Kays Translations

Chapter 456: Showing Off Their Skills

The first destination on Saint Matilda’s tour was the territory of Prime Minister Duke Barriera.

Luwan had selected the duke’s domain as a gesture of gratitude for the appraisal that formally established Matilda’s reputation as a Saint. Barriera also possessed a vast territory immediately south of the Royal Capital, making it a convenient first stop.

Members of Marquis Halagoura’s faction initially complained that the Prime Minister was abusing his office to place his own territory first. Their criticism faded when the Luwan delegation publicly stated that the choice had been theirs.

Most nobles regarded the complaint as ordinary factional hostility and politely pretended not to hear it.

“It looks as though we have entered Duke Barriera’s territory,” Zion reported after opening one of the carriage windows.

The procession had just passed a territorial checkpoint.

“It’s already noon. If we crossed the border, we’ll probably stop soon,” Tauro said.

Their specially built carriage was pulled by six horses and carried a large number of Matilda’s young attendants. Most were common-born specialists or members of lower-ranking noble houses. Tauro and Aeris would ordinarily never have been placed among them, but the organizers were determined to keep them separated from the Saint.

After another hour of jolting travel, a village appeared ahead.

The leading carriages had already arrived and begun their midday rest. Tauro’s carriage entered near the end of the procession.

When its passengers moved toward the village square, they discovered that the entourage had already divided itself by rank. The children of high-ranking nobles and their followers occupied the area closest to Matilda, while the lower-ranking nobles and commoners could barely approach her.

Suguro, Marquis Halagoura’s grandson, and his companions were making particular efforts to monopolize the Saint’s attention.

“It appears Suguro has volunteered for the unpleasant task of entertaining her,” Aeris said with a smile as Matilda and the high-ranking group entered the village assembly hall. “That’s convenient for us.”

“It’s convenient for us, but unfortunate for everyone else,” Tauro replied. “This tour was supposed to help talented young people form connections. Rank is preventing most of them from doing so.”

His concern soon proved unnecessary, at least where he and Aeris were concerned.

The passengers from their carriage now knew that Tauro and Aeris belonged to Houses Graunewald and Van Dyne, two prominent houses known for political neutrality. They also saw that Tauro traveled with Zion, a common-born half-beastman, and learned that he was an active adventurer.

That made the pair seem far more approachable than the nobles surrounding Matilda.

The young specialists quickly began introducing themselves. Most clearly hoped that displaying their abilities to a count’s son or a marquis’s daughter might lead to future employment.

They’re certainly bold, Tauro thought, realizing that shyness wouldn’t prevent them from pursuing opportunity.

“Lord Tauro, I’m also skilled with a bow. Would you agree to a friendly contest?”

“Lady Aeris, I was selected because of my light magic. Could you evaluate it?”

“I was chosen for my combat ability. Lady Zion is a fighter as well, is she not? Would she accept a light practice match?”

Their enthusiasm became difficult to resist.

None of them wanted to finish the entire journey as anonymous members of the Saint’s entourage. A favorable impression on a powerful noble house could transform a commoner’s future or rescue the prospects of a younger child from a minor family.

“Very well. Let us use that open space,” Tauro finally agreed.

Aeris and Zion followed him toward a corner of the square, and the young participants cheered at the chance to demonstrate their talents.

Inside the assembly hall, Matilda was enjoying a comfortable meal when the growing noise outside caught her attention.

“What’s happening out there?”

“Someone go and look,” Suguro ordered one of his followers.

The young noble hurried outside, eager to prove useful.

“It’s probably the villagers gathering for a glimpse of you,” Suguro told Matilda.

“Then perhaps I should wave to them before we leave. This is Duke Barriera’s territory, after all.”

“That may not be wise, Lady Matilda. Showing the Prime Minister too much favor could create political trouble. It would be better to greet the people formally when we reach the ducal capital rather than entertain villagers here.”

Suguro had probably received instructions from his grandfather, Duke Barriera’s political rival, to avoid actions that would enhance the Prime Minister’s prestige.

“Is that so? What do the rest of you think?” Matilda asked the Luwan attendants.

Because Suguro was the grandson of one of Sart’s most influential nobles, they hesitated to contradict him.

The follower returned before anyone offered a clear answer.

“The common-born members and minor nobles are displaying their skills in the square.”

“How desperate,” Suguro laughed. “Lady Matilda, dining and conversing with us is surely a better use of your time.”

He offered her another serving and dismissed the activity outside.

In the square, Tauro prepared to answer the archery challenge.

The young hunter who had proposed it went first. He had hunted with his parents from childhood and was known in his home district for exceptional talent. His local lord had recommended him for the Saint’s entourage.

For someone close to Tauro’s age, his technique was excellent enough to rival an experienced adult.

His first arrow struck the center of a wooden target. He followed with several more shots grouped tightly around the same point. Finally, he covered his eyes and hit the target again, drawing cheers from the spectators.

The performance was impressive enough that several of the young people worried Tauro would struggle to surpass it.

“Your turn, Tauro,” Aeris said brightly. “Show them what the leader of an adventuring team can do.”

She wasn’t intimidated by the hunter’s skill. Instead, she sounded delighted that he had set a high standard for Tauro to answer.

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