Chapter 183

Episode 183

A vassal meeting was held at House Whitefield.

As was customary in the north, everyone entered armed with weapons. In the south, swords were commonly used, but in the north, swords were rare.

The most common weapons were axes and hammers.

So, it felt more like a warrior’s competition than a vassal meeting.

“Lady Freya isn’t coming?”

“No, it seems she’s a bit…”

The warrior who had served Freya answered, and the scribe nodded.

A while later, Margrave Finwinter took his seat.

The warriors, as if they were one body, simultaneously looked at the Margrave and saluted by pounding their chests.

“Everyone’s here. Let’s begin the meeting. The most pressing issue is the movements of the Nordics. Have you heard anything from the scouts?”

“Yes. There haven’t been any unusual movements. They’ve already retreated to their main camp, so they’re unlikely to move until the year changes.”

Even in this land where blizzards raged year-round, there were summers and winters.

It was currently summer, the warmest time of the year. But in about four months, the brutal cold would begin.

“Then we can put the peace treaty on hold for now.”

“I believe it would be wise to make a decision. If we delay and then reject them, they might become even more aggressive.”

Finwinter pondered the scribe’s point and nodded.

“We’ll send an envoy once the construction begins here. But if we simply send a message rejecting the peace treaty, they won’t stay quiet.”

“It seems you have a plan.”

“In the end, what they want is the same as us: land to farm and an environment where they can survive the cold. I was thinking that if we extend the district heating to them as well, we might be able to resolve this conflict.”

Sighs were heard from various parts of the room.

But no one dared to object. In this place, the Margrave’s word was law.

Moreover, his proposal didn’t require the sacrifice of many warriors.

Of course, resolving the issue without fighting wasn’t the northern way, but everyone was exhausted from the long war.

“Our family can’t afford to cover the costs. We’ll have to ask Baron Walker for help.”

“We just need to act as intermediaries. Can’t we leave the negotiations and execution to Sir O’Brien?”

“That’s a wise decision. If that happens, peace will come to the north. For a very long time.”

People disliked drastic changes. Finwinter and everyone else felt the same way.

But if it meant their descendants could live in a better place, there was no reason not to do it.

“Then we should inform Sir O’Brien about this. Baldr, you go this time.”

At that moment, someone everyone knew entered.

It was Heinkel, Freya’s former adjutant.

He saluted respectfully and knelt on one knee to report.

“Greetings, Your Excellency. I bring good news from Aslan Village. The construction of the small-scale district heating facility is complete, and it’s operational.”

“Operational?”

The room buzzed with murmurs. But they couldn’t imagine hot water gushing out of pipes.

Finwinter stood up and asked, “So you’re saying the villagers can now use hot water freely?”

“That’s not all. They’ve installed small pipes under the floorboards of their houses, making heating possible. They can now sleep without thick blankets.”

Finwinter frowned. He couldn’t imagine it, no matter how hard he tried. The north was a place where people froze to death even with blankets.

“How is that even possible?”

“It’s a technology too grand for me to explain in words. How about you see it for yourself?”

“…I was just about to send Baldr there. Baldr, go and see for yourself. See how the villagers’ lives have changed.”

“As you command.”

Heinkel took out a document from his pocket and handed it to the scribe.

“Sir O’Brien has requested additional materials. Please review them.”

The scribe unfolded the document. It mostly consisted of minerals like iron and copper.

Fortunately, the north was rich in mineral resources. Mining was difficult, but finding mineral veins wasn’t.

Moreover, as a region that revered martial strength, mining and smelting were well-developed, so minerals accounted for an overwhelmingly large portion of their resources compared to other resources.

“Your Excellency, there shouldn’t be any problems with sending the requested materials.”

“Then send them immediately.”

The scribe bowed his head, and Heinkel spoke again.

“If you have any message for Sir O’Brien, I’ll relay it to him.”

“I’ve already told Baldr the important matters, so go back with him. Right now.”

Baldr and Heinkel left the office.

The meeting room was already noisy with discussions. Some called it a trick, while others called it a miracle.

At that moment, the scribe approached and quietly reported.

“Your Excellency, the success of the district heating is something we should pay close attention to. He’s a magician. And he has a descendant of the ancient Crusaders with him. We can’t rule out the possibility of a deception.”

“I’m not completely dismissing that possibility, but he’s the man who defeated two great warriors. And he returned Mistilteinn, didn’t he? There’s no reason for someone like that to deceive us.”

“But if there’s even a slight doubt, it’s best to investigate. Please send me as well. I’ll confirm it myself.”

Finwinter pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement.

“Everyone, quiet down. We’ll continue the meeting.”

At the scribe’s declaration, everyone straightened up and waited for Finwinter’s words.

He remained silent for a long time.

“The next agenda is sending a congratulatory envoy to the Imperial Family. Prince Karma has been appointed as Crown Prince. They might be displeased with us, even if they don’t show it. We need to appease them.”

The scribe and the warriors looked surprised.

The scribe spoke for them.

“My lord, have you changed your mind about not communicating with the Imperial Family?”

“I haven’t changed my mind. But I received a request.”

“Whose request could it be…?”

“Duke Kalisto of Kalisto. He asked me to help ensure the stability of the Imperial Family.”

“Duke Kalisto?”

“How is that possible!”

Everyone reacted with confusion at the unexpected mention of such an influential name. Finwinter raised his hand, silencing them.

“The grand duke possesses both martial prowess and strategic brilliance. And how much help have we received from him? So I decided to accept his request. Therefore, refrain from acting independently and remain quiet for the time being. Scribe, assemble a congratulatory envoy to be dispatched to the Imperial Family.”

“As you command.”

It felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

But Finwinter was still unsure. He didn’t know how the north would change.

* * *

The jewel of House Kalisto.

Lucia’s daily routine was simpler than one might expect. She would have a cup of herbal tea, play with her cat Lulu while her maids styled her hair, have a meal, take a walk or read a book, and then take lessons from Edric when the time came.

After all her tasks were done, she would enjoy a leisurely tea time, but today was different. She summoned Administrator Balzac.

Normally, the family administrator held a high position, second only to the scribe, but before Lucia, he was just a loyal butler.

“You summoned me, my lady?”

“I have a favor to ask. I’m planning to go out, so please make the necessary preparations.”

“Are you planning to leave the city?”

“No, I’m going to the Lucius Club. I have something to ask Sommelier.”

Balzac was curious. It seemed strange for someone of her status to visit Sommelier in person instead of summoning him to the castle.

But it was a direct order, so he immediately began preparing for her outing.

The escort knights were Vice-Captain Paris and Deneve, a lower-ranking knight who had recently shed his trainee title.

“The carriage is ready. I’ll escort you.”

“Sir Paris, are you sure you’re not busy?”

“My lord told me that escorting you is the most important task. I can’t afford to be negligent.”

Lucia smiled faintly at the mention of O’Brien.

The Lucius Club was located within the city, less than thirty minutes away.

The two loyal knights remained vigilant, guarding the surroundings even after Lucia entered.

“I’m surprised you came in person, my lady. You could have summoned me to the castle.”

“I haven’t had a reason to go out since Aubrey left. I came here for some fresh air. Am I interrupting you?”

“Of course not. This way, please.”

Sommelier led Lucia to a private room. He prepared the same herbal tea that O’Brien had enjoyed before.

At that moment, words came out of Lucia’s mouth that would have surprised O’Brien.

“How long until the next fever?”

O’Brien’s deduction about her fever was spot on.

She had been suffering from recurring fevers.

Sommelier calmly poured the tea and answered, “I think you’ll be fine for about two months. Don’t worry too much. It was sudden last time. This time, we’ll be well-prepared.”

“It’s the suddenness that worries me. I can’t help but think… that what we’re worried about is happening.”

‘Dark Souls’ were being discovered everywhere. It wasn’t a good sign.

But Sommelier smiled calmly.

“You have a capable subordinate, don’t you? Mr. Walker will handle everything.”

“That’s high praise. I thought you were stingy with compliments.”

“He said something interesting before. He said that ‘The Chronicles of Aldebaran’ might actually be a history book and a prophecy. He seemed to think you were the protagonist of that book. And he asked if we hadn’t cured your fever with a Dark Soul.”

“What did you say?”

“I told him I wanted to include Mr. Walker’s thoughts in a side story of ‘The Chronicles of Aldebaran.'”

Lucia smiled faintly.

“I think Mr. Walker will find a Dark Soul on his own. He’ll say it’s for your treatment.”

“I think so too. But…”

Lucia trailed off and shook her head.

“If I push myself, the fever will come back sooner, won’t it?”

“Are you thinking of going to the north?”

“You know me well. Is it too much?”

“I understand your feelings, my lady… but it will put a strain on your body. The climate there is harsh, so the fever might return sooner.”

She didn’t answer.

The fever wasn’t just an ordinary fever. It was a terrifying illness that could completely destroy her body.

“I heard His Excellency visited. Did he say anything?”

“He scolded me for not visiting the main house.”

“I thought so.”

Sommelier wiped the teapot with a clean cloth and smiled kindly. He looked like an uncle watching his niece whine.

“You’re an only child, my lady. It’s only natural for you to have all of His Excellency’s love.”

“Father asked me what I thought of Aubrey. I think he came all the way here to ask me that. What do you think?”

“He’s showing more capabilities than we expected. And he has a good heart. I never thought someone like him would be summoned.”

Lucia had wanted a different kind of answer.

But she didn’t correct him. She just brought the teacup to her lips and savored the aroma of the herbal tea.

(TLN: summoned ??)