Chapter 70: A Side Story (Leon DeGlatt II)

"Welcome, Leon DeGlatt. It has been quite some time."

"Thank you for your warm welcome, my lord."

Leon hadn’t expected that, as a herald, he’d be granted an audience with the lord himself so quickly. The surprise left him feeling slightly nervous.

The last time he had met the Lord of Fratara City was eight years ago when he accompanied another delegation as the head of the escort team.

"Now then, I must admit this meeting was arranged on short notice. I have yet to hear the purpose of your visit. Would you care to enlighten me?"

"Of course."

Typically, heralds delivered their message through letters. Occasionally, they would meet with a steward or another senior retainer, but a direct audience with the lord himself was exceedingly rare.

"We have assembled a delegation from Telek Port City bound for East Gate City. We requested this visit to stop briefly in Fratara City during our journey."

"I see, East Gate City. Is your ultimate destination the Forest Nation of Leblesta?"

"Unfortunately, I am not privy to the mission’s full details."

"Hm? Ha, ha, ha! Well, that’s fair enough. I was overly eager. I’ll hear the specifics from your leader later. For now, you are here as a herald?"

"Indeed."

The lord nodded and called for his steward, who immediately stepped forward.

"See to it that accommodations are arranged."

"Understood."

"Leon, I will ensure your stay in this city is taken care of. You’ll remain for two days, correct?"

"Yes, my lord. Assuming we entered the city today, we plan to depart on the morning of the day after tomorrow. During that time, we hope to rest and resupply."

"I see, I see. Times being what they are, we don’t have much to offer, but... Steward, what can we manage?"

"My apologies. We’re short on food supplies, but we can provide ample water and fodder. We also have a reserve of salt. As for wood, we’ll need to check with the guild promptly. Ropes and cloth, however, are available as we’ve recently taken inventory."

"Leon, will this suffice?"

Leon nodded in response to the steward’s report and bowed deeply with words of gratitude.

"Thank you. We understand the situation well. As for food, we have our own supplies. Regarding other materials, we haven’t used much thus far. If you could provide an introduction to the guild, that would be more than sufficient."

"That’s good to hear. Still, after such a long journey, it must be difficult, no?"

Leon hesitated briefly before replying.

"…For more details, I suggest speaking with our delegation leader. Thanks to the cooperation of a highly capable ally, our travels have been surprisingly smooth."

"Hm…? Such an impressive companion, you say?"

"Yes. They are currently one of our city’s most important trade partners."

The conversation continued for a while longer. Leon fulfilled his duties as both herald and scout, securing lodging for the entire group.

Although they essentially booked an inn that had been nearly abandoned due to the lack of domestic travel, the innkeeper agreed to clean the dust-covered rooms in exchange for additional payment. While it was an extra expense, it was standard practice for delegations to distribute money along their route, something the lord no doubt anticipated.

After a quick survey of the market—although it lacked much activity—Leon and Zwanzig departed Fratara City, driving their horses and golems to rejoin the main delegation.

"Ten attendants. Three more from Paraiso. One wagon… and three golems? Quite the small force for a delegation."

"Indeed, the golems’ exceptional performance has been a great help. It’s precisely because of their capabilities that we can send a delegation during such turbulent times."

At that moment, the Lord of Fratara City, Radaeri Fratara, was speaking with the delegation leader, Agritend Levania. Although a proper dinner could not be prepared in time, the lord had requested an immediate meeting upon their arrival, and they had gone directly to the manor.

"Golems, you say. I’ve heard rumors of such things but never seen them myself."

"I’m afraid I lack the details, but they are undoubtedly complex and advanced creations, far superior to our magical tools. Larger than a wagon, faster than a horse, and powerful enough to dispatch ordinary monsters with ease."

"Hm… This is not the kind of thing to discuss at a meeting like this, but I cannot help but wonder if they might lend aid in our conflicts."

The statement laid bare how dire the city’s situation had become—a direct plea for assistance. However, Agritend Levania had no intention of dragging Paraiso, their benefactor, into internal strife.

"While the thought has crossed my mind, the distance alone presents challenges. Still, maintaining this relationship could pave the way for opportunities in the future."

"I see. Hm… If possible, I’d like to meet these individuals myself."

"Let me confirm that. Leon, could you look into it?"

"Of course. I’ll inquire."

Leon excused himself to relay the lord’s request to Dreißig. Fortunately, there was no objection, and the meeting was approved. Alongside the steward, Leon escorted Dreißig back to the reception room.

"The representative from Paraiso, Dreißig-sama."

"Let them in."

Dreißig entered the room wearing a hood and a pair of goggles that appeared to be some sort of magical device. Her unusual appearance caused the lord to raise an eyebrow.

"My apologies. Given their distinct features, they’ve been asked to dress discreetly within the city. Dreißig, could you show your face?"

"No problem."

At Agritend Levania’s request, Dreißig pulled back her hood, revealing silky white hair and a pair of fox ears. Although her eyes were still hidden behind her goggles, her refined features left a strong impression.

Finally, she removed the goggles with a faint scraping sound, revealing a pair of captivating golden eyes. Her expression was neutral, but her beauty was undeniable.

"Greetings. I am Dreißig Ringo, a squad leader from Paraiso. I have been assigned to accompany and guard this delegation."

"I am Radaeri Fratara, Lord of Fratara City. Please, have a seat."

"Allow me to take your cloak."

Dreißig handed her cloak to the steward, revealing her slender figure. Her outfit appeared to be a uniform, unfamiliar in style. She wore fitted trousers, a large knife at her waist, and a firearm.

"Excuse me."

She took a seat beside Agritend Levania, with Leon standing slightly behind them, signaling her importance to the delegation.

"…I am surprised. A beastkin? They truly exist?"

"We all share this form, though we may not be identical to the beastkin you refer to."

Dreißig’s calm response made the lord sigh deeply. Raising one hand, he gestured in a way that immediately raised suspicions.

Sensing danger, Leon placed his hand on the hilt of his sword—a risky yet correct decision.

The door burst open, and armed men stormed in.

"Do not move. Resist, and you will regret it. Our forces await outside as well."

"What is this?"

It was an anticipated yet unlikely scenario—an attack and plunder aimed at the delegation.

"My deepest apologies, Agritend-dono. This city is far more desperate than you might imagine. There is no turning back for us. Hand over everything you possess."

"This is outrageous, Lord Radaeri. Such actions will have serious consequences."

"Who will know? And that woman there—she’s a fortunate prize. The perfect tribute."

As Agritend protested, the soldiers surrounded them, weapons drawn, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Enemy actions detected."