Chapter 391 - 270: The World is a Giant Makeshift Troupe

Chapter 391: Chapter 270: The World is a Giant Makeshift Troupe

Selas and his men were eating and drinking. The patrol captain, having received Ratifa’s instructions, finally felt at ease.

He approached Selas with a raised wine glass and said in a respectful, sincere tone, "Esteemed Mr. Selas, Her Ladyship the Countess has been informed of your arrival and welcomes you after your long journey.

She has specially arranged a private banquet in your honor, to be held tomorrow. Her Ladyship hopes you will take this evening to rest well and recover from your travels."

"Thank you for Her Ladyship’s arrangements, and for yours as well. We’ll rest well tonight and continue our journey tomorrow."

"Excellent. You can rest here tonight, and we will provide comfortable tents and plenty of food.

First thing tomorrow morning, I will personally escort you into Tiyaer, where Her Ladyship the Countess will be waiting for you in the castle."

"Very well. Let’s hope everything goes smoothly. Cheers!"

「The next morning」

Selas and his men, led by the patrol captain, set out on the road to the city of Tiyaer.

Sunlight filtered through the thin clouds, spilling onto the open plains. A gentle breeze swept by, carrying the fresh scent of soil. The lands of the North always possessed an air of fertile desolation.

Riding on horseback, Selas’s gaze swept over his surroundings, and he couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion. This was his second visit to Tiyaer, but his feelings were completely different from the last time.

The last time he came, he had been with Lord Henry to request the use of a garrison. Though Henry was far from weak even then, there was always that feeling... ’like we were living under someone else’s roof’?

However, returning to this land now, his mindset had changed dramatically.

’Now our lord, Henry, has been promoted from Baron to Count. With that elevation in status and honor, our forces are strong and our military prestige is soaring. The Bro Clan is a world away from what it once was!’

’We were strong yesterday, we are stronger today, and we will be even stronger tomorrow!’

This transformation filled Selas with confidence. He was, after all, representing an exceptionally powerful new Count!

In the distance, the city of Tiyaer gradually came into Selas’s view. Its tall walls, magnificent in the sunlight, were a testament to its status as the largest city in the Northern Lands.

’Valceger and Tiyaer were once called the twin stars of the Northern Lands. A pity that subsequent generations of its nobility grew ever more corrupt. The Valceger of today is no longer fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Tiyaer.’

’It just doesn’t have what it takes anymore!’

Banners bearing the sigil of Tiyaer fluttered atop the city walls, symbolizing the authority of the land’s ruler—Countess Ratifa.

Selas looked up. Today’s meeting, in a certain sense, would be a critical negotiation upon which the empire’s integrity hinged.

The patrol captain led the way, his expression still respectful but his tone now tinged with a bit more warmth. "Mr. Selas, Tiyaer is just ahead. Her Ladyship the Countess awaits you in the castle. I hope today’s meeting proceeds smoothly."

Selas nodded slightly and replied, "Thank you for your arrangements, Captain. I will do my best to ensure this meeting is a complete success, so that no one is left disappointed."

As they drew closer, the city of Tiyaer unfolded before their eyes.

The tall city gates stood open, flanked by two neat rows of soldiers. They stood ramrod straight, their gazes vigilant yet also holding a hint of curiosity.

These soldiers had clearly been told of the arrival of the messenger from the Bro Clan. Their gazes occasionally swept over Selas and his party, a flicker of respect in their eyes.

’This is the messenger from *that* Lord...’

Selas’s heart stirred. ’This respect is entirely due to the Bro Clan’s prestige, and to the awe inspired by Henry’s power.’

’This power is changing the political landscape of the continent, and Tiyaer, as a major power in the Northern Lands, cannot remain aloof.’

’Whether Ratifa chooses to get involved or not, she will eventually have to confront the impact of Henry’s rise.’

The party passed through the city gates and entered Tiyaer. Selas’s gaze swept across the streets. ’Quaint and elegant, orderly and vibrant,’ he thought. ’This is a city brimming with life.’

And Countess Ratifa was, without a doubt, the soul of this city.

The patrol captain led them through the streets, heading toward the castle.

The castle towered over the city’s center, like an insurmountable peak to all others, symbolizing Ratifa’s sovereign authority and noble status.

The castle gates were open, and several Attendants stood at the entrance, respectfully awaiting their arrival.

Selas swung himself off his horse and straightened his clothes, composing himself.

The patrol captain stepped forward to exchange a few words with an Attendant, then turned back to Selas. "Mr. Selas," he said, "Her Ladyship the Countess is waiting for you in the banquet hall."

Selas gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over the companions behind him.

Kurt squared his shoulders, but remained his usual taciturn self, though he was clearly a little nervous.

The patrol captain’s duties were now concluded. They followed an Attendant into the castle, walking down a long corridor until they finally reached the banquet hall.

The moment the doors were pushed open, Selas’s heart began to race.

The moment Selas and his party stepped into the banquet hall, the room fell silent. It was lavishly decorated, with a massive crystal chandelier hanging from the high ceiling, casting a soft yet brilliant light.

’Good lord, this is beyond extravagant.’