Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~ - Chapter 125

Chapter 125   Cade’s New Leader

Late September, Unified Calendar Year 568—

Don’s funeral was held with great ceremony in the capital of Ram.

A large number of retainers attended, and many emissaries came from neighboring countries to offer condolences.

Her Highness and I were also in attendance.

After the funeral, I was the only one summoned by Princess Fie, the chief mourner, so I visited her chambers.

“Lord Reister, thank you for coming. I’m grateful that you saved my father from the enemy. I thank you again.”

“My deepest condolences on this occasion…”

“No, it’s fine. My father fell due to his war wounds. That’s because he was weak. The leader of Cade must not be weak.”

“Yes.”

“And my father’s will, Lord Reister, was to trust you.”

“As one of your foreign retainers, I will do my utmost.”

When I said this, for some reason, the princess seemed irritated.

“You still don’t understand, do you? My father meant for you to be my right hand. I know you have land outside the country. So, I don’t mind if you stay until I’m able to succeed him.”

“I’m sorry, but I must refuse that request. I don’t know much about this country. Furthermore, I’ve left my wife and children abroad. And if someone like me were to become your right hand, what would the long-standing retainers think?”

For once, I made a clear decision, which was rare for me.

I am a subject of the Owen Alliance Kingdom.

I could never sell myself to another country.

Upon hearing this, the princess lowered her gaze, stepped down from her seat of honor, and walked toward me.

And to my shock, she knelt beside me.

“…I-I’m sorry. But I have few allies. Please, lend me your strength. I beg you.”

Was this some new form of manipulation?

But right now, I had little military power to offer.

This didn’t seem like the actions of a legitimate heir to the throne.

“Please raise your head. Once you ascend to the throne, the retainers will surely support you. You’ll be fine without someone like me.”

I thought the princess was simply disheartened, so I tried to comfort her gently.

However, her expression sharpened suddenly.

“Very well. If things turn out as you say, I’ll back down. But for one week, remain in this mansion and observe.”

“Yes, I understand.”

I responded and then took my leave from the princess’s chambers.

◇◇◇◇◇

The Next Day—

Amidst the gathered retainers, Princess Fie held the ceremony to succeed as the leader of Cade.

The retainers then offered their congratulations, inscribing their oaths of loyalty on high-quality parchment. Considering the recent loss of the previous leader, it seemed hurried, but with Levin’s offensive looming, they had no time to waste.

“Your Grace, on behalf of all retainers, we pledge our loyalty.”

“Indeed.”

The one who delivered the oath of loyalty on behalf of all the retainers was Count Paolo. He was a relative of Princess Fie and had served as the Viceroy of Cade after the passing of Domel.

Afterward, there was a celebration, but it was simplified due to the mourning for the previous leader. Instead, the retainers were given many gifts to maintain the dignity of the succession ceremony.

“…Phew.”

“Welcome back, my lord.”

I returned to the mansion assigned to me and was greeted by the maids.

“Is the bath ready?”

“Yes.”

My mansion was equipped with a bath, thanks to my own funds. It was a simple setup, just a pot heated by firewood underneath, but it was perfect for relieving fatigue, both physical and mental.

As I soaked in the hot water, I reflected on the events of yesterday and today.

It seemed the retainers were obedient to the princess. I was sure I would be released in a week.

I also wanted to see my three daughters.

I had heard that overusing the crystal ball for distant sight could break it, and it required a vast amount of magical power to use.

Even without that, I longed to hold them in my arms.

From the princess, I received gifts.

Inside the leather bag were bottles of wine and plenty of lamb meat.

I shared these with the servants, distributing them equally.

“Ah, thank you very much.”

“I want to give some to my elderly mother.”

Though the expressions of joy differed, everyone was filled with gratitude and excitement.

Commoners rarely had the chance to eat lamb meat, and even enjoying wine twice a year was considered a luxury.

After all, I understood this well, having been in their position ten years ago. Moreover, to celebrate the new leader’s appointment, I granted everyone a three-day holiday.

“…Phew, I’m hungry.”

I found myself alone in the now-empty mansion. I hadn’t eaten dinner yet.

So, I set out alone for the first time in a while to the bustling streets of Ram.

“Welcome!”

I entered my usual relatively upscale restaurant. It was unusually packed with customers today.

It seemed the townspeople were in a festive mood to celebrate the new leader’s appointment.

“What would you like to order?”

“Um…”

Since I had shared the high-quality meat from my gifts with everyone, I had none left for myself.

It was time to treat myself to something extravagant.

“I’ll have the lamb sauté course!”

“Certainly!”

I ordered my favorite lamb dish.

First came a salad with dressing and fresh smoked salmon as an appetizer.

My taste buds danced with delight.

Next was a warm corn soup.

Its gentle sweetness provided a comforting moment.

The fish was a rich, grilled eel.

A delightful aroma spread through my nostrils, and the luxurious fat made my brain hum with pleasure.

The main course featured sautéed lamb accompanied by a regional wasabi sauce.

It was so delicious that happiness seemed to drip from my ears.

Naturally, I enjoyed plenty of wine with it.

For dessert, there were wild grapes, a specialty of Cade.

Their refreshing sweetness was particularly popular with women.

“How was the meal?”

An elderly gentleman, who was the waiter, asked at the end.

“It was great.”

I said just that, slipping him two small silver coins as a tip.

“Thank you very much.”

The elderly gentleman bowed deeply.

I was not lying.

Aside from the lamb, the specialties of Cade, like eel and smoked salmon, were truly delicious.

I left the restaurant and walked down the main street, feeling a bit tipsy.

“Attention! Attention!”

Everyone hurriedly cleared the way for a swift horse carrying a messenger.

I barely managed to avoid being run over by the fast-moving messenger.