Chapter 306: Sea Town, Tribute

Normally, when heading from the Kingdom of Scuderia to the Kingdom of Yelenetta, one must pass through this Tribute. Among merchants, this seems to be common knowledge.

Well, there is no doubt that the influence of the Wolfsbrook Mountain Range is significant, but another reason is that both countries have important bases at every passable point across the mountains. Since all those important bases have now come under the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Scuderia, many peddlers will likely come and go through there in the future.

In other words, Seatoh Village, as well as Fortress City Murcia and Fortress City Cayenne, will become incredibly busy from now on. They will flourish not only as defensive bases but also as important trade cities for two major powers.

Conversely, there was a fear that the multiple towns along this coastline would gradually decline in the future. Since the main trade route has changed, it can’t be helped, but from the perspective of the lords governing these lands, it isn’t something easily accepted. It would be fine if industries were well developed, but if their business relied on travelers coming and going, it was obvious they would fall into financial distress. If things went poorly, it could mean the bankruptcy of the territory.

This concern was shared by Esparda.

“I hope it ends up being a needless worry, but…”

Starting with that, Esparda spoke about the lord.

“The one who owns the coastline, including Tribute, is Marquis Porto Fino Rosso. Even among the central nobles who hold territory around the Royal Capital, Marquis Rosso is called a Grand Marquis or Frontier Marquis, and he has built an absolute defense line against the Kingdom of Yelenetta until now. It has been roughly two hundred years since his family took custody of the current territory. That defense has never been breached.”

As if taking over those words, Panamera shrugged her shoulders and smiled sarcastically.

“Well, to put it bluntly, the reason the Kingdom of Yelenetta decided to attack Scudetto in this war was partly for the element of surprise, but their true motive was that they wanted to avoid Marquis Rosso‘s territory. He is a genuine high-ranking noble, different from Marquis Fertio, who just had his rank raised. He is one of the highest-ranking nobles, excluding the Royal Family and Duke families.”

A great noble with a long history. Panamera explained it lightly. Hearing that, Esparda nodded deeply and continued.

“That is correct. We must not anger such a noble. If possible, I would like to move in a way that allows us to build a cooperative relationship.”

He stated his thoughts.

“Wow, that sounds troublesome.”

Hearing their explanations, those words slipped out of my mouth from the bottom of my heart.

“This time, we are entering without His Majesty’s instructions or anything, so… going to give our greetings is unavoidable, but I can’t think about the economic situation of another noble’s territory.”

After muttering that, I suddenly came up with a good idea.

“Ah, in that case, should we try providing ballistae or something?”

“Mu.”

If it’s a defense base, wouldn’t they be happy with the provision of the latest weaponry? I made the statement thinking that, but Panamera wore a vague smile.

“…Well now, I wonder about that.”

A vague way of speaking unlike Panamera. Just as I was about to ask back, Dee called out from outside the carriage.

“Lord Van! We are arriving at the castle!”

“Ah, okay-!”

I replied, and the conversation with Esparda and Panamera was interrupted. Thinking I missed the chance to ask, I prepared for the audience with Marquis Rosso.

“Lord Van, let’s explore the town later!”

“I want to try going into the sea.”

“Ah, that’s right! Me too!”

Till, Khamsin, and Arte were happily having such a conversation. Envying the three’s conversation, I got off the carriage with Panamera.

I looked up at the huge stone castle towering in front of me and sighed. Normally, I would want to tour a large castle where history can be felt, but I didn’t feel like it. Esparda had gotten off first and was talking to the gatekeeper.

“Lord Van. Marquis Rosso has graciously agreed to grant an audience.”

“Eh, already?”

How is an audience possible just by talking to the gatekeeper? Is this Esparda Magic?

As I was surprised thinking such things, Panamera laughed as if exhaling a breath.

“Sir Esparda sent a messenger yesterday. Most likely, the arrangement was settled by this morning.”

“Ooh, as expected of Esparda. Thank you.”

Hearing Panamera‘s words, I expressed my gratitude to Esparda. To that, Esparda returned a silent bow. What a cool gentleman. I’ll make him my role model.

“…Sir Esparda certainly has exceptional skill, but the Boy should also learn such things. Smart men are popular, after all.”

Being told that by Panamera, I tilted my head.

“Eh? But, I might marry Arte, you know.”

When I answered reflexively, Panamera made an incredibly happy face.

“Ooh? What is this, did you like Lady Arte that much? No, no, isn’t it mutual love? This is amus… no, a joyous thing.”

Panamera teased me with a face like she had found an interesting toy. Turning around, there was the figure of Arte looking down with her face bright red.

“A-Alright. It seems Marquis Rosso will meet us, so let’s go soon!”

Before the situation worsened, I chose to withdraw from the battlefield.