TGW Chapter 25 Part 1

 

The Duchy of Bless

In the early afternoon, the White Chip docked at the pier. It was near the end of the river. If they continued further down the river, there were only two more piers they would encounter.

The Duchy of Bless was located in the northwestern region of the capital. Unlike other ducal territories, the Duchy of Bless wasn’t considered a remote region. All the other duchies were also far from the capital.

The land around the capital was prime territory because it was close to the Sacred Tree. However, most of the land near the capital was state-owned public land. Private ownership was not allowed. This was different in meaning from the Emperor’s direct domain.

Public land was given as stipends to senior officials and high-ranking knights. Since it was a stipend, it could not be inherited. If one resigned from their official position, the land would be reclaimed.

People from the kingdoms on the continent found the Empire's land system peculiar. Land ownership is equated to power. However, considering that the ducal families wielded enormous power, it was unusual that they didn’t own land near the capital.

The Empire's land ownership structure followed the founding laws. Despite the Empire’s many structural problems, these laws were a crucial pillar that kept the national system intact.

By the time the White Chip arrived, several carriages were already prepared and waiting at the pier.

Sienna disembarked from the ship with Kuhn. Their attendants followed behind them.

“Are those carriages from the Duke’s estate?”

“No, they’re not. There is a branch of the Raad Trading Company nearby. They provided the carriages.”

The carriages looked different from those commonly seen in the capital. They appeared much larger and sturdier.

Sienna had seen such carriages once before. When she had gone on a tour of the fiefdoms, her aide, Levan, had arranged for a carriage similar to this one. At the time, Levan had said it was a carriage specially designed for long-distance travel.

“They have a unique shape.”

“If one is engaged in trade, frequent long-distance travel is necessary. These carriages were designed after much trial and error.”

“So, these carriages are exclusively used by the Raad Trading Company?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

Sienna narrowed her eyes slightly but didn’t show any outward reaction.

“Is my aide, Levan, related to the Raad Trading Company?”

It was the surname “Kali” that she heard in her dream that made her call on Levan and appoint him as her aide. However, she hadn’t thought Levan Kali was related to the Kali brothers. Despite the various experiences with her mother, she still reflected on her own carelessness and the many gaps in her judgment.

“Was it a coincidence, or was he someone who approached with intent?”

If he was a spy sent with a purpose, then the Raad Trading Company was behind him, and perhaps even Marquis Raad himself.

“You’ll have to explain this to me, Kuhn.”

She decided to put this issue aside for now. She looked around the deserted pier.

“Is it usually this quiet here?”

“We arranged to have the area secured.”

“Secured? Why?”

“Because Your Highness is here on an unofficial visit. It’s better if fewer eyes are watching.”

Sienna frowned.

“If being noticed is a concern, it would be simpler for me to change my attire. There’s no need to disrupt the livelihoods of the residents and cause such a commotion.”

Kuhn’s lips curved slightly as he looked at Sienna.

“We’ve only restricted the area temporarily for your arrival. If it concerns you, I will make sure they are compensated.”

“That would be good.”

Sienna boarded the carriage Kuhn led her to. Once everyone was in, all six carriages set off simultaneously.

The carriage journey was uneventful. On the first evening of the trip, Sienna, thinking that the carriage ride wasn’t as difficult as she had anticipated, realized the reason.

“The road is well-maintained.”

Since the carriage didn’t shake as much, she didn’t feel as fatigued.

Starting the next day, Sienna opened the carriage window and carefully observed the passing scenery. She frequently noticed landscapes quite different from those she saw during her inspection tour of the southern fiefdoms.

The scattered farmhouses were large and well-built. The fields, where crops were growing, were neatly organized. The farmers heading out to work with their tools were neatly dressed.

The Duchy of Bless didn’t have high mountains, but it had a fair number of hills. She saw shepherds herding sheep several times.

“It seems like a good place to live.”

If she hadn’t gone on her inspection tour, she might not have noticed these differences.

During the journey to the ducal estate, the group had to find places to stay as night fell. Unlike the capital, there were no inns for travelers. They usually entered a village, paid, and secured lodging.

On the third night, they knocked on the door of a farmhouse. It was the only house in the area, surrounded by fields, with no other houses nearby. However, the house was quite large. The homeowner even offered a separate building for their stay. Sienna called the homeowner over to ask.

“Are you a prominent figure in this area?”

The old farmer, who seemed to guess that the unexpected visitors were important people, answered with a nervous expression.

“No, I’m not. I just make a living off the land I inherited.”

Although the farmer seemed intimidated by Sienna, he wasn’t overly frightened.

“This is different.”

In the fiefdom, the residents she met seemed to have a seizure of fear whenever she spoke to them.

“That reaction wasn’t normal.”

After finishing dinner, Sienna sat at a rough wooden table, recalling the scenes she had witnessed over the past few days. Suddenly, a wooden cup was placed in front of her. Steam rose from the cup.

“It’s tea made from roasted grains. The homeowner gave it to us.”

Kuhn pulled out a chair and sat down.

Sienna looked at him, then picked up the wooden cup and took a sip. It smelled earthy, but the taste was rather bland.

“Do you know much about the Duchy of Bless?”

“All I know is what we read together on the ship.”

“Not that. You said you’ve been to most countries on the continent. What about the Empire?”

“Besides the capital, I haven’t been to many other places in the Empire.”

“Even if you haven’t been there, you must know a lot, right? The Raad Trading Company has branches all over the Empire.”

“I suppose so.”

“What kind of place is the Duchy of Bless?”

“That’s a vague question.”

“It feels different here.”

“Different how?”

Sienna furrowed her brow. She couldn’t find the right words.

“Is the Duke of Bless a kind lord? An exception?”

Kuhn looked at Sienna with a peculiar expression. She continually surprised him. Not long ago, she had been enclosed in a sheltered world, surrounded by constant reverence.

Those in high positions rarely look down. That had been Kuhn’s conclusion after meeting countless royals and nobles. Dian was unique because he had experience living below.

“Perhaps I was wrong.”

Although the two half-siblings differed in many ways, he thought they both had the qualities of a ruler.

However, it seemed her qualities surpassed Dian’s.

“Sienna, there are quite a few kind Lords if you look for them. But it’s rare for a great lord, almost equal to a king, to be kind. The Duke of Bless is the only one I know of.”

“Then... the Duke of Bless doesn’t engage in moneylending?”

“No, he doesn’t.”

“… In the capital, the Duke of Bless isn’t spoken of favorably. People gossip about why he lives in seclusion. I’ve heard rumors that he avoids crowded places because of a hereditary disease that emerges in old age.”

“To most lords, the Duke of Bless is an outlier. If he had been active in the capital’s political circles, he would have made many enemies.”

Looking at her wavering eyes, Kuhn felt a desire grow within him. Could she accept even if he said something like this?

“If Duke Bless were the Emperor, I believe the Empire would be in a much better state than it is now.”

The content was risky. Only the divine lineage rules the Empire. That was the absolute truth for the people of the Empire.

Sienna, whose expression had been stiff, slowly nodded. Kuhn’s eyes widened.

“You’re truly remarkable.”

Kuhn’s thoughts turned to her mother, the Red King, filling him with anger. Her mother would ultimately ruin her. His desire to advise her clashed with his feelings of inadequacy.

“I’m merely a supporter of the Iron Queen.”

This was not something to delay any longer. He needed to have an open conversation with her. A superficial relationship without deep trust could go astray permanently if mishandled.

“On the way back.”

Their return to the capital by ship, taking about a week, would be the last opportunity. He wouldn’t have another chance to spend such a long time leisurely with her.

Whether he persuaded her, was persuaded by her, clung to her, or was decisively rejected, Kuhn resolved to settle things once and for all.

 

***

 

At dawn the next day, the carriages set off and traveled for another three hours. Sienna, looking out the window, moved closer to the window. In the distance, she could see Bless Castle. The white stone walls of the castle were striking.

Before long, the carriages arrived at the castle. The six carriages crossed the bridge over the moat surrounding the castle, passed through the massive iron gate, and stopped in the castle courtyard.

The carriage door opened. Sienna took Kuhn's hand and stepped out of the carriage. Up close, the castle, with its white stone walls reflecting the sunlight, looked even more magnificent.

In the courtyard, the people of the ducal household were waiting to welcome their guests. Among them, the only person Sienna recognized was the Count of Bless, who always came to the capital as the Duke's representative.

The Count approached and greeted them.

"Welcome, Your Highness the Silver King. We are honored by your visit."

The Count and Kuhn exchanged silent greetings with a nod, their eyes meeting briefly.

"You must have had a tiring journey from such a distance."

"Thank you for the warm welcome."

The Count introduced his family. The Countess and their two young daughters were completely entranced by Sienna. The youngest daughter, who looked about six or seven years old, pointed at Sienna and said, stretching out her arm.

"Mother, the big doll is talking!"

The Count and Countess were greatly embarrassed. The Countess quickly grabbed the child's hand and pulled it down. But the girl's bright, curious eyes did not lose their fascination.

Sienna smiled at the little lady.

"I'm not a doll."

The girl was startled and quickly hid behind her mother. Her face peeked out, turning red. The atmosphere, which could have become awkward, quickly softened.

"The child is still immature. Please forgive her, Your Highness."

"It's all right."

"Please, come inside. His Grace is waiting for you. He would have come to greet you himself, but he has been having difficulty walking lately. I hope you will kindly understand."

"You have greeted us more than properly. Do not worry."

Behind them, the servants of the duke's household were helping Kuhn’s attendants unload the luggage from the carriages.

Once the group was fully inside, there was a flurry of activity as people moved about, organizing the luggage. A servant carrying the last of the luggage finally departed.

Martin glanced around the now-quiet surroundings. He had been standing by, seemingly guarding one of the carriages. Martin opened the door, and Jeffrey stepped out. Jeffrey looked up at the castle as if the sight was dazzling. A faint look of nostalgia crossed his eyes.

An elderly man approached with hurried steps.

"This way, please."

Following the man, Jeffrey and Martin entered the castle through a different entrance than the rest of the group.

The Count escorted Sienna and Kuhn to the Duke’s office. Us and Gilbert followed a step behind. The Count seated them in the reception room that connected to the office, then went inside.

After a short while, the door to the office opened. The Count came out, supporting an elderly man. Despite leaning on a cane with one hand and the Count's assistance, the old man was limping heavily.

As Sienna and Kuhn rose from the sofa, the Duke of Bless waved his hand resting on his son's shoulder.

"Stay seated, stay seated. It will take me forever to get over there."

The Duke of Bless walked slowly, showing no discomfort about revealing his frail condition.

When he finally reached the sofa and sat down, he let out a low sigh. His expression was bright, but he looked quite tired. The Duke smiled, looking at Sienna and Kuhn in turn.

"Honored guests have arrived. Your Highness the Silver King, I have long heard of your fame. I never thought you would come all this way to see me."

"It is an honor to meet you, Duke Bless."

Sienna greeted him calmly, though she was inwardly surprised. The Duke was completely different from what she had vaguely imagined.

Compared to the nobles commonly seen in the capital, especially the other dukes, the Duke of Bless had clear eyes. If she had met him somewhere without knowing his identity, she would never have guessed he was a noble.

Sienna had met quite a number of people, considering the relatively short life she had lived. Although not from various social classes, she had encountered most of those who could claim a certain level of refinement and knowledge.

Undoubtedly, the Duke of Bless left an impression unlike any other noble she had met. There was no sense of a ruler’s majesty about him. His smile was gentle, like that of a village elder. His demeanor seemed to reflect the life he had lived.

"This man here is also quite well-known. Marquis Rudd, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"It is an honor to be introduced, Your Grace."

"Welcome to you both."

The Duke clapped his hands to summon a servant who was waiting at a distance.

"Bring out the floral tea, with honey."

"Yes, my lord."

Shortly after, the servant brought the tea. Small flower petals floated in the cups, and the tea was a light pink color.

"It's a local specialty. It's excellent for relieving the fatigue of a long journey. Especially with a generous amount of honey, it is superb."

Kuhn took just one sip and put the cup down. The Count didn’t touch his cup at all. Only the Duke and Sienna emptied their cups completely.

Sienna felt a sense of affection for the Duke, who seemed to have similar tastes to her own.

"Marquis Rudd, I have heard from my son of the purpose of your visit. I also received an official letter from His Majesty. I will open the library for you, so feel free to use it as you wish."

"Thank you, Your Grace."

"Our family's library is not well organized. Whatever you are looking for, it will not be easy to find. If you need assistance, feel free to take someone with you."

"Thank you for your consideration. May I have a quick look now?"

The Duke chuckled heartily.

"You seem like the type who doesn’t postpone anything. That’s a good trait for someone destined for great deeds."

The Duke turned to his son and said,

"Escort the Marquis to the library."

"Yes, Father."

The Duke then turned to Sienna and said,

"Your Highness, would you like to join them? You must be prepared to get covered in dust, though."

Sienna thought for a moment before shaking her head.

"I understand that, as a rule, family libraries are not open to outsiders. The Marquis is authorized to do so by His Majesty’s command and your permission, but I am not."

The Duke's eyes widened slightly before he smiled.

"More than that, I would like to have a conversation with you, Duke Bless, if it is not too much trouble for you."

Sienna’s gaze briefly flickered to the Duke's legs.

"If it does not burden you, that is."

The Duke chuckled heartily. His eyes softened even more as he looked at Sienna.

"To think I could sit and chat with Your Highness, how could I refuse such an honor?"

The Count and Kuhn stood up. Us was getting ready to follow. Kuhn exchanged a glance with Us and gave a signal only they would understand.

"Stay here."

Kuhn knew that in case of an emergency, he could escape on his own. The person who needed protection was her. While having many guards isn't always best, two are better than one.

Us naturally stood back and took his place again.

“He keeps leaving me behind, and I’m supposed to be a bodyguard?”

He grumbled inwardly but didn’t show it.

Those who knew Us often misunderstood him as someone who acted impulsively without considering the consequences. But if Us were truly that reckless, Kuhn wouldn’t bring him to important places. Us also knew how to use the perception that “messing with him would be a hassle” to his advantage. Sometimes, he was even better than the more straightforward Martin.

The Count and Kuhn left. Us and Gilbert remained a few steps away from where the Duke and Sienna sat.

“The Duke’s castle is truly magnificent. A castle with white stone walls, how striking.”

Sienna started the conversation with a neutral remark.

“It looks nice, but maintaining it is no easy task, Your Highness. What would you like to know?”

Sienna’s eyes flickered.

“You seem to have a lot of questions on your mind.”

Sienna coughed awkwardly. Indeed, the Duke of Bless was different from the nobles in the capital.

Sienna often found the roundabout manner of speaking among nobles irritating and would sometimes surprise them with direct speech. This time, she was caught off guard.

“I seek your advice, Duke.”

“From me?”

Sienna pondered how to convey her intentions without causing a misunderstanding with the Duke.

“I have a fief.”

“Yes, I believe you were granted one upon your investiture.”

“I recently went on an inspection tour.”

“You did, Your Highness? Personally?”

“Yes. On the way here to the castle, I saw the people living in the duchy. They were different from those I saw in my fief.”

The Duke’s expression became more intrigued as if urging her to continue with, “How were they different?”

“I think you are a good lord, Duke Bless.”

The Duke’s eyes widened.

“I want to make the people in my fief like the people in your duchy. Could you tell me about your philosophy in governing your lands?”

The Duke stared at Sienna for a moment before bursting into laughter. His hearty laughter echoed through the reception room. The noise seemed to leak outside, as someone guarding the door peered in and then quietly closed it again.

After laughing for a while, the Duke said,

“If I have offended you, I apologize. I can’t remember the last time I laughed this heartily.”

“It’s all right.”

Though the Duke’s behavior was impolite, Sienna wasn’t at all offended. Perhaps it was because the emotion behind his laughter was pleasant.

“Philosophy, you say…”

The Duke smiled softly.

“I can’t deliver the same clichés I give to my children to Your Highness. It would be better for you to look at the policies and budget of the duchy yourself. It would spare me from giving a lengthy explanation. Fortunately, last year’s accounting is almost complete. Shall we go to the office?”

“Would it be okay for me to see that?”

Sienna was somewhat flustered by the Duke’s generous offer.

“As long as you keep it to yourself and don’t disclose it to outsiders.”

“Then, perhaps we should draft an agreement…”

“Such a thing would only sow seeds of distrust.”

The Duke clapped his hands to summon a servant.

“Bring the mobility chair.”

“Yes, my lord.”

A servant entered the office and returned, pushing a mobility chair. The servant helped the Duke transfer to the chair.

“I have trouble walking, so I need this device. I hope you understand.”

“That’s fine. Why didn’t you use the mobility chair from the start?”

“I don’t use it when greeting guests for the first time. The way people look at someone who can walk, even with a limp, is different from how they look at someone who relies entirely on a mobility chair. Especially when that person holds the position of a duke.”

“Ah…”

The mobility chair the Duke sat on was quite unusual. It had much larger wheels than the one used by the Countess of Pope. The Duke grabbed the wheels with his hands and moved by himself, without assistance. Sienna’s eyes widened.

“It’s quite an innovative mobility chair.”

“It’s been modified. I’m impatient by nature, so I prefer doing things myself rather than relying on others.”

“Does it take much effort to turn the wheels?”

“For moving around in tight spaces, it’s manageable. I modified it after many trials and errors.”

“Would it work for a woman’s strength?”

“Are you interested in this kind of device?”

“If it’s not too much trouble, could I get one? Someone dear to me relies on a mobility chair for daily life.”

Sienna wanted to gift this to the Countess of Pope. It would be very useful.

The Duke chuckled.

“I’d be happy to give you one. We have some spares.”

Sienna thought the Duke of Bless was quite a cheerful person. However, those who had observed the Duke for a long time thought differently. The people of the duke’s household, who were waiting, kept glancing at the Duke with surprised eyes.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the Duke in such a good mood.”

It was rare to see the Duke laughing out loud. They had been worried since they heard that a distinguished guest from the capital was coming, but fortunately, the guest didn’t seem to be disturbing the Duke’s peace. They felt relieved and pleased.

The Duke moved the mobility chair toward the office himself. Sienna walked beside him. A servant opened the office door ahead of them.

The guards of both Sienna and the Duke followed behind. At the entrance of the office, Sienna turned and spoke to Gilbert and Russ.

“You two wait here.”

The Duke then addressed his knights.

“You should stay here as well.”

As both sides’ knights hesitated, unable to respond immediately, the two of them entered the office. Only the servant followed in and closed the door.

The remaining knights exchanged awkward glances before returning to their original positions.

“That Duke isn’t ordinary.”

Russ muttered. Gilbert, who had been looking worriedly at the closed office door, snapped his head to the side. It was a statement he couldn’t just let pass.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I know someone similar.”

Russ thought of Mason, the general manager of the Raad Trading Company.

“What kind of person is he?”

“Not someone to be underestimated.”

Gilbert looked incredulous. Of course, he wouldn’t be underestimated. He was a duke of the Empire, a grand lord governing vast territories.

During the journey to the duchy, Gilbert had roughly gauged the Kali brothers. Although they hadn’t become close enough to openly share their thoughts due to their different positions, he had come to understand how different the brothers were. Unlike the serious Martin, Russ said things that one would usually keep to themselves.

There were many instances where things were smoothed over during the journey thanks to Gilbert’s easy-going personality. If he had been a more rigid knight, there would have been several clashes.

“Are you saying it’s dangerous to leave Her Highness alone with the Duke?”

“No, it’s not that he’s a bad person, but his intentions…”

The words "an old man with a dark heart" nearly slipped out. That was how Russ usually grumbled about Mason.

Even as thoughtless as Russ might be, he still had a basic level of discretion. Calling Mason “old man, old man” was a show of familiarity. He knew better than to use such crude language when referring to a high-ranking noble.

Russ searched for a different way to put it. The phrase “deeply calculating” was what he wanted, but it didn’t come to him.

“I mean… it’s hard to understand his true intentions.”

Gilbert nodded deeply.

“Then, Her Highness will be fine?”

“If you’re worried, go in and check.”

“Her Highness told us not to enter.”

“Then just wait.”

Watching Gilbert, torn between what to do, Russ thought, “He’s someone who goes looking for things to worry about.”

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