Side Story: Rudian Raller
In a dimly lit room where the flickering light of the fireplace cast wavering shadows, a man sat in a fur-covered chair, gazing at the dancing flames within the hearth.
Beside him stood Punshal, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead and cheeks, whether from the heat of the fire or some other cause.
"So… Tould, the old man, and that redhead from Smollen were there too?"
"Y-Yes… Yes, sir. I had no idea those two would be in Valla-Glas… According to the man we placed with Count Tould, they were supposed to be staying in Louwoul, west of Valla-Glas, around that time. That's why I headed to Valla-Glas…"
Punshal pulled out a small handkerchief, wiping his forehead as he spoke to the man seated in the chair.
"Hmph! That Smollen is so unpredictable, I'll let it slide that you didn't anticipate him… But the spy who reported Tould's movements… he needs to be dealt with. And this…"
The man held out a piece of paper to Punshal, showing it to him.
"Uh… It wasn't there. Baron Raller, you've never seen this letter. I, Punshal, lost Count Tould's letter on my way back."
Punshal hurriedly approached Baron Raller and tossed the paper into the fireplace.
"I sent you to gauge what kind of man this Labil of House Tould is, Punshal, but all you've done is give me a headache."
"Please forgive me… If only Baron Smollen hadn't shown up there, things would've worked out somehow."
Punshal clasped his hands together, bowing respectfully as he pleaded for forgiveness.
"In a backwater barony like this, talent is scarce, so even your meager skills are useful. But you'd better do your job well when you're actually needed, don't you think, Punshal?"
Baron Raller stood from his chair, picked up a small tin goblet from the table beside the fireplace, and poured himself a drink, turning his head toward Punshal as he spoke.
"Y-Yes, I understand. I live every day with gratitude for your kindness in employing someone like me, my lord."
"Then, as a reward for your flattery, let me tell you a little story… But first, can you see these fingertips?"
Baron Raller set down the goblet, removed his glove, and showed Punshal his hand.
"Are… are your nails painted, my lord?"
Punshal squinted, straining to see the baron's hand in the dim light. At the tips of Baron Raller's nails, irregular black patterns were faintly visible.
"Painted, yes. It's poison, sourced from the distant lands south of the Pestronak Mountains. Just as you say you live each day with gratitude, Punshal, I start every morning by dipping my nails in this poison."
"Poison…? Are you alright, my lord? Even if it's just your nails, it's still poison…"
"What, worried I might accidentally pick up bread or scratch my head with these hands? It was tough at first—fevers at night, sleeplessness, cold sweats pouring like rain…"
"That's… incredible, my lord."
Punshal stared wide-eyed at the baron's hand.
"I'm not showing off about poisoning my nails. It's about resolve, determination—keeping myself sharp every day. If I let my guard down, this poison will kill me first."
Baron Raller gazed at his blackened nails as he spoke.
"Hearing your story, my lord, makes me want to dedicate myself even more to serving House Raller."
"Hah, you always know what to say, Punshal. Because of these hands, I have to wear gloves even to touch my beloved child's face or hold someone's hand. I was about to complain about that, but I'll let it go."
Baron Raller put his glove back on and spoke to Punshal.
"I'll engrave your words and the sight of those hands deep in my heart, my lord."
Punshal knelt on one knee, bowing low to the baron.
"Enough about my hands… I was just thinking about Lanta Fortress."
"You mean the fortress in Birch Forest?"
Punshal looked up, eyes wide, at Baron Raller.
"I was wondering what it'd be like to let the soldiers of House Smollen at Lanta Fortress taste this nameless poison on my fingertips… Not right now, but in the near future, perhaps…"
"That's a brilliant idea! I'll prepare the men for it."
"Good… Always be prepared. For now, let's keep an eye on Lanta Fortress. It'll be mine eventually, so I hope they build it sturdy."
Side Story: Rudian Raller - End
*****
Some time later… Iris and Gravel sat at a table scattered with papers covered in small handwriting and drawings.
As Iris stood, shifting her footing to demonstrate swordsmanship stances, a neatly dressed maid approached. Her hair was tied back, and she wore a black dress with a white apron. She informed them that dinner was ready and offered to escort them to the great hall.
At her words, Gravel and Iris gathered the scattered papers, stuffed them into a bag, and followed the maid to the great hall.
As they descended the stairs, the lively chatter of people filled the corridor. When the doors to the great hall opened, the noise grew louder. Long tables lined the hall, laden with plates of food. Wine sloshed into goblets, and soldiers laughed, talked, and savored succulent, greasy meat. The scene unfolded before Gravel's eyes.
"Come, Gravel, Iris!"
From the far end of the hall, at the only table placed horizontally, Count Tould greeted Gravel and Iris with a booming voice.
At the count's greeting, Priest Hess, the count's grandson Labil Tould, Baron Smollen, and Diara, who were already seated, exchanged greetings with the two newcomers.
Goblets filled with red wine were placed before Gravel and Iris, followed by plates of roasted meat and skin from a massive animal, still sizzling from the fire. Small dishes of apples and wild berries were also set on the table.
"How's the taste of Grangdale Rockbird?"
"Oh… So this is the famous Rockbird meat."
Priest Hess swallowed a sip of wine and responded to Count Tould's question.
"Labil bought it from the hunters of Yills Mountain. One of the two birds was sent to Grand Duke Vanas, and the other was roasted for today."
Count Tould glanced at the Rockbird meat, skewered on a long iron spit and roasting over the fire, as he conversed with Priest Hess.
The Rockbird, known as the largest flying bird in the northwestern continent, stood over 10 cubits (5 meters) tall in males and weighed over 400 stone (400 kg). Even its eggs weighed 3 stone (3 kg). Spending most of its life soaring in the skies, it descended to the ground only a few times for breeding, and even then, only to the peaks of high mountains. Ordinary people rarely encountered it, but the hunters of Yills Mountain were different.
Skilled at tracking small animals or hunting mountain goats, these hunters were adept at finding Rockbird traces—feathers caught in trees, remnants of devoured goats, or large footprints from their waddling gait. They pursued the birds relentlessly, regardless of the season.
Among Yills Mountain hunters, it was said that catching one Rockbird could sustain them for a year. Recently, two such birds had fallen into Labil Tould's hands.
One had been preserved and sent to Grand Duke Vanas of Ves-Dinas, while the other was prepared as a fine dish for esteemed guests. Count Tould praised Labil, whose expression brightened at the recognition.
With a fond look at his grandson, Count Tould took a large bite of meat, chewed, and swallowed before speaking.
"By the way, Diara, you're heading north through the Levados Plains tomorrow, right?"
"Yes. Crossing Yills Mountain would be too treacherous."
Diara turned to answer Count Tould.
"Then why not let the soldiers rest here in Valla-Glas and have Gravel and Iris ride on horseback? The Levados Plains are too close to House Kavil's territory. Marching with soldiers in Vanas armor might draw unwanted attention. We have spare armor, but adjusting it in a single day might be tricky…"
Count Tould traced the decorative patterns on his tin goblet as he shared his thoughts with Diara, who would depart Valla-Glas tomorrow. Having spoken with Gravel and learned of their encounters, the count knew Gravel alone was worth several soldiers as an escort, which informed his suggestion.
"Hmm… Still, leaving the soldiers behind…"
Diara hesitated, weighing the count's words. He had a point. The Levados Plains, the southernmost region of Vanas's Vanald region, bordered House Kavil's lands. Passing through quickly by horse and wagon seemed the safer option.
As Diara mulled this over, Count Tould drained his goblet and continued.
"Don't worry about the soldiers. I'll feed them well and train them into the kingdom's finest before sending them back. I'm heading to Ves-Dinas to meet the Grand Duke before winter anyway, so they can join our men then."
"You'd do that?"
Diara's furrowed brow softened into a smile as her concerns eased.
"Haha, of course. I'll have the servants prepare horses for you two tomorrow. Oh, and speaking of, isn't this about the time the Trea Caravan arrives at the crossroads?"
Count Tould remarked, noting the recent chill in the air. Diara stood, crossing the great hall.
"The wagon bears the Vanas crest, so I need to have it removed before we depart tomorrow. I'll take my leave now."
Eager to act, Diara spoke quickly to Count Tould and headed out of the great hall.
"…It's rare to share a meal together, and she leaves so coldly…"
Count Tould sighed, watching Diara's retreating figure with a wistful gaze.