Around two weeks ago.
A troop of soldiers could be seen marching through the middle of a forest.
Some of them were engaged in combat with several monsters.
A giant monster stood about 4 meters tall. Its appearance alone was enough to intimidate anyone who laid eyes on it. Its sharp lower tusks jutted upward and its pale green skin regenerated every time it received an attack.
That monster was a Troll.
Swords clashing against the Troll's tough flesh created faint thudding sounds, followed by the tearing noise of ripped flesh. Not to be outdone by swords, fire magic was launched, producing the sound of flesh melting, meant to hinder the troll's regeneration.
Their battle lasted for several minutes before the soldiers finally secured victory.
The leader of that skirmish walked toward a certain man. A blonde-haired man in his forties, sporting a short boxed beard, reported the results of their battle to the man who looked like their commander.
"We've finished on that side, Lord Vallerstein," said the man while bowing his head slightly.
The man who was their leader was Marquis Alex Vallerstein. He was currently leading an expedition to a village called Aqilara.
He had rushed here after receiving a letter of request from a Baron, stating that a powerful monster had appeared near his territory.
"Thank you for your hard work, Count Ebonile."
The older man with a fierce, wrinkled face was Count Geoffrey Ebonile.
The Ebonile territory was directly under Marquis Vallerstein's jurisdiction and located nearby.
Marquis Vallerstein continued, his gaze shifting toward the soldiers who were marching toward them, "Were any of your men injured?"
"Two of them were hurt in the battle earlier, My Lord," replied the Count, also turning his gaze in the same direction as the Marquis.
"But their injuries are not too serious, My Lord. So we can continue our journey right away," the Count added.
"Very well then. Count Greylair, Count Dunhaven, how about your sides? Can we depart immediately?"
"No problems here, My Lord," said a man with ash-gray eyes.
That man was Count Greylair—more precisely, Benedict Greylair. He had a muscular build, not much different from the other Counts. His thick blonde hair was styled into a one-sided comma cut.
Like Ebonile, Greylair's land was also directly under Marquis Vallerstein's jurisdiction.
"No issues on our side either, My Lord. The sooner, the better," said Count Dunhaven.
Count Dunhaven stood out as the only man among them with long hair and glasses. His long blonde hair was left to flow freely behind him, while the front strands on both sides of his head hung down to his shoulders. On top of that, he was the youngest of them all.
The Dunhaven territory, too, was directly under Marquis Vallerstein's rule.
The four of them had often conducted expeditions like this together.
"Good, then. Let us make preparations to depart immediately," declared the Marquis after hearing their reports.
Marquis Vallerstein went over to his wife to inform her of the situation.
Afterward, they all returned to their tents, tidied their places, and gathered their belongings.
Once everything was confirmed ready, they set off on horseback.
-------------------------------------------------------
After about an hour of traveling—a journey that was no small feat—they finally spotted a village.
Count Benedict, who was at the front, quickly spoke, "A village can be seen up ahead. Looks like we've arrived, My Lord."
"That is good news. Let's head there right away."
They quickened their horses' pace toward the village they had been seeking.
Aqilara Village lay north of Vallerstein territory, with a population not even reaching one thousand souls. The villagers focused on farming and foraging herbs from the forest.
The village itself was quite lively. Children could be seen playing merrily by the roadside, laughter bright on their faces, oblivious to the deadly threat lurking nearby.
The sight of the Marquis's retinue entering their village naturally stirred quite a commotion.
The villagers immediately dropped what they were doing and gathered by the roadside to witness the Marquis's arrival.
"Hey, why would the Marquis come all the way out here?" asked one farmer to his companion.
"Wow, it's rare for nobles to visit this place!" said a fruit vendor excitedly.
"Look, Marquis Vallerstein is here!"
Several among them even shouted the Marquis's name.
Children gazed in awe at the Marquis's retinue, and some even offered respectful salutes as the Marquis passed before them.
Seeing this, the Marquis returned their gestures of respect.
That alone sparked excitement among the villagers.
The scene prompted Count Dunhaven to comment.
"You truly are famous, Marquis Vallerstein," said Count Dunhaven with a faint smile.
And that much was obvious.
Marquis Vallerstein was a highly renowned noble in the kingdom.
Outside his lands, the name Vallerstein was associated with military prowess. But within his own domain, he was known instead as a compassionate lord and a savior.
His sincerity, humility, and readiness to sacrifice for his people had won many hearts.
The Marquis answered Count Dunhaven's words with a small smile of his own.
Amid the commotion, an elderly man hurriedly approached the Marquis's group.
Panting heavily, the old man introduced himself to the Marquis.
"Forgive me, my lord, for arriving late. My name is Edric Tallow. I am the head of this village."
Marquis Vallerstein dismounted his horse and replied, "No need to apologize, we've only just arrived ourselves. I am Marquis Vallerstein, and we have come in response to Baron Fenwell's request."
The Marquis looked around, noticing that many villagers were still gathered nearby.
"This isn't really the best place to talk. Let's find somewhere more private."
"I agree, my lord. Thank you for accepting the request. Let's discuss this matter further at my home," replied Edric, bowing slightly.
Edric led the way behind the Marquis.
After several minutes of walking, they finally reached Edric's home.
"My apologies, my lord, I can only welcome you in such a humble house."
By noble standards, Edric's home was indeed quite simple and not very large. Inside, there were no extravagant ornaments or decorations.
"It's no problem. This house is fine."
Marquis Vallerstein wasn't just being polite. Compared to the other houses in the village, Edric's home was the largest and best-kept.
The Marquis continued, "Now then, let us resume our earlier conversation regarding Baron Fenwell's request. Can you explain in more detail, Edric?"
"Of course, my lord. But first, allow me to prepare some refreshments and food for you and your companions. It would be rude of me not to offer my guests anything. Though it may not be as luxurious as what you're accustomed to, I hope you will accept it."
"Very well, but make it quick," replied Marquis Vallerstein.
"Please, have a seat over there, My Lord."
Edric gestured toward a simple table with several stools nearby.
He promptly set about preparing some pastries, drinks, and fruits from the harvest to welcome the Marquis's arrival in their village.