The city of Lichtenkron, finally in sight, was an awe-inspiring sight at first glance.
As a fortress city guarding the border, its walls stood taller than those of Kaine, the capital.
Beyond the grand walls lay a vast, tiered city, with a towering castle at its center.
“Wow… is that the castle?”
“…It’s incredible.”
From the carriage window, Sienna and I admired the sight.
I expected the city, managed by one of the kingdom’s highest-ranking nobles, to be impressive—but not to this extent.
Of course, it was smaller than Kaine, but it felt far more compact and meticulously designed.
And…
“There are a lot of soldiers.”
“You’re right.”
There were plenty of common citizens, but the number of soldiers was noticeable.
The war had ended some time ago, yet the army remained strong.
Then again, considering how unstable border regions could be, perhaps maintaining a large military force was necessary.
Regardless, the city’s atmosphere wasn’t bad.
Despite the presence of soldiers, the citizens went about their daily lives, bustling as usual. It seemed this was the norm here.
With that, our carriage continued down the broad streets toward the central castle.
As we moved inward, large commercial buildings appeared instead of residential areas.
It looked like the city was structured with its most critical facilities near the center.
Before we could reach the heart of this layout—
“Stop.”
Creaaak.
The smoothly moving carriage came to a halt.
Click—click—click—!
The sound of boots echoed in formation. Not just a few steps—at least a dozen or more soldiers were approaching.
Knock knock.
– We have come to escort you, Sir Rain.
Hearing the polite voice from outside, I stood up.
“Let’s get off.”
“Ah! Yes!”
It seemed we had arrived.
As I stepped down from the carriage, my gaze fell upon the imposing castle before me.
Standing at the highest point in Lichtenkron, the Boyd family’s fortress was a massive structure with black stone walls, befitting its name.
Seeing its scale, I finally understood why the Boyd estate in the capital was considered just a vacation home.
“We will guide you.”
A large group of soldiers clad in black armor surrounded the carriage.
They respectfully led Sienna and me toward the castle.
“Wow, they’re incredibly disciplined…”
Sienna, observing the soldiers, whispered to me.
Indeed, they were the most well-trained soldiers I had seen so far.
They were likely experienced veterans who had seen real combat.
“Impressive…”
Even with Sienna—an undeniable beauty—admiring them, they didn’t flinch.
They simply carried out their duty, maintaining a perfect escort formation.
Well, in any case…
“From here on, I will escort you.”
“Ah, understood.”
The soldiers only escorted us to the castle entrance.
Inside, a waiting butler took over.
The interior of the castle was not as ostentatious as I had expected.
While the structure was finished with luxurious marble, the decorations were minimal—strictly practical.
“You must be tired from your journey. The Lord will arrive in the evening, so please take this time to rest.”
After that, Sienna and I were each assigned a maid and given some free time.
I took a bath in the grand Boyd estate’s bathhouse and changed into fresh clothes that had been provided.
Returning to my assigned room, I noticed my belongings—somehow already transferred from the carriage.
Not that I had anything particularly valuable.
Without much thought, I lay down on the lavish bed.
Since the Lord wouldn’t be arriving until the evening, I planned to rest until then.
No matter how comfortable a carriage was, it couldn’t compare to a proper bed.
And so, I simply lay there, gazing out the window before closing my eyes.
In an inn or carriage, I always maintained a degree of alertness.
But this was the Boyd family’s castle.
It was likely safer than anywhere in the capital.
I allowed myself to relax completely.
Some time later—
When I opened my eyes again, the sky outside was beginning to glow with the colors of sunset.
…Right on time for dinner.
Knock Knock.
– Sir Rain, it is time.
At the sound of a knock and a maid’s voice outside, I sat up.
“Yes, I’ll be out shortly.”
Without realizing it, I had slept soundly.
Well, it was a good way to unwind before meeting the Margrave.
Smoothing out my slightly wrinkled clothes, I stepped outside.
“The Lord has requested your presence for dinner.”
“I understand.”
A dinner meeting right from the start?
Not sure if I’ll be able to eat properly.
As I followed the maid downstairs, I happened to meet Sienna as she was coming down as well.
“Oh, you’re up.”
“Yeah. And Whitey?”
“They said he couldn’t join us, so I left him in their care.”
“Ah, of course.”
That was expected.
Even though Whitey was a spirit beast, he was still an animal.
Allowing him inside the castle at all was already generous.
More than that, Sienna had also changed into a fresh outfit.
Unlike the fashionable clothes she usually wore in the capital, she was now in a proper formal dress.
It suited her well.
With her sense of style, anything looked good on her.
At this moment, she hardly seemed like the beast trainer who had once tamed wild creatures in the northern wilderness.
Well, anyway…
“The Lord is waiting ahead.”
“Understood.”
It was time to meet Margrave Boyd.
Taking a deep breath, I waited as the maid opened the door for me.
Inside—
A vast table, illuminated by a warm glow, came into view.
A feast of various delicacies stretched endlessly along its surface.
Despite the vast array of dishes, only a single set of silver utensils, a plate, and a cup were placed on either side of the table.
And at the very end of that long table—
An old man sat, watching us.
“So, we finally meet.”
…That must be Margrave Boyd.
Our eyes met.
With neatly combed white hair, thick brows, and sharp eyes, the Margrave’s gaze felt like a swirling abyss, a chaotic and unfathomable depth.
And then—
“Sit comfortably.”
“…Yes.”
Fwoosh—!
My hands trembled involuntarily at the sight of that expression that was not hidden at all.
The sheer presence he emanated made my hands tremble.
It was an overwhelming pressure like I had never felt before.
…Is he not even trying to hide it?
If it’s affecting me this much, what about the maids or Sienna…?
“I-It’s an honor to meet you….”
“Yes, it’s a pleasure.”
…She’s fine?
Is it just me?
Sienna seemed tense but showed no other reaction as she took her seat at the table.
“What’s wrong? Sit down.”
“…Yes.”
But I—
My legs refused to move.
I concentrated, circulating my Aura in an effort to shake off the overwhelming presence.
Back when I was an inexperienced Aura user, I could shake off an ogre’s intimidation in an instant.
Yet even in my current, fully developed state, it was taking everything I had just to walk over and sit at the table.
He’s really trying to kill me with this pressure.
If an ordinary person were here, they’d have collapsed on the spot.
“…It’s an honor to meet you, my lord.”
Clenching my teeth, I greeted him with proper etiquette and sat down.
“I’m glad to finally meet you as well.”
“…Yes.”
If he’s glad, could he at least ease up on this suffocating pressure?
I knew I’d have trouble eating, but at this rate, I wouldn’t even be able to cut the meat.
“You must have had a long journey. Let’s eat and talk at ease.”
“Ah, y-yes…!”
Why is he only doing this to me?
I glanced at Sienna, enviously watching as she casually sliced into her steak.
If I even tried to pick up my utensils right now, I was certain they’d snap in half.
And so, I just sat there, waiting.
“Does the food not suit your taste?”
The Margrave asked, his tone unapologetically direct.
“N-No, that’s not it….”
Damn it, did I do something wrong?
Carefully, as if executing a Vision Fleet technique, I controlled my Aura with precision and picked up the knife.
Good. The trembling stopped.
Feeling cold sweat trickle down my back, I slowly—very slowly—sliced a piece of meat and placed it in my mouth.
…It’s delicious.
I thought the situation would kill my appetite, but this was the most tender and flavorful meat I had ever tasted.
“You must have had a hard journey from the capital.”
“…Yes.”
“I heard there was a commotion in Viscount Bellermark’s territory.”
He already knows?
We left for Lichtenkron the day after the incident, meaning the Viscount must have sent word ahead.
Well, considering what happened, he probably bowed his head as quickly as possible.
“You met Viscount Bellermark in person. What was he like?”
…What he was like?
Rather than asking about the incident, he’s asking for my impression of the Viscount himself.
“…A young noble with a strong presence and a courteous demeanor.”
With no time to think too deeply, I simply stated my honest impression.
“Yes, he’s a fine young man. And quite strong for his age, wouldn’t you say?”
The Margrave, sipping his wine, seemed to genuinely admire the Viscount.
“I have a fondness for the strong—especially the young ones.”
Then, his eyes turned to me.
That gaze felt like it could swallow me whole.
…This overwhelming pressure.
The young lady definitely takes after this side of the family.
“And in that regard, you are quite impressive.”
He said this while, ever so slowly, slicing the meat on his plate.
Yet despite the small knife in his hand, it felt as if a great knight were drawing his sword against me.
He was unleashing his presence purely on me, as if demonstrating his strength without restraint.
“So, eat comfortably.”
“…Yes.”
Fine. Let’s see who wins this.
Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to chew my meat and continue eating.
Thus began—
The most agonizingly long meal of my life.
And then—
“You didn’t complain even once.”
Only after dessert was served did the Margrave finally withdraw his pressure.
“Haa… Haa….”
The suffocating weight lifting off me felt like a surge of liberation.
“Are… are you alright?”
“I’m fine.”
Noticing something was off, Sienna gave me a wary look, to which I responded while staring at the Margrave.
He was now wearing the satisfied expression of a stubborn old man.
“I like you.”
“I’m glad you’re satisfied….”
To think that this old man was the most powerful noble in the Adel Kingdom…
No wonder this territory is in such a mess.
