Chapter 28: A Feast in Grayke (1)
One month after establishing the ranch, things were going smoothly. Seral’s extensive experience was a great help.
One afternoon, I received a request from Greike to visit the lord’s castle. Although Greike often came to the restaurant, this was the first time he sent someone to ask me to visit.
After a brief wait, Greike burst into the reception room, greeting me with a happy smile.
“Master! Thank you for coming.”
The most notable change was his way of addressing me. At some point, he started calling me “Master.” Honestly, it was an embarrassing title.
“I’ve told you before, I’m not comfortable being called ‘Master.’ I’m not someone worthy of such a title.”
Since realizing I was a high-class mage, he had been using formal speech with me. Though he likely believed I was only a 6th-class mage.
Of course, there’s no need to come out and say, “Actually, I’m a 9th-class mage.”
“That’s not true, Master! Do you know how much I’ve learned from you? Besides, I recently had a birthday and I want to become more mature. To be a good lord!”
The boy had grown quite a bit. It hadn’t been that long since we first met, but boys his age grow rapidly.
Still, his manner of speaking was a mix of child and adult, reflecting his complicated age.
Greike, who was gradually maturing both physically and mentally, often came to me for advice whenever he had concerns.
He truly seemed to view me as a life mentor. This started when the noble-born boy got his hands dirty for the first time, earning a meal in return.
“By the way, has your stepmother been quiet lately?”
“Yes. I don’t know what she’s thinking these days, but she’s been quieter.”
The biggest problem Greike needed to solve was his stepmother. I thought handling her on his own would help him grow and fulfill his duties as a lord.
As long as the advice helps him grow, I’m happy to provide it.
Plus, he always buys me meals, so it’s not like the advice is free.
The bar table is naturally a place for people who want to vent.
“Besides, as you advised, more nobles have been visiting me lately. From my father’s retainers! It’s all thanks to you, Master!”
“No, it’s thanks to the baron himself, for his determination,” I replied, ruffling Greike’s hair.
“So, why did you call me here today?”
At my question, Greike’s face clouded with worry, and he started to get flustered.
“Actually, the Crown Prince has been touring the empire’s territories recently, and he’s heading to Grayke. No, it’s the other way around. I heard the Duke of Taemulan is touring, and the Crown Prince decided to join. What’s their purpose here?”
“The Crown Prince and the Duke?”
“Yes…”
Grayke is an ordinary city, nothing special. For such dignitaries to visit, they must have some intention beyond a routine inspection.
Greike was clearly concerned about this.
“It doesn’t seem like an ordinary visit, but the lord’s duty is only to send taxes to the capital. Independence is guaranteed beyond that, right?”
“Yes, you’re right, Master. But it’s frustrating not knowing their purpose…”
“Young master!”
The reception room door opened, and a butler rushed in with a worried expression.
“What is it?” Greike asked.
“The Crown Prince and the Duke have already entered Grayke!” the butler reported urgently.
“What? So soon?” Greike, who had been trying to maintain a dignified air in front of the butler, jumped up in surprise, losing his composure.
“Prepare to receive them! I’ll be out shortly.”
“Understood, young lord!” The butler hurried out, leaving Greike looking at me with a desperate face. But how could I know their purpose?
“Master, how should I handle this…?”
“When in doubt, think only of the people of your territory.”
“The people? But that’s a given! I’ve never forgotten that!”
“Then respond according to that principle. There’s no need to be afraid. Just act confidently as the future lord, while showing proper respect to your superiors.”
“Will that be enough?”
“I’ll be here for any consultation. If anything seems off, send for me immediately. I won’t let harm come to Grayke. I am also a citizen here. If they have any ill intentions, we’ll come up with a plan.”
“Understood. I’ll do as you say! I’ll contact you if I learn anything, Master!”
Greike bowed and hurried out to greet the Crown Prince. Despite his haste, he still showed signs of boyishness.
Alone in the now quiet room, I decided to leave the castle. There was nothing more for me to do here.
The city was unusually noisy, likely due to the grand visitors or the news of their arrival. Normally, Grayke is very peaceful.
I hadn’t mentioned it to Greike yet, but there’s one thing that urgently needs improvement.
Grayke’s intelligence network is severely lacking. Learning about the Crown Prince’s arrival only after he entered the city is a significant issue.
This severe lack of information likely stems from the long-ill count’s isolation from the central government.
To remedy this, Grayke needs to establish connections with the central government. This is part of being politically savvy. A noble can’t be an effective lord while isolated.
I decided to advise him on this matter next time as I walked down the hill. The central avenue was nearly blocked, filled with people and the grand procession of the Crown Prince.
At the front of the procession, I noticed familiar armor. The rough insignia of the 1st Knights was visible.
It’s not unusual for the 1st Knights to be present, given their role in protecting the royal family.
There were over fifty knights. Combined with the rest of the troops, it was nearly an expeditionary force.
The grand procession brought back memories. I had once had a connection with the knight order.
Lost in thought, I took a side path.
I remembered something important.
Rurin’s meal.
If she was awake, there would be chaos if I were late.
As I approached the restaurant, I saw Rurin sitting on the railing, swinging her legs with a broom in hand. She jumped up like a spring when she saw me.
I had given Rurin the task of cleaning the front of the restaurant while I was at the castle. Surprisingly, the area was spotless.
“Amazing, you actually did your work? Is this really my Rurin?”
I ruffled Rurin’s hair as she twirled and giggled.
“Hehehe, then pet me more!”
“Did our dragon eat something strange? No, you’ve always had good food. This is surprising.”
“It was nothing! I summoned a whirlwind and sent everything down the hill!”
She boasted, shrugging her shoulders.
“Oh, really?”
That made more sense. I stopped petting her head.
She waved her hands over her head in protest.
“Why stop? The result is the same, isn’t it?”
“Then why are you holding a broom?”
“For show. Hehe.”
“I see. Well, since you kept your promise, let’s get you some food.”
“Yeah, I’m hungry!”
I held her warm hand. Is it okay for a dragon’s hand to be this warm?
In the kitchen, I started frying meat, one of Rurin’s favorite dishes: meat stir-fried rice.
Outside, things got noisy. Unexpected guests barged in. They didn’t look like customers at all.
Several men, all armed, entered the restaurant. Their armor looked familiar—just like the ones I saw earlier.
They wore the armor of the 1st Knights. The leading knight pointed his sword at me.
“Are you the owner of this restaurant?”
“Yes, but what’s all this commotion?” I replied, placing the stir-fried rice in front of Rurin. She scowled at the sudden intrusion but started eating anyway.
“Is it okay to attack them?” she mumbled with her mouth full.
“Just eat your food. I’ll handle this.”
“Ugh. Fine.”
Rurin didn’t doubt my abilities, but the knights didn’t know about them.
Two knights blocked the entrance, one pointed a sword at my neck, and two more waited outside. Out of the fifty knights I saw, five were here. A small group.
Honestly, I had no idea of their purpose.
“Kneel immediately, you insolent fool!” one knight shouted, reaching out to grab me.
Then another figure entered the restaurant.
The knights immediately bowed their heads.
“Vice-Captain! Is this the man?” they asked.
The knights called him Vice-Captain. He looked familiar.
“I didn’t ask you to go this far. Just prevent him from disappearing again. I have some unresolved issues with him,” the Vice-Captain said, his mention of a grudge making the knights glare at me more fiercely. His voice triggered a faint memory.
Yes, I knew this man.
Footnotes:
[1] Greike is the Baron’s name, while Grayke is the city they are living in.