Episode 168: The Northern Banquet Style
“Phew…”
Yohan took a deep breath.
As soon as he threw himself onto a makeshift chair in the outpost, cold sweat trickled down his back.
The harsh northern winds were still blowing, yet his insides burned fiercely.
“What’s the situation?”
“The rift we just closed was the last one.”
Rustle. A page turned.
Elena skimmed through the report and continued her briefing.
“All the rifts in the North have been reclaimed. The disappearance of the snow-covered mountains played a huge role. That place was the biggest headache.”
With the mountains gone, their workload had been cut in half. After all, the other regions only had rifts ranked as high as Grade 1 at best.
“There was something even more troublesome, but… well, since it worked out, that’s all that matters.”
Yohan smirked.
“Yes. With that, the purification of the demonic lairs is complete. All that remains is for the Fervache Knights to handle the remaining demonic beasts. You’ve worked hard, Director.”
“Phew…”
Yohan slumped into his chair, letting out a deep sigh. It was finally over.
Rifts still remained across the continent, but that was a problem for another time.
“I thought I’d have to stay in the North longer. It feels like we pulled the timeline forward all at once.”
Of course, he had spent more time here than usual.
Yet it felt like everything had passed in the blink of an eye. Probably because things had been so hectic.
“What does the Duke have to say?”
“He wants to host a banquet. He’s requested your attendance.”
“A banquet, huh…”
Still sprawled in his chair, Yohan slowly stroked his chin.
Attending a banquet with the northern nobles and knights was a good opportunity.
It was about time to start building connections.
“Tell him I’ll be there.”
“Yes, sir.”
Scratch, scratch.
Elena quickly jotted something down in her notebook with a feathered pen.
“Anything else I should know?”
“No new reports have come in yet. We just sent a message to the imperial palace as well.”
“Then I suppose I can rest for now.”
Yohan nodded in satisfaction.
To be honest, he had been overworked lately.
Right after dealing with the demonic beasts in the snowy mountains, he had taken only minimal breaks before sealing the rifts.
But there was no room to take things slow.
Demonic lairs always carried unpredictable risks.
If left unattended, who knew what kind of disaster might unfold? Swift action was the best course.
“Shall we return to the inn?”
“Yes. Oh, what about special-class mage Fervache?”
“She’s heading back to the estate.”
Yohan hesitated for a moment.
If he went to the estate, both Francia and the Duke would be pleased…
‘But right now, I just want to rest.’
A wave of exhaustion washed over him.
He had spent too much—both physically and mentally.
His body and mind were screaming for rest.
“I’ll head back to the inn.”
Yohan rose from his seat.
Tonight, he planned to do nothing but sleep.
***
Evening
While others finished their meals, strolled through the streets, or enjoyed drinks together in their free time…
Yohan remained in his inn room, sprawled on his bed, not moving an inch.
The only time he shifted was to adjust his position when it became uncomfortable.
‘This is nice.’
He was thoroughly content.
The tension that had gripped his entire body was finally loosening.
Sleep gradually crept up on him.
Then—knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
“Wait a moment.”
Yohan quickly got up and straightened his disheveled clothes.
He wasn’t in uniform, but since work was done, it shouldn’t matter.
“Come in.”
Yohan allowed the visitor to enter only after he had settled into his seat.
“It’s me, Yohan.”
The person who had come was none other than Rudbeckia. She hesitated at the doorway, offering an awkward smile.
“Come in. What are you doing?”
Yohan smiled gently.
“Uh… I didn’t want it to look like we were having a secret meeting…”
Rudbeckia clasped her hands together in front of her, trailing off.
“Then you should come in quickly. Standing there hesitantly makes it look even more like a secret meeting.”
“Ah, you’re right.”
Her face flushed as she quickly stepped inside and closed the door. When Yohan gestured to the seat across from him, she cleared her throat once and sat down.
“It’s free time right now. What brings you here?”
“I have something to tell you.”
“I thought you came because you missed me.”
“Ahem, well, that’s not… entirely wrong? No, wait, that’s not the point.”
Before the conversation could veer off in a strange direction, Rudbeckia shook her head, regaining focus.
“Do you remember the day I apologized to you?”
“You mean the day you suddenly came to the mansion?”
“Yes, that’s right. The reason I apologized back then was…”
She swallowed once before continuing.
“The reason the Tower Master acted that way… was because of me. The magic I used to turn back time contained traces of his magic, which was infused into the space itself. That must have triggered his memories to return.”
She lowered her head deeply.
“I’m really sorry. At the time, I couldn’t tell you.”
“Because of the rules of time-reversal magic?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Hmm…”
Yohan rubbed his chin with a neutral expression, while Rudbeckia fidgeted with her hands. Her anxiousness was evident.
“I’m sorry… Because of me, you were put in danger, and Lady Fervache suffered as well.”
Rudbeckia felt truly ashamed. Even if Yohan were to scold her right now, she would accept it without complaint.
“Well, even if you hadn’t triggered his memories, the Tower Master would have drawn his sword against us eventually. It was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Don’t worry too much about it.”
Yohan smiled lightly.
“But…”
Rudbeckia still hesitated, biting her lips. There were too many things weighing on her heart. She owed a debt to Francia Fervache, and Yohan had nearly lost his life…
Yohan understood that she felt guilty. In times like this, the best way to ease someone’s conscience was to ask for a favor in return.
He spoke.
“If you feel bad about it, then why not cook for me again sometime? The dishes you made last time were all delicious.”
Then, he smiled playfully.
“Including the famous main dish of the Count of Freeche?”
“I’ll leave that to the chef’s discretion.”
“O-of course! I’d love to make it for you…!”
Rudbeckia blushed shyly and averted her gaze. The “main dish” she referred to was herself.
“Ahem, then I’ll have to make sure everything is well prepared.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“Yes, then… I’ll take my leave now…!”
As Yohan smiled softly, Rudbeckia hurriedly stood up, bowing deeply. Her long golden hair swayed through the air.
Then, she quickly left the room.
Left alone, Yohan chuckled to himself.
“Rudbeckia has a cute side to her.”
Come to think of it, in Francia’s memories, she used to cling to him whenever she saw him.
But now, she didn’t do that anymore.
It was a little disappointing.
***
The Next Night, Late Evening
A grand banquet was being held at the Fervache Ducal Estate.
Servants moved smoothly through the crowd, refilling drinks and replenishing the food, while the invited nobles and knights engaged in lively conversations, their voices growing louder with excitement.
“Let me tell you! That time, when I saw the snowy mountains—”
“Hahaha! The purification squad really is something else!”
Judging by the atmosphere alone, it was no different from a tavern outside a northern fortress. Some were clinking their glasses together in laughter, while others exchanged boisterous jokes.
However, this was undeniably the Fervache Ducal Estate. If not for the marble columns, portraits, and the luxurious crystal chandelier adorning the hall, it would have been hard to believe.
Perhaps because this was the North, even the way people laughed had a bold and uninhibited energy to it—strong, refreshing, and straightforward. It wasn’t bad at all. In fact, it was rather comfortable.
“The North certainly feels more familiar,” Yohan remarked, swirling the wine in his glass. The deep purple liquid rippled gently.
“Doesn’t it? Unlike the capital, there’s no pretense here. No scheming either. That makes it much easier to form relationships.” Francia replied.
It was more accurate to say that the North simply didn’t have the luxury for political intrigue. Everyone was too busy fulfilling their respective roles. Besides, the Fervache Ducal House held absolute power here.
“I much prefer this atmosphere. I always found the capital exhausting.”
Yohan chuckled softly and took a sip from his glass.
“Of course you did. The capital is constantly in a frenzy over securing influence,” Francia said, smiling.
The nobles of the capital were like hunting dogs wearing masks, always scheming beneath the surface to seize more power and wealth.
That was precisely why the young noblewomen had fought over him—having a socialite trophy like Yohan boosted their status and self-esteem. He had always found it tiresome.
“Ah, the Duke is arriving.”
At that moment, the doors to the banquet hall opened, and Duke Fervache entered alone. Despite having lost his wife long ago, he had never remarried—a true romantic at heart.
All eyes turned toward him. However, the main protagonist of this banquet was not the Duke.
“I appreciate you all coming despite the short notice,” Duke Fervache began, his voice carrying across the hall.
The nobles listened attentively, smiling as they awaited his words.
“Today marks a historic occasion—the day when all the Demonic lairs of the North have been sealed shut. There will be no more surges, and the North will continue to prosper!”
The Duke accepted a goblet from his attendant and raised it high. The alluring color of the wine shimmered under the lights.
“A toast to Minister Lahart and the warriors who aided him!”
“A toast!”
The nobles raised their glasses in unison and shouted before downing their drinks in one go. It felt less like a noble’s banquet and more like a celebratory feast among comrades.
“This is how the North celebrates,” Francia said, giggling.
Yohan chuckled as well, lifting his glass.
“I like it. Straight to the point and full of spirit.”
There was no unnecessary formalities—just action. The sheer efficiency of it was almost overwhelming.
“Ah, Yohan, don’t drink it all at once! This wine has a high alcohol content—you’ll get drunk quickly,” Francia warned, just as Yohan was about to take a large sip.
“I see. That was a close call. I almost lost myself again.”
“You have to be careful. When you’re drunk, you completely lose your composure.”
“Did you dislike it?”
Yohan asked playfully, his gaze mischievous.
Francia let out a small laugh, shaking her head.
“Really now. You’re not the one who has to deal with it every time.”
As they exchanged teasing remarks, the Duke’s voice rang out again.
“I have another joyous announcement!”
The banquet hall fell silent as everyone turned their attention to him.
“Minister Lahart and Lady Fervache are to be wed soon! Prepare your gifts!”
The alcohol seemed to have loosened even the Duke’s usual composure, making him more candid.
“Oh no! Our domain doesn’t have any specialty goods worthy of the Lady!”
“Gather all the wealth you can! Our Northern Saintess is getting married!”
“I’ll prepare the finest liquor. Our region is known for producing the best!”
The heads of noble houses erupted into laughter, their conversations growing louder. Rather than noble lords, they seemed more like cheerful old men celebrating the marriage of a beloved niece.
“Haha.”
Yohan gazed at Francia over the rim of his glass. Her crimson eyes shimmered under the banquet hall’s lights.
“It’s finally coming to an end.”
A soft smile appeared on his lips.
—The day of his wedding to Francia was approaching.