ALL NOVEL Chapter 173
173. Friendship Relies On Sincerity, Isn’t It?
“Guwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! So you’ve come at last!”
A burly, bearded giant wearing ornate armor laughed heartily.
It was Mizuhonian-style armor worn by samurai, but it was clearly of excellent craftsmanship.
The giant was one-eyed and wore a stylish eyepatch.
Now then, under Nobuna’s guidance, we had been formally invited to a castle in the Mizuho Divine Kingdom.
Unlike the royal palace back home, we were ushered into an audience chamber with a completely different vibe.
Most of the furnishings in this nation were wooden. Simple yet intricately crafted, even an amateur could tell.
The woodgrain was prominently displayed but accented with red and black to avoid monotony.
Whatever paints they used, the colors were deep and rich.
Subtle gold embellishments adorned the pieces, giving them an air of refined elegance.
The audience chamber lacked a dais like the royal palace. Instead, chairs were simply arranged facing each other.
These chairs were also unique, with wooden frames and thick, beautifully embroidered upholstery.
Even from this, it was evident that the nation had cultivated its own distinct culture.
Following Nobuna’s instructions, we took our seats.
The opposing side had three chairs, so presumably, three people would join us.
One peculiar thing stood out—there were no samurai guards present.
Shortly after, two samurai entered the room and stood in front of the chairs opposite us.
Nobuna then moved to occupy the remaining seat.
In the center sat the one-eyed giant.
Next to him was a dignified man, though he looked somewhat weary.
And as soon as the bearded, one-eyed samurai opened his mouth, the phrase he bellowed was the very one at the start.
We hastily stood and bowed at the guffawing samurai.
Wait, in situations like this, isn’t there usually someone to instruct us to “rise” or “raise your heads”?
And seriously, even though he’s clearly important, there’s not a single guard around?
Or maybe there’s an army of samurai lurking behind those walls made of wood and paper?
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Count Kyle Golden Dawn von Elixir, entrusted with governing lands in the Maugaria Kingdom. I am deeply grateful for the effort in arranging this meeting despite the short notice.”
When Kyle introduced himself, the one-eyed man widened his remaining eye dramatically.
“Guwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Nobuna told me you were a young and polite lord, and it seems the rumors were true!”
The bearded one-eyed man straightened his posture.
“I am Shingen Wilhelm, entrusted as General by the living god, Muten-sama, to manage state affairs. Young representative, welcome to the Mizuho Divine Kingdom! You are most warmly received!”
Jeez, old man, your voice is loud!
Both his voice and mannerisms were as big as his appearance. And yet, somehow, it didn’t feel unpleasant.
Still, some intriguing terms were being tossed around.
“Thank you very much. I am unfamiliar with the rituals and customs of Mizuho and may inadvertently offend…”
“No matter! I’m no fan of formalities myself!”
As Shingen laughed boisterously, the sharp-eyed man next to him let out a sigh and interjected.
“Father. He is a representative of an entire nation. Please observe proper decorum.”
“Ugh…”
“Apologies, Kyle-dono. I am Hanbei Wilhelm, head of the Wilhelm family, the foremost of the Three Houses. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
This “Three Houses” title, which I’ve heard several times since arriving, must be a designation for the central aristocracy.
Perhaps sensing our curiosity, Hanbei continued.
“Mizuho Divine Kingdom is a country of faith, devoted to the deity Mizuho. The living gods, born as divine children in ancient times, have passed their lineage down through generations. The current living god is Ingram Muten-sama. We, the Three Houses, support Muten-sama, handling politics and military affairs on their behalf.”
So, to summarize, Muten-sama is the highest authority, akin to a king, but regents manage the governance?
That advice to first pay respects to Muten-sama was indeed spot-on.
“I see. As representatives of the Maugaria Kingdom, we hope to have the honor of greeting Muten-sama.”
“Hmm… I cannot give an immediate answer.”
“Of course.”
“All minor matters are decided through discussions among the Three Houses. Ideally, the other two families would also be present, but unavoidable circumstances have kept them away. In their stead, General Shingen has joined us.”
“We deeply appreciate your consideration.”
As Kyle bowed again, both Shingen and Hanbei showed slight surprise.
“You truly are well-mannered. Even among samurai, such comportment is rare at your age. It is clear why you were chosen as a lord and national representative at such a young age.”
“Guwa-ha-ha-ha! I’d like to grind up some of your discipline and force-feed it to Kanetsugu!”
“Grandfather, I already told you that!”
Kanetsugu—the timid, white-clad shaman we met during the kraken incident and Nobuna’s younger brother, if I recall.
Even his grandfather thinks he’s an underwhelming heir? Poor guy…
Ignoring Shingen’s roaring laughter, Hanbei turned his weary gaze to Kyle—though, to be fair, he looked tired from the start.
“So, what does your kingdom seek from Mizuho?”
“First and foremost, the establishment of friendly relations.”
“Hmm… And you’re not here to demand we submit to your kingdom?”
Now it was our turn to widen our eyes.
“Perish the thought! His Majesty Vaindeck Midlights von Maugary believes that humanity must unite to eradicate the monster-infested territories.”
“Interesting, though it sounds like an idealistic dream.”
“Ordinarily, yes.”
Hanbei raised an eyebrow.
“Are you implying there’s something extraordinary about your kingdom?”
“Indeed. We are expanding human territories and have achieved groundbreaking advances in large-scale food production. Additionally, we are bolstering our forces against monsters and investing heavily in road infrastructure. If permitted, we are even willing to fund road construction within your domain.”
“Hmm… And these roads will, of course, allow your troops to march in?”
Hanbei’s lips curled slightly, as if amused.
Kyle responded with a calm smile.
“The fact that you’re suggesting it implies you don’t actually believe that, do you?”
“Ho!”
Hanbei turned his surprised gaze to Shingen.
“Father. I believe their intentions for goodwill can be trusted.”
“Very well! If you deem it so, we shall proceed under the assumption of friendship!”
“Thank you.”
Kyle immediately bowed.
It seemed things were progressing smoothly, though their true intentions remained unclear.
“And what should we address first?”
“Our kingdom hopes to initiate trade.”
“Trade, hmm. But your kingdom lies far to the south, separated by a great river, no?”
“We have a request regarding that.”
“Speak.”
Hanbei rested an elbow thoughtfully on the armrest.
“We wish to establish a trade city on the northern side of the river near our borders.”
“Hmm. That region isn’t under Mizuho’s jurisdiction. As long as it’s not controlled by other small nations, you’re free to do so.”
“Thank you.”
This was in line with our prior information. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have started construction.
Hanbei frowned slightly, deep in thought.
“However, the terrain there is harsh, with numerous monsters. Building a city would be difficult and could take decades, even if feasible.”
“No, we can establish a minimal trade facility within a month, thanks to our large ships. Moreover, we’re already constructing a grand bridge.”
“Ships and a bridge? While ships make sense, a bridge would be impossible. The river is too wide and deep.”
“Those challenges have already been addressed. The bridge’s completion is imminent.”
“Incredible! Your kingdom’s engineering must be quite advanced.”
“That’s thanks to our exceptional alchemists.”
Hey! Don’t throw that on me!
“Alchemists, you say? We have only a handful in Mizuho. How do they contribute to city construction? Aren’t they supposed to make potions?”
That’s the general perception of alchemists, and it’s not wrong.
Outliers like Master Jabir are the exception.
“Using a potion crafted by this alchemist, we can mass-produce sturdy, moldable stone walls.”
“Fascinating.”
“If trade is established, exporting alchemical products like these wouldn’t be an issue.”
This had already been authorized by King Van as a negotiation tool.
“I’d like to see such a potion in action.”
“A small-scale demonstration can be arranged immediately.”
“You’re well-prepared.”
Hanbei regarded Kyle with admiration.
“However, we also have another product that may benefit your nation.”
“Oh? And that is?”
“Legendary-grade stamina potions.”
“What?”
Hanbei furrowed his brows, echoing Nobuna’s murmured reaction.
“Stamina potions? Aren’t they just supposed to alleviate minor fatigue?”
That’s the usual understanding.
“The effects are vastly superior. One of the tribute items we’ve brought includes a sample of this potion. Should we present it to Muten-sama or to you directly?”
“We’ll take it here.”
“Understood. I’ll ensure it’s delivered after this meeting.”
“Good.”
As Hanbei nodded, Shingen, who had seemed uninterested until now, suddenly spoke loudly.
“Enough talk! Time for a banquet! Let’s feast!”
“Father, we still need to iron out the details—”
“That can wait!”
“Father…”
“Silence! My stomach cannot wait!”
“Good grief… Kyle-dono, would you honor us by joining for lunch?”
“Gladly.”
“Very well. Enjoy the bounty of Mizuho to your heart’s content.”
And so, the banquet began.
This general seems like someone who’d get along well with King Van from back home.