Chapter 92

Chapter 92 - Housewarming (2)

A knight and a squire share a community of fate. A squire handles all sorts of trivial tasks on their behalf, including equipment maintenance.

Collecting the dead or injured knight in duels and tournaments, or following behind the knight and charging into deadly situations in battles, are also a squire's duties.

In some aspects, they are in a closer relationship than a wife, but a knight's treatment toward a squire varied wildly.

-Aaaah!

-Fussing over just one hit? Keep your back straight. On the battlefield, you don't have the luxury to fall even if you take a sword!

Committing cruelty and assault from the stress of war is not particularly strange.

-I am Arson, the third child of the Rotten family.

-I have heard much about you. I look forward to working with you. Is the family head healthy?

If they met a humane knight or took in a squire through political exchange between families, they received quite decent treatment.

When deep bonds were formed, they were treated like family, and even equipment or horses were passed down.

'Could there be another knight and squire like this?'

From the mercenary captain's perspective, Eugene and Homi displayed an uniquely special relationship among them.

When shaving Eugene, she was like a trusted maidservant; in battles, she was an excellent comrade; in peacetime, she became a guard dog blocking assassins with her sharp nose and ears.

-Homi. What is that appearance as a squire serving a great knight? You should conduct yourself with dignity.

Except in special places like the balcony of the lord's estate, Homi liked sitting at Eugene's feet.

The mercenaries found her loyal dog-like appearance cute, but Valda didn't consider it favorably.

-Being on the lower side like this makes it easier to detect suspicious smells or presences.

-I am worried others will see and speak ill. You are no longer just a knight, but strictly a member of noble society now.

-We have our own methods, after all.

As Eugene came out of the water, Homi dried his wet body with a towel. At times like this, they look like affectionate siblings.

"A noble envoy arrived?"

Although he hadn't kept his return a secret, he hadn't gone out of his way to announce it externally either. Because he wanted to focus entirely on the Moving Castle.

"It is a person sent by Duke Ismar."

It was an unexpected figure for Eugene, who was thinking of the adjacent Baron Yones or Baron Est.

"Where are the supply unit and the envoy waiting?"

"I had them wait in the hall for now."

Since it was a castle they had just occupied, it was still generally messy. Things like guest rooms or banquet halls for treating guests were not organized at all.

"Did the envoy not seem offended?"

"Not at all."

The mercenary captain grinned at Eugene's natural worry.

"Rather, their eyes were wide as an owl's, actively looking around everywhere."

* * *

It was just as the mercenary captain said.

When they descended to the hall, the waiting individuals corrected their postures. Instead of a sign of discomfort, their faces were filled only with curiosity and awe.

"There are no abnormalities with the supplies."

Hoffman approached and reported.

He was the large mercenary who had been with them since Bonyard. A good-natured man who was originally a peddler, injured while saving a child from bandits.

Having shown skill in managing military supplies, Eugene appointed him as the quartermaster. In a sense, he was the first vassal taken in since he rose as a knight.

"Good work. Pay the price and move them to the warehouse."

"Understood. And um..."

"What is it?"

"The sutlers request to see the freezers inside the castle."

Hoffman pointed at the men with desperate eyes. It was the Harris Merchant Group Eugene had hired for the river crossing. They took charge of supply support to the Moving Castle through an additional contract.

"Congratulations on your victory!"

"Thank you. You arrived earlier than expected."

The merchants bowed their waists in awe.

They knew Eugene was trying to start something in the wasteland, but to think it was about the legendary Moving Castle.

He had formed deep ties with the Blackhand Tribe, and he himself was a great knight. Coupled with the castle's aura, they couldn't possibly treat him like a lord of a rural village.

"We heard there are large-scale refrigerators and freezers maintained by the power of magic. Please bestow us the mercy to broaden our horizons."

"It isn't a difficult request. Hoffman, guide them."

Color returned to the sutlers' faces.

-A castle that can move anywhere.

-It is said it appeared in Rostock in an instant and disappeared in an instant.

Rather than just returning, they had to learn at least one thing to avoid being treated as incompetents by their superiors.

"If you brought coats, put on more. That place will freeze your beard after staying just a few minutes."

"Incredible!"

The merchants marveled at Hoffman's words.

The biggest obstacle in logistics distribution of this era is spoilage. To think there is a castle possessing freezing warehouses that can only be seen in the northernmost regions where snow doesn't melt all year round.

If combined with a Moving Castle, it is impossible to estimate how much synergy it would have in trade.

"Congratulations on your safe return."

Afterwards, the chief envoy of Duke Ismar paid his respects. As someone in charge of diplomatic affairs under the Duke, he is also a lower-ranking noble.

"Thank you for the congratulations. I did not imagine the Duke would be the first to send an envoy."

"The Duke was worried there might be those attempting foolish tricks while the owner was gone. He ordered me to appease them in his name if signs of external forces' intervention were seen."

"He is truly gracious."

"Because the Duke cherishes even small connections."

Even if he gave a good impression, such consideration without even signing a vassal contract.

"Furthermore, didn't you save the Duke's face by capturing the Emperor's spies? He is someone definitely clear on rewards and punishments."

The scribe smiled.

"But when I actually arrived at the territory, I heard you had already returned and left for an expedition to the wasteland leading an army."

"Did you tag along because the supply unit was departing right on time?"

"That is correct."

The envoy heard the explanation from the cavalrymen serving as guides and escorts, but honestly, it was hard to believe.

However, seeing the wide-open castle gate, the soldiers guarding beyond it, and the Dwarves performing repair work everywhere, he became certain.

A new owner has entered the legendary Moving Castle.

"I must return and report to the Duke now."

"You came all the way down to my territory and crossed the wasteland, why not rest a bit before going? You must be tired."

"I will gratefully accept the sentiment alone. I heard you are busy maintaining the castle, I cannot cause you concern. Cleaning is easier when the house is empty, wouldn't it be bothersome when there are guests?"

As someone who came to mediate disputes representing the Duke, he was a tactful person.

"More importantly, I want to deliver this news to the Duke as soon as possible."

Together with his loyalty.

The scribe left after hearing a few more pieces of information from Eugene.

Including the fact that it was Eugene who was acknowledged by the castle and became its master, and his doing that made it disappear from Rostock.

* * *

"Huh! It's a grand spectacle."

Marbas admired the scenery looking down from the Moving Castle's rooftop.

"Isn't it said that seen up close, it's a tragedy, but from afar, it's a comedy?"

"Good words. Even the barren and dangerous wasteland has quite a charm when seen like this."

The scorpion monster Eugene had slain, as well as creatures roaming the desert, were seen more than expected.

Observing monsters from a perfectly safe place is a wondrous yet interesting experience.

Even though it was break time, a considerable number of subordinate mercenaries also came up and watched.

"Don't you have thoughts of slowly moving the castle?"

"I teleported twice in a row recently, so the castle needs more rest."

"True. For a rock this size to cross space and move, it would require a massive mystery like the ocean."

"Moreover, there are great restrictions on places it can be teleported to, and the margin of error isn't small."

"Seeing the castle deep in this wasteland like this, I can tell."

Teleportation was clunky enough that expressing it as going to a specific region was more fitting than a specific place.

He would have liked to place it across the river from Northfork, but it could drop in completely the wrong place.

"Furthermore, the guests I have been waiting for will arrive soon. Even if we leave, we must greet them before departing."

"If you mean guests?"

"The Blackhand Tribe. Chieftain Allesa said she would come directly bringing the elders."

"It does not seem like a situation to offer proper hospitality right now."

Marbas looked worried. A noble's hospitality is done staking the family's face and pride.

Currently, this castle had many collapsed or damaged areas and had been neglected for a long time, requiring massive cleaning.

"Besides, most of the supplies you received were military rations."

The place is a problem as well, but what they can offer is tough bread dried for preservation and jerky. Compared to the treatment Eugene received when invited to the festival, it's a truly pitiful level.

"I will hold a proper banquet inviting the entire tribe in the future. First, I want to alleviate their worries about the predicted doom. Do you remember the final verse of the prophecy?"

"Find the greatest knight. The custom of hospitality will be kept by him."

"You remember it exactly."

Marbas had discussed the prophecy with Allesa dozens of times. The sage's advice had value like gold.

"If it's only to complete the custom of hospitality, not much is needed."

"Bread and salt. Those two would be sufficient."

Marbas, who understood Eugene's intention, nodded. If it was to perform a kind of ritual rather than a banquet, poor conditions or frugality were not a problem.

"We received new supplies of bread, and there is an abundance of salt in the Moving Castle's food storage."

Over the long years, the food everywhere in the castle was either eaten by monsters or entirely rotted away. However, salt alone remained perfectly intact.

* * *

A short while later, over 100 Dark Elves holding the flag of the Blackhand Tribe arrived in front of the castle.

Despite being a race enjoying youth for a long time, many of them had the appearance of middle-aged, elderly, or even old people.

Because the Chieftain and elders, centurion-level warriors, and officials in charge of major administration within the tribe all gathered.

"It will be the first time in their history that the elders governing the tribe went out as a group."

"I have received the 'first' so much that I have no particular inspiration now."

Considering their influence and martial prowess, it was an exceptional visit where even an Overlord would come out of the castle to warmly welcome them, but Eugene was calm.

"Congratulations on your great achievement. Castellan. Please accept our sincerity."

Chieftain Allesa, seen for the first time in a while, had a smile full on her face.

The tribal warriors offered boxes full of gold coins and rare trinkets obtained from all over the continent.

"I will thankfully accept it."

Even though he acquired the treasure called the Moving Castle, Eugene's only source of income was still just Northfork village.

Hiring merchants, providing supplies, and bringing Dwarf mercenaries under his command had turned his income to a deficit. It was truly a tribute like sweet rain.

"I ask for your understanding that I had to invite you to such a rugged place due to circumstances."

"There is no need to be sorry or explain. Rather, we should be thankful for receiving our visit amidst your busy schedule."

Eugene laughed inwardly.

Because everyone was looking at him with longing faces. As if they desired something far more than pleasantries.

"Has everyone eaten?"

"No! We ran here all at once, so we are hungry."

To Allesa speaking as if waiting for it, Eugene extended his palm toward the corridor beyond the hall.

"Please come in. I will escort you to the dining hall."

"...!"

Serving a meal to guests. At that perfectly natural phrase, all Dark Elves broke into bright smiles.

The tribal guests were guided to the barracks dining hall inside the castle. As it was the place where Eugene's subordinates ate, it was spacious and prioritizingly cleaned up nicely.

"It is a modest preparation, but it was made with sincerity."

It wasn't pleasantries; they really prepared nothing much.

Bread placed on clean plates, a little salt, boiled eggs, beef jerky, and medium-quality wine brought by the supply unit were everything.

"Everyone, you are officially the first guests I am serving."

However, the guests seemed to like Eugene's single phrase more than any rare delicacies. Everyone focused on eating without a single conversation and consumed everything without leaving a scrap.

"I should have reduced the salt a bit."

"I agree."

Valda whispered to Eugene.

It was salt offered with symbolic meaning to complete the custom of hospitality, but the tribespeople emptied it into their mouths without leaving even that.

Thanks to that, everyone including Chieftain Allesa was hurriedly gulping down water here and there.

However, despite the salty taste that pickled their tongues, not a single person frowned. Only satisfaction filled their faces.

"I welcome you all once again. Please consider this place like home. Even if I die in the future, my bloodline, the descendants of the Meier Family will continue to serve bread and salt, and warm beds to the Blackhand Tribe."

At Eugene's words, Allesa and the elders exhaled deeply.

Joy for being guaranteed the tribe's safety, relief, and satisfaction as leaders. Various emotions were contained within.

"Do you happen to have a family motto passed down in the Meier Family?"

Allesa asked when the meal was over.

It is not only a flag that symbolizes a noble family. There were several places possessing a motto used as the family's slogan.

"I do not particularly have something like that."

"How about making one on this occasion? Isn't it a family that will make its name widely known in the world from now on?"

Great noble families showed themselves off to visitors through various methods.

Displaying stuffed hunted monsters or looted treasures is commonplace.

Some stringed dozens of portraits of ancestors to boast a long history, or gave a sense of intimidation with a high-quality nameplate engraved with the family motto.

When Allesa gestured, two middle-aged men approached.

Next to them were a large nameplate frame made of premium wood and dyes refined through alchemy.

"They are alchemists and craftsmen who graduated from the Roman Academy. They have high reputations as masters of nameplate production."

"The hall does feel somewhat empty compared to its vastness. It would be wonderful to hang one."

The two men are craftsmen currently building a name for themselves. Originally, they were booked enough to wait another year.

-We understand your circumstances, but our schedule is also... W-wait a minute! Where did you say?!

However, when they realized the offer received was a nameplate to be hung in the Moving Castle currently heating up Roman, they ran over in one breath.

If someone else's work was hung in the hall of this great castle, they would not be able to close their eyes peacefully even after dying.

"Do you happen to have a motto in mind?"

"If not, we would like to offer a few."

The two men looked at Eugene with sparkling faces.

'Looks like faces hoping I don't.'

Besides producing nameplates, their literary capabilities were also outstanding.

Newly-risen nobles were often ignorant people who couldn't read, let alone compose writing. So they also took on the task of creating plausible mottos.

The two craftsmen felt tremendous pride and satisfaction in determining the teachings that would continue from generation to generation in a noble family.

Mental pleasure surpassing even the money received as payment! That is the reason they couldn't let go of this work.

"We have 10 phrases in mind based on your martial prowess and the fame you built. They will surely be exactly to your liking."

"I am grateful for the sentiment, but I have already decided on one."

"Ah!"

"Tch..."

Despite the occasion, the craftsmen couldn't hide their disappointment. Because it was truly a shame.

They wanted to hang the motto they came up with in this castle even if unpaid.

"Th-then please tell us."

Only after receiving Allesa's murderous glare did they come to their senses and pick up paper and pen.

"It is..."

When Eugene spoke the sentence he had thought of from the moment he obtained the Moving Castle, voices of admiration were heard from all directions.

"Ooh!"

"It is a truly fitting motto."

The craftsmen also had no choice but to admit it was better than what they had agonized over for days.

It was not a phrase emphasizing valor or martial prowess like knight families customarily do. Also not content showing off their prestige like Overlords.

It simply metaphorically expressed the Moving Castle and the army residing in it. Yet it was an intense sentence hard to forget once heard.

* * *

A few days later, a large nameplate was hung in the hall that immediately appears after passing the castle gate.

It was a new family motto of the Meier Family completed by the two craftsmen pouring their souls into it.

'No one can predict us.'

It was the first sentence members belonging to the Meier Family would learn in the future, and the slogan his army would shout.

"I have decided the next destination."

When the castle had recovered sufficient energy, Eugene intended to move the castle anew.

Guests who will visit the castle in the new land will truly empathize looking at the nameplate hung in the hall.