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Count Abarth’s Mansion.
It was the lord’s residence, situated in the heart of the fortified city of Del Solant.
The Abarth family was of martial lineage, with many warriors among its retainers. During the Great Expedition at the end of the war—the annihilation of the northern Gaz Empire—the current head, Roberto Abarth, was said to have made significant contributions, often crowned with the title of “hero.”
Until recently, it was said he had been inviting magical engineers to Del Solant, tirelessly working to revive the city and expand the Abarth family’s influence. Though nominally mere rural nobility, the Abarth family frequently came up in discussions within the Kwell Empire due to this background.
Thus—
“Welcome, honored guests.”
When the crew of the April visited Del Solant and requested an audience at Count Abarth’s mansion, Roberto Abarth himself came to the entrance, greeting them with a beaming smile.
The April was a mechanized vehicle owned by Alberic Gillette, a knight of the Vimac Kingdom. Alberic, representing the Vimac Kingdom, was said to be traveling incognito for “martial training” and had come to Del Solant—at least, that was the story told to the Abarth family. In other words, the Abarth family saw this visit as an opportunity to forge unofficial ties with a noble from a neighboring kingdom, which could aid their expansion of influence within their own kingdom.
“Greetings, am Roberto Abarth.”
Bowing, he was a striking figure with golden hair.
Quintessentially noble with his refined features sat atop a broad-shouldered, toned physique. Alberic shared a similar noble appearance, but compared to Roberto, he was somewhat plainer, exuding the ruggedness of a martial man.
Conversely, Roberto’s presence was so flamboyant that the word “hero” felt almost incongruous. His attire, adorned with gold and silver threads and bearing the Abarth family crest, gave an overall impression of opulence closer to royalty than nobility.
“Alberic Gillette.”
Alberic returned the bow.
Following him were Zita and Vivi, dressed as attendants. Both teenage girls, their presence was non-threatening. Among the April’s crew, these two appeared the most “harmless.” This was why Alberic often chose them as attendants for meetings with important figures. Though, as a result, he was frequently mistaken at destinations as a man who preferred young girls as attendants which was an unavoidable ridiculous misunderstanding.
Alberic and the two girls were led to an inner parlor. Along the way, they passed through a corridor lined with countless works of art, and Alberic mentally assessed the character of the Abarth family’s head.
(A touch of self-aggrandizement… perhaps?)
Among the artworks were several paintings and statues seemingly depicting Roberto himself, placed alongside those of historical heroes and famous works. It was as if he were subtly asserting his equivalence to them.
(—But a martial lineage? A “hero”? Really?)
As a knight, Alberic could gauge an opponent’s skill by their gait and posture. Roberto’s movements… didn’t seem like those of someone versed in martial arts. They were closer to an amateur’s. Yet, Roberto was undeniably one of the “heroes” of the last great war otherwise, Alberic and his crew would have had no reason to visit this mansion.
(…Simply dulled over five years?)
Already a regional lord crowned as a “hero,” perhaps he no longer saw the need to train his body or seek further martial glory.
“Please.”
Roberto ushered the three into a lavishly decorated parlor, offering them soft sofas before seating himself.
A brief exchange of noble courtesies, a few words.
Then—
“—And so, what brings you to the Abarth family?”
……
Alberic hesitated for a moment, unsure how to broach the subject.
Typically, the friendliness of nobles or royals who welcomed Alberic’s group ended here.
But—
“Count Abarth. I fully understand this is terribly forward for a first meeting—but I have a request.”
“Oh?” Roberto blinked.
“I’d like you to lend me the ‘item’ you unofficially acquired during the Gaz Empire’s capital siege.”
“…What?”
Roberto’s brow furrowed.
It was a natural reaction. His demeanor shifted instantly from that of a host to one wary of a potential threat.
“You want me to lend that?”
Roberto didn’t even ask “What are you talking about?” In truth, Alberic’s group wasn’t entirely certain Roberto possessed it. But his response confirmed it.
“Yes. I cannot divulge details, but we are currently on a special mission under the orders of the Kleeman Agency, a post-war reconstruction organization established with the cooperation of the Vimac Kingdom and several other nations.”
……
Roberto narrowed his eyes, studying Alberic, then Zita and Vivi standing behind him, separated by the sofa.
“The Kleeman Agency’s establishment involved the Kwell Empire as well. You may consider our request as one from the Kwell Empire’s emperor.”
“……Assuming all that is true.” Roberto said. “Why do you want it?”
“I cannot reveal that yet.”Alberic answered. “Due to the confidentiality required for this special mission, I cannot disclose.”
……
Roberto scowled, glaring at Alberic and his companions.
And then—
“—Hey.” Standing from the sofa, he addressed the maids waiting at the room’s edge. “Our guests are leaving. Escort them courteously to the main entrance.”
……
Alberic sighed and stood.
This was entirely expected. Logically, Alberic’s group’s request was far more unreasonable. It was akin to a stranger demanding, “Hand over your family heirloom.”
“Lord Abarth.” Alberic turned at the parlor’s entrance and said. “I fully understand your reluctance to part with it. But this concerns the peace of the entire Felbist Continent.”
……
But Roberto didn’t respond.
His blue eyes merely fixed on Alberic and his group with a silent glare.
Alberic—sighed again and left the parlor.
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