"Magritta, the capital and largest city of Estalia, is the heart of the Magritta duchy," Ryan said as he walked through the bustling streets of Magritta with Fedmond and Alfred. "This city is Estalia's most significant hub, with a hidden deep-water port that has earned it a reputation as a friendly harbor worldwide. Goods from all over the world find a market here, drawing merchants from far and wide."
"Indeed, it's the trading center of Estalia, especially the departure point for many overseas trading expeditions," Fedmond added, knowledgeable about Magritta's details as the eldest son of the Sea God Duke. "The docks here are always bustling, and security is top-notch. For years, the Magrittans have maintained strong control over the southern seas, protecting this trade zone. They are fair and honest merchants who have gradually become wealthy through relentless effort. Serene Harbor is a natural fortress, with two powerful and solid coastal defense towers guarding the port, which also serve as lighthouses."
"Despite the loss of their Invincible Armada, Magritta still has a relatively sizable green-water navy protecting the port. Their main adversaries are the pirates from Sartosa, the 'pirate principality' of Tilea, led by Irina Saltwater's Bane, also known as the Daughter of Mannan," Fedmond continued. "This place marks the end of the famed Silk Road, where merchants from far Cathay sell silk and spices, eagerly bought by Bretonnian nobles."
"Right, Cathay merchants," Ryan nodded. Sightings of Cathayans were rare in the Old World, typically occurring once every decade. He had never had the chance to meet these distant eastern traders, nor did he particularly want to after seeing their depictions in portraits.
Besides dark elves, Ryan, Fedmond, Veronica, and Alfred were escorted by a small detachment of Imperial troops as they strolled through the streets of Magritta.
With a population of about 35,000, and counting the suburban areas and transient residents, Magritta had around 70,000 people, making the streets crowded. Vendors and merchants filled the large squares, enjoying their freedom and the sweet air, unconcerned with threats from Chaos and greenskins. For Magrittans, moving leisure activities to the streets was a tradition—songs, dances, street performances, and live sketches were part of their endless entertainment, be it day, night, or dawn.
"These people are really…" Fedmond, handsome and resolute, was the most welcomed by the Magrittans. The Holy Grail Knight's silk attire and the Holy Grail insignia on his chest betrayed his noble status, drawing fiery attention from young women enjoying themselves in the squares. They flirted with him using fans to signal their affection and gave him small gifts.
By late April, the intense sun had women donning cool, short-sleeved dresses. In the face of this onslaught of attention, Fedmond, who had never wavered even during his Grail Quest, found himself awkwardly flustered, which only increased their affection for him.
People are funny that way. Fedmond's high-status, combined with a bit of shyness, was a plus rather than a minus.
Ryan was also quite popular, possessing a natural, commanding aura as the Lady of the Lake's chosen champion and the imposing presence of a high-ranking noble. However, it was clear he was spoken for—Veronica, decked out in her best attire, clung to his arm and glared at any woman in the square with a look that warned them off.
This man is mine!
As for Alfred, with his sunny looks and golden hair, he was the least fortunate. The injuries he had sustained in the war against the vampires left him limping, and like women everywhere, Estalian women weren't fond of a limping man.
The Imperial ambassador, a man appearing in his forties and dressed in the local fashion, led the way for Ryan and his companions. "The Eastern Palace is just ahead, Lord Ryan, Lord Fedmond. There you will meet Amancio Perez, the leader of the Estalian Merchant League. We've arranged a dinner for you to meet him."
"What about the Grandmaster?" Ryan asked quietly.
"The Grandmaster will arrive midway through the dinner," the ambassador responded with a respectful attitude toward Ryan but displayed arrogance toward the locals. In Estalia, his powerful backing was the mighty Empire. "It's just past noon. Please take some time to rest, or you may explore the area if you wish."
"Very well," Ryan agreed. The Imperial ambassador had secured a grand suite in the most luxurious state guest house for them.
A stunningly beautiful maid greeted Ryan and his party. She appeared to be around twenty, with lively brown eyes and long, dark hair that complemented her fiery features. Her slender, black eyebrows added a touch of heroism, and her short dress showcased her tall and curvaceous figure. She bowed gracefully and smiled at them. "This way, please, Lord Ryan of Bretonnia, Lord Fedmond, and these gentlemen and lady."
"Oh, wow!" Alfred's eyes lit up, and the Templar knight eagerly introduced himself. "Hello, miss. I'm Alfred, a Templar of the Church of Justice."
"Apologies, Sir Alfred," the maid responded with a polite smile, maintaining her professional demeanor. "How can I assist you?"
"May I have the honor of knowing your name?" Alfred persisted, trying to make conversation. "How should I address you?"
"I'm Claudia."
Alfred continued chatting with the maid as they walked. Ryan observed with an amused smile, giving Veronica a knowing look. "Looks like Alfred's spring has arrived."
"Mind your own business!" Veronica retorted with an annoyed glance. "Alfred's spring has nothing to do with you."
"I'm just making an observation…" Ryan shrugged in surrender.
"No observations allowed!" Veronica glared at Ryan. The New Year's turkey feast had solidified the alliance in Ryan's household. They agreed to compete internally and unite against outsiders.
"I'm not interested, Veronica. I prefer someone like you," Ryan reassured her. Veronica held onto his arm, knowing he wasn't lying, and finally let him off the hook.
Veronica knew Ryan's taste differed slightly from the norm. The maid Claudia, with her voluptuous figure, striking features, and bold demeanor, was merely 'not unattractive' in Ryan's eyes. He preferred more delicate and sweet appearances, like Surya and Veronica.
Claudia led them to their rooms and opened the door. "This is your suite. Please enjoy your stay. If you need anything, you can find me at the front desk."
"Understood," Ryan replied. The maid lingered for about ten seconds, hoping for an invitation to stay, but left disappointed when none came.
"Ah~" Ryan chuckled and shook his head. He turned to his companions and asked, "Would anyone like to explore before dinner?"
"Ah~ dear friend, I think I'm in love," Alfred said dreamily.
"Ha! Men," Veronica scoffed, heading for her room. "I'm going to take a nap. You go explore, Ryan."
With that, she gave Ryan a quick kiss on the cheek and went to rest.
"I'll join you, Lord Ryan. I have some matters to discuss with you," Fedmond agreed. As a Grail Knight, he rarely tired.
"Alfred?" Ryan turned to his childhood friend. "Your leg is injured…"
"I think I love her, dear friend…"
"And what makes you think you understand love???!!!" Ryan felt his temple veins throbbing, his head pounding with exasperation.
"Don't you think she's beautiful? Oh, those eyes, that figure, and her expression when she welcomed us…" Alfred murmured in a daze. "Oh! She's like a rose with thorns~"
"Fedmond?" Ryan turned to Fedmond, exasperated. "Is your urine yellow?"
"What?"
"Can you splash some on him to wake him up? Please?"
"…I must decline."
An awkward silence filled the room. Watching Alfred's love-struck demeanor, Ryan and Fedmond exchanged helpless glances. Finally, Ryan spoke up. "Alf?"
"What is it?" Alfred perked up, hopeful. "Ryan, dear friend, I knew you'd help me! You know women best. Teach me, will you? How did you win Lady Surya's heart? Give me some tips!"
"...Alf, I wanted to say that if you want to pursue that maid, you need to act quickly. If her shift changes, you might never see her again." Ryan's words jolted Alfred out of his stupor. He cast a spell, filling the room with golden light.
Eighth-circle spell, Holy Cure.
Using the effects of Holy Cure, Alfred ensured he wouldn't be limping for a while. Then, still unsteady, he walked out of the room.
...And now for a change of scene...
Thirty minutes later, in Magritta's Central Garden.
This place was a sea of flowers, with pomegranates and carnations in bloom. The garden was filled with acrobats and performers, bards singing heroic tales, and artists offering to paint portraits for a coin. Noblewomen and children played, while gentlemen, merchants, and nobles whispered among themselves. Everyone was dressed impeccably, exuding a luxurious decadence. Guards were stationed at the entrance, turning away anyone who didn't meet the standards. A sign at the gate read, "No beggars or dogs allowed."
Hearing the constant praise of freedom from southern countries, one might think their "freedom" was something different altogether. Seeing it firsthand revealed a different reality, leading Imperials and Bretonnians to mockingly refer to it as
"southland freedom."
Ryan and Fedmond walked near the fountain in the garden.
"Lord Ryan, you seem skeptical about Alfred's pursuit of that maid," Fedmond initiated the conversation.
"Yes, I doubt it will succeed," Ryan shook his head. "Maidservants, especially those in state guest houses, are not ideal targets for courtship, Fedmond. If it were you pursuing her, maybe, but Alfred… no."
"Why? Can you explain?" Fedmond, troubled by marriage prospects himself, listened intently. His father, Duke Bohemond, had chosen Eva, granddaughter of Duke Berenice of Bastogne, as his bride. But as a Grail Knight, Fedmond was reluctant to marry so soon and was uneasy about marrying someone he barely knew.
"It's about expectations," Ryan said, closing his eyes and inhaling the scent of the carnations. "Think about it, Fedmond. What kind of people does a maid in a state guest house interact with regularly after a year at the front desk?"
Fedmond pondered for a moment and then understood. "Undoubtedly, high-ranking nobles from human realms, famed mercenary captains and adventurers, wealthy merchants with control over multiple trade routes, and even elves and dwarves."
"Exactly. These maids often have high standards because they've seen and met too many prominent figures," Ryan explained, turning to Fedmond. "If it were you, it might be different. But Alfred is merely a Templar of the Church of Justice without even a fief. So while it's not impossible for her to take an interest in Alfred, it's highly unlikely."
"Even if she herself has nothing notable besides her looks, she'll still think Alfred doesn't meet her standards?" Fedmond completely grasped Ryan's point, smiling wryly. "That's harsh."
"But that's reality. We can't and shouldn't criticize her for that, as it's her freedom. I'm just saying I don't think it's likely," Ryan nodded. "This is known as a threshold. Due to their frequent interactions with influential people, these maids have very high emotional thresholds. Simple gestures like flowers and dinner dates won't impress them. Winning a tournament would be more like it."
"Like how Lady Surya won the Knight Tournament and pursued you?" Fedmond joked, teasingly. "Everyone says your romance with Lady Surya blossomed after she won that tournament."
"Hahaha!" Ryan laughed heartily. "You know what truly won Surya's heart. I'm saying a wife like Surya is worth pursuing with great effort."
"You're always admirable, Lord Ryan." Fedmond seemed deep in thought. Following Ryan had taught him much. "If it were me, I might have already gone to war with Estalia. I wouldn't have spent a day traveling to Magritta just to dine with the local nobles. If it were up to me, I'd believe I had the right to retrieve the Sea God's Trident by force since it was stolen from me…"
"You're not wrong. Truth is on your side, so you believe you can justly use force to reclaim what's yours?" Ryan leaned against the garden's railing, smiling at Fedmond.
"But you taught me that sometimes the situation isn't that simple," Fedmond acknowledged, looking dejected. "Dealing with local nobles is always frustrating, especially when I feel like I'm the victim."
"Yet it's necessary," Ryan lifted his chin, gazing at Magritta's bustling markets and broad streets, and the distant War Goddess Square with its statue.
The afternoon sun and breeze, along with the garden's scenery, were soothing and relaxing.
"Indeed… it's very necessary. Without you, I'd probably have clashed with Duke Silva in Bilbali, then with vampires, and now here, I'd likely be at odds with the Grand Alchemist of the Empire, the Myrmidian Church, and the Knights of Magritta," Fedmond shook his head. "But you not only identified the culprit perfectly but also managed to secure help from Duke Silva in Bilbali, received warm hospitality from the Grand Alchemist in the Empire, and now you're a honored guest in Magritta."
"Fedmond, listen. I'll only say this once," Ryan glanced around to ensure no one was listening and decided to speak. "In complex environments, we must distinguish between our enemies, friends, and those we should win over."
"Those who are our enemies must be decisively crushed and utterly destroyed. Our friends should be bound to our cause, standing with us through thick and thin. Those we can win over should be brought to our side or at least kept from joining our enemies."
"For centuries, the order established by various regimes is a place where individuals must suppress and restrain their personalities. Within this system, personal likes and dislikes are secondary. The most dangerous thing is when young people, feeling they possess the truth, challenge authority," Ryan said earnestly. "Regardless of whether they actually hold the truth, the outcome is never good when they recklessly challenge authority in such situations. We must wait for the right moment."
"And when is the right moment?" Fedmond humbly sought advice, appearing as a student before the thirty-something Chosen Champion.
"That's when…"
A brief pause followed, and Ryan took a deep breath before continuing.
"That's when your position is strong enough, when you have allies and power backing you, and when your challenge can lead to meaningful change rather than pointless conflict. Until then, patience and strategy are key."
"I see," Fedmond nodded thoughtfully. "You've given me much to ponder, Lord Ryan. Your approach has taught me the importance of patience and alliances."
With a shared understanding, the two men continued their walk through the vibrant and bustling garden, each deep in their own thoughts, contemplating the complexities of their respective paths and the alliances they must forge to navigate the intricate web of politics and power.
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