Chapter 105 - Chapter 8: The Banquet
The banquet in the Great Hall began.
The edges of the red carpet were adorned with golden tassels. From the ceiling hung several chandeliers made of cross-shaped silver plates holding numerous candles. In the center of the tables stood silver candelabras, surrounded by a lavish spread of dishes, while attendants moved about pouring wine and beer.
Mary, wearing a crimson dress that boldly exposed her chest and shoulders with gold rose embroidery on the collar and sleeves, was surrounded by knights of the Kingdom Army. Beatrix, in a pale pink dress with a large white decorative cord tied around her waist, was surrounded by middle-aged male guests. Lyudmila, wearing a pink children's dress with a fluttering hem, was surrounded by noblewomen.
"They're quite popular, aren't they?"
Paul-san, wearing his rugged autumn/winter Green Marble gear and holding a beer in one hand, looked at the three crowds with admiration.
"Did Bishop Catherine teach them those techniques too?"
What techniques do you mean? I think that kind of thing is innate.
As we spoke, another person approached.
"Priest Jeanne. It is a pleasure to meet you."
He stepped back with his left foot, bowed, and offered his right hand. I extended my hand so that the ring on my right middle finger—the proof of an ordained priest of the state religion—was visible, and he kissed the ring.
"The pleasure is mine. May the Goddess's blessing be upon you."
Several people came in turns after intervals. I could have said something more clever after the initial greeting, but I stuck to safe words of blessing. I thought the King and Queen had sufficiently achieved vengeance for Roberts-sama and Gladys-sama, but with this many people, I started to wonder if I'd been hit by some strange curse.
"You're quite popular here too, aren't they?"
Paul-san was grinning.
"It's not that. After greeting me, everyone asked about the Headmistress. The popular one is the Headmistress."
That was actually the case. Setting aside the talk of the decorations, they only asked about the Headmistress. I was told to give her their regards, but there were so many I couldn't possibly remember them all.
"The royals were asking about Jennifer-sensei too, weren't they?"
Marcelo-san, being a former priest, was naturally not wearing vestments. He was greeting people quite normally.
"That's right. Apparently, she came here for the decorations last autumn... She's actually a celebrity, isn't she?"
Setting aside Gladys-sama, whom I had met in advance, even the King and Queen asked about her. I wonder if she used to be a tutor for the royals along with the Headmistress in the Royal Capital.
While I was tilting my head in thought, another person arrived. It was a middle-aged man dressed as a knight with a sharp, sun-tanned look.
"Hey, Paul. It's been a long time."
"Oh! If it isn't General Victor. Good to see you're doing well."
They laughed and embraced. They seemed quite close, but if he's the General, isn't he the highest-ranking person in the Kingdom Army? Who exactly is Paul-san?
"General, let me introduce you. This is Marcelo, who drew the magic circles all over the Eastern Plains that led to our decorations. Marcelo, this is General Victor of the Kingdom Army."
Marcelo-san bowed respectfully, like the former priest he was. Honestly, that style looked much easier. When wearing vestments, formal etiquette gets in the way and is nothing but a bother.
"So it was you. You did well. Magic circles are always expensive, so I was hesitant. Because a man like you was there, the Church became willing to cooperate. It was a great help. You have my thanks."
He bowed deeply. He was quite a humble person.
"No, no, it was something my people discussed and started together; I simply drew the magic circles as I was told."
"No, no. You're too modest. Well, fine. Tell everyone that it was of great use in exterminating the monsters lurking in the Demon Lord's forest."
"Thank you very much. I will be sure to tell them."
He bowed respectfully again.
"And this is Priest Jeanne. The developer of the Green Marble we are wearing."
"No, no, it was something we all developed together."
"Oh, I see. It is a pleasure to meet you, Priest Jeanne. I am Victor. I am entrusted with the Kingdom Army by His Majesty the King."
I gave my twenty-somethingth "pleasure to meet you" greeting of the day.
"Hmm, hmm. So this is the autumn/winter version Gladys-sama was talking about. I couldn't tell well during the ceremony because it was far away, but I see, just by adjusting the colors, the impression changes that much."
He looked intently at what Paul-san and Marcelo-san were wearing. I heard that if the King and the General gave the OK, it would be officially adopted. Everyone's souvenirs depended on this. I really hoped he would like it.
"How about it? Will you officially adopt it for the Kingdom Army?"
"Hmm."
He crossed his arms. Was it difficult?
"What is it? Do you not like it?"
"No. It's not that."
"Then, what is it?"
"Is this not something a hunter would wear?"
That was true. The original was a hemp sack, so it wasn't a high-quality item. The Kingdom Army people who came to greet us were all dressed beautifully. As expected of the central army, if the material or appearance is poor, is it no good...?
"Is it bad if it's something a hunter wears?"
"No, but if the Kingdom Army officially adopts it, won't those who work as hunters be unable to wear it?"
"Well, they couldn't just wear it as they please."
"That's why I'm troubled. Whether to officially adopt it, or to intentionally leave it out so hunters can wear it too."
"Hmm."
It was a difficult matter. If it became officially adopted, we might not be able to sell it at events anymore. That would be a problem in its own way.
"I think this is the best field uniform for Sertoria, which focuses on guerrilla warfare in the forests. It can be worn over armor, and it allows one to hide from the enemy. Since it's originally a hemp sack, it's durable. Because of the pattern, it doesn't matter if it gets a bit dirty. Setting aside the cavalry who should stand out, there are many soldiers, mainly Jaegers, who want to wear it. However, that is precisely why I want the hunters who undertake scouting on the front lines to wear it."
"Hmm."
Even Paul-san started crossing his arms. But we had received quite high praise. The highest-ranking person in the Kingdom Army called it the best field uniform. Now, I really wanted everyone to be able to wear it. I didn't care about the reward money anymore.
"Paul-san, do you have a moment?"
"What is it? Did you think of something?"
"Um, I think it would be best if anyone who wants to wear it can do so, regardless of their profession."
"Is it okay if it's not officially adopted?"
"Yes. Not as something official, but so that anyone can wear it—so that the central army and Jaegers can wear it, and hunters and we can wear it too."
"But there are clothing regulations... Clothes that aren't officially adopted are treated as private property... Is it okay if they're treated as private property!"
He seemed to realize it. It's just clothes after all; the high-ranking people just need to allow those who want to buy and wear them to do so.
"Yes. It's not for ceremonial use."
"As expected of a priest, you are selfless. How about it, Paul? We won't make it official and won't recognize it as a uniform. However, wearing it during operations will be permitted. It's a quasi-official status, so to speak. Instead of applying current regulations, we just change the regulations."
He nodded as if he understood, but something seemed to bother him. He frowned slightly.
"But then there's no reason to reward Jeanne, who developed it. This time we're getting medals for a separate matter. I heard that behind the scenes, the decoration for the Green Marble was passed over. In other words, there won't be a decoration for the Green Marble anymore. If it's not officially adopted, no reward money will be issued either."
"That's the problem. I'm troubled by that."
"That's fine, really. If it's useful for people to wear, please let them wear it."
I waved my hands in a hurry. We can't make many at once anyway. Rather than that, it would be better if it became popular and I could sell out the ones I made myself at events.
No, wait a minute... I have a good idea.
"Um, Victor-sama, I have a suggestion."
"What is it?"
"This was originally a method I learned at the orphanage in Nakanohara, where we dyed shaped hemp sacks."
"Yes. I have heard. It was a good idea."
"In other words, anyone can make it if they learn the dyeing method."
Experience is needed to get the hang of it, but once you're used to it, it's not that difficult.
"However, if everyone starts making it, it won't benefit you at all, Priest Jeanne."
I appreciated the concern, but we had to produce a large number. It was impossible for me to handle the entire Kingdom Army's share alone.
"I don't mind that, so I think it would be good to set up a workshop for those who are struggling to make a living, especially women with children... for example, war widows, and have them make it there. If the Kingdom Army only purchases and wears the ones made there... I will sell only the ones I make myself in Nakanohara."
War widows receive condolence money, but it's only about six months' worth, and their lives remain difficult. It would be fine if they could remarry immediately, but that's not always the case. In Nakanohara, Adolf-san is considering various things, but there simply isn't enough money.
The profit margin for one Green Marble outfit, thanks to Beatrix, is about eight copper coins. I've heard the Kingdom Army, including the guards, has ten thousand people, so that's eighty thousand copper coins—in other words, a profit of two hundred gold coins can be expected. If they aren't extravagant, nearly ten households could live on that alone for a year. Since the autumn/winter version is long for use as a coat and has a triple-layered structure with thin wool fabric to make it thick, it can be sold for twice the price. The whole thing could even be made of wool.
In addition, if sales for spares and general hunters are included, it should be enough money to feed four to five times that many people for a year.
"What..."
He stood with his mouth open in shock. Did he think it was an impossible calculation?
"Priest Jeanne. Please wait a moment."
General Victor went somewhere.
"Was it a failure?"
"No, I don't think so."
General Victor returned with the King and Queen. Apparently, the Queen had always been worried about war orphans and widows. She seemed to really like the proposal made to General Victor.
While I was surprised, the bearded King stepped forward.
"Priest Jeanne. I am impressed by your proposal. To extend a helping hand by providing new workplaces for those in need."
"No. I am only following the teachings of the orphanage in Nakanohara."
"What are the teachings of the orphanage?"
"To be economically independent. Not to be someone who bows their head to receive money, but to be someone who can use money for those who are bowing their heads."
"Are those Bishop Catherine's teachings?"
"Yes. Also, Jennifer-sensei admonished me many times. I also learned this marble dyeing from Jennifer-sensei."
When I said that, the King nodded several times. I heard the Headmistress was a tutor. He must have been taught the same way when he was a child. It's intimidating, but we are, so to speak, fellow students. It should resonate.
"Priest Jeanne. To tell the truth, marble dyeing itself has been passed down in my family, and the Queen has also inherited it. If you would permit it, would you teach the Queen the color schemes for the field uniform marble dyeing you devised?"
"Priest Jeanne, I also ask this of you. If you could teach me, it would be possible to gather women who are struggling, sell the well-made items to the Kingdom Army to make a profit, and pay them wages."
This had become a major affair. I'd been asked by the King and Queen. There was no way I could refuse.
"Of course. If my humble skills are sufficient, please use them."
While I was floating on air after the Queen took my hand, a person wearing a lozenge-shaped hat was brought over by the General.
"Your Majesty. I found Evans. This fellow was dozing off in the waiting room."
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I was up late last night researching something, so I inadvertently..."
"Evans, make sure your dozing isn't noticeable. By the way, I'd like to borrow your wisdom for a moment. Oh, before that, this is Priest Jeanne."
When I gave my "pleasure to meet you" greeting, it turned out he was the State Chancellor.
Oh no, this is getting more and more serious. For now, I have to do something about my shaking hands.
General Victor explained the situation. In short, it seemed to be about what to do for my reward.
A... a small reward is fine. No, if I could just get five Deluxe Highway Cookie Assortment boxes, that would be plenty.
"I see, that is wonderful. However, there might be one problem. There will be failures until they get used to it. That said, if we only pay wages for skilled work, it won't serve as relief."
"Can't we just redye the failures?"
"What do you think?"
Both of them looked at me.
"Um, redyeing isn't possible. Unless you make it pitch black... Oh, wait, if we make it Black-Purple, it'll be fine!"
I said it without thinking.
"Black-Purple?"
While everyone was tilting their heads, Paul-san stripped off his autumn/winter Green Marble, saying, "Like this." He was wearing Black-Purple underneath.
"This is Black-Purple."
He looked at me and grinned. He whispered that this is how you do a sales pitch. It was an intimidating thing to do to the King and other very important people, but it saved me for now.
"It's clothing for nighttime or dark places."
When I said it was originally for rat extermination, they were impressed. The reaction was quite different from Hans-san's.
"Then it's settled. If the marble dyeing fails, just redye it in Black-Purple. If it tests well, it can be used as clothing for night combat. If it sells, we can sell it to the general public too."
"That sounds feasible. In that case, let's do this. Your Majesty, please permit the use of the national crest on well-made marble-dyed items. An embroidery on the left chest should suffice. We will buy those as passing products for the Kingdom Army at a slightly higher price. Since it's much cheaper than the current official items, we could even double the price. Other items will be sold to the general public at the original price. The poorly made ones will be redyed Black-Purple for night combat."
Before I knew it, even Black-Purple was about to be officially adopted. Is this okay...?
"That's a good arrangement, but what about the reward for Priest Jeanne? That's the problem."
"Considering the amount, how about the Third Class Special Reward? The reason will be the proposal for relief measures for the needy. It will be a larger reward than just for developing a field uniform."
"I see, so that's how you'll reward her. Evans, you really are clever."
"No, no. I just happened to think of it."
I didn't quite understand, but it seemed I would receive reward money. And apparently, it would be more than just a small sum. I was grateful.
While I was surrounded by the King, Queen, Chancellor, and General, Roberts-sama and Gladys-sama also arrived.
"Yo, Priest Jeanne. It's been since the Eastern Plains. Thanks for looking after Gladys yesterday."
"No, not at all. I had a wonderful time as well. It's good to see you're doing well, Roberts-sama."
"The Class of 175 has become quite popular, hasn't it? You're surrounded by people everywhere."
"Truly. I'm envious."
"You are also surrounded by those who carry the core of this country, starting with His Majesty the King."
"Well, as things turned out..."
It meant something different from the other three being surrounded, but there was no point in explaining.
"Roberts. Good timing. I have something to say."
"What is it, brother?"
"The field uniform you recommended for decoration this time—it was decided just now to make it eligible for the Third Class Special Reward."
The Chancellor and the General explained the details.
"I see. That's a great idea. However, several people in the Eastern Plains are already wearing them; what shall we do about that?"
"It doesn't matter. They can just buy the ones with the crest again. But how did they get them?"
"Gladys and I dyed them, imitating the real ones we bought in Nakanohara. You learned marble dyeing too, didn't you, brother?"
"I learned it, but I haven't done it since I taught the Queen. Besides, I didn't think of applying it to field uniforms."
I see. So that's what the Eastern Plains soldiers were wearing. But I never imagined the King or Roberts-sama could do it. Were they trained by the Headmistress with her staff?
The Third Class Special Reward was ten gold coins—ten times what I expected—and I also received permission to sell the ones I dyed in Nakanohara with the crest embroidery. Of course, I could also sell the ones without the crest at events. In exchange, I was to teach the dyeing method to those in need, including war widows living in Nakanohara, and have them make it. The details would probably be discussed with Adolf-san.