Everyone thought the Eastern Great Lord would reprimand Luisen for his rudeness, but their expectations were subverted. The Great Lord asked Luisen with a slight smile on his face, Who may you be?
Luisen furrowed his brows. His question belied the connotation that Luisen wasnt an ordinary pilgrim. The eyes of this old and experienced powerful man sparkled like new-born stars. The young lord was certain that the Eastern Great Lord had already noticed his identityit just felt that way.
You already know who I am, dont you?
The pilgrim in the rumors already knows the Great Lord? Who in the world is he? The nobles murmured amongst themselves as they tried to guess at Luisens identity. Many nas were thrown out, but the Duke of Anies was not one of them.
At Luisens answer, the Eastern Great Lords smile deepened, Still, I should at least see your face.
Did he an for Luisen to reveal his identity in front of all these people? Rumors that Luisen, the Southern Great Lord, was here would spread instantly.
He had suspicions about the Great Lords implication-filled words, but, no matter how he wracked his brain, he couldnt figure out the mans ulterior motive. Luisen was forced to take off his hood.
The noon sun rays, peering in through the tent window, landed upon Luisens hair. His short, blonde hair glistened brilliantly, like a halo. His white face and delicate featureshis unhideable splendorwere revealed.
He did not need to state his naeveryone here recognized Luisen Anies. Many nobles here rembered his face: exactly as if nobility had distilled itself into human form. Luisens face and status were famous.
My word. That face! Isnt that the Duke Anies?
His aura has changed sowhat, but its truly Duke Anies, alright.
"
"
Didnt they say he was missing? He looks fine? Although, hes a bit of a ss
The nobles were in great uproar. That was Luisen, soone who had always been surrounded by luxurious and high-quality items without a single rumpled hair on his head. Compared to that, the young lords hair was ssy and his face looked rough. However, his eyes were more stable than ever; his expression was confident. He held the unique poise and solidity of a person who had seen and overco hardships. As his inner character had changed, his outward aura also seed different.
As soone who had been observing Luisen since childhood, the Eastern Great Lord noticed the change and was amazed.
Its been a long while, Duke Assylus. Luisen nodded his head. Though they were similar in birth status, he should treat the other with respect befitting an older adult due to their big age difference.
How could this be?! Arent you Duke Anies? The Easter Great lord exaggerated his gracious welco. How startling. And you were the famous pilgrim as well? It seems youve accomplished many great deeds!
Well, yes. As you can see.
I see. Of course. Youve changed. The Eastern Great Lord looked at the young noble with a deeply satisfied face. Luisen thought it felt so awkward to see that expression on soone who used to always look upon him with disapproval.
The surrounding aristocrats, who could only watch the proceedings with mouths wide open, were slowly recovering their senses.
I have sothing to tell you, Luisen stated.
I have much to talk about with you as well. Why dont you co with for a while. We shall continue the banquet after I briefly converse with the Duke of Anies. The Easter Great Lord rose from his seat and then placed his hand on Luisens shoulder. Since the man was reaching out with a friendly and affectionate gesture, Luisen could only follow him out with a sour look darkening his features.
***
In order to take their ti as they talked, the Eastern Great Lord took Luisen back to his own tent. Carlton and Morrison remained behind, still prostrate on the ground, and only Luisen sat at the table with the Great Lord.
How did you know? Im certain you wouldnt have known that I was posing as a pilgrim. Luisen said.
Only you, among all other youngsters, would stand so upright before . Thats how I knew. So, youre the pilgrim. Yes. No one would guess youd pose as a pilgrim when you couldnt even rember a simple pre-ceremony prayerthat was smart of you. After all, you would need to cover your conspicuous appearance, but, in most cases, covering your face would paint you as a suspicious person.
Yesit wasnt my idea. A friend of mine helped greatly. Luisen pointed towards Carlton. Though the Eastern Great Lord glanced towards the rcenary, he dismissed the man.
As expected, Luisen swallowed a bitter smile. He wanted to give the older noble a good impression of Carlton, but it was futile.
I had no idea, and, in trying to find you, I kept catching the wrong people.
You tried to find ?
I received a letter from your general. Since I learned you were on your way to the capital, I looked for you.
The General? Could I possibly see this letter?
The Eastern Great Lord gladly handed the letter over. Luisen began to read. Though the gaze of the other man was quite burdenso, he tried to stay calm and take in each written word. When the young lord finished reading, he could guess why the Eastern Great Lord was acting so friendly.
So, Im apparently useful in keeping the royal family in check.
The Eastern Great Lords territory was close to the area the king had direct control over. As a result, the man was especially sensitive to matters related to the royal familyeven more than the other Great Lords. With the help of another Great Lord, Luisen (who was already on bad terms with the first prince), the Great Lords authority may be maintained.
This attitudeso different from before his regressionwas quite understandable. The biggest difference between the tilines was that the Anies Duchy was still alive and well. Except for the dukes castle, the Anies Duchy wasnt as affected by the civil war; the farming yielded ample harvest, and the denizens and retainers were motivated and patriotic. If the territory passes this winter well, the duchy could go further than restoring any damages wrought by the civil warbeyond regaining its past glory.
The Eastern Great Lord must have received this letter from the general and, after contemplating this and that, continued to search for Luisen in order to extend help.
Although the letter was written in logical and calm prose, there was a sense of desperation leaking through the handwriting.
General Luisens heart stung. He went missing and never contacted his trusty retainerthe general was ignorant of the young lords situation. Nevertheless, he kept looking to help in any way possible. WaitingBelievingthat Luisen will endure and make it through.
I must return to the duchy soon! Luisen was resolute.
So, havent I always said that lords like us only retain strength when the citizens and retainers hold their line firmly? The Eastern Great Lord prompted, thinking to seize the opportunity now.
Ah, yes yes, Luisen said a bit bluntly, still shaken by the surge of emotions running through him. Since ancient tis, the older lord had nagged Luisen to stop playing with the two princes and to return to his territory to serve as its lord. The young lord hadnt taken the advice seriously at that ti, but the words rang true.
Anyway, I should be able to reach the capital safely without being chased away like last ti. Luisen, now relieved, explained all that had happened so far to the Eastern Great Lord. Morrison had asked him beforehand to keep the existences of the demon worshippers a secret, so Luisen vaguely glossed over those parts. Instead, the young lord claid Morrison was a rchant that was traveling with him to repay the pilgrims kindness.
Isnt that why Ive told you to not let any riffraff into your fold? If you had thrown that redhead out when I told you to, this wouldnt have happened!
Did you really say sothing like that? Luisen couldnt rember since the older lord nagged so much. Really, the words went in one ear and out the other. For so reason, everyone else hated Ruger.
The Eastern Great Lord clicked his tongue and looked over Luisens head to peer at Carlton. Even after being backstabbed like that, you still cant get your act together. You even have the first princes dog by your side.
How could you call another human being a dog? Your words are too harsh. Luisen adopted a serious expression.
Theres no difference between a dog and him.
Duke Assylus! Luisen sprang up, enraged. This old man is really!
Are you going to bring him along too?
Yes, both of them are part of my party. Well definitely travel to the capital together. If you insist on dropping him, then I cant travel with you either.
Tsk. Even after the betrayal you still dont know how scary human beings can be. I thought you had beco more mature, but you still have a long way to go.
Please leave your nagging to your grandson. That child is sure to listen to everything you say.
Fine, fine. If thats your wish.
After all, no matter how much the older lord nagged, this was Luisen. Words that he found too botherso flowed in one ear and out the other. Contrary to expectations, however, the Eastern Great Lord backed off after the young lords vehent denial. I suppose it would be best for to talk with those two for a while as well. Your party is now my party, after all.
Luisen looked back at Carlton and Morrison. Both n indicated that they would be fine with that arrangent. Luisen was forced to grant permission.
The Eastern Great Lord called for his granddaughter and asked her to personally take care of Luisen. Though Luisen was worried about Carlton, he had no choice but to leave the tent behind as he followed the granddaughters lead.
***
Once Luisen left, the insides of the tent beca silent. The Eastern Great Lord looked down at Morrison and Carlton wordlessly. Morrison and Carlton couldnt speak unless the Lord spoke first, so they had to wait.
What does he want to say after dragging the ti like that? Suddenly a pouch, full of gold coins, fell with a sharp thud before the inquisitor and rcenary.
This is paynt for supporting the Duke of Anies thus far.
We didnt do it for money, Carlton replied.
Its an honor beyond everything for soone like you, with such a poor status in life, to have guided and been invited to travel with a duke. Still, wouldnt it be worthwhile to take sothing tangible with you at least? Especially you. The Eastern Great Lord looked at Carlton with clear contempt.
Carlton promptly noticed that gaze, but simply bit his lips.
Actually, if it were up to , I would have chased punks like you away. How dare a dog raised by the first prince try to curry favor in my presence.
TL: Well then. Brave of him to say that to Carltona known noble butcher.
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