WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator: Abood

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◈ Friedrich's Battlefield

Chapter 41: The Banquet (2)

"Since we've greeted Lord Obsidian of the Hildegard Regiment, we should pay our respects to the other regiment commander while we're at it."

"Understood, my lord."

After barely touching his food and taking a few sips of wine, Matthias made the suggestion. Friedrich immediately responded, returning both their plates to a nearby attendant.

He then followed as Matthias approached a woman with navy blue hair tied back in a single braid.

She stood by the grand hall's wall with a stern, imposing presence, accompanied by a middle-aged military retainer who maintained distance from other guests.

Her demeanor suggested not that she lacked conversation partners, but that she deliberately made herself unapproachable.

"Lady Eisenhut. Might we have a word?"

Matthias addressed her without hesitation, and she showed no particular refusal, responding with an impassive expression.

Rebecca Eisenhut, second commander of the Albrecht Regiment and current head of House Eisenhut, which held territories in the kingdom's north. The youngest of the three regiment commanders at just mid-thirties.

Friedrich mentally reviewed what he knew about her.

"You say that, yet you seemed to be standing there looking rather bored."

"Why bring that up now? You're well aware I dislike social gatherings. But I couldn't exactly not come."

"The burden of being a great noble house's head."

"Made worse by now being a regiment commander. If Lord Obsidian came all the way from the border regions, how could I not attend when stationed closer to the capital?"

Rebecca's stoic expression cracked slightly into a faint wry smile. Perhaps because they were both soldiers, her conversation with Matthias flowed surprisingly well.

Unlike Matthias and Joseph, who had commanded their regiments since formation, Rebecca had inherited both her title and regiment command from her retired father about five years ago, or so Friedrich had heard from Matthias.

The fact that she inherited the non-hereditary position of regiment commander at a young age stems from House Eisenhut's unique historical standing.

Before the Edelstein Kingdom existed, when a vast unified empire ruled the western continent, the mountainous northern regions of what is now Edelstein were settled by people who had crossed the treacherous peaks from present-day Novakia. These ethnic minorities frequently clashed with the land's original inhabitants.

During the chaotic collapse of the unified empire, it was Countess Waltrude Edelstein who allied with these marginalized groups. Promising them fair treatment after her eventual founding of a kingdom, she secured their support.

With aid from these hardy mountain people, Waltrude ultimately unified the region and established the Edelstein Kingdom. True to her word, she granted their chieftain the title of Marquis Eisenhut and recognized their ancestral lands as his domain.

The first Marquis Eisenhut was a leader worthy of governing tens of thousands, and had pledged unshakable loyalty to the Edelstein royal house in exchange for this legitimized status and protection. Nearly two centuries later, this covenant between the protecting monarchy and the loyal Eisenhut marquisate remains unbroken.

Though intermarriage and cultural assimilation have progressed compared to ancient times, the Eisenhut Marquisate still maintains its distinct ethnic and cultural identity to some degree. To leverage their martial prowess and unity, the Albrecht Regiment's officers are predominantly drawn from the Eisenhut territories and surrounding regions.

This is precisely why at least in the current era, having a member of House Eisenhut assume the regiment command is considered optimal. Recognizing both this necessity and Rebecca's capabilities, King Sigismund appointed her as commander despite her relatively young age.

As she had grumbled, the Albrecht Regiment's fortress is located relatively close to the capital, about two and a half days' journey southwest. Being both a representative of the northern territories and stationed near the royal capital, her attendance at social functions was indeed inevitable.

"And the matter you wished to discuss?"

"I wanted to introduce my adopted heir, Friedrich of House Hosenfeld."

At Matthias' introduction and subtle prompting, Friedrich stepped forward with a bow.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Friedrich Hosenfeld—"

Friedrich repeated the same formal introduction he had given to Joseph.

"I see. Pleasure to meet you."

Rebecca's response was curt to the point of minimalism. After a fleeting glance at Friedrich and Yurika standing behind him, her attention immediately returned to Matthias.

"Lord Eisenhut. You were aware I'd taken an heir?"

"I'd heard rumors."

"Then no explanation is needed. Friedrich will eventually succeed me. You'll have dealings with him, best he makes your acquaintance now."

"Understood. I'll remember his face and name."

As she spoke with Matthias, Rebecca didn't even glance Friedrich's way again, her disinterest in the matter evident in every gesture.

"That's all I wished to discuss. Apologies for the interruption."

"No, I appreciate the introduction. Until next time."

Walking away after the exchange, Friedrich's expression turned subtly complicated.

"...Does she disapprove of me?"

"Don't take it personally. Lord Eisenhut is always like that. She rarely shows interest in anything beyond her own house and regiment."

Matthias seemed genuinely unconcerned, so Friedrich accepted the explanation.

Just then, a sudden commotion arose at the front of the grand hall.

"Seems our main guests have arrived,"

Matthias remarked, turning toward the disturbance.

Following his gaze, Friedrich saw the evening's central figures entering. Prince Konrad Edelstein and Lady Lieselotte of House Bachstein, accompanied by the event's hosts, Crown Princess Claudia and Duke Ernst Bachstein.

"Everyone, please remain at ease."

As the assembled nobility bowed in unison, Claudia's clear voice rang out. The nobles promptly straightened at their future queen's permission.

"Nobles of the kingdom. And honored guests from our allied lands. On this joyous day for the Edelstein royal family, your presence honors us. Allow me to express our gratitude in my father the King's stead."

As Claudia spoke, the guest of honor Konrad stood quietly at her side with a gentle smile. Unlike his bold and valiant elder sister, he was known for his calm, reserved demeanor.

"Let us celebrate together tonight, my brother Konrad and his betrothed, Lady Lieselotte of House Bachstein. The royal house and ducal house bound by ever stronger ties!"

When Claudia raised her glass, the assembly followed suit.

Thus began the banquet in earnest. Attendees approached one by one to greet Konrad and his fiancée Lieselotte, flanked by Claudia and Ernst.

The order of greetings reflected each noble's standing. As a Count and one of the kingdom's three regiment commanders, Matthias held considerable prestige even among court nobility. None dared cut ahead when he approached Claudia's group.

"Your Highness the Crown Princess, Your Highness Prince Konrad, Duke Bachstein, and Lady Lieselotte. This joyous union between your noble houses brings us all great happiness."

"We appreciate your blessings, Count Matthias Hosenfeld... And Friedrich, thank you for coming today as well."

"...To be present at such a momentous occasion is the highest honor, Your Highness."

Being addressed by name alongside Matthias drove home Friedrich's new reality, he stood here not as a mere retainer, but as Matthias' acknowledged heir.

"This is your first meeting, isn't it? Allow me to introduce my brother Konrad. Kindhearted, dutiful, and clever to boot."

"Sister, must you introduce me like some child? I came of age years ago."

Claudia's expression softened considerably compared to Friedrich's previous audience, revealing not just a princess but a doting sister. Konrad, meanwhile, wore an embarrassed smile tinged with amusement at her description.

"Lord Friedrich Hosenfeld. Your deeds have reached even my ears, a commoner who eliminated a large bandit force, distinguished himself in battle against Arelia, and was adopted into House Hosenfeld. Remarkable indeed."

"I'm deeply honored you'd know of someone like me. Though still... inexperienced, I shall strive to serve the royal house in a manner worthy of my position."

Friedrich consciously avoided calling himself ‘young’, an inappropriate word before Konrad, who was only two years his senior.

"After his ingenious strategy forced a retreat from an enemy force three times our size, Friedrich's capabilities are beyond doubt. While not the flashiest warrior, his wisdom rivals even the famed strategist Countess Fargiere of our rival nation... I'm certain he's the right heir for House Hosenfeld."

Over the past month, Friedrich had heard Matthias speak like this several times.

When introducing Friedrich to other nobles at military headquarters or elsewhere, Matthias had begun invoking Countess Cecilia Fargiere, the enemy commander from the recent battle. Though coincidental, Friedrich had employed nearly the same unconventional strategy as the famed tactician Cecilia to secure victory in the mountain pass engagement.

By highlighting how he'd found a successor whose strategic brilliance matched that of the very commander who had killed his son, Matthias lent undeniable credibility to Friedrich's position.

"If our kingdom's living hero speaks so highly of you, Friedrich's talents must be genuine indeed. The royal house rejoices to know a worthy successor follows such a legend. We would gladly celebrate your future accomplishments."

Konrad remarked. A faint unease prickled at Friedrich during this exchange between Matthias and the royals. Their dialogue carried an air of rehearsal, as if designed to impress upon listeners his legitimacy as Matthias' heir. Claudia's mention of ‘celebrating’ his deeds likely served the same purpose, cementing his reputation before the assembled nobility.

Given his age, the time when the hero Matthias could bolster national morale and deter enemy nations through his mere presence was limited. But now the hero had a successor, one who had demonstrated both talent and achievements. By spreading this narrative among the nobility and commonfolk alike, the prestige Matthias had built would continue to protect the nation even after his retirement.

Of course, this all hinged on Friedrich as the chosen successor, developing as expected. Keeping his expression carefully neutral, Friedrich steeled himself. Having already resolved to walk this path, he refused to show nerves or uncertainty now.

"Most reassuring indeed. Young talent is the kingdom's treasure. As a ducal house serving the royal family, we rejoice that Lord Hosenfeld has found a worthy heir."

Duke Ernst Bachstein interjected, his voice measured. The rational, composed duke epitomized model provincial nobility. Though lacking flamboyance, his steady governance of vast lands had earned universal respect.

His only daughter Lieselotte maintained a polite smile without speaking.

Friedrich recalled Matthias' assessment that her average intellect and temperament made her ill-suited to inherit a great house. Precisely why the gentle but astute Konrad would marry into House Bachstein, applying wisdom over valor to manage the territory.

"In terms of generations, Friedrich belongs to the same cohort as myself, Konrad, and Lady Lieselotte. When my reign comes, I'll expect House Hosenfeld to continue its distinguished service."

"As a future noble heir myself, let us strive forward together, Lord Friedrich,"

Claudia remarked, and Konrad added.

"You honor me with such words, Your Highness."

Friedrich bowed respectfully in response.

Yet completing these greetings didn't mark the end, Matthias continued guiding Friedrich through numerous introductions.

The court nobles each possessed their quirks and complexities. Though these civil officials sometimes clashed politically with military houses like Hosenfeld, they ultimately shared loyalty to the royal family as their common foundation.

Among the provincial nobles supporting the kingdom's governance stood Viscount Falke, Oliver's father.

Diplomats from their allied nations, the Rigald Empire to the east, the Kingdom of Novakia to the north, and the southern island states found themselves drawn to Friedrich. As the successor to Edelstein’s living hero and a former orphan with an unusual background, he had become a subject of their curiosity. However, Friedrich judged it unwise to divulge too much about himself to these foreign officials and opted for cautious, diplomatic replies instead.

“Friedrich, you did well today. You look more like a noble now than when you first entered the hall.”

“…Thank you. It was a valuable experience. Though I am tired.”

These words were exchanged between Friedrich and Matthias, who wore a faint wry smile, just after they had left the grand hall following a final round of brief greetings to those of similar standing.

With countless introductions behind him and a wealth of mental exhaustion in exchange for sharpened experience as a noble, Friedrich’s first social event had concluded without incident.

As for Yurika, true to her initial declaration, she had refrained from any unnecessary actions until the very end.

Footnotes:

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