Chapter 300: ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????? (4)

Chapter 300: Desert Philosophers (4)

One of the snake-men displayed a slightly perplexed expression, but no one at the scene noticed it. Galvar was no exception.

When showing off knowledge and erudition, one should take good note of the other party’s level.

Only by naturally displaying one’s unique treasure while showing off could one garner respect; boasting about a rock that lay scattered on the roadside would merely make people think one was strange.

Viewed from this perspective, Galvar was bound to be quite awkward. He had gone out of his way to recite the blessing in the ancient imperial language and explain it, yet the people present were reacting with a ’we know all this already’ kind of attitude.

Even for a seasoned noble, one’s tongue would naturally become tied in such a situation. Galvar was no exception. His face turned slightly red, and he was unable to continue speaking.

Sueltlg saw it and quietly admonished Johan.

“Why did you say that? Just wait for him to finish. What’s the big deal?”

“I. . . I’m sorry. I didn’t expect him to explain it in that manner. But why did he use the ancient imperial language? If it had been some other language, he would’ve known that I’d seen through his desire to show off.”

“The ancient imperial language does, after all, have a rather lofty status.”

Nobles had many ways to prove their privileged status. One of them was through language. The most common one was through accents, and beyond that was the use of ancient languages such as the ancient imperial language.

Apart from the learned priests and scholars, there were no nobles who would go out of their way to learn the ancient imperial language. After all, they could just hire someone to do the job.

The fact that one had learned it oneself was proof that one possessed exceptional intellect.

“Do you understand now? Do you realize how much of a bad thing you’ve done?”

“I’m sorry. I really seemed to have done something bad to a guest.”

Johan was sincerely apologetic. Although Galvar did have an arrogant air about him, he hadn’t committed a crime worthy of being disgraced at a banquet.

Johan ended the conversation, cleared his throat, and spoke.

“Actually, now that I think about it, my ancient imperial language skills aren’t that great. I’d like to hear a proper interpretation.”

“. . . . . .”

Galvar’s face, which had been maintaining an expression somehow, crumbled. A wave of awkwardness had exceeded the level of what was bearable.

The conversation between the duke and the philosopher was inaudible, but anyone with a keen eye could guess what was happening. The philosopher had definitely advised him, ’That fellow is feeling ashamed, so pretend not to notice.’

As the envoys of the monarch, they had no choice but to endure humiliation when visiting various courts, yet this was truly the first time he had to endure self-inflicted humiliation.

“Galvar-nim. You must answer.”

The attendant next to him said, his voice filled with worry. Although he understood Galvar’s shame, if he were to remain silent while His Highness the Duke spoke in such a manner, that would be even more disrespectful.

“T. . . Thank you. Then, I shall explain the meaning.”

Galvar slowly began to explain the words of blessing he had recited earlier. However, his voice lacked strength.

This was only natural.

The young duke already knew what it meant, and the others present were listening with expressions of boredom. . .

“So, this means eternal life. . .”

“Hmm.”

Startled, Johan paused when Galvar made a mistake. He had thought of pointing out the mistake, but he decided to hold back. The diplomat was quite pitiful.

When Johan paused, Galvar soon noticed. He had been extremely nervous, so there was no way he wouldn’t notice. Galvar realized that he had made a mistake, and his face darkened.

“I misspoke just now. I shall explain again.”

“Take it easy. Take it easy.”

‘It feels like I’m listening to this from inside a coffin.’

Caenerna let out a light sigh at the suffocating atmosphere. Why had this joyous banquet turned into this because of some diplomat who wanted to show off his knowledge?

The rest of the envoy group also wore expressions of great distress. Everyone was just praying for this moment to end.

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“Sorry for being late!”

Valeon hurriedly went inside after being told that everyone had already arrived. He didn’t notice the strange heaviness of the atmosphere inside.

‘What the?’

When the envoy group from the hundred kingdoms welcomed Valeon with expressions of joy, Valeon flinched. The chamberlain beside him spoke softly.

“My lord. You should be careful.”

“I know!”

The aged king had assessed Valeon’s capabilities quite accurately. Rather than expecting him to talk properly with the envoy group from the hundred kingdoms, it was better to attach a chamberlain to him.

However, even the chamberlain couldn’t understand this atmosphere.

Why were the envoys from the hundred kingdoms welcoming Sir Valeon?

Valeon was looking on, bewildered, but the chamberlain pretended not to notice. For now, he had to go along with it while the duke was in a good mood.

Right now, the hundred kingdoms were in the lead, but there would be a chance later on.

‘That son of a b*tch.’

‘To ridicule him like that?’

Of course, from the standpoint of the envoy group who knew the inside story, it was like adding fuel to the fire. The chamberlain was inwardly astonished when the envoy group glared at him.

To glare at him like that when they were the ones who had committed the foul play of arriving earlier.

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“The banquet was a huge failure.”

“Hmm.”

“It was fun though.”

Caenerna said. To be honest, it had been suffocating at first, but it had become enjoyable later on.

It had been funny to see a proud aristocrat like Galvar suddenly shut his mouth and become humble.

From now on, before acting, that aristocrat would think twice and act humbly, wherever he was. He had learned a good lesson.

“It’s not my fault that I know ancient imperial language.”

“That’s right. It’s not His Highness the Duke’s fault. The problem remains as it is.”

Johan clicked his tongue at Caenerna’s words. After the banquet, the two of them had grumbled and returned without reconciling.

Johan, who had been troubled, found a breakthrough from an unexpected place. It was Ulrike’s visit.

“Why did some envoy group bring such gifts?”

“If you knew the inside story, you wouldn’t be so happy to receive those gifts.”

When Johan distorted his face and explained the situation, Ulrike listened with a serious expression.

Then, she said.

“It’s not like there’s no way.”

“What? Is that really true?”

“Yes. It’s a method that would be difficult for His Highness the Duke to come up with on his own, so it is. We need a neutral party who can catch the wind.”

Ulrike said as if it were nothing.

When Ulrike’s mother, Countess Abner, needed to mediate between someone, she often used this method.

The first step was to prepare a noble who was a third party unrelated to the situation and invite them to the banquet.

Then, when the conversation had matured to a certain extent, that noble would intervene.

“Ask them to mediate? It’s not going to be easy to mediate so simply. . .?”

“Just listen.”

Of course, mediation wouldn’t be easy since both sides had a lot of wants and no intention of backing down.

That was when they would borrow the name and authority of God.

“At first glance, the situation between Johan and Galvar sounds really absurd. The method used before was to forcefully split apart solid steel.”

When the mediating noble said, ‘Then let’s ask God’s will once! If I can cut and break this thick steel, then God wants the two of you to reconcile!’ Not many people could deny that on the spot.

Moreover, since it was a method that sounded absurd at first glance, the people present would look on, smiling.

“I see. That’s when we forcefully split the steel!”

Johan exclaimed in admiration at Ulrike’s words. Ulrike glanced at Johan as if to ask what nonsense he was talking about.

“. . .Of course, you have to bring steel that has been worked on beforehand, Your Highness.”

“Ah. Was that how it was?”

Johan felt a little embarrassed. Ulrike blinked a few times, unable to believe it, and sighed.

“In any case, do you understand what I’m trying to say?”

“I understand. I see. It’s not a bad method. If we get a definite answer from each other and proceed before they notice, both of them will have no choice.”

“If necessary, I’ll take care of it myself. I owe Your Highness a lot, so this much. . .”

“Really? Thank you. I’ve been troubled.”

Johan held Ulrike’s hand in gratitude. Ulrike, surprised by the sudden gesture, opened her eyes wide after failing to react.