Chapter 155: I Believe a Person Should Know Their Place (1)
Chapter 155: I Believe a Person Should Know Their Place (1)
The knights of House Raines fell into a collective silence.
Their lord, a man who rarely lost his temper, had just erupted in a public display of fury. They could easily guess the cause.
“I was defeated as a result of a fair duel. That is simply how it is.”
“……”
“And yet, you seek revenge? And not just one of you, but the entire knight order conspiring to strike back together?”
The knights hung their heads low. This was a transgression for which there was no excuse. Marquis Adolf Raines looked at his knights, his voice trembling with indignation.
“I never imagined my own knights would attempt to drag my honor through the mud. Are you truly the knights of Adolf Raines?!”
“My Lord, that is…”
“That is what?”
“……”
“Were you going to say it was out of loyalty to me? Do you truly believe me to be such a petty man that I would crave vengeance for a loss?”
Each word struck the knights like a dagger. Seeking revenge for a lord who lost a duel? In truth, it was an absurd notion. What was a duel in the first place? Was it not a life-and-death struggle between two parties for the sake of honor? To harbor a grudge and seek retribution for the outcome?
Thinking about it coldly, it was a fatal disgrace that made one’s blood run cold. Marquis Raines addressed his knights once more.
“As punishment, every single knight of House Raines is hereby stripped of their title.”
“My Lord, please…”
“Silence! Be grateful I am not taking your heads.”
“……”
“All of you, cast aside your positions as knights and return to being squires. Start from the beginning until you learn what true knightly honor is…”
“Hey, wait a second.”
The one who stopped the furious Marquis Raines was none other than Patrick. Patrick spoke with a good-natured smile.
“Let’s calm down a bit. It’s true these people messed up, but if you strip all the knights of their titles, how is this fortress supposed to function?”
“Mmm…”
That was a valid point. As Marquis Raines seemed to fall into thought, Patrick pressed on.
“Knightly honor is great, and clear rewards and punishments are fine, too. But you have to consider the situation on the ground. How can you fire all your knights at the front lines where they’re supposed to be holding back the monsters of the Great Forest?”
At Patrick’s words, the knights of House Raines were deeply moved.
Ah…
Such consideration and tolerance.
Is this what they call the dignity of the strong?
To shield the very enemies who tried to attack him…
I’ve lost. Neither my sword nor my heart could best him.
The knights were struck with admiration for Patrick’s character. And for Marquis Raines, it became awkward to insist on a harsh punishment when Patrick—the one who was almost attacked—was the one protecting his subordinates.
“But if I leave it like this, there will be a problem with discipline. This isn't something that can just be brushed under the rug.”
“Well, in that case, let’s just settle it with them paying appropriate compensation to me, the direct victim.”
“Compensation? Would that be enough?”
“Yeah. I mean, it might seem insufficient to you, Marquis, but isn't it better for everyone if we just get along? Let’s just let it slide smoothly.”
“Hahaha…”
Marquis Raines was impressed. To possess the skill to overwhelm a 7-Star Knight at such a young age, and to have the character to forgive and consider his opponents…
It’s a shame my daughters are all married off. My granddaughter is too young… or is she?
Marquis Raines spoke to Patrick with a serious expression.
“Do you like younger girls?”
“How much younger?”
“She’s at her peak cuteness at nine…”
Shring.
“Ahem, let’s talk later. Maybe in about seven years…”
Was this old man trying to get someone killed? If Patrick brought a nine-year-old home as his bride, his mother, Ava, would surely beat his back into a pulp.
Having silenced Marquis Raines, Patrick turned to the Knight Captain.
“Captain, shall we have a private chat? Let’s not drag this out; we’ll discuss the compensation and finish up quickly.”
“Ah… yes. I understand. No, I mean, I understand, sir.”
“Hey, why the formalities for a kid who hasn't even been knighted yet? You can just call me Young Master Schneider.”
“How could I do that?”
The Knight Captain bowed his head with the utmost respect he could muster. Patrick, possessing both skill and character, was a man worthy of respect regardless of nationality or affiliation.
Yes. That’s what he thought. For about fifteen minutes, anyway.
* * *
“Hey now, I said appropriate compensation. Ap-pro-pri-ate. Compensation. Who do you think you’re kidding with this?”
“Young… Young Master Schneider. This is already half of the personal assets of all the knights combined.”
“Aah… so I saved your entire careers from being flushed down the toilet, and you want to settle for half?”
“……”
“Wow, how can a person be like this? They say a man’s mind changes between going into the latrine and coming out. Tsk, tsk, tsk.”
Watching Patrick click his tongue in lamentation, the Knight Captain grit his teeth.
I was an idiot for thinking well of this brat.
Correct. Regardless, the Knight Captain, desperate to resolve the situation peacefully, pleaded earnestly.
“Young Master. Please, look at our circumstances. Not every knight is financially well-off.”
“Kuuu… I wasn't going to bring this up, but when you guys were trying to give me a gang beating earlier…”
“Young Master. The term ‘gang beating’ is a bit unrefined…”
“Forget that and just listen. You know the guy who was with me when you tried to jump us? The one who looks a bit naive and gentle?”
“There was such a person.”
“That’s the only son of the leader of the Elvador Merchant Group. You know the Elvador Merchant Group, right? The one that’s doing so well in the Eastern Region?”
“Gasp…”
How could he not know? The Elvador Merchant Group was famous even in the Atronia Kingdom, a massive merchant group with a distribution network spanning the entire East for international trade. If they had attacked the sole heir of such a group…
The mere thought is terrifying.
But that wasn't the end of it.
“And the black-haired beauty with the stunning looks next to him?”
“Yes. Does… does she also have a high status?”
Patrick slammed his palm onto the table.
“That beautiful lady is none other than Princess Isabella Black Atronia of our kingdom. Princess. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Uh… uhhh…”
“This is a big problem. Knights of the Decatur Kingdom trying to gang-beat the princess of another nation.”
“Wait… wait a minute!”
“Hmm, now that I think about it, I shouldn't just cover this up on my own. I should probably make an official report…”
“N-No! You can’t!”
“Why not?”
“That’s… well… because… that is…”
“Tsk, I suppose if I did that, it would turn into an international incident, wouldn't it?”
“……”
“I think if you just cough up a generous amount of compensation, the Elvador Merchant Group leader won’t be pissed, the peace between our two nations won’t be cracked, and everything will end nicely… Am I right?”
“That is true, but…”
“But?”
“If you could just lower the amount a little…”
“Hey now, international incident. In-ter-na-tion-al in-ci-dent!”
Watching Patrick shout while pounding on the table, the Knight Captain of House Raines thought to himself:
I should have just let him strip my title.
* * *
Marquis Raines called Patrick aside.
“Did the matter of compensation conclude well?”
“Yes. Very satisfactorily.”
Patrick’s expression was full of happiness, as if he were full without even eating. This was despite the fact that the Knight Captain he had seen moments ago looked as haggard as a skeleton.
Just how much did he squeeze out of them?
Marquis Raines was curious, but he decided to put it out of his mind. Regardless, if a situation that could have ruined his entire knight order was settled with money, it was a good outcome no matter the cost. And now that the problem was solved, other desires began to surface.
“Ahem, yes. Young Master Schneider.”
“What is it?”
“Where do you plan to go from here?”
“For now, I’m going to look around the Decatur Kingdom a bit more and then head to another country.”
“I see. It will be a long journey.”
“I suppose so.”
“You mustn't let the length of the journey make you impatient. You should rest well when you can.”
“Oh, you don't have to worry about that.”
“No, I must.”
Marquis Raines was firm. He looked at Patrick and smiled.
“As it happens, there is a hot spring behind my mansion. It’s the best for recovering from fatigue.”
“Oh, really?”
“Indeed. So, please stay and rest in our territory for a while. If you like, you can even stay for a year or two.”
“Hey, I’m in a hurry to get going…”
“Now, now, don't they say the more you’re in a hurry, the more you should take the long way around?”
“That’s nonsense. Telling someone to take the long way when they’re dying of haste is the forty-first thing I hate most.”
“Why do you have so many things you hate?”
“That’s my business.”
At Patrick’s retort, Marquis Raines spoke urgently.
“Don't be like that, just stay and rest. While you’re here, we can spar a bit and discuss swordsmanship. Wouldn't that be nice?”
“Eh, sounds like a hassle…”
“Please, just for a bit. While you are here, I will do my best to treat you as a guest of honor.”
At that, Patrick’s expression softened slightly.
“I guess I have no choice. Since you’re going that far, Marquis, I’ll stay and rest for a little while.”
“Thank you.”
And so, Patrick came to stay as a guest at the mansion of House Raines for a time. Marquis Raines had no idea what that truly entailed at the time.
* * *
A beautiful maid of the Marquis’s household arrived with a tray carrying simple snacks and several bottles of liquor. She had prepared them immediately after Patrick asked for a drink.
Even at a glance, they all looked like expensive spirits. Patrick gazed at them with ecstatic eyes.
“Kuuu. Nice, very nice. As I thought, expensive alcohol tastes best when you’re drinking it at someone else’s house. I wonder why that is?”
“Because your personality is rotten?”
“Hehehe. Then I’ll just live my life rotten.”
“……”
Matthew shook his head as he looked at Patrick. Originally, Marquis Raines was not a man who enjoyed drinking. However, his study and wine cellar were lined with famous liquors gifted to him by those seeking his favor, and those fine wines had finally met their match today.
“Oh? Isn't this the wine from the Alchefor region that’s supplied to the Imperial Palace?”
“Hey, is that incredibly expensive? It’s at least 50 gold a bottle…”
Pop!
Before Matthew could stop him, the wine cork flew off gracefully by Patrick’s hand.
“The aroma is absolutely killer. You want some too?”
“…I don't even know anymore.”
Matthew gave up and held out his glass. The fragrant, deep ruby-colored wine was poured into the glass. Patrick took a sip and exclaimed in admiration.
“Waaa… the scent is insane. It feels like I’m sitting in a field of flowers.”
From the moment this alcohol-demon was welcomed as a guest, the wine cellar of House Raines was destined to be plundered. Even the wealthy leader of the Elvador Merchant Group had started keeping his finest wines in a secret warehouse after hosting Patrick.
Thinking back, his heart had ached then, but now…
Wait, this isn't my house’s alcohol this time, is it?
Matthew realized an important point. And then…
“Miss Maid.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Could you take out that amber-colored bottle on the top shelf for me?”
“Oh, that…”
The maid hesitated for a moment. Patrick reached out and took the bottle himself.
“Is this good stuff?”
“That’s the liquor used for ceremonial events in the Holy Kingdom. If it’s authentic, it’s worth over 100 gold.”
“Kuuu. As expected of the heir to the Elvador Merchant Group. You’ve got a great eye.”
“I suppose I do.”
“Hahaha! Let’s drink! Drink up!”
“Let’s drink until we die!”
Matthew was corrupted instantly. This is why they say you should be careful about the friends you keep.
* * *
While Patrick and Matthew were depleting the Marquis’s liquor supply, Princess Isabella was enjoying another of the estate’s famous attractions in a different way.
“So this is a hot spring?”
Wrapped in a towel, Isabella looked around with a hesitant expression. She had bathed many times before. Being a princess, she had been attended to by maids since she was a child, soaking in hot tubs to relieve her fatigue. Among the many benefits of being born a princess, bathing was one of the few pleasures she truly enjoyed.
When she heard the words ‘hot spring,’ her eyes had sparkled inwardly. She had heard stories, but she had never experienced one herself. And now that she was actually here…
It is quite fascinating.
Steam rose from the hot pool, and there was a strange scent in the air. But most unusual of all was that this hot spring was located outside the building. Although high wooden fences had been built and soldiers were stationed nearby to ensure no one could see, she still felt uneasy.
To undress outside…
Since it was her first time, she couldn't help but feel a sense of resistance. She was anxious. Anxious, but…
It will be fine. Surely no one would try to peek…
If someone were caught peeking at a princess of a nation while she bathed, it would escalate into a truly serious international incident. Could there really be a person so bold and reckless?
Steeling her resolve, she let go of the towel. Her naked form was revealed brightly in the cool night air. Her body, possessing a natural beauty further refined by constant knightly training, was devoid of any excess fat—it was more akin to a work of art.
Her milky-white skin brushed through the steam of the hot spring. Her small, graceful feet created ripples on the surface as they slid into the water.
“Haaaaa…”
A sigh escaped her lips as she submerged herself up to her shoulders. Before entering, she had felt some repulsion due to the sulfurous smell, like rotting eggs. But once she was in, the feeling of fatigue washing away from her entire body was indescribably pleasant.
So this is why people seek out hot springs.
When she touched the water, it felt strangely slippery compared to normal water, but even this felt special and not at all unpleasant. Looking up, the light of the night sky shone through the cold air, decorating the dark heavens. In this feeling where liberation and tranquility coexisted…
Creeeeak.
Creeeeak?
Isabella’s senses snapped to attention. Along with the sound of a door opening, she heard the footsteps of someone entering.
Who is it?
Isabella’s body tensed. She had clearly stated she would be bathing, yet someone was walking in boldly? Just who could it be? Could it be an enemy? Or perhaps a brute blinded by lust…
I don't even have my sword.
In truth, even if she had her sword, she didn't have the courage to swing it while naked. With a thousand thoughts racing through her mind, Isabella curled her body as tightly as possible. Just then, a familiar voice reached her ears from outside the door.
“Princess. I have come to attend to your bath.”
It was a voice she knew well.
“Ace?”
“Yes.”
She felt a wave of relief, but at the same time, she was flabbergasted. Being attended to during a bath was common. But that was a task for maids, not for a male butler.
“Withdraw at once. If you, a man, come inside…”
At that moment, the door opened, and a naked woman stepped inside. In that instant, Isabella’s jaw dropped.
…A goddess?
She could have easily believed that the goddess of beauty herself had descended upon this place. Hair more brilliant than gold. Skin so white that even marble would look dull in comparison. A body so perfect it would make even another woman jealous. And above that body was a beautiful face she had seen many times and was well-acquainted with.
It was Ace, Patrick’s exclusive butler.
And she said to Isabella:
“I will attend to your bath.”