New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Good Neighbor (2)

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The circumstances under which Mika had become the lord of this village were exceedingly peculiar. He could not predict how the neighboring lords would react, and in the worst-case scenario, they might suddenly launch an attack, underestimating the power of his magic art.

Therefore, Mika resolved that he would refrain from leaving his domain until his standing within the society of regional lords had been firmly established. Personally, he wished, as a newly arrived lord, to visit the neighboring territories and offer formal greetings, yet he feared that leaving his lands unattended might provide an opportunity for mischief. As a result, he limited himself to sending letters, in which he also expressed his apologies for being unable to depart his territory due to its ongoing instability.

From rumors and correspondence, it was unclear what kind of person the new lord, who appeared to possess a sound mind, truly was. Mika anticipated that the neighboring lords would eventually seek to verify this in person. As expected, the first to make contact was Pierre Fontanier of the east. Their first meeting concluded successfully.

Mika also expected that other neighboring lords would soon follow, and as predicted, several days after Pierre’s visit, the lord of the western Collette territory arrived.

“Ah, a wandering magic practitioner claiming descent from a distant noble household… I must confess, I feared what sort of troublesome rogue you might be… Yet from your manner of greeting and speech, you certainly comport yourself as one educated and refined. It appears that your claim of noble birth is indeed truthful. My apologies, my apologies for my initial suspicion.” (Douglas)

Douglas Collette, head of the Collette Household, reclined in his chair with a body as imposing as his attitude, replying with a demeanor equally expansive. The chair, handmade by the former lord whose hobby had been furniture crafting, creaked under his weight.

From his words and actions, it was evident that Douglas was a conservative man who prized lineage above all, regarding the blood of noble households as paramount while holding commoners in little regard. Lords were noble, vassals occupied the next tier, and ordinary subjects were base where such notions were evident in every nuance of his speech.

Moreover, he appeared brusque, though perhaps not maliciously so.

“I am grateful that you trust my lineage. Though I was the youngest in my birth family, I have acquired a proper measure of education, and at the very least, I am not a fool. Even as a lord, becoming your neighbor, I trust that I shall cause you no inconvenience.” (Mika)

“Ah, may it indeed be so. As long as no harm befalls my lands, I care not whether my neighboring lord is the timid Dondand family or a wandering soul who does not even speak of his heritage… One warning, however, do not entertain any notion of invading my territory. The Collette Household has numerous relatives, and any foolish act will not go unnoticed.” (Douglas)

Though the Collette territory, with its population of approximately two hundred, was small compared to the Valentine territory, Douglas displayed remarkable confidence toward Mika, a magic practitioner. This boldness likely stemmed from the deterrent effect of familial alliances with other noble households. Mika had learned from Ernest and Marcel that Douglas and the previous lord, his mother, had many siblings, maintaining ties with more than five households to the west and south. One household even ruled a small city and could muster troops and mercenaries if required. It was a formidable force. Mika had no desire for confrontation.

Yet from Douglas’s perspective, he was dealing with a newly arrived lord in a foreign territory, a lord who, if inclined, could wield mind-controlling magic and wreak havoc. For him to display such audacity and speak so imperiously at this first meeting suggested, in Mika’s estimation, that Douglas might indeed be a formidable figure.

“Not at all! That is far from the case! I am merely a fortunate man who has become lord of these lands, wishing only for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of my people. My magic was granted by the divine to fulfill these wishes. The thought of invading neighboring lands is entirely absurd. You may rest assured.” (Mika)

“Hahaha! Happiness of the people, you say… How generous to concern yourself with subjects who are ultimately but the property of the lordly estate… In any case, so long as you do not become a troublesome neighbor, I am content. Henceforth, let us maintain amicable relations, Lord Valentine.” (Douglas)

As Douglas extended his large hand, Mika responded with a polite smile, concealing any inner disagreement.

“Indeed, I humbly ask for your favor, Lord Collette… Ah, by the way, there is a small gift I wish to present.” (Mika)

Following the example of Pierre’s visit, Mika offered a bottle of distilled liquor. Douglas, apparently a connoisseur, expressed obvious delight and departed for his territory in high spirits.

 

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Several days later, the last neighboring lord of the northern Melders territory, made the effort to cross the hills and visit.

“Truly, truly astonishing! This magic is incredible!” (??)

“Ahaha! I am most gratified by your praise. Observe, for it can also be operated thus!” (Mika)

“Oh! This… this is even more remarkable! Utterly free and unrestrained!” (Lorenz)

During the meeting in the great hall, Lorenz Melders, head of the Melders Household, clapped his hands in delight while observing a chair floating and rotating in midair. He was a handsome man in his late twenties or early thirties, with slightly long, pale blonde hair, and possessed a cheerful and approachable demeanor. From their very first encounter, he had been exceedingly friendly, expressing sincere pleasure at Mika’s assuming lordship over the neighboring territory.

“To possess such extraordinary power, to offer valuable gifts, and on top of all that, to be so cheerful and agreeable as a southern neighbor. This is truly delightful! As a lord, and if possible, as a friend, I hope we may maintain a close and amicable relationship!” (Lorenz)

“I am indeed fortunate to hear you say so. I humbly request your continued favor.” (Mika)

As they spoke, the two clasped hands firmly.

“It is regrettable that the Dondando Household, with whom my father maintained relations, has departed, yet farewells and meetings alike are the way of the world. To be blessed with such a splendid encounter today is truly marvelous!” (Lorenz)

Watching Lorenz return northward with his attendants, Dimitri frowned in perplexity.

“…I suppose it is not my concern, yet… can someone so good-natured properly manage the duties of a lord?” (Dimitri)

“Ahaha, indeed, he is exceptionally approachable, but I am confident that Lorenz is quite shrewd and capable despite his demeanor.” (Mika)

Mika explained with a wry smile, observing Lorenz’s retreating figure.

“See, he arrived later than Lord Fontanier and Lord Collette, correct? Melders territory is geographically the most difficult to reach among the neighbors, but I think he likely gathered information on how I treated the other neighboring lords before coming, confirming that I am not dangerous. Melders territory lies along a northern hilly road with considerable merchant traffic. With his disposition, he would have no trouble obtaining information from travelers… I believe he welcomed me as a neighbor precisely because he determined that the magic practitioner next door was neither perilous nor inconsequential, but a potentially useful ally.” (Mika)

The northern hills were more populated than the southern side, and the Melders territory, with roughly four hundred inhabitants, was still small. Maintaining order there was no simple task, and while Lorenz’s amiable character was evident, he was likely more than just a pleasant personality.

“A calm, rational man, a bold spirit who acts as he wills, and a shrewd, likable character… each neighboring lord is so different, yet fascinating.” (Mika)

Mika laughed lightly, pleased with his neighbors’ variety. For him, it was sufficient that the neighboring lords recognized his authority. Pierre, Douglas, and Lorenz had not underestimated him as an upstart nor acted with needless hostility. Under such conditions, they could indeed be considered good neighbors.

 

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