Pales lay at the northernmost edge of Pendia, bordering the Kingdom of Ajun. Yet it was not as cold as one might expect, merely pleasantly cool. Geothermal heat from the dormant volcano to the northwest warmed the earth.

But that was not the only thing that made this land special.

To the north and east, rugged mountains rose like walls, their slopes almost sheer. Crossing them overland was nearly impossible, while turbulence above them kept even winged monsters from flying in easily.

Then there was the Tessel River, which cut diagonally across the land from the volcanic region in the northwest to the southeast. It was so wide and its current so swift that crossing without a boat was out of the question.

Though inland, the region was effectively an island.

In this safe haven, people freely sowed and harvested the rich black earth and grazed cattle and sheep in the fields, producing vast quantities of meat and dairy products.

That was why Pendians called Pales a land beloved by the Goddess—a paradise on earth.

* * *

A fortress stood on the riverbank where Shan's party arrived. Its walls formed a horseshoe open toward the river. Judging by the landing built there, it seemed intended to protect a strategic crossing.

"Open the gates!"

Not long after Aran shouted, the fortress gates opened, and an elderly knight came out to greet them. He looked well past fifty, perhaps nearly sixty.

"I've returned, Uncle."

"You've done well, Aran. Then this must be...?"

"Yes. Princess Sherin."

From the way they addressed each other, he appeared to be a relative of Aran's. He peered at Sherin through narrowed, wrinkled eyes, then suddenly began to weep.

"Just as I was told... You look exactly like Lady Aste..."

"Judging by her portrait, I didn't think we looked quite that alike. Are you Sir Norman? I've heard much about you."

"I only fear the stories must be embarrassing ones. But there seem to be far more people here than I was told to expect. And what's more—"

The old knight deserved praise for his restraint in swallowing the words, "They're all Altoans."

Sherin nodded confidently and gestured to those behind her.

"Conrad recently expelled a great many Altoans from the capital, so I brought them with me. I'll discuss the details with my uncle."

"I'll have a few more boats prepared."

While he gave instructions to the men accompanying him, Shan glanced around before asking,

"Is this your first visit to Pales as well, Your Highness?"

"I was born and raised in the capital. Visiting somewhere that takes days to reach even by carriage wasn't easy. We did exchange letters fairly often, though."

She had spoken with such confidence that Shan had assumed she must have visited at least a few times.

A short while later, several more boats arrived from the opposite bank. Once everyone was aboard, they set out across the river.

"It rocks a lot more than I expected..."

Shan himself had little trouble, of course, but an ordinary person could easily fall with a single misstep. A boat might actually make a decent place to fight someone.

Provided his opponent wasn't accustomed to boats, like the old knight standing perfectly upright beside him...

"This hardly counts as rocking. When the wind is truly strong, simply standing still is enough to make you retch."

Perhaps sensing Shan's gaze, Sir Norman, the old knight who had greeted Sherin, spoke first. It was impressive how courteous his tone and manner remained even toward someone young enough to be his grandson.

"Is this your first time on a boat?"

"Yes."

"You keep your balance remarkably well, then. Your reputation is clearly deserved. Forgive my late introduction. I am Norman of House Rused. My family has guarded the Tessel River and protected Pales for generations."

"Shan of House Barendil."

"I know something of you, sir. Pendia's first Altoan knight, knighted by Her Highness. Champion of the royal jousting tournament in the capital, and the Cockatrice and Ogre Slayer, yes?"

Slightly surprised at how well informed a country knight was, Shan nodded.

"Aran tells me it was thanks to you that Her Highness escaped the capital unharmed. You have my deepest gratitude. You saved Pales's most precious jewel."

"I merely did what I had to."

The jewel of Pales.

It was rather strange, considering that Sherin's half sister, Princess Cassia, was the one called the Jewel of Pendia, while Sherin herself had been called a witch.

At Shan's courteous reply, Norman studied him quietly before asking,

"Then you do intend to pledge your lance to Her Highness?"

"Yes."

"With a knight of your renown at her side, Her Highness will be a little safer. That is a relief."

Shan's unhesitating answer brought a satisfied smile to Norman's face.

Sherin had clearly said she had never visited Pales in her life, yet strangely, he acted as though she had been born and raised here.

Norman continued chatting to Shan without pause. He spoke of the tall rocks rising throughout the Tessel River, the strange eddies that formed around them, and how difficult they made it to cross by boat anywhere except a few key points.

The ten small boats, each carrying roughly thirty people, took several minutes to cross the river's hundreds of meters. At the wharf on the far bank, a crowd awaited them—or, more precisely, Sherin.

"Welcome home, Your Highness!"

"It's truly as though Lady Aste has returned from the dead..."

"O Goddess, protect our princess."

Their enthusiastic welcome grew even more fervent when Sherin smiled and waved.

As the boat reached the landing, the man at the head of the crowd extended his hand. His blue-black hair, the same color as Sherin's, was swept back.

"It's been a long time, Your Highness. Two years since we last met in person, was it?"

"I'm glad to see you looking as healthy as ever, Uncle."

Returning his greeting, Sherin took his offered hand and stepped ashore.

Count Pales was a man in his thirties with gentle eyes and a slender frame—the very image of a scholar. He looked almost like a male version of Sherin's mother from the portrait.

Despite Sherin's words, however, he did not look particularly healthy.

"But there seem to be more guests than I was told to expect?"

"Yes. Things worked out that way... I'm tired from the long journey. Could we discuss the details while I rest?"

"I've had a carriage prepared to take us to the castle, so we can talk on the way. I'll also ensure the other guests can follow in comfort. Sir Norman?"

"As you command, my lord."

At the count's summons, the old knight went down on one knee and bowed his head. It was a salute knights offered only to their god and their liege.

Accepting the count's proposal, Sherin started toward the carriage, then turned abruptly.

"Oh, may I bring one more person? There's someone I'd like to introduce to you, Uncle."

"It seats four, so that will be fine."

"Come ride with us, Sir Shan."

At the unexpected invitation, Shan hesitated and looked around. The people of Pales watched the Altoans and the Wievers household with wary eyes.

It was not quite contempt or disgust, but rather the way one might look at something unfamiliar, something never seen before...

'Will they be all right if I leave them here?'

Perhaps reading his concern, Roden quietly stepped forward.

"I'll keep everyone in order and make sure there's no trouble."

"I'll leave it to you."

With others watching, the two exchanged orders and acknowledgment in stiff, formal tones.

* * *

Four people boarded the carriage: Shan, Sherin, Count Pales, and his bodyguard knight. Drawn by four horses, it traveled quite quickly, yet barely shook. Perhaps it was enchanted.

Inside, Sherin gave a concise account of events in the capital: Conrad and Elvin's struggle, and the state of a kingdom effectively split apart and deprived of its unifying center.

Deep concern settled over the count's face.

"Hmm. So it has finally come to that..."

"Yes. Realistically, we can hardly hope for Father's recovery. I think we have no choice but to bring that plan forward. Fortunately, the groundwork is finished. A few years should be enough to put it properly into effect."

Shan guessed they were discussing the so-called magical revolution. Were they speaking indirectly because he and the count's bodyguard were present?

"You're as confident as ever. But can we truly hold out until then?"

"With Sir Shan here, certainly. Besides, many of the Altoans I've brought know how to fight. If we train them into an army and equip them heavily, they'll be a considerable force."

"Ah, so that was why you brought them."

Given a clear explanation for the refugees' sudden arrival, the count nodded in understanding. Population was power, provided one could support it. With difficult times ahead, over a hundred able-bodied men who knew how to fight were certainly valuable.

"Yes. I'd like to form them into a mercenary company and have you employ them, Uncle. Wages sufficient to help their accompanying families become self-supporting should be enough."

"It's not an enormous number. A hundred or so won't be difficult. Still, there will be limits to how much we can help them settle in. The people here aren't accustomed to outsiders."

"Altoans have always been outsiders in Pendia anyway. As long as the discrimination doesn't extend to openly driving them out, it should be fine."

"I can prevent that much with my authority. You needn't worry."

The count nodded, then turned his gaze to Shan. Despite what he had just said, Shan could detect no aversion to Altoans in his eyes. If anything, he seemed to regard him with a mixture of interest and goodwill, which was a little disconcerting.

"I am Kladek Barbelka, Count Pales."

"Shan of House Barendil."

It was the first time a noble had introduced himself by his personal name rather than merely his title. Considering that such formalities were normally reserved for those of equal standing, it was almost excessively courteous.

"Yes, Shan Barendil. Of course I know you. You're the knight my son most wants to meet."

"... I'm honored."

"He's been utterly captivated by tales of your exploits lately. A boy only three or four years older than himself defeating all manner of monsters, from cockatrices to ogres—how could he not be? Thanks to you, he no longer runs away from his knightly training and attends diligently."

The count casually added that they should all share a meal if the opportunity arose. Shan politely agreed.

"More importantly, I heard Her Highness was going to great lengths to recruit you. May I take it that she succeeded?"

"That's right. It certainly wasn't easy."

It was Sherin who answered. At the satisfaction on her face, Kladek looked mildly surprised.

"Remarkable. To be honest, I thought it might prove rather difficult. In any case, welcome aboard."

Shan took Kladek's offered hand and shook it. Despite his frail appearance, the count's grip was quite strong.

"Is there anything you'd like to ask? If it's something I can answer, I will."

"You said earlier that the people of Pales are wary of outsiders. But to be honest, they seem rather friendly to me. Is there a particular reason?"

Neither the soldiers Aran had brought nor the people at the landing had shown any obvious contempt or disgust at the hundreds of Altoans. Men like Sir Norman and Count Pales had actually seemed quite friendly...

"Is that how it seemed to you?"

"Yes."

"If so, perhaps it's because the people of Pales see no difference between Altoans and Pendians."

Kladek gave a slightly awkward smile.

"In truth, the people of Pales tend not to think of themselves as Pendians at all. Many simply believe that across the river live rough folk who even eat monsters. Those who cross frequently with grain caravans and such, and have dealings with outsiders, are somewhat different, of course."

In other words, to most people in Pales, the Altoan refugees were simply outsiders, no different from Pendians.

Perhaps that could be called equality, in a sense...

"The last time Altoans came to this land was so long ago that no records remain. So we have no preconceptions about how you'll behave. I sincerely hope we will have only good feelings toward one another from now on."

As they talked, the carriage left the harbor behind and followed the well-maintained road into the city. Looking out the window, Shan let out a quiet sound.

"Ah..."

"What is it?"

"I'm surprised the city has walls."

In Pales, not only monsters but even large wild animals capable of threatening humans had been wiped out. Its isolation also made it an unlikely place for bandits to flourish.

If it had walls nonetheless, what were they meant to keep out?

Sherin answered.

"Foreign enemies coming to seize this fertile land, of course. A little over a decade ago, a diplomatic dispute nearly led to war with Pendia's royal house. It was settled by selling the then Count Pales's daughter to the king."

It took no great thought to realize she meant her own mother. Apparently unwilling to dwell on the subject, Kladek looked away, his expression somber. That was only natural: she had been his only sister.

As silence settled inside the carriage, Shan turned to the window. The city's sturdy-looking buildings and stalls laden with goods testified to its prosperity. The people passing by wore plain but clean clothing. Well fed, they looked healthy and robust.

Everyone bowed deeply in respect as the carriage bearing the count's crest passed. Judging by this, at least, Count Pales did not seem a bad lord.

* * *

"Welcome back, Your Excellency."

Count Pales's castle stood in the center of the city. Its size and grandeur far surpassed Count Shedil's castle, which Shan had seen before. Yet that grandeur came with several apparent defensive weaknesses.

It seemed to favor splendor over practicality.

Following a man he took to be the chamberlain, Shan removed his armor, bathed, and changed into fine clothes. He had only rested briefly in his assigned room when a servant came to announce that dinner was ready.

The servant led him to a vast dining hall with room for dozens of people and more besides.

Soon after he took his seat as directed, Count Pales and Sherin entered with an unfamiliar woman and boy. The count personally introduced them to Sherin and Shan, the only two newcomers present.

"This is my wife, Sina, and my son, Blois. Blois, this is Sir Shan, whom you've been so eager to meet."

Countess Sina was a demure-looking woman who appeared a few years younger than Kladek. Seemingly uninterested in Shan, she gave him only a small, polite nod. For some reason, her gaze remained fixed on Sherin.

Meanwhile, the count's only son, Blois, a boy of perhaps ten, clutched his mother's hand and hid behind her skirts, stealing glances at Shan. His shyness was plain, and Kladek chuckled.

"The boy seems rather bashful. My apologies."

"Not at all."

Blois's eyes shone as Shan formally accepted the count's apology. Apparently, he found it impressive that a boy only a few years older than himself could speak to his father like an adult.

The feast that soon followed was lavish, befitting the richest domain. Fine meat and cheese, along with fresh fish caught in the Tessen River, had been prepared with all manner of spices purchased with the proceeds from grain sales. Each dish boasted its own distinctive flavor.

Naturally, Sherin was the center of attention. Though the count's retainers did not dare address her, they whispered among themselves.

"Well, they said she resembled Lady Aste..."

"Honestly, I don't see it apart from the hair. Lady Aste never looked so vicious."

"Keep your voice down. How dare you pass judgment on noble blood?"

Meanwhile, Shan and Sherin conversed with the count's family—or, more precisely, his son Blois. At first, the boy had clung shyly to his mother's skirts, but once the conversation began to flow, he chattered excitedly.

"S-so you brought the magic sword you used to kill the ogre?"

"Yes. I've left it with His Excellency's servants for now. I could hardly bring a sword into the dining hall."

"Guardian of the East... I'd love to see it..."

"If you have time, I'll show it to you after dinner."

"Wow!"

The cheering Blois reminded Shan of Sir Lug. The difference, perhaps, was that Lug admired his overwhelming skill, while this boy admired his fame.

After they had spent some time discussing his past exploits, Blois asked an unexpected question.

"Um, have you killed people too?"

Everyone nearby looked disconcerted, but Shan answered calmly. There was nothing particularly shameful about a knight having killed people.

"Yes."

"... How many?"

"Hmm."

Shan's thoughtful sound was not because he found the question uncomfortable. Some of his earliest battles had taken place nearly a year ago, and he had fought in so many places that recalling them all at once was difficult.

About ten in Willow Village, a few people from Leaf Village, a dozen or more mercenaries in a city whose name he could barely remember now...

He had also fought an Altoan expedition and killed crusaders in the Demonlands. More recently, he had cut down watchmen and gate guards.

"It's difficult to count exactly, but probably more than fifty and fewer than a hundred."

"Wow..."

Blois let out a sound of mingled fear and awe at hearing that a boy only a few years older than himself had already cut down more people than he could count.

Just then, a derisive snort came from farther down the long table.

"Hm?"

"Ah, pardon me. I couldn't help finding it a little amusing, hearing you boast about killing a hundred people or whatever..."

A man stared at Shan with an incredulous expression as he sneered.