand Duke Debonnis’s words, the Grand Duke nodded too.

That thing from when we defeated the nightmare? That magic at night must have been quite conspicuous. Well, if you’re going to properly destroy demons, you have to do at least that much, so I decided not to worry about it.

As we talked, dishes started arriving one after another. Herb-stuffed turkey, dishes making abundant use of Magic Light Water Vein ingredients… being royal castle cuisine, it went without saying it was quite lavish. And other nobles seemed to be gathering in succession too.

In the square was the royal castle’s musician corps. Next to them were Sheila and Irmhild, then Justia the Siren, Dominique the Harpy, and Cyrille the Centaur. When Irmhild made eye contact with me, she gave me a happy smile. Sheila had her usual expression but her tail was raised.

Prince Josiah had approached them about performing at the royal castle’s celebration. Since it wasn’t a full moon day, they couldn’t do it at the theater, so it would be an off-site performance at the royal castle.

Apparently, the musician corps would perform first, followed by Irmhild and the others. Since they’d just returned and there was the nightmare incident, Sheila and Irmhild seemed somewhat rushed with preparations… but well, they practice regularly and perform at the theater too, so as long as it wasn’t a new program, it should be fine.

The stage equipment could be problematic for royal castle performances… but regarding that, Alfred had apparently made simplified versions while I was away. He’d boasted that they could perform anywhere as long as they could transport it by airship.

As for him… for some reason, not as Prince Albert but as Magic Engineer Alfred, he was diligently checking the stage equipment at the drill ground square. He seemed to be happily tinkering with the equipment… well, as long as he’s enjoying himself…

The guesthouse was bustling with gathered nobles, but perhaps because King Melvin’s address was coming up, or because of the distinguished company present, they seemed to be holding off on making rounds of greetings.

Considering this was the reconciliation venue for the Grand Duke and Duke, they probably couldn’t move carelessly either. They were likely waiting to assess the situation.

Just as most nobles had taken their seats… King Melvin appeared on the tower balcony with his close aides: Chancellor Howard, Knight Order Commander Mildred, and Court Magician Ricard.

When King Melvin spread his hands, the murmuring of the gathered nobles quieted. When the talking ceased, King Melvin began speaking.

“――My people, you have gathered well today. Some of you may have already heard something of this matter… but through Crown Prince Josiah’s efforts and the Otherworld Ambassador’s achievements, new history has been written in our kingdom. I ― the heads of the royal family, Grand Duke’s house, and Duke’s house have confirmed that we will join hands and walk together for the peace of Verdgar and its people. Understand that this gathering celebrates Verdgar’s glorious future development and new beginning.”

Saying this, King Melvin paused his words and looked over the assembled nobles. On the balcony, as if corroborating the king’s words, the Grand Duke and Duke sitting side by side stood up and exchanged handshakes with smiles. At this sight, applause erupted from the nobles.

“Now. With this new beginning, you must have many concerns. It would spoil the festivities if you cannot enjoy the banquet for worrying about such matters. Before the feast begins, I must touch upon several matters concerning the future. First, the previous agreements between the royal family, Grand Duke’s house, and Duke’s house remain unchanged. Keep in mind that we have joined hands, and continue striving in your respective duties as before.”

The reconciliation was achieved but agreements remained status quo. That was the announcement.

“And one more thing…”

King Melvin called the names of nobles and asked them to stand. The family heads of noble houses serving as vassals to the Grand Duke and Duke houses. In other words ― the two gold mine lords.

“You have served the kingdom and your respective masters well, following Verdgar’s established policies. Therefore, we honor your loyalty and hereby grant rewards. Verdgar begins a new journey today ― but this does not belittle the journey thus far or the sentiments engraved therein. And the new journey beginning now cannot be achieved without your continued loyalty either. Therefore, I ― no, we ― expect your unchanging loyalty. And those surrounding them should support this along with their masters.”

So he was honoring their loyalty and giving rewards before everyone. Even if those watching were weathervanes, he wouldn’t permit anyone to disrespect these two.

The two bowed deeply to King Melvin. Saying this in such a setting… they must have been informed beforehand and made to understand about the reconciliation.

When they raised their heads, both wore somewhat resolved expressions. They approached each other and, like their masters the Grand Duke and Duke… though somewhat awkwardly, smiled and exchanged handshakes. Another round of loud applause erupted.

King Melvin nodded at this sight and raised his wine glass.

“Then let the celebration banquet begin! Everyone, enjoy yourselves to the fullest!”

Cheers praising King Melvin, the Grand Duke, and the Duke resounded. As if timing the cheers’ subsidence, the musicians began playing their music.