Back to the North (5)
The final day of the Founding Festival passed far more quietly than the first. Just like the preceding days, nothing noteworthy happened to Estiang. At most, there were a few minor incidents.
For one, Duke Philip Iliad kept locking eyes with Estiang multiple times. Each time, he mouthed fragmented words without forming full sentences. Take care of Helena.Told her to sell cheap.Just a gift, no pressure. Nodding slightly in response had become a routine. It felt excessive for a mere dance partner, but since the duke had approached first, Estiang had no choice but to acknowledge it.
He'd initially suspected some ulterior motive, but he soon dismissed it. The duke wouldn't personally stoop to such pleading if he were plotting something underhanded. And during dances with Helena, the man even shot satisfied glances their way, which was a bit burdensome.
The other matter involved Aisha Leste, whom Estiang had hired.
"No need for a final farewell?"
"A final... farewell?"
"I was just saying that even a family worse than strangers might deserve one..."
Estiang trailed off with a small click of his tongue.
"From your expression, it seems you have no desire to."
"......"
"I won't force it. If you dislike it, there's no need for goodbyes."
"......I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize. If anything, I was shortsighted. My apologies."
Aisha shook her head, while Estiang nodded in contrast. Given Duke Leste's attitude, he'd likely spit venomous words even with Estiang nearby. No point in a farewell to family worse than strangers.
"I must pay my respects to His Majesty before departing, so wait outside."
"Yes, Your Grace. I'll go ahead and wait."
Aisha feigned a lighthearted expression. After sending her out first, it was time for his audience with the emperor before leaving.
The emperor, slouched awkwardly in his seat, unleashed a barrage of words the moment Estiang entered the reception room.
"I told you to find some romance, and you ignored me completely. It's not too late—push forward marriage talks with one of my daughters, or at least get engaged to some noble lady to stabilize your succession—"
"Your Majesty. Please maintain some decorum..."
"Bah, when I was your age, the empress was already pregnant with our eldest daughter."
"Even as family head, I must consult the retainers. I can't decide unilaterally..."
"That's the second time you've used that excuse. Didn't you promise a decision within half a year last time?"
"Why would I lie to Your Majesty? I'll give a firm answer within half a year."
"Fine, fine."
The emperor waved dismissively, grumbling.
"What matters to me are two things: stabilizing your succession, and you—the grand duke who commands a strong army—devoting yourself to your duties."
"Naturally, my unwavering loyalty to Your Majesty remains. I harbor no other intentions."
"The latter, I've already decided to trust you on. But the former... three years is plenty of time to marry and produce an heir, no?"
"......Yes, three years should suffice."
"If you're still single then, I'll send my youngest daughter north with a dowry. She'll be nineteen by then—perfect marrying age."
With a gesture that was warning or threat alike, the emperor dismissed him. As Estiang bowed with a dry laugh—
"Don't be too late."
The emperor added in a suddenly lowered voice, almost a mutter.
"Just my intuition, but... the permitted time doesn't seem abundant."
It was ambiguous, open to interpretation.
"You're dismissed. Safe travels north—it's a long road. I'm getting tired; I need rest."
"......Yes, Your Majesty. Rest well."
As Estiang opened his mouth to ask what that meant, the emperor—now looking weary—waved him off again. Nodding, Estiang exited the reception room.
Permitted time isn't abundant...
An ambiguous phrase. In the original story, the emperor died of old age and illness mid-novel. His wastrel crown prince succeeded, leading to chaos in the latter half.
But the story hasn't even begun yet.
As Estiang furrowed his brow in thought, Helena emerged from behind a pillar.
"What has you so pensive, Your Grace?"
"Ah, Lady Iliad... no, Helena."
"Good. Worth mentioning it. Call me by name from now on."
Helena's lips curved in satisfaction.
"Heading back north soon?"
"I must. Been away too long."
"Came to say farewell before you go. It was a pleasure being your partner during the festival."
"Same here. An enjoyable and enlightening time, Helena."
"No need to say that. Satisfied with Father's gift? He regretted not creating a chance for deeper talks."
"During our dances, your father kept mouthing messages. I nodded each time, but please convey my deep gratitude."
"Of course, I'll tell him."
Helena smiled meaningfully.
"Looking forward to our next meeting."
"Whenever that may be, I hope so too."
"Who knows? Might be sooner than you think. Hehe."
With that suspicious laugh, Helena hurried away. A curt farewell—shorter than expected, leaving Estiang puzzled. It differed from her usual demeanor.
Anyway, with Helena's goodbye done, it was truly over. Estiang surveyed the hall. Nobles gathered for the festival bustled preparing to return to their domains. Those fostering ties or discussing business now dispersed.
"Haha, see you on the battlefield next. Can't help it since you reject our family's rightful claim."
"Hahaha, amusing talk. How is it that rights unknown to us in domain management conveniently arise on the most fertile land? Put more effort into your fabrications."
"Haha, your words drag on. If so, I'll assert my rights with spear and sword. What good are long speeches?"
"Hahaha, I'll hire mercenaries the moment I return, so prepare yourself. Better have ransom and reparations ready before charging in."
Of course, some ended in breakdowns like that. Fabricating claims via intelligence was something Estiang had done in his past life, but witnessing it firsthand felt novel. Curious about their conclusion, but he'd look into it later if opportunity arose.
Estiang finally left the hall. With the long festival ended, it was time to return to his blizzard-swept homeland.
Arriving at the procession waiting to depart north, Estiang halted.
"......A beastman?"
"Grand duke. Found you."
A wolf beastman with perked ears stood blocking his path. Upon confirming Estiang's face, it stepped back hesitantly.
"......Strong. Overwhelming. But need. Billaine hopes work under grand duke."
"Billaine...?"
Estiang frowned.
* * *
Rofan is fundamentally reverse harem. Not a male-oriented harem ending where he collects them all, but choosing one for marriage.
Still, I'd once questioned my sister about the structure.
Sis, why do all the male leads in rofan look the same?
Tell me exactly what's the same, and I'll answer.
Northern grand duke, beastman, tyrant, loyal knight, crown prince or imperial kin. Just names and hair colors swapped, same jobs, right?
Bro, it's like how in the novels you read, heroes, demon lords, emperors, knight captains, heavenly demons are all women.
Aha!
A kind of archetype. Even without a northern grand duke, crown princes or imperial types are staples. Amid that, beastman male leads fawning solely over the heroine had solid demand.
And in my sister's novel, that was the one before him: Billaine.
"Introduce. I Billaine. Silver Mane tribe. Great warrior, strong. But not as grand duke. I lose, probably."
A beastman introducing himself bluntly in awkward phrasing and grammar. With Roena wearing a troubled look, Estiang eyed her for explanation.
"......My apologies, Your Grace. He saw the newspaper ad you placed and insisted on working for you. Left it to your decision."
"Hmm......"
In the original, Billaine was basically Aisha's bodyguard—a pure-hearted knight fixated on her. Normally, Aisha would've picked him up on the road, but his ad had triggered this butterfly effect—unexpected even to him.
Setting aside the suddenness, the aura from Billaine was no joke. As the beastman said, Estiang wouldn't lose, but per canon, Billaine was top-tier. A tribe's great warrior—proven strength.
How to handle this? After brief thought, decision made.
Take him along.
From what he'd read, steady pay and three square meals would suffice—no complaints likely. Easy enough to provide.
"The north is cold. Monsters swarm periodically. Harsher and more dangerous than you imagine. Still okay?"
"Prepared. Give money, food—I work. Hard."
"If prepared, fine. Formal contract later. You're hired. Billaine, great warrior of the Silver Mane tribe."
"Work hard."
Billaine nodded solemnly. Good—now you're Chun-sik. Lavish pay, tasty meals ahead.
Great power demands great responsibility. Excluding himself, one of the strongest—might end up fighting beside him in the deadliest spots. Worth treating well.