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Chapter 190

Obell, who had been staring blankly at Thesaya, suddenly shuddered when their gazes locked. Her eyes were a deep, swamp-like green. He quickly nudged Jorah standing next to him with his elbow.

Jorah, who had also been staring at Thesaya as if enchanted, instinctively stepped forward and spoke, "I-I shall introduce him formally! Servant of Lu Sol and a devout follower of Della Lu, the rightful ruler of Drenorov, the Muddy Noble, firstborn and heir of Count Morgan Westwood... and, uh, as well... the protector of bread and beer, Lord Obell Westwood!"

You protect something very important.

Ian couldn\'t help but chuckle inwardly. Glancing around, he noticed the surprised expressions of soldiers at the successive appearances of the beastfolk and the fairy, finding themselves involuntarily smiling, too. It seemed more a sign of fondness for Obell rather than ridicule.

Obell, meanwhile, shot a sideways glance at Jorah and exhaled.

It was then that Thesaya\'s eyes formed a faint crescent. "You were the eldest son of the Westwood family. Nice to meet you."

Her tone was distinctly noble, with minor variation.

Obell, blushing, ducked his knee, "Nice to meet you, Lady Aynas. Thank you for your kindness. If not for your knights, we might not have survived."

"I\'m glad we could help. I gladly accept your gratitude, Lord Westwood."

"You have excellent knights under your command."

"Of course." Her gaze swept over Ian and Mev. Her expression conveyed pride in her judgment rather than affection for them.

"Sir Ivan and Sir Maverick are extraordinary individuals who, despite their lack of interest in wealth and fame, could easily make a name for themselves in the capital if they wished. Even..."

Thesaya\'s eyes casually looked over at Charlotte, who still held the carriage door.

"Even Sharon, my attendant, is one of these remarkable warriors."

"Oh...."

Charlotte, who had been frowning slightly, quickly returned to a neutral expression under the gaze of Obell and Jorah.

"I haven’t seen many beastfolk warriors, but I can sense their extraordinary strength. Hmm... I am curious about why you visited the western region, Lady Aynas. Of course, I mean no offense."

Obell, now more relaxed and smiling warmly, continued, "I ask because I wish to offer any assistance I can."

"Thank you for your offer. Unfortunately, this matter is personal and related to my family\'s internal affairs, so I cannot share the details. However..."

Thesaya replied calmly, placing her left hand over her chest.

"I assure you, on my family\'s honor, that it will not cause any problems for your territory, Lord Westwood."

"I understand." Obell nodded, looking somewhat disappointed, then added, "Is there anything else I can help with? It wouldn’t be right to let those who helped us leave without offering assistance, especially since we need to discuss the disposal of the monster Sir Ivan and Sir Maverick defeated."

Thesaya contemplated for a moment, then reluctantly spoke. "Alright. That’s actually for the best. We\'ve had a long journey, and everyone is tired. Lord Westwood, could you guide us to the city?"

She could make a living as an actress.

Ian inwardly chuckled. Even someone like him, who had little regard for formalities, could see how naturally Thesaya played her role. Her manner of speaking, as if she were granting a favor rather than asking, was characteristic of those accustomed to privilege. It was also the strongest proof of her supposed status.

Once again, ?Charlotte\'s theory about all fairies being born liars was correct.

Of course, Obell and his men clearly had no idea that all of this was a facade. They probably didn\'t realize that a fairy\'s assurance was as worthless as a stone on the roadside. Even if they did, they likely wouldn\'t mind, as it was the answer they had hoped for.

"Of course. I was hoping to ask you for this favor. Please allow me the chance to properly express my gratitude."

"Your guidance on the city will be more than enough, thanks."

"Not at all. That\'s far too little."

"Then we will trust you and get back in the carriage. We still have unfinished business to attend to."

"Oh, I must apologize for taking up so much of your time. I just wanted to express my gratitude."

Thesaya, with a faint smile that seemed to show that everything was fine, added, "Sir Ivan has the authority to decide on my behalf, so please discuss any necessary matters with him."

Her tone was gentle, but the content was essentially an order given to a subordinate. It was so natural that no one found it odd. Not even Ian.

Perhaps this is her true nature.

As he pondered, Thesaya slightly nodded and returned to the carriage. Charlotte, giving Obell and his men a haughty glance, climbed in after her. With a click, the door closed, and the tense atmosphere finally relaxed.

"A fairy elder... I had heard stories, but this is my first time seeing one. Now I understand your prowess," Obell said to Ian, his tone now noticeably more relaxed.

Jorah and the others exchanged glances, all looking like they had something to say.

These guys really are country bumpkins.

Ian shrugged. "So, how far is it from the city?"

"Half a day’s journey, more than enough."

"Hmm.... Understood."

Despite knowing his status, Ian’s tone still lacked any courtesy, but Obell didn\'t mind. He likely believed that elite retainers of a central elder fairy were expected to display a bit of arrogance.

"Let\'s get going then. I\'ll send people to transport the basilisk you dealt with. Until then, these men will guard it."

The riders, catching Obell\'s gaze, reluctantly nodded despite their obvious distaste.

Ian nodded at Mev and added. "May we borrow a couple of your horses? We lost one to the lizard."

"Of course. I\'ll provide you with two."

Obell readily agreed and signaled to the riders. Now burdened with guard duty and a long walk back, they sighed and brought the horses to Ian.

***

Under Obell\'s guidance, the group continued along the main road. Obell\'s party comprised himself, Jorah, and one fortunate rider. Despite this, the journey was neither awkward nor quiet.

"As this seems to be your first time in the West, let me explain. Do not find the dark soil ominous. Although the sky has been unusually overcast, and the number of monsters has increased recently, this black earth is a sign of Della Lu\'s blessing upon the west."

Obell chattered away with casual ease, even seeming to enjoy himself. Despite losing several soldiers, it seemed avenging them was enough for him.

Nobles will be nobles, after all.

Ian responded with a brief chuckle.

Philip, from his seat on the driver\'s bench, was clearly signaling for Ian to ask more questions, but Ian pretended not to notice. Fortunately, Obell didn\'t take Ian and Mev\'s silence as rudeness. He likely considered it a knightly virtue.

"Crops grow well here, and even letting the land rest for just a year makes it fertile again. All thanks to Della Lu\'s grace."

"... It\'s a name that has no connection with people like us," Ian responded briefly.

Obell laughed, explaining that many people here worship Della Lu. Ian was familiar with the name, the eldest daughter of the Radiant Goddess and the Goddess of Prosperity. Light first begets abundance, or so they said.

"From your appearance, it doesn’t seem like you came straight from the central region. Where else did you stop before coming to the west?"

Ian shrugged. "We passed through various places."

"Perhaps the north or the borderlands?"

"Some parts."

"Oh... you must have seen and heard a lot. We must prepare a banquet when we arrive. It\'s rare to hear firsthand accounts of external affairs here, and missing such an opportunity would be regrettable."

"I doubt my lord would approve. She is not fond of noisy gatherings." Ian politely declined.

Of course, he wanted to steer clear of such gatherings where their numerous lies could be revealed.

"Then at least a meal. As my honored guests, it wouldn’t be right not to treat you. It is also a tradition of Drenorov."

We should stay for just one day and then leave.

Ian mused inwardly as he continued riding in silence. Fortunately, an awkward silence did not ensue. Before long, a small village came into view, with wooden fences and houses. Beyond them, fields of wheat stretched endlessly.

"Is that Drenorov?" Ian asked, thinking it seemed too small.

Obell and even Jorah chuckled.

"That can’t be! That’s a kind of farming village. The farmland is vast, so they’ve created villages like this all over. Drenorov... Well, yes, this is also part of Drenorov. Haha."

Obell, as if finding the idea amusing, signaled to one rider. The rider, who had been daydreaming, quickly spurred his horse forward.

"They will bring the carriage and retrieve the monster’s carcass. We need to dismantle it before it starts to rot in this weather."

"An excellent decision."

"We’ll discuss the disposal in detail once we reach the city. The horns, hide, and blood are all valuable."

"You seem well-versed in these matters. This doesn’t seem like a region with many monsters."

Obell shrugged. "Personally, I take little interest. But when our family first settled here, there were many monsters. They sold the byproducts to mages. It was a time when they had to do whatever it took to fill the granary. As you might know, mages are infamous for being untrustworthy."

"... Indeed."

"So, even my father studied alchemy and magical tools diligently. As a result, I grew up hearing many stories about it. It’s only now that I’m seeing the benefit."

He glanced at Jorah before continuing. "With the increase in monsters, we\'ve gained many valuable items. This year, we’ll have plenty to sell in Racliffe. The central mages will be quite pleased with the goods."

A remarkably industrious family.

As he pondered this, Ian smiled, turning his gaze to the endless wheat fields, which were already beginning to ripen.

"Wow... I\'ve never seen such a vast wheat field before." Philip exclaimed involuntarily, then quickly closed his mouth, likely feeling his reaction made him seem like a country bumpkin.

Turns out, this guy is the weak link in our act.

Ian glanced briefly at Philip.

"In the central regions, such a sight is rare. The only places that can rival the western farmlands are some parts of the south. Even the southwest doesn\'t compare."

Obell, seemingly pleased, smiled as he looked over the wheat fields.

"This area is full of wheat, but behind the city, we have extensive cornfields and grazing lands. If you go further southwest, you\'ll find many vineyards. You might have heard of Tessen wine, famous even in the central regions. Only Borta can rival it."

Tessen was also their destination. Ian, uninterested in local specialties, just nodded. His mind briefly wandered to memories of the game. The Empire had lost such an important granary region back then.

If things go on like this... no matter what I do, isn\'t that damned outcome already set as destruction?

"It\'s truly impressive. Ah, of course, I\'ve heard stories. But seeing it in person feels almost sacred." Philip added, trying to sound impressed.

Ian let out a brief scoff.

He practiced the most, but is the least convincing.

Indeed, Philip wasn\'t familiar with outright lying. While he was used to exaggerating or downplaying the truth, he had never completely fabricated an identity. Fortunately, to the lord of these lands, Philip\'s behavior seemed genuine.

"My grandfather, father, and the people worked hard to create this. As I mentioned, this area used to be full of forests and monsters. We\'ve cleared it to create these beautiful farmlands. The work continues to this day. You must have seen it on the way here." Obell spoke with pride and respect, and for once, Ian genuinely nodded in agreement.

In an era where everyone seemed eager to see everything fall apart, such scenes and efforts were rare.

Philip asked, "Is that why they call you the Muddy Noble?"

"Originally, it was a derogatory term. They mocked nobles for doing menial work with the peasants. But my grandfather wore it as a badge of honor, and my father inherited that pride. The head of our house must lead through hard work. Those who do not may find themselves embraced by the Prosperous Goddess forever."

"Embraced forever?" Ian asked casually, prompting Obell to look at him as if it was a strange question.

Philip quickly interjected, "Sir Ivan is from the North, so he may not be as familiar with the goddesses. Though he honors the Radiant and Stern Goddesses...."

"You\'re from... the North? Oh, don\'t misunderstand. I thought all Northerners were as big as mountains. From my experience, they usually are."

"That\'s a common stereotype."

Recalling what he once heard from a one-armed mercenary, Ian continued nonchalantly, "While there are many large warriors, there are also agile ones like me."

"Oh... I\'ve learned something new. Indeed, black hair and black eyes are uncommon. Anyway, the Prosperous Goddess\' other name is Laziness. She embraces idleness as a sign of prosperity, so Della Lu gladly welcomes it. In that sense... perhaps I\'ve already been embraced."

Obell smiled, rubbing his plump chin, "I\'m quite enthusiastic about eating."

"... I\'d prefer you only be enthusiastic about that. You insist on leading dangerous tasks, which worry me deeply." Jorah, who had been listening from behind, suddenly spoke up.

He added as Obell turned to him, "Don\'t worry about being \'embraced\' by the Goddess. That\'s for me alone."

"... Who said otherwise?"

While Obell looked momentarily flustered, Ian added with a peculiar smile, "So that\'s why you joined the monster hunt."

"Indeed. Normally, my father would handle this, but his health hasn\'t been good lately. So, I\'ve been taking on many of his duties. As you can see, it\'s not easy with these troublesome aides who only tease the next head of the house."

"You\'re doing well, it seems."

"Not at all. Without your help today, who knows what might have happened? Lately, there has been a rise in monster activity, the sky remains perpetually overcast, and disease is spreading on the outskirts. My father scolds me constantly."

Ian\'s eyes narrowed at that.

"Disease, you say? What kind?"