kscans

CHAPTER 6 FYUZARION – Episode 6 The Marriage of Jurchaga

1

There’s a phrase, “Jean Dessa Law,” referring to the “Great Barrier” that surrounds this world. It has come to be used to express surprise or lamentation when encountering or hearing something unbelievable. Bard has never used this idiom. After all, he has spent his life fighting demonic beasts spilling from the real “Jean Dessa Law” (Great Barrier) right before his eyes. He never felt the need to use it.

But today. Today, on January 17th, in the year 4276, Bard found himself uttering those words of astonishment, not once but twice.

The first time was when he saw Karz return with Doriatessa, whom he thought would never come back. The second was when Doriatessa leaped down from Krildzuka, ran up to Jurchaga, and said,

“As promised, I’ve come to be your bride.”

Jurchaga was flustered.

“Wha- What? Promise?”

“Yes. On our way from the waterfall to Himaya, you said you would take me as your wife. Have you forgotten? You’re terrible.”

From the waterfall to Himaya, Bard thought. He had no memory of such a thing. Was there really such an event? Ignoring Bard’s confusion, Jurchaga recovered and, placing his right hand on his left chest and kneeling on his right knee, bowed his head and said:

“Princess Doriatessa. Please become the wife of this unworthy Jurchaga.”

“Yes. I’d be delighted.”

Bard’s mind was still blank, unable to think properly. Looking back, he thought Jurchaga, who quickly recovered and proposed, was a great man.

“Jurchaga. This village is quite impressive. I’m surprised. It seems there have been various issues with trade with other towns. How about making this place an enclave of the Kovrien Viscountcy, with you becoming our son-in-law*? As the viscount’s husband, you’ll have the right to negotiate on behalf of the territory. It will be a direct territory of a noble directly under the great Emperor of Goriora. It will be the highest rank even among the frontiers. The lords of Himaya can’t even compare.” (t/n: the word use here is 婿, mean son-in-law or bridegroom. it means jurchage will marry into her family, instead of Dora marrying into his)

“But that means this land will become Dora’s.”

“Yes. I am the Kovrien Viscount, after all. The land, the houses, the livestock, everything belongs to the lord. The villagers, as vassals or subjects, will all become mine.”

“That’s terrible. You plan to take everything from me.”

“That’s right. So you must take me.”

And so, Jurchaga did just that.

2

Everything proceeded like a dream. And today, on April 1st, the wedding ceremony is being held. In a spring meadow like a carpet of flowers.

“Hahaha. Uncle, you are incredibly dense. To think you hadn’t noticed. Jurchaga and Lady Doriatessa were always close, looking down at the waterfall together, teaching each other the names of flowers and birds. They were clearly lovers.”

To be laughed at by Godon Zarkos for being dense was frustrating. It was frustrating, but he couldn’t retort. The reason Godon was here was that, on his way to the imperial capital, he happened to meet the procession of the Fafarlen family in the town of Izakross. Izakross is a town located about fifteen koku-ri southwest of Myrao Castle, at the easternmost edge of the Goriora Empire. When Bard was about to head to the imperial capital, a messenger from the king had also visited Godon, saying that since Lord Bard was coming, they would like to invite him as a guest to the imperial capital. Unable to leave due to unrest in his territory at the time, Godon set out for the imperial capital with a single attendant after things had settled down, thinking Bard would be staying there. Then, in the town of Izakross, he saw a procession of forty carriages and sixty knights heading to the frontier. When he asked what it was, he was told it was the wedding procession of the beloved daughter of Marquis Fafarlen, the Swordmistress Viscountess Doriatessa. Thinking Doriatessa was there, he approached.

Noticing Godon, the Marquise Karriem’s wife intervened. This intelligent woman, seeing Godon with a single attendant, guessed it was Godon Zarkos heading to the imperial capital and sent a knight to greet him. This knight was sent from the duchess’s family and held the second highest rank in this procession after Arflaburne. The Marquise Karriem was delighted by this encounter and invited Godon Zarkos to Fyuza.

This wise lady brought a priest and a painter, known in the imperial capital for his skill, to conduct the ceremony. His primary role was to paint a picture of Jurchaga and Doriatessa as a gift for the Marquis Fafarlen, who was sadly staying behind in the imperial capital. However, the Marquise Karriem had another plan in mind. To acquire a painting that included Bard, Karz, and herself. Adding Godon to this painting brought a deep smile to her face.

Overwhelmed by the lady’s eloquence, Bard later agreed to pose for a drawing. He found this lady difficult to deal with.

“Oh, Lord Bard. You had that look of ‘I find this woman difficult,’ didn’t you?”

This is why he found her difficult. Indeed, she was a person who had reigned over the social circles of the imperial capital, infested with all sorts of creatures, for many years. In a battle of words, there was no chance of winning against her.

However, he had to be grateful to this lady. She skillfully managed the rumors about Doriatessa’s adventure, preventing any strange rumors from spreading and turning it into a mythological story that circulated. This myth brought a refreshing breeze to the imperial capital, which had been devoid of bright topics due to heavy taxes, wars, conscription, and noble conspiracies. It was a sign that the gods blessed the king’s reign because miraculous and great events occurred. Therefore, when this woman proposed through her family that Jurchaga should be granted the status of a quasi-noble, the king nodded in agreement. It was a sign that he valued the appearance of the hero Bard Rowen, and by doing so, the entire adventure of Doriatessa gained weight.

Because of this quasi-noble status, this marriage became possible. Quasi-nobles are commoners, but they are granted the privilege of marrying a noblewoman while retaining her title and territory. This was due to historical necessity.

It turns out that when the Marquise Karriem first heard the story of the adventure from Doriatessa, she realized that Doriatessa’s true love was Jurchaga. So she somewhat forcibly summoned Jurchaga. At the end of their conversation, the Marquise Karriem subtly asked, “Who is the true partner of Doriatessa among the three of you?” referring to the “Three Pillars of Heroes,” Bard, Godon, and Karz. Jurchaga dodged the question. Then the Marquise Karriem launched a follow-up question, “Or is it another person?” Since there were only four people in Bard’s party besides Doriatessa, “another person” referred to Jurchaga. Caught off guard by this unexpected attack, Jurchaga could only offer a forced smile, which brought a full smile to the lady’s face.

3

“No, I’m surprised that Lord Bard hadn’t noticed. I thought you had noticed, which is why you assigned Jurchaga.”

Arflaburne added insult to injury to Bard’s wounded heart. This man, along with his two brothers, came all the way to this remote frontier to organize his sister’s wedding, bringing a vast amount of goods. These would become the village’s property and be used as supplies. Arflaburne, who joined Bard and the others in the frontier immediately, felt something suspicious about Jurchaga. And when Bard and the others were about to part ways at the port of Try, Doriatessa’s sad face suddenly brightened at Bard’s voice suggesting Jurchaga accompany Doriatessa, which made Arflaburne strongly suspicious. During the journey to the imperial capital, his suspicion turned into conviction.

“Well, neither of them mentioned such a thing, of course. I was so angry that I dragged Jurchaga to the training ground. And do you know what he dared to say?”

It was predictable. Something like, “Try to cut me if you can, I’ll dodge it,” or something similar.

“That’s right, Entrante. He said if anything other than the soles of his shoes touched the ground, it would be his victory. He would only run away without attacking. I’ve never been so insulted. I thought it was a good opportunity to crush a bad bug. I couldn’t kill him in front of Dory, but I thought I’d cut off one or two of his necks. I drew my demonic sword and attacked. But he dodged all my attacks. In the end, I tripped and fell.” (t/n: he called her Dolly, but then i need to change Doria to Dolia, which doesn’t sound as nice)

Come to think of it, during the great demonic beast attack, Jurchaga mentioned to Arflaburne that he had improved enough to cut. So that’s why.

Even so. Even so. It’s surprising that a great noble family from Goriora could marry off their daughter to such a distant barbaric land. From the perspective of a noble’s dignity, isn’t that something difficult to do? If they behave in a way that doesn’t match their status, the Fafarlen family’s authority would be damaged, and they would be despised. Honor is arguably the most important foundation for a noble family. This is entirely different from marrying Doriatessa to Karz within Goriora. It’s surprising that they managed to do this. When Bard mentioned this to Arflaburne, he was laughed at greatly.

“Hahahaha. That’s because you are here, Entrante. Under the guardianship of the heroes Lord Bard Rowen and Lord Karz Rowen, Jurchaga established a village at the foot of Fyuza. It’s a new legend. Some nobles are whispering that something great might be starting in the depths of the frontier. Anyway, Jurchaga has become a landowner, even if not a noble. If he develops this place and presents it to the king, he might eventually become a noble. Above all, the fact that Karz Rowen was the messenger to welcome Doriatessa as a wife is unparalleled. If Karz Rowen is the messenger to welcome Doriatessa as a wife, our family will gain great face against other families. There’s no way we could refuse.”

It’s a somewhat incomprehensible story. But one thing is clear. Karz Rowen is regarded much more highly in Goriora than Bard had hoped. Not just highly regarded, but in the end, it turned out that Karz visited the Fafarlen family as Jurchaga’s messenger and proposed to take Doriatessa as a wife, without any dowry. Nevertheless, the Fafarlen family took the fact that Karz Rowen was the messenger as an honor and married off Doriatessa. They thought it would make them look good in front of other noble families. It was delightful. Bard was immensely pleased that Karz Rowen was recognized to that extent. Bard’s impression of Goriora improved slightly.

But wait. Something’s wrong. When Karz went to Goriora before, why did he fight Arflaburne? Didn’t he say he thoroughly beat him just in case?

“Ugh. That matter? It started when Karz said that anyone who couldn’t beat him had no right to call Bard Rowen.”

Hey, Karz. What I heard is quite different from what you said.

“Actually, I had an argument with Dory before that. We were overjoyed and surprised by the report that she won the overall division of the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. However, when we heard that she received the prestigious position of a female officer instructor in Parzam as a reward, both my father and I were stunned. We found it somewhat difficult to understand the Prince of Parzam’s thinking. To put it bluntly, we were outraged. To appoint our princess to such a role without consulting the head of the family and call her to distant Parzam for a long time is outrageous. So I earnestly advised Dory to finish her duties as soon as possible and return home, then settle down in the family. Then Doriatessa also got excited and said she would decide her own path in life and that she already had someone she loved. To be honest, when Jurchaga wasn’t with her after the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament, we were relieved. We thought they had wisely parted ways because their ways of life were too different. Then there was Doriatessa’s argument. We ended up having a big fight. I was a bit agitated when I talked to Karz and said I wanted to invite Bard to the imperial capital someday. Then he said that. I couldn’t help but react to his condescending tone, saying that anyone who wants to marry our princess must have enough martial prowess. Karz immediately realized I was talking about Jurchaga and retorted. ‘Jurchaga is like my brother. I am the sword of the Rowen family. Jurchaga’s enemies are my enemies. In other words, if I beat Lord, Jurchaga can marry Lady Doriatessa, right?’ With such a clear declaration, I couldn’t back down anymore. We didn’t have a match but a duel. An ordinary referee wouldn’t do, so we asked Kirie Halifalth to come. I learned that there are opponents in this world against whom I have no chance. I was made thoroughly aware of it to the marrow of my bones.”

After that, Karz was challenged by Kirie and he also defeated him. This story reached the king. Karz Rowen, the son of the hero Bard Rowen and his first disciple, came to Goriora to test the martial prowess of its knights. If they passed the test, that is, if they could take even a single point from Karz Rowen, Bard himself would come. Somehow, that’s how the story went. Immediately, the country’s heroes and experts were gathered, and over six days with a day in between, twenty-four challengers faced Karz and were all defeated. From that day, the dream of Goriora’s swordsmen became to defeat Karz, break through the trial, and invite Lord Bard Rowen to the imperial capital. So, when Bard, who was almost lured to the imperial capital by the ministers, mysteriously disappeared just before reaching the imperial capital due to a summons from the Queen of Manuno, it seems to have been interpreted as not being able to meet the incarnation of the war god Mada-Veli without completing the trial of martial arts.

Hearing this outcome, Bard felt drained. And he thought again. He would never go to the imperial capital of Goriora.

Later, in Karz’s absence, Arflaburne provided additional explanations. Why it took six days with a day in between and why there were as many as twenty-four matches. Initially, the king planned to have a match with three elite knights. However, when powerful knights heard about this, they all wanted to witness Karz’s battle and requested to do so. Among these powerful knights were members of the Senate and knights leading powerful knight orders. The king had no choice but to grant their wishes. The problem was the venue for the match. The king couldn’t leave the imperial palace. But there are limited places within the palace where the king could watch the match. The capacity is small. Therefore, the match was divided into several rounds, and the condition was that everyone could only watch one match. However, this wasn’t enough. The women of the inner palace also requested to watch. Very fervently. The queens unanimously requested to watch. The princesses as well. The king had no choice but to nod to their overwhelming enthusiasm. Then, the powerful noblewomen who heard about this also requested to watch. Women like Marquise Karriem. The king and his bureaucrats had a hard time. In the end, it became six days and twenty-four matches, completely ignoring Karz’s convenience. The problem was how to allocate who would watch which match. After all, if Karz lost even once, the match would be over. They had already proceeded with such conditions. However, the noblewomen and the others looking forward to watching the matches couldn’t just be told, “Karz lost, so the match is canceled.” The queens came to the rescue in this difficult situation. They said they didn’t mind watching their matches towards the end. In other words, they believed Karz wouldn’t lose. Probably no one prayed for Karz’s victory more than the king during the matches. If he had known it would turn out like this, he probably wouldn’t have thought of having a match with Karz. As expected, Karz won. The number of attendants was limited for the spectators. As the second half began, wives and daughters who shook off their begging husbands and fathers and happily went to the palace with their favorite maids were seen all over the imperial capital. Karz continued to win, and after all the matches were over, he quickly left the imperial capital. He left behind a large number of gifts from noblewomen at the Fafarlen residence.

4

So, when Karz harshly dismissed the suitors in Parzam’s royal capital for Doriatessa, it was for Jurchaga. Thinking about it that way makes sense. Indeed. Wait. What about that matter? Doriatessa was offering sacrifices to the wind god Sosierra, wasn’t she? That was definitely a love sacrifice. The only one who worships Sosierra as a guardian god is Karz. Jurchaga himself answered this question.

“Ah, didn’t I say? When I became a quasi-noble, I had to decide on a guardian god. I thought about choosing the trade god En-Nu, but Dora said it felt too much like a merchant and didn’t like it. She said the god of wind Sosierra was cooler, so I should choose that one. Ehehe.”

What’s with the “ehehe”? Ah, I see. In Parzam’s royal capital, Jurchaga was often absent. I thought he was running around gathering information, but it wasn’t just that. He was probably sneaking into the royal palace and enjoying secret meetings with Doriatessa. That’s why Doriatessa visited Toad’s residence so frequently, mostly to meet Jurchaga. Karz, who had been silently listening to the conversation around Bard, suddenly talked.

“Father. So, you thought Doriatessa and I were in love?”

There was no other answer but “yes.” Despite it being spring, Karz’s gaze felt very cold.

5

“By the way, Jurchaga. Tell me your parents’ names,” Doriatessa asked, to which Jurchaga replied.

“Yeah. My mom’s name is Wanari. I don’t know my dad’s name.”

“Come on. You can’t not know your father’s name. Didn’t you ask your mother?”

Godon interjected from the side.

“Nope. Lord Godon. My mom didn’t know either.”

“It’s impossible she wouldn’t know her own husband’s name.”

“That’s because my dad was a man who ran away very fast.”

“So that’s what you meant!”

6

Later on, Bard realized something about Karz’s efforts. It was about the creation of the village Fyuzarion by Jurchaga. In other words, even if it was modest, it was about carving out and establishing one’s own territory. Such matters should have been communicated to the Fafarlen family by Karz. After all, there was no way for Arflaburne or Doriatessa to know about it other than through Karz’s mouth.

Karz had explained this. And also, he must have expressed his desire to welcome Doriatessa as his wife in that territory. Otherwise, such a large group would not have come all the way to the remote Fyuzarion. He must have accurately conveyed the location. Moreover, the emperor himself was informed about this matter. Karz had finished such arrangements in the imperial capital.

To ensure that the marriage between Jurchaga and Doriatessa was blessed and happy, Karz must have opened his heavy mouth, providing various explanations and persuasions. And indeed, upon arriving in Fyuzarion, Doriatessa showed a considerable understanding of the village’s actual situation. Naturally, she had heard it from Karz.

“Ah! Ah!”

Karz Rowen must have passionately advocated for Jurchaga and Doriatessa. It must have been a once-in-a-lifetime speech from this reticent man. What a delightful thing it was. Bard wished he could have seen Karz in that moment.

7

However, what was surprising was the abundance of gifts. But when Bard mentioned this to Arflaburne, the bride’s brother showed a subtly amused smile.

“Well, in truth, soon enough, we will receive gifts many times over, perhaps even tens of times more. We have informed His Majesty the Emperor about this marriage, and also reported to the Marquis Karriem, but the real situation is being kept very confidential for now.”

Despite the grand procession, Bard thought it wasn’t confidential at all, but he understood better after hearing more details. The Fafarlen family encompasses many nobles, including twenty count families. Among the subordinate noble families, Doriatessa’s marriage destination was a matter of great interest. If Arflaburne hadn’t been keeping a watchful eye, it would have turned into a fierce battle for marriage proposals. But no one expected her to marry into a family not even of nobility, let alone one from abroad. Hearing such news, many would desperately want to cancel the marriage to take her as their own bride. Therefore, the fact of the marriage was established first, and then, after some time, they planned to inform the subordinate families. By then, the families would have no choice but to accept it. And even if it was the edge of a remote frontier, they would try to send gifts. Arflaburne’s explanation was roughly along these lines.

What a hassle, Bard thought. Then, he suddenly wondered when Arflaburne had given up his affection for Doriatessa. He must have cut off those feelings, which is why he married the sister of Chantillion. Since it was impossible to ask the person himself, Bard thought he would ask Jurchaga when things settled down.

8

The children and villagers were overjoyed and made a great fuss, and then the wedding ceremony ended, and everyone went home, leaving behind many gifts. Even the Emperor himself had sent two carriages full of celebratory items. Godon also returned to his territory, saying he would come again sometime.

Out of sheer curiosity, Bard asked Doriatessa when she had started liking Jurchaga.

“It was probably then. Remember, after Lord Bard gave Karz his name and had him swear the knight’s oath, Jurchaga said, ‘I want that too, do it for me.’ Watching that, I thought, ‘Maybe I can live freely and honestly by the side of someone so free and honest.’”

In the end, they didn’t go through with the formality of Jurchaga marrying into her family. Even without it, such a flashy wedding procession stayed in Himaya. It seems the lord and other prominent figures were terrified and came to greet them. The dazzling array of high-ranking nobles and knights. It was a procession for the village chief born in the northern frontier to take a bride from the Goriora marquis family. It could be said there was no better proof of identity. In other words, even without specifically making it a viscount’s territory, Fyuzarion’s existence was recognized. Moreover, it seems to be recognized as a powerful village directly connected to the high nobility of Goriora.

It was decided to establish a family name for the future, as being merely a commoner village chief was not good. The Orgazard family. This was the family founded with Jurchaga as its first generation. Originally, when he became a quasi-noble, he could have established a family, but since he was a relative of the Rowen family, it was deemed unnecessary at the time. This family name would be recorded in Goriora’s records as an independent family, not subordinate to any country. It would probably be communicated to Parzam and Gaineria as well.

In April of the year 4276, the village of Fyuzarion was officially established. It was a small, small village. For now.