Soltis, the head of the Nistonian family, brought his wife and daughter.
He had left his son at his estate, probably fearing that he would be assassinated and his family would die out.
However, since he was asked to bring his family, he could not bring only himself. Therefore, he brought the woman with him. It is true that women are generally more likely not to be assassinated.
I greeted Soltis with Kerala. I asked Raviara to show us the way to his wife and daughter.
"Thank you for coming all the way from afar. We had hoped to make friends with the Nistonians. Next to me is my vassal, Kerala.
Kerala also bowed.
"No, it is my pleasure to be invited by the Count and the Crown Prince. ......"
Solstice''s expression is hard. Rather, it seemed as if he was rather apprehensive.
"I don''t like to keep things from you, so I''ll tell you what''s on my mind, but I think you might have thought I was trying to kill you.
"Well, nothing like that ......."
I was so direct that the other side seemed to panic.
"That is a needless worry. Because I serve His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. I would never do anything to disgrace His Highness. If I did, all the lords around me would leave.
"I see. That''s, yes, that''s ......."
"First, I would like you to meet His Highness. After that, I will show you the castle with Kerala."
Hasse seemed to be getting used to his new attitude as the crown prince, and he was looking very eagle.
The furnishings in the room opposite him were expensive. The furnishings in the room opposite him were expensive, indicating that he was not just calling himself the crown prince.
The presence of Hasse''s seven-year-old daughter also made the formal atmosphere more relaxed.
Now the ceremonial work is done. All that was left was to follow Kerala''s escort.
"My name is Kerala Hilala. I will first take you to the top floor of the castle where you can get a good view of the city of Maust."
From the observation deck on the top floor, we had a clear view of Maust, which is lined with waterways.
"The castle looks as magnificent as a royal city. ......"
Soltis seemed surprised to see the view again.
"It is an exaggeration to say that it looks like a royal city, but I am honored by the compliment. The population is probably over 10,000.
"Ten thousand at ....... That''s a big city, after all. ......
As my territory expanded, the population grew at an accelerating rate.
"It takes a certain amount of prestige to receive the Crown Prince. I am relieved that we have somehow managed to keep up appearances. Now, Kerala, show us where to go next.
"Yes. Yes, sir. Now let''s go to the armory.
Kerala headed for the collection room, which she had built for the occasion.
The territory has expanded to include a number of large temples. There, top-quality weapons are sometimes dedicated as prayers for victory in war and other occasions. Such items were collected there.
The floor is carpeted with exquisite patterns. Together with the decorations of the weapons, it is a very vivid room.
"What a ....... Such a large amount of stuff ......"
"I''m only a soldier by profession. Many of my subjects are also very rude, and they complain that I''ve become inert and weak if I collect only paintings and antiques."
"I wonder if there are any rooms like this in the royal palace: ......"
"We may not be able to reach the royal palace, but we must have enough to call it a palace apart for His Highness."
From then on, Kerala graciously entertained Solstice.
Especially at the dinner table, she brought in delicacies from the mountains and the sea and served various kinds of wine.
Kerala pours sake for Solstice.
We have prepared sake from various regions. Please enjoy the different flavors.
"Well, thank you very much."
Gradually, Solstice seemed to relax.
"And now, we are going to see a dance by a dancer from the royal capital. Please pay attention to the front.
The women in colorful and glamorous costumes performed a splendid dance.
"My Lord Kerala, and my Count, I have never had such an extravagance in my life. This is the power of one who is on par with the royalty.
Soltis is gradually coming to understand the difference in power.
But one important thing remained.
"Tomorrow, you will see the marching practice of the soldiers. My Lord Althrod is mindful to send the Crown Prince to the capital."
Kerala said so in the clean pronunciation of King''s Landing.
And the next day.
Solstice was really shaking her legs from the heights of the castle as she watched the march and demonstration of my SS.
Because I had been watching the demonstrations and such up close. My presence motivates the soldiers. Kerala told me everything that Soltis had told her.
"Is it possible to make an army this disciplined ......?"
So Soltis is said to have said.
"There is a secret to this.
"Secret?"
"My master is a man of many battles and many exploits. More than once he has defeated the enemy despite being outnumbered. It is a source of pride for warriors to fight under the leadership of such men. Therefore, they do not neglect even their training.
Soltis seemed to gasp.
"And on the way to the capital, where His Highness will be sent, there is the province of Shala.
The very province where the Nistonian family is located.
"If the Nistonians would cooperate, my Lord would feel more at ease."
Soltis must have known that this was a threat.
But Kerala''s hospitality was not such an antagonistic one.
So Kerala bowed her head firmly. That''s what I''m told.
"As a humble retainer, I ask selfishly for your help with Arsrod."
Soltis wanted to meet me. And when he joined me, he promised to show me the way into the province of Shala.
"Thank you for your decision on behalf of the Crown Prince.
I took Solstice''s hand firmly in mine.
Now I had the Nistonians and their navy without a fight.
Next we will attack the Antoinians in earnest.