kscans

CHAPTER 6 FYUZARION – Episode 1 The Princess Knight and Suitors (Part 2)

5

“So, that’s when Godon-danna said this. Do you know, Count? He said, ‘Raw egg mixed with boiled Pran is not food, it’s a drink.’ When Krausk’s first lord and Bard-danna heard that, they burst into laughter.” (t/n: refer craftsman polpo chapter)

“Haha, Jurchaga. I’ve heard that story many times.”

“Doriatessa-dono, I’m hearing it for the first time.”

“The words that followed from Huddle Zoruarus-sama were a masterpiece.” (t/n: he was previously called Hadol, Hadur, Zoruars. now will stick to Huddle Zoruarus)

Jurchaga, Doriatessa, and Chantillion were chatting while drinking tea. Bard, too, was sitting back on the sofa, listening absentmindedly to their conversation. When Count Huddle Zoruarus had visited Bard, Jurchaga had been on his way to Linz and was not present at the time. So, Jurchaga probably heard about this exchange from Godon. Karz was standing, leaning against the wall, listening to the conversation, but his expression was calm. It might have been due to the content of the conversation or the absence of challengers today.

To deal with the influx of self-proclaimed well-wishers, Jurchaga had come up with two ideas. One was directed at the young knights who were aiming for Doriatessa. Bard’s son, Karz Rowen, would challenge them to a rapier duel, and the winner would have Bard arrange a marriage proposal to Doriatessa. This rumor was spread. However, only one challenge is allowed, and no proxies will be accepted.

The first person to applied timidly but was quickly accepted by Bard and Karz, leading to a flood of applications. There were even knights of an age that could hardly be called young. Karz Rowen’s fame as one of the “Seven Braves” in last year’s campaign had resounded, but it was also known that Karz had lost to Chantillion in the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. The challengers who thought they might win were mercilessly defeated by Karz, to the point where they would never dare to show disrespect again.

The way he did it was so severe that it made Bard think that he didn’t have to be so strict, and that he could have handled it a little more lightly. For some reason, Chantillion’s name was also on the list of challengers, but this time Karz did not hesitate to defeat this genius swordsman. Whether it was due to Chantillion’s humiliating defeat or not, many applicants withdrew, and eventually they stopped showing their faces.

Another incident involved someone trying to take advantage of Bard’s reputation and influence. Through Barry Toad, Jurchaga had obtained a royal decree. Bard Rowen, a great contributor to the national wars, had imposed restrictions on visitations due to his poor health. Only five visits per day were allowed, with a maximum of three people per visit. Reservations had to be made at least ten days in advance, and those not on the reservation list were not allowed to attend. This was strictly supervised by the Head Butler of Toad’s family. Furthermore, the visiting hours were limited to the afternoon, and they were handled simultaneously with the five visits. Those who were late were not allowed to enter. The head butler was to live a leisurely life after the closure, thanks to the accumulated salary, and he didn’t have to worry about his reputation. The great nobles tried to invite Bard to their homes, but he refused all of them. As Bard’s intention not to settle in this country and to return to his wandering journey soon became known, the number of visitation requests decreased.

Bard, who was able to regain peace, felt extremely calm and content. In reality, his health was recovering rapidly. The daily meals were incredibly delicious.

The steamed Shreini mountain bird from last night was also wonderful. The sauce was delicious. It was made by adding vegetable broth, red wine, and seasoning to the meat extract from the calf. Kamler could discern which sauce would suit the calf just by looking at it. He was quite something, but his way of speaking was irritating.

“In the military, a commander is said to accurately assess the qualities of the soldiers and assign them roles that make the most of their individual characteristics. If you can’t discern the quality of the calf’s meat and broth just by looking at it, how can you call yourself the head chef?”

Is it not possible to use more humble words? However, the food was excellent. Shreini was very rich in flavor and its complex and distinct taste was prominent, but after eating it for a while, a slightly hollow feeling could be felt. Perhaps if adult cow sauce was added, it would be good, but the delicate taste of the bird would be overshadowed. The broth from the adult cow, when not seasoned, seemed light, but it was actually very strong and distinctive, like a sturdy full-body armor made of metal. The sauce made from the calf was thick and had a strong initial taste, but it didn’t linger. It had a gentle charm that enveloped the dish. It was like a light leather armor that protected only the vital parts. By using the calf’s sauce, the sharp taste and subtle wildness of Shreini were brought out.

Cedermont also joined them last night and enjoyed Kamler’s cooking. Cedermont had been spending a lot of time in the royal palace’s archives recently. As the general of the army, Cedermont had unrestricted access to military records. He was meticulously studying the records of battles from ancient times to the present. Originally, Cedermont had been collecting records of battles from various countries as much as possible, even in rural areas like Pakula, to study formations and tactics. In terms of martial arts, Cedermont was more defensive than offensive. In other words, his defense was strong, but his ability to win in an attack was not. Instead, he excelled in tactics and strategy, leading a large number of soldiers horizontally and vertically, and his ability to read the flow of battle and engage in negotiations was far superior to Bard. Bard had always thought that he wanted to give this man hundreds of knights and see him unleash his power to the fullest. This unexpectedly became a reality due to the invitation from Parzam. Now, while actively reorganizing and training the Royal Direct Army, Cedermont was fully engrossed in reading the abundant military records stored in the Parzam Kingdom. In short, Cedermont was like a fish in water. Seeing Cedermont happily talk about the newly discovered military tactics, Bard narrowed his eyes.

6

Chantillion did not come today. In the room were Bard, Doriatessa, and Jurchaga. Karz had gone to the workshop of the leather armor craftsman Nitei. He had brought back the leather armor that had been delivered to Count Linz’s and was now requesting some fine adjustments in the capital.

Watching Doriatessa and Jurchaga chatting amicably, Bard was reminded of the days by the waterfall and felt nostalgic. Suddenly, Bard remembered something from before leaving Lordvan Castle after the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. He had asked Doriatessa if she would be okay. It was a concern about her older brother Arflaburne, who loved Doriatessa as a woman. What did Doriatessa answer at that time?

“If I go to Parzam, I’ll have a year or two. If there are still problems, I’ll follow the method Jurchaga taught me. He really taught me a good method. I’m truly grateful for that. I don’t want to cause any more trouble for you, Lord Bard.”

Doriatessa had said that the training of the female warrior candidates in Parzam was progressing very well, and it was likely to be completed in June or July of this year. If that happened, she would return home. But would she follow the good method Jurchaga taught her? What was that good method? What was the method that would cause trouble for Bard and the others? Bard asked them about it. Doriatessa blushed and looked down. Jurchaga explained.

“Oh, that. I already did it. Huh? No, no, it’s okay. There were no problems at all. I mean, I told Dora to tell Arfla that she has someone she likes and being with that person is her happiness. I thought maybe he would accept it and support her. But she did not say who it was, just that it was someone in the group.”

The group referred to Bard’s group. At that time, the four people together were Doriatessa, Bard, Godon, Karz, and Jurchaga. It would be one of those four. I see. It was a means to avoid causing trouble for the four by saying that someone in the group was the one she liked.

“After that, Karz and Dora went back to the country together. That’s when she told him. But everyone wasn’t that surprised. By everyone, I mean Dora’s father and brothers. It seems that when they returned from the frontier, it was already known that she had someone she liked.”

I see. After the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament, Doriatessa returned to the country. Karz visited the Fafarlen family as Bard’s representative. At that time, did she declare to Arflaburne that she had someone she liked? But Arflaburne wasn’t surprised. Not only Arflaburne, but her father and brothers were also not surprised. That was because the family had noticed that she had someone she liked when she returned from the frontier after defeating the demonic beast, the Great Red Bear.

I see. What? What? So, does that mean that saying there was someone she liked in the group was not just a means to an end, but the truth? Who? Who is it? Who is the person Doriatessa likes?

7

It might have been better to ask directly, but Bard hesitated. He didn’t mind being seen as a tactless old man, but he didn’t want to hurt Doriatessa. He just didn’t pay attention to these matters. For Bard, the intricacies of romance were not his strong suit.

Doriatessa went out onto the terrace and looked down at the garden and pond. It seemed like a nice breeze was blowing, swaying her long chestnut hair. Then, Doriatessa picked a flower, plucked its petals, and let them play in the wind.

Bard was taken aback. It was an offering to the wind god, Sosierra.

When a noblewoman falls in love with a knight, she offers sacrifices to the knight’s guardian deity to win their favor. This is because the guardian deity will then help facilitate the love between the knight and the noblewoman. What Doriatessa did was undoubtedly a love offering to the wind deity, Sosierra.

Among the four, who has Sosierra as their guardian deity? It’s Karz. There’s no one else but Karz Rowen. Bard’s guardian deity is the dark god Patarapoza, and Godon’s guardian deity is the earth god Ketcha-Li. Since Sosierra is a wandering god, a god not bound to any master, it’s rare for a knight to choose Sosierra as their guardian deity. Jurchaga hasn’t made a knight’s vow, so he doesn’t have a specific guardian deity, but he frequently pray to the trade god En-Nu. There has never been a sight of Jurchaga praying to Sosierra.

Doriatessa’s love interest is Karz. Jurchaga, who watches Doriatessa with a smile, surely knows about it.

Chantillion. Poor thing. Before he knew it, Bard had grown to love* with Chantillion. Refined in his actions, studies, martial arts, and battle command, yet strangely awkward and pure in his youth. Bard was drawn to this awkward earnestness. Bard totally sang a love song straight from the heart that he’d never been able to sing before. (t/n: i think author made a mistake and should be chanti here) And guess what? He did it without any hesitation! However, his vibe was a bit too much, kind of annoying, a bit off and awkward. But the splendid awkwardness was so endearing. Bard secretly prayed for their love to blossom and for Chantillion to be united with Doriatessa. Considering their status and way of life, the two seemed to be a good match. When Chantillion was delighted to learn that the Fafarlen family was a noble family, it was for that reason. They were a family that balanced the Argolide family, a family of great standing. Both were handsome and beautiful and skilled swordsmen. They seemed truly suited for each other. Moreover, if that were the case, they would come to Parzam as a bride, and they could be with Princess Shernelia. Bard believed that everyone would be happy. (t/n: the word used here is ‘daisuki’ 大好き)

However, if Doriatessa’s feelings are for Karz, it would be impossible to force her to marry Chantillion. It’s not something Bard should meddle in, but he wants to support Doriatessa’s wishes as much as possible. Nevertheless, Bard wonders what Doriatessa sees in Karz, that aloof and unsociable man.

Hmm. But upon further consideration, it’s not impossible. Karz may be taciturn, but he has a sense of justice and is a sincere man. In truth, he is incredibly kind. Upon Bard’s command to do everything possible to ensure Doriatessa’s victory in the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament, Karz put her through rigorous training. His severity was out of concern for Doriatessa. Even if Doriatessa came to hate him, Karz pushed her to the limit to ensure her victory. That is true dedication. Then, when Doriatessa lost to Chantillion in the rapier division of the tournament, Karz brought out Chantillion’s techniques in a model match and generously taught Doriatessa his secret techniques, all to give her a chance to win in the overall division. He didn’t care whether he won or lost against Chantillion, or what others thought of him. Karz was solely focused on Doriatessa. Doriatessa has the sensitivity to understand the meaning behind Karz’s actions. She knows who lifted her to greater heights and made her seemingly unattainable dreams a reality. It’s not surprising that affection would bloom there. No, it would be more surprising if it didn’t.

Having pondered this far, Bard realized something. If Doriatessa were to marry Karz, what would happen? In other words, she would become Bard’s daughter-in-law. The child born would be Bard’s grandchild. The Rowen family, which was supposed to die out, would continue. At this unexpected turn of events, Bard felt like shouting.

But after a tumultuous internal struggle, he reconsidered. He reminded himself not to entertain foolish thoughts. It’s important for the two to be happy, and any other motive would taint his words. He must restrain his feelings.

And so, what does Karz think of Doriatessa? As he pondered this question, various thoughts came to mind. Why did Karz fight Arflaburne? When Arflaburne said that as a swordsman who could defeat me, he had the right to meet my father, Karz said that Arflaburne had challenged him. But was that really the only reason? Perhaps Arflaburne wanted to test whether he was worthy of marrying Doriatessa. Did Karz sense this and that’s why he said, “I thoroughly beat him just in case”? Did he also defeat the suitors in Parzam because he was angered by those who approached Doriatessa?

It all adds up. Upon reflection, it makes sense. Is that so? Doriatessa thinks of Karz, and Karz thinks of Doriatessa. But do they know that they care for each other? It doesn’t seem like they do. Observing their interactions, it’s hard not to feel a distance between them. If that’s the case, shouldn’t he be the bridge between them?

No. Bard Rowen, don’t meddle unnecessarily. Remember how every love you tried to facilitate has ended in failure. It’s best to quietly watch over them.

And if the two were to be united, what should he do? What could he do? Bard pondered this and came up with an idea. In that case, he should receive land and a title in the Parzam Kingdom. It would be inherited by Karz and his descendants. In that case, it would be best to stay in this country for a while and see how their relationship unfolds.

Bard thought about the unseen future.