Chapter 31: Gifts and Return Gifts (Part 2)

▽▽▽ Side: Duke Karl Axel Bayerlein ▽▽▽

For New Year’s greetings, vassal nobles are gathering from all over. This year, those who were formerly under Lightstar’s influence have joined the celebration as well.

Most of the nobles have brought their wives and children, but the recently instated Knightly Baron Roxfall has come alone, without his family.

I heard a child was born to his family last fall, so it’s understandable that his wife and infant stayed behind. However, it’s curious that he did not bring his adopted son, who could have accompanied him.

Apparently, the temple is involved somehow.

My informant, stationed in the headquarters just outside the royal capital, reports that the child might very well be a divine envoy.

It seems several priests from the main temple will be dispatched to Baron Roxfall’s Ashud territory.

“They never fail to provide intrigue, that family.”

After creating the exquisite sake known as Horse King, they now claim to have a child who is a divine envoy.

I heard that the child is of Lightstar’s lineage. Lightstar let a divine envoy’s child slip out of their hands. Imagining their reaction when they learn of this is amusing.

“Your Grace, a gift has arrived from the House of Knightly Baron Roxfall…”

Gifts from each house arrive every year, and, as their lord, it is customary for us to return something of even greater value. Therefore, a detailed list of gifts is compiled.

Sebas, my butler, who prepared the list, looks troubled, an unusual expression for him. It’s rare for Sebas to be at a loss. What’s the matter?

Taking the list from Sebas, I scan its contents.

First, there’s a rare monster part. That family has certainly made a name for themselves in the arts of warfare.

Then there’s the famed cheese. Lately, we’ve been able to procure it without going through Lightstar’s territory, allowing us to enjoy delicious cheese alongside Horse King sake. The pairing is exceptional.

Finally… hmm, what is this?

“What is this ‘finest Horse King’ mentioned here? Isn’t it just premium sake?”

“It’s right here, Your Grace.”

From an apprentice butler, Sebas receives a small wooden box crafted from fine paulownia wood. Upon opening it, he reveals…

“What?!”

A green glass bottle.

Glass is not something that can be mass-produced, and even shaping it into flat sheets is difficult.

Yet this bottle is a flawless, beautiful deep green with no imperfections.

“This is the finest Horse King?”

“Yes, Your Grace. I’ve been serving under you for many years, but this is the first time I’ve seen such a thing.”

“I haven’t seen anything like it either. Perhaps not even the king has laid eyes on such a treasure. This is troublesome.”

“Indeed. It’s challenging to determine an appropriate return gift.”

Sebas has quickly grasped my feelings.

A glass bottle of this quality is likely one-of-a-kind, even globally. It could very well be considered a unique treasure.

Typically, no matter how skilled an artisan, glass often has minor color inconsistencies and slight distortions.

Yet this bottle has none of that.

On top of that, it even has decorative patterns framing the label. I’ve never seen glasswork with such embellishments. How on earth did they acquire something like this?!

Sigh “We have no choice but to open the treasure vault and send them a family heirloom.”

“Are you certain, Your Grace?”

“Do you think we could easily find something else to match that glass bottle?”

“No, I do not.”

“It is remarkable that they would send such a precious gift. Now, we absolutely must protect the House of Knightly Baron Roxfall.”

Sebas remains silent and nods. That is as it should be. A butler should refrain from reacting to matters outside his domain.

“Also, include the finest-grade Apó as a part of the return gift.”

One of Axel territory’s prized products, Apó, is always included in our return gifts, though we rarely offer the highest grade.

However, this time, there’s no choice.

“Also, summon Alexander.”

“Understood.”

After Sebas and the others leave, I look intently at the glass bottle on my desk.

Such beautiful glass. It’s mesmerizing.

Alexander, too, looks astonished as he examines the glass bottle. Had he failed to recognize its value, he would not be fit to inherit my position.

“Father, is this truly from the House of Knightly Baron Roxfall?”

“Yes. How would you approach returning the gift?”

“…It’s difficult to think of something equivalent. As a ducal family, if we do not respond with a gift of even greater value, it would tarnish our name. My immediate thought would be to choose from our treasury.”

Hmm. He shares my thoughts. Good, good.

“Alexander, you will personally deliver the return gift and journey to Ashud territory. Observe that land with your own eyes.”

“Understood.”

Alexander usually resides at our residence in the royal capital, acting as my representative. Each year, he returns during this season to greet our vassals.

Normally, he would return to the capital soon after, but this time, I have decided he will make his way to Ashud territory.

The Knightly Baron Roxfall of Ashud is of similar age to Alexander. They will undoubtedly be interacting for a long time to come.