WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator: Abood

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 40: The Banquet (1)

After their initial offensive failed, the Kingdom of Arelia needed to reorganize and would not take further action for some time. Days passed without major movement along the western border.

Friedrich's days were filled with routine regiment operations during peacetime, primarily training, as well as studies and practice for attending social events. After these busy days, Friedrich finally faced the night of his first banquet at the royal castle.

"Friedrich. Stay calm. When I introduce you, just greet them. If asked anything, give a safe answer. I'll handle the rest of the conversation."

"Understood, my lord."

Just before entering the grand hall where the dinner would be held, Matthias stopped in the hallway and turned to Friedrich. Friedrich nodded with a slightly tense expression.

In a way, this was more nerve-wracking than war. Just a year ago he had been a rural commoner, and now he was entering a banquet hall filled with the kingdom's ruling class.

"And Yurika. Please don't cause any trouble. Today you're here as Friedrich's guard. Though there should be no danger at a royal social event, your role is purely ceremonial. Don't act on your own. Don't speak. Otherwise in the worst case scenario, I'll have to separate you two."

"I understand, my lord. I won't do anything unnecessary."

Yurika answered confidently, though Matthias still looked somewhat uneasy as he nodded in the end.

"Now then, let's proceed."

With Gregor accompanying Matthias and Yurika following Friedrich, they approached the entrance to the grand hall.

The royal guards stationed there opened the large double doors, and Matthias stepped through. Friedrich took a deep breath before following behind.

Though the current King and Crown Princess of Edelstein preferred simplicity, the banquet hall they hosted was still appropriately lavish.

Countless chandeliers illuminated the room as brightly as daylight. Along the walls hung portraits of past monarchs and paintings depicting key moments in the kingdom's history. Numerous tables were draped with intricately embroidered tablecloths whose craftsmanship defied imagination, topped with an array of extravagant dishes.

The scene surpassed even the royal banquets Friedrich had read about in books. The standing-style reception was already in full swing, with numerous guests holding wine glasses and plates while mingling.

A royal servant immediately approached upon seeing Matthias's group enter, offering glasses of wine.

While Friedrich nervously glanced around the hall with his glass in hand, Matthias slowly surveyed the room before speaking.

"The royal family won't appear for some time yet. Let's get as many greetings out of the way as we can now. First—"

"Oi there, Lord Hosenfeld!"

A booming voice cut through the air just then. When Matthias and Friedrich turned toward the sound, they saw an elderly man in military uniform approaching while raising his glass.

"Lord Obsidian. I hadn't realized you'd come."

Hearing Matthias say the name, Friedrich immediately understood who the approaching old man was—

Marquis Joseph Obsidian, the foremost military aristocrat at court, still serving as an active soldier past sixty years of age, and commanding the Hildegard Regiment responsible for border defense.

"What's this? You didn't expect to see me here, did you?"

"With your command responsibilities at the Beiral Plains defense line, I assumed you'd send one of your sons as proxy this time."

The two regiment commanders, having served together for many years, conversed with the ease of old acquaintances.

The Beiral Plains, the largest flatlands along the border with the Kingdom of Arelia. Its defensive stronghold, Arnsberg Fortress, served as the headquarters of the Hildegard Regiment, where Joseph was normally stationed.

"Pah! What nonsense. I'm not missing a free feast just because of those dormant Arelian dogs. Ever since your regiment crushed half their forces on the Northern Plains, they've been utterly spineless. No troop movements, no supply gathering, nothing."

Joseph snorted as he grumbled.

Arnsberg Fortress could mobilize two thousand soldiers, including reserves. For Arelia to seriously attempt an assault, they would need to assemble thousands of troops.

Preparing such a large force would take at least several weeks, with another week needed to march to the border. In the former Loire territories, where standing armies were less developed than in Edelstein, all military actions moved slower than their counterparts.

Any overt signs of invasion would naturally be detected by Edelstein long in advance.

Moreover, Arelia, suffering from overexpansion, had limited forces to spare for invading Edelstein while struggling to maintain their conquered territories. With one regiment still rebuilding after being decimated in the last battle, they couldn't possibly launch any major offensives now.

"Besides, even if something happens, Diethelm will handle the border defense. Even if I were to suddenly drop dead during my stay in the capital, as long as that guy remains, there'd be no worries about the regiment's command."

"That's quite a morbid joke you're making."

While Matthias smiled faintly, Friedrich contemplated to himself.

The name ’Diethelm’ mentioned by Marquis Joseph Obsidian likely referred to Diethelm Brightkreuz, cavalry commander of the Hildegard Regiment.

As the heir of House Brightkreuz, whose lands bordered the Northern Plains, Diethelm had been officially designated as the next commander of the Hildegard Regiment upon Joseph's recommendation and royal approval.

Joseph's words weren't entirely in jest, it reflected his practical consideration that border defenses would remain secure even if his advanced age led to sudden death or retirement.

Now then, Lord Hosenfeld. Is this youngster beside you the adopted heir I've heard about?"

"Yes. I've brought him today to make introductions... Friedrich."

Prompted by Matthias, Friedrich ceased his contemplation and bowed with practiced composure.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Friedrich Hosenfeld. Under Count Hosenfeld's patronage, I was knighted and adopted as his heir. Though originally of humble birth, I shall strive to be worthy of your regard."

"Well now, I'd heard rumors you'd picked up some unusually bright orphan, but it seems the stories were true after all."

Upon hearing Friedrich's greeting, Joseph raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

News of Matthias adopting Friedrich had spread rapidly through military and noble circles over the past month. Joseph appeared already informed about Friedrich's existence and general background.

"At first glance you seem like an unremarkable youngster, but I hear you devised the strategy that defeated an enemy force three times your size. And before that, you eliminated a bandit group of over fifty men as a mere rural commoner.”

"Indeed. Though my meager accomplishments pale in comparison to the distinguished feats of Marquis Obsidian, our kingdom's renowned commander, and the heroic deeds of Count Hosenfeld, I have done what little I could."

Meeting Joseph's appraising gaze squarely, Friedrich responded without hesitation.

"...Well now. This one seems quite interesting. I look forward to seeing more of you."

"You honor me, Lord Marquis."

Joseph gave a hearty laugh and clapped Friedrich on the shoulder several times, leaving Friedrich relieved to have navigated the introduction successfully.

"Friedrich. Go get some food, just light fare will do. Get some for yourself too."

"Understood, my lord."

At Matthias' instruction, Friedrich stepped away, with Yurika shadowing him like a silent attendant. Friedrich understood this was likely to give Matthias privacy for his conversation with Joseph.

Moving to an empty corner table, Friedrich picked up a plate and pretended to carefully select food while discreetly observing Matthias and Joseph, waiting for the right moment to return.

・・・・・・

"I had truly thought you intended to let the Hosenfeld line die out, but you've finally taken an heir."

"Yes. But... I haven't forgotten Annemarie and Rudolf."

"Fool. You needn't say such things to me now."

At Matthias mentioning the names of his wife, dead nearly thirty years, and son, lost almost a decade ago, Joseph let out a sighing, exasperated laugh.

Annemarie had been from a branch family of House Obsidian, and Joseph's niece by relation.

The young Matthias had fallen for her. As heir to the prestigious military house of Hosenfeld and a promising knight on the rise, he in turn captured Annemarie's heart.

When Matthias requested her hand, her father gave enthusiastic approval. But Joseph, already Marquess by then, intervened. Considering their statuses, they were still too young to marry, he declared.

But Matthias refused to give up. He repeatedly pleaded with Joseph, bowing his head and vowing to become a man worthy of Annemarie. Eventually, Joseph relented, permitting their marriage at what was considered quite young for nobles.

After about a year of newlywed life, Annemarie became pregnant, only to pass away from childbirth complications. Though maternal mortality was tragically common even among nobility, the young Matthias blamed himself for her premature death. His grief ran so deep to the point he nearly followed his beloved wife to the grave, and those around him grew deeply concerned.

It was Joseph who pulled Matthias back from the brink. ‘Protect the child Annemarie gave you, and live on with her memory." These words helped Matthias recover.

Eighteen years later, misfortune struck again when Rudolf, Annemarie's legacy, died on the battlefield. By then a seasoned military man, Matthias accepted his son's death with stoic composure. Yet to Joseph, Matthias remained someone to watch over, the nephew-by-marriage he'd known since youth.

"I know full well you'll never forget Annemarie and Rudolf. But if you spent your remaining years lonely, clinging only to memories for comfort, it would sadden them in God's embrace. Finding someone to inherit your house, your duties, and eventually bid you farewell is cause for joy... And it seems you've found a worthy one."

"Yes. I have no doubt of Friedrich's capabilities. Moreover, he's proven himself twice over in battle... and in resolve."

"If you chose him, he must be capable. The boy's got steel in him too."

Earlier, Joseph had tested Friedrich's mettle with an intense stare. Where an ordinary man might falter under such pressure, Friedrich's gaze never wavered.

No mere unremarkable youth. He possessed the courage matching his achievements. Joseph had already recognized this.

"...Eventually, I intend to share my memories of Annemarie and Rudolf with him. So that even after I'm gone, their existence won't be forgotten in this world."

"Do as you will. That boy is your son now."

With these final words, Joseph took his leave.

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