TOPWL 195

“I’ll wash alone, so you can leave now.”

Edmond frowned slightly at Yudit’s words. He’s a servant who could not hide his expression well.

“If I don’t attend you, I’ll be punished.”

“It’s fine, go. I’ve bathed alone for a long time, I’m more comfortable that way.”

When Yudit refused again, Edmond’s face twisted at once. He clearly disliked what Yudit had said. Then Garen nudged Edmond’s arm with his elbow. Only then did Edmond reluctantly move.

Once he saw the two of them leave and close the door, Yudit took off all his clothes and stepped into the tub. The water had cooled to a comfortable temperature.

“Ha…”

When he soaked his stiff body, hardened from days of forced marches, into the hot water, it felt as though all his fatigue melted away. As his body relaxed, he began to think.

Was Khalid doing well? Had the missing ship really sunk? What would the territory they would go to after resupplying at Devlin be like? He had heard it was called Breda. What would the first battle be like? How many would they have to kill to win this war?

His thoughts grew darker. In the end, Yudit did not stay in the water long and got out. Outside, clothes had been laid out for him.

A crisp yet breathable white shirt, a green vest with gold buttons, and dark green trousers. Light formal wear, suitable for attending a banquet.

There was about an hour and a half left until the banquet, so he could have taken a nap in bed, but Yudit chose instead to look around the castle and its surroundings before sunset.

He slipped his arms into the sleeves and calmly fastened the buttons. The sleeves and hem were a little long, but the fit was not so loose as to look ridiculous. After fixing his damp hair, Yudit stepped outside.

Edmond and Garen were waiting in front. Edmond’s gaze swept up and down Yudit. He seemed surprised that Yudit had dressed himself. Yudit considered pointing out that it was rude to look at someone that way, but decided against it.

“Is there a place in this castle where you can see the Breda territory?”

Garen answered quickly.

“You can’t see the territory itself, but there is a place where you can see the road leading to it.”

“Take me there.”

“Yes.”

Yudit followed behind Garen. Each step on the bare stone floor, without carpets, let in a chill. It did not seem much warmer than the north. How would they endure the winter?

Garen went to the end of the corridor and opened a door. The iron door creaked loudly as if it had not been oiled. Inside the tower’s steep shaft, narrow stairs were set in a tight spiral.

“You’ll have to climb these, will you be all right?”

“Yes. I can look alone, so you don’t have to come up.”

“I’m fine. I’ll come with you.”

He had said it thinking they would tire from following, but Garen answered without hesitation.

“…I’ll come too.”

Edmond spoke with a gloomy expression. Yudit stepped forward without hesitation. The stairs were steep, but with a sturdy railing, there was no problem climbing. Even Edmond, wearing a scowl, followed well, grumbling but keeping pace, perhaps from maintaining his fitness.

After about twenty minutes, Yudit stood at the top of the tower. He opened the small door and stepped outside, and the wind brushed against his face.

The dense coniferous forest and village he had seen on arriving at the castle, and beyond them, the winding roads came into view.

“That is the road to Breda.”

Garen pointed with his index finger as he spoke. Looking where he indicated, Yudit saw a thin road stretching like a thread. The coniferous forest grew sparser, the barren earth giving a lonely impression. Two or three hills, dark ridges overlapping in layers, and beyond them, an endless wasteland. Yudit stared at it in silence.

The Gota Kingdom was mostly wasteland. People survived by relying on a single great river running through the kingdom. Perhaps it was in such harsh conditions that its culture and religion had flourished.

“Where is the border outpost?”

“Beyond that hill. There are no Gota guards posted at the moment, but I understand many soldiers are lying in ambush.”

“I see…”

Yudit looked toward the mountains for a long while before turning away. On the way down the stairs, he heard Garen and Edmond whispering behind him. Unlike the climb, the descent took little effort. As Yudit stepped back into the corridor, a faint, appetizing smell reached him. It seemed to be coming from the dining hall.

“Will you take me to the dining hall?”

“I will guide you.”

Edmond stepped forward at once, as if he had been waiting. Yudit followed, staring at Edmond’s back as they walked.

The closer they got, the stronger the smell of food became. His stomach began to churn with hunger. Inside the dining hall, about twenty long rectangular tables, each seating fifty people, were arranged in rows. Silver candlesticks, tableware, spoons, and forks were set along the tables, and where people sat, food had already been served.

There were still about twenty minutes until the banquet began, but more than half the seats were already filled. Most of the diners were from the 9th Knight Order, likely those who had wandered near the dining hall after bathing and quietly taken seats. A few who were already drinking had flushed, beet-red faces.

The servants were busy carrying out the basic fare of soup and bread. The potato soup, with plenty of onions and bacon, seemed perfect for drinkers’ snacks. Yudit watched the overworked servants with pity when someone beside him called out.

“Commander, over here.”

The 9th Knight Order’s leader, Noban, was calling Yudit. His seat was at the place of honor. After he sat, Garen called a servant to order food.

The meal came quickly. Yudit blew on the hot steam rising from the freshly boiled potato soup and took a sip, smiling. Though a bit rustic for banquet fare, it was perfect for soothing the stomach after hard marches.

“I was wondering what kind of meal it would be. I’m glad it’s delicious.”

“Yes, it’s really good.”

Both the bread and soup were good. The soup was warm and savory, the bread coarse but pleasantly chewy, and when dipped in the soup, it stayed intact while becoming just soft enough. Yudit finished the bowl in no time. The servants’ busyness seemed due to more than just hunger.

People continued to arrive until about three-quarters of the tables were full. Servants moved quickly, setting food before them. Yudit was about to order another bowl of soup when a shadow fell over him.

“Marcello Barren Devlin, lord of Devlin, greets the Empire’s Little Sun.”

Marcello bowed politely to Yudit. His broad shoulders, tall frame, solidly built arms, and large, sword-ready hands showed his life as a knight. Yudit, studying Marcello’s gray hair and gray eyes, extended his hand.

“So you are the lord of Devlin. Yudit Friedrich Adenauer. A pleasure to meet you.”

“It is an honor to meet you. I apologize for not welcoming you in person, as I was busy with preparations for the banquet.”

The sight of such a large man bowing repeatedly made Yudit feel a little burdened.

“Think nothing of it. Your butler guided me well.”

Even after that, Marcello apologized several more times, stopping only when he noticed Yudit’s discomfort and apologized once more for making him uneasy.

Marcello took the seat beside Yudit and tapped a silver cup with his spoon, making a sound. The noisy dining hall gradually quieted.

“I thank you all for making the journey to Devlin. We have prepared everything Devlin can offer, so eat to your hearts’ content and rest well.”

After apologizing so much, Yudit had expected a long speech, but it ended sooner than he thought. When Marcello clapped twice, the doors opened and servants streamed in carrying food. The soldiers whistled and cheered at the sight.