Chapter 83
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The Western Grand Lord, Count Landon Barrett, held a rather unique position among the nobility. Similar to a Margrave guarding the western border, but the west wasn’t a place of frequent military unrest or monster appearances, so the role wasn’t quite that of a Margrave either.
However, the territory inherited by the Barrett County is so vast that they maintain a position of great power, holding considerable sway in this region. Conversely, their influence in the Imperial City is remarkably nonexistent.
I gazed at the imposing County, recalling the information Hestia had shared. The stone structure, built upon an entire mountain, boasted the grandeur of a fortress. Before the lowered drawbridge, people had gathered to greet the party from the Imperial City. At the forefront stood a portly, middle-aged man with a dignified air, flanked by two younger men who bore a striking resemblance to him—presumably, Count Barrett and his sons. The middle-aged man at the head of the long line of people spoke.
“We greet His Highness, the Crown Prince. And to the three heroes who saved the Empire, we thank you for gracing us with your presence. I am Landon Barrett, lord of these lands.”
Observing the Count’s predictable greeting, I pulled my hood deeper over my face from my position at the rear of the procession.
“Will you remain hidden back here?” Lumiere asked as I fidgeted, pulling my hood down to my nose.
“My position is…awkward. You’re wearing a hood too, Lumiere.”
“My position is even more awkward.” Lumiere subtly twitched her long, pointed ears within the confines of her hood.
I nodded in agreement and watched the group exchanging pleasantries. I wondered how long it would take for the greetings to conclude so we could enter the castle. Though we’d traveled by carriage, unable to keep pace with the knights on horseback, the journey had been exhausting, leaving me utterly drained. At that moment, all I desired was a proper bed to collapse into.
“You seem even more listless today than yesterday. Did you not…sleep well last night?” Lumiere’s question, with its omitted subject, prompted an awkward response from me.
“I’m not sure.” Seikan apparently hadn’t bothered me after I fell asleep. I was already acutely aware that Seikan’s kisses were woefully insufficient. Clovis, unaware of the true reason, seemed to attribute my increasing fatigue and longer sleeping hours to the strain of the long journey. This convenient misunderstanding, the cause of which I couldn’t explain, was a relief.
Thankfully, Clovis addressed Count Barrett with welcoming words. “Thank you for your hospitality, Count, and to your sons as well. My party is weary from our travels, and we intend to begin the subjugation effort tomorrow, so I would appreciate it if we could retire early tonight.”
“Forgive my lengthy greeting. I have prepared a modest banquet for you after your long journey. We shall escort you to your chambers to refresh yourselves, and then to the dining hall.”
At the Count’s words, everyone dispersed in an organized flurry. Servants guided the horses and carriages, maids led the knights, and the Count’s butler, after swiftly assessing the higher-ranking individuals, approached them with an affable smile.
I stood there, simply observing the scene. Where was I supposed to go? Fortunately, the castle butler, having finished his conversation with Clovis’s adjutant, approached me, along with the adjutant himself.
“Priestess Adelina, as you have accompanied us as an advisor, you will be using the room next to His Highness, the Crown Prince. I’ve already instructed the staff to move your materials there. Ma… Master Lumiere, you will be in the room next to hers.”
As the adjutant finished speaking, the butler stepped forward and scanned me up and down, taking in my plain priestess’s robes. His gaze cooled subtly as he noted the lack of gold or silver embellishments on my sleeves.
“So, you’ve come from the temple to advise on the matter of the demonic beasts. Quite impressive for someone so young.” Despite his assessment, the elderly butler skillfully masked his feelings with practiced social graces.
“I merely came along hoping my limited knowledge might be of some use. I’m more concerned about being a burden.”
My impassive reply caused the butler to raise an eyebrow slightly. “…Indeed.”
I understood his disapproval. I was a young woman, after all, a mere accompanying priestess. In the past, such an attitude would have offended me. However, perhaps due to the oracle I’d received from the High Priest, I found the butler’s demeanor rather…pathetic.
It was similar to the benevolent perspective I’d developed towards everyone since that day. A feeling akin to, If I die right now, your lives are forfeit, you fools!
Whenever this thought crossed my mind, I felt like a posturing adolescent, which embarrassed me. Yet, a childish sentiment like, So don’t get on my bad side, you mortals, would immediately resurface.
Oblivious to my inner thoughts, the butler summoned a maid and instructed her to show Lumiere and me to our rooms. The maid, her hair styled in adorable pigtails, led us through the castle with a cheerful expression. Amidst the crowd dispersing to their respective quarters, she, unlike the butler, seemed genuinely excited.
“I will do my utmost to ensure your comfort during your stay.”
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“The lord—that is, Count Barrett, our master—has instructed us to extend the utmost hospitality to our guests. He emphasized the importance of treating such esteemed individuals with the highest regard. Please do not hesitate to inform me if anything is lacking.”
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