Chapter 42

42.

If I carefully consider my somewhat limited knowledge of history,

The Fernantel family has been situated at the southern border for over 200 years.

Meaning, roughly two centuries ago, they were an established noble family active at the southernmost region of Altain. The fact that they maintained their influence in the south for such a long time signifies the family’s formidable power.

Altain’s history spans about 500 years.

The area ruled by the border duke in the south wasn’t called Fernantel until 200 years ago.

Another family held that position previously, but Fernantel ousted the existing border duke, who had military power akin to a military state, and claimed the region as their own name.

It’s not something that simply happens by winning a territorial battle.

Even amidst the complex web of relationships with the Imperial Palace and surrounding nobles, they dismantled the existing entrenched forces and earned their recognition as border dukes. That speaks to what a truly terrifying family they are.

After becoming border dukes, Fernantel has influenced the southern region for 200 years.

In reality, the south considers Fernantel their ruler more so than the distant emperor in the capital.

While it has fewer nobles and population compared to other regions, it’s been sustaining various resources, productivity, and military strength to counter external invasions all this time.

In other words, Fernantel and the south have enough power to strike at the heart of Altain, the capital Palamtiar.

“Actually, they did stab us in the back once.”

If you list the factors that contributed to the fall of Altain in the novel, Fernantel and the Southern Confederacy had a significant role.

Although the Altain-related events weren’t extensively detailed in the novel, the story seemed to start with the south’s independence led by Fernantel.

The independence process couldn’t have been smooth.

They likely teamed up with the neighboring duchies beyond the Grand Forest and caused quite a commotion.

The south’s independence can be seen as the trigger for Altain’s destabilization.

In short, the south is like a time bomb.

And now, I’ve become the bomb disposal expert.

“Is there any place where you feel uncomfortable?”

Our gazes met, and her crimson eyes held a faint smile that had been on her face ever since she removed her helmet.

It was a typical ploy to hide her true intentions.

“…Thanks to your well-arranged carriage, I’m fine.”

“Is that so? In fact, I hastily grabbed any carriage available in the rush to depart. I myself have a bit of soreness in my lower back from constantly riding on it.”

“…”

It had been a few days since we left the Misty Plains.

Through our travels, we managed to engage in some light conversations to ease the awkwardness, though Laura’s gaze remained fixed on me. Not only her but also the knights guarding the carriage seemed to be subtly keeping an eye on me.

It felt like being monitored as someone dangerous.

The four mana wielders closest to the carriage were even more overt in their watch. The faint traces of their awareness spread around the carriage, closely observing every move.

‘Did they think I wouldn’t notice because I’m just a commoner?’

Unfortunately for them, I can perceive and see the world’s mana like a mana wielder. Such tricks were easy to detect long ago.

Even though I noticed, I had no intention of doing anything. I let them continue in their misconception.

It’s more convenient when the opponent is complacent. It means I can cut down their sword when they least expect it.

“We’ll arrive at Fernantel in a little while. Approximately an hour?”

Thanks to our minimum rest strategy, we are arriving earlier than expected.

The continued observation from the knights outside the carriage and her surroundings prompted her to continue speaking.

“If there’s anything lacking, please understand. I had to move swiftly since you decided to move to the south with just one knight and no escort. The world is quite perilous nowadays, right?”

Laura’s tone remained calm.

She was smiling, but the coldness in her eyes beneath that smile was unmistakable.

“What if something were to happen to His Highness the Duke here? Especially in this place… I can only imagine the panic it would cause if the capital’s nobles were to rush to the south searching for the Duke. Ha ha ha. We’re really lucky you’re safe.”

Upon hearing the undertones in Laura’s words, I quirked a smile.

You dropped everything and rushed here because I suddenly decided to come south.

Why are you wandering around by yourself despite having so many enemies? If something were to happen to you down here, you’d give the central nobles a legitimate excuse. Are you joking?

Such implied meanings were packed into her words.

“For someone with a minor disposition like me, I don’t concern myself with trifles. You went out of your way to personally greet me, so I appreciate the gesture. Given that I’ve summoned such a busy person all the way here, it’s only fair to overlook small imperfections.”

I had a lot to say as well.

“Indeed, Vice Count Laura, the world is perilous. But to handle it, I believe moving around actively is faster. I’d love to stay tucked away in the palace, but as you know, it’s just too noisy outside lately. What are the administrators even doing?”

Who asked you to come greet me? Stop trying to act busy when you’re clearly sucking up.

And it’s your mess that turned the empire into chaos.

If you don’t want someone cleaning up your mess, maybe you should maintain better control.

“…I see. There are other administrators, but perhaps they’re busy?”

“Maybe. But shouldn’t they know if they’re busy or not?”

Laura’s smile remained faint.

But her eyes weren’t smiling.

“…”

“…”

Thus, we exchanged insults disguised as polite conversation.

Then, a voice came from outside the carriage.

“The two of you, we’re almost there. Soon we’ll reach Fernantel.”

At the voice of the unnamed knight, I turned my gaze toward the window.

The southernmost region of Altain.

The border region that blocks the Human-Beast Confederation and the Grand Forest. The Fernantel territory.

We had arrived at the center of the unignited bomb.

*

Clippity-clop. Clippity-clop.

We continued moving slowly on a well-maintained road.

The road was neatly organized, comparable to the capital Palamtiar and other major cities. The carriage was experiencing less shock compared to before.

In the comfortable atmosphere where I didn’t even feel discomfort in my buttocks, I turned my head.

The sight of Laura Fernantel smiling and waving her hand out the carriage window.

The territory citizens greeted her with bright expressions in response to the border duke’s attitude.

‘This is Fernantel, then.’

A fully armed knight squad suddenly appeared, but the disturbance among the citizens was minimal. It was more accurate to say they felt reassured rather than frightened.

The oppressive atmosphere given off by armed knights is normally strong enough to make ordinary people tremble in fear. Yet, even with fifty knights appearing, Fernantel remained peaceful.

Rather, most people approached nearby to converse or greet Laura directly.

The citizens’ attitude wasn’t one of forgetting or ignoring the authority of the nobles or knights. They maintained respect for the ranking difference but remained approachable and close.

Despite being a border duke’s territory, which usually exudes a rigid military atmosphere, Fernantel felt relatively warm overall.

Such a scene would not be possible without a considerable amount of trust and deep relationships. The complexion, clothing, and building maintenance conditions of the citizens also reflected good management.

“The aura of your territory is impressive.”

Upon voicing those words softly, Laura turned her head.

“Thank you. It’s my proud and precious place. Are you pleased with it?”

I nodded silently, and upon receiving that gesture, she smiled and looked back.

Laura stroked the head of a child who shyly offered her a piece of bread, and the child’s parents even offered a drink without hesitation.

This was a rare sight in this era, nearly unseen outside the northeastern regions.

It was a truly heartwarming scene, but…

‘Are they Human-Beasts?’

Beings who resemble humans but have animal ears or tails were observing the scene from a distance.

Various types of Human-Beasts were accompanied by citizens. They were naturally mingled without the kind of distance one would expect between outsiders. They appeared closer, behaving more like residents of Fernantel rather than visitors from the Human-Beast Confederation.

This too was an uncommon sight outside the capital or other regions.

“There’s a lot of Human-Beasts here. Are they escaped slaves captured at the border?”

“…They’re not slaves.”

Her voice carried a firm resolution, turning my gaze from the window back to her.

Laura’s soft smile didn’t reveal the underlying emotions.

“Visitors staying temporarily in the territory. Is there any problem?”

Her calm, crimson eyes met mine straight on.

Her eyes remained unreadable, but I sensed one thing.

A superhuman’s senses detect minute muscle movements, breath fluctuations, and subtle eye tremors.

She was tense right now.

‘Well, understandable.’

The reason I mentioned the word ‘slave’ when seeing the Human-Beasts was straightforward.

Human-Beasts in Altain are not treated well enough to roam freely.

“I’m just curious since there aren’t any Human-Beasts in the capital. It’s interesting.”

“Fernantel is positioned adjacent to the Human-Beast Confederation and the Grand Forest. We see them more often compared to other regions. Ah, Your Highness?”

Upon my silent nod, she extended the bread and drink she had received earlier.

“Perhaps you haven’t eaten properly lately? Would you like a little taste? The citizens claim it’s as delicious as what is served in the capital.”

A completely unexpected suggestion. Perhaps she’s changing the subject.

After taking a small bite herself, she waited attentively, and I bit into the bread she offered.

The bread was soft and savory. It had a unique flavor I’d never tasted before.

A hint of saltiness gave way to a sweet finish. Despite having nothing inside, it left a significant sweetness.

Though not on par with what I ate at the Imperial Palace, it was definitely tastier than most bread.

“Not too sweet for my taste, but it’s quite good.”

“I’m glad you like it. It’s one of Fernantel’s specialties.”

I noticed a hint of relaxation in Laura’s demeanor.

She seemed to have calmed down upon seeing my lack of concern. Now, she reviewed the territory with a more relaxed posture.

As she happily waved to the people, I popped the remaining bread into my mouth.

It was the first bread of its kind and taste in Altain, but recalling the novel’s content, this flavor was familiar.

This was traditional fare from the Human-Beast Confederation.

It was the first food the protagonist tasted when rescuing an heir of the Human-Beast Confederation and visiting their country.

The detailed description of the bread remained vivid.

The taste, though simple, was not something just anyone could replicate without proper training.

Given their exclusive nature regarding their techniques, it meant no one could make this bread in Fernantel without the secret knowledge.

It implied close ties with the bakers.

‘They’re deeply embedded, or perhaps they’ve stopped trying to hide it?’

Looks like my hurried arrival in the south was justified.