“Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group?” (Wendelin)

“Yea, I partic.i.p.ated ten years ago as well, but this time you have been nominated too, Earl Baumeister.” (Armstrong)

Around two months after holding the marriage ceremony, I heard the story about the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group which will be dispatched to the neighbouring country, Holy Empire Urquhart, from dous.h.i.+ in my mansion in Baulburg.

“I will join, too?” (Wendelin)

“Earl Baumeister, you are a celebrity, thus there’s the order from His Majesty to have you partic.i.p.ate by all means. Also, it seems that extends to Katharina-dono, too.” (Armstrong)

“Me too? I shall do my best to meet your expectations.” (Katharina)

It seems the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Groups are dispatched by both countries with a scale of around 200 people each once every 10 years.
The previous time of Helmut Kingdom is 10 years ago and for Holy Empire Urquhart it’s 5 years ago.
Although it’s 10 years for both, it has apparently adapted a visiting system of either side visiting either side every 5 years like summer and winter Olympics.
I heard about such event existing, but it didn’t become even a topic of talks in my parent’s family’s home.
Since it was unlikely that we would be called, it finished with saying that we are unrelated.
Most likely father and mother should have been aware of it in a corner of their minds.

“Is it something like “Let’s get along with each other as there’s no war anymore”?” (Wendelin)

“There’s that as well, but in a certain sense you can also say that there is a war.” (Armstrong)

Each side brings along great products and new technologies, both sides are apparently aiming for comments like 『Those have been developed by us. Are you jealous? Look!』.
It seems to be some kind of event to enhance national prestige.
Given that there are things like revisions of trade negotiations, this could also be called a war with the name political negotiations.

“Of course there’s also the announcement of excellent magicians!” (Armstrong)

As understandable after seeing the dispute with the Margrave Browig household, a magician, who can use wide-area advanced level spells, is able to overturn a war situation at times.
Actually, if both armies clash into each other, it won’t be possible for one side to be that easily dominating since there is almost the same number of magicians with the same ranks on both sides, but if one side has many excellent magicians, it will turn into an advantage during the progress of the battle.
Announcing those abilities apparently serves the purpose of preventing a war by being militarily pressured by the other side.

“The last time I led the magicians!” (Armstrong)

It’s only natural if you consider dous.h.i.+’s strength, or rather, one might think that they will hesitate to start a war once they see it.
At any rate, he is the biggest deterrence on this continent.

“Did Burkhart-san ever attend there?” (Wendelin)

“Of course I was invited. If Alf was still alive, he would have been invited though.” (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who came to the mansion together with dous.h.i.+, answers my question.
Basically a magician is apparently not invited if they are a n.o.ble themselves or if it’s unacceptable as employee of a n.o.ble.
Since Burkhart-san was employed by Margrave Breithilde instead of master, he was together with dous.h.i.+ for around three weeks after being invited to it.

“Now that I think about it, I’m an acquaintance of Burkhart-dono since that time.” (Armstrong)

“(I at least knew his face since before that. It seemed that he was a friend of Alf…)” (Burkhart)

“And, actually meeting him at the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group, I became speechless at that time due to the strong character of dous.h.i.+”, Burkhart-san explained to me the circ.u.mstances in a whisper.

“This time the employed me was called as well.” (Burkhart)

“Is it alright for so many magicians to leave?” (Wendelin)

“Until now it was fine. Besides, stuff like this shows the backbone of a country.” (Burkhart)

Even the brief announcements of special spells and magic battles will be carried out at a welcome party venue.
Military authorities of both sides at that venue measure the abilities and numbers of the magicians who are affiliated to their currently imaginary enemy.
Since magicians, who earn their income in the private economy, won’t attend due to it being a bother for them, it’s mostly an obligation for magicians who are employed by the kingdom and n.o.bles.
Serving at the court promises stability, but being unable to oppose such order might be a shortcoming.

“That means you can also call it a kind of war.” (Burkhart)

“That sounds serious.” (Wendelin)

“Be that as it may, until now there weren’t any troubles. Right, dous.h.i.+?” (Burkhart)

“That’s right. After appropriately revealing the spells, sightseeing is the main.” (Armstrong)

Given that we are magicians, we have more free time than the group of n.o.bles and government officials of other commerces and industries.
For them there are things like technology exchanges and renewals of import/export agreements, but it’s fine if a magician simply presents their magic.
As the rest is sightseeing, dous.h.i.+ explained that the main will mostly be playing around.

“You can say that there are some kinds of sightseeing tours. Earl Baumeister, it’s fine for you to go with the feeling of going on a trip while taking your wives along.” (Armstrong)

“Is it alright to take the family along?” (Wendelin)

“If you are a n.o.ble, there’s absolutely no problem!” (Armstrong)

Although there will be around 200 members in the entourage, the partic.i.p.ating numbers will increase because everyone takes their subordinates, secretaries and guards along.
Especially the important n.o.bles increase the numbers since they take even their wives and retainers along.

“Antic.i.p.ating that, there will be two large magic airs.h.i.+ps chartered. Thus there’s no problem!” (Armstrong)

As it’s a national event, they won’t make an oversight in such matters.
It was decided that the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group will be transported by mobilizing reserve magic airs.h.i.+ps.

“Just right for the honeymoon, isn’t it? Everyone thinks that as well, right?” (Wendelin)

“True. A travel to Holy Empire Urquhart is a precious occasion.” (Elise)

Elise, who poured maté tea in everyone’s empty teacups, replies to my question.
There’s also the matter of it still being a ceasefire. The personnel from both sides isn’t allowed to leave either capital city, but since it’s a travel to the sole existing foreign country, the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group boasted of a secret popularity.
As it’s just trade, which unifies a state by exchanging private relations, there are many people who are eager to go with the n.o.bles and merchants.
It has already been carried out more than 20 times, but particular troubles haven’t occurred.
That means we are able to have a safe vacation abroad.

“However, will the entourage be limited or regulated?” (Wendelin)

Since not everyone can take along dozens of people, the numbers of the entourage will be first decided after the requests have been submitted.
It seems that great n.o.bles can bring along many people, but they will be regarded coldly by the surroundings if only they bring along too many.
Since the prescription in that matter is troublesome, I decide to dump it completely on Roderich.

“Someone like me went alone because that’s too troublesome.” (Armstrong)

“(That is because dous.h.i.+ likely wants to enjoy travelling alone though)” (Wendelin)

Given that it’s travelling to a foreign country, it might have been his wish for a feeling of freedom.
Before that, there’s the fundamental question 『Does dous.h.i.+, who is the ultimate stand-alone combat soldier, require any guards?』 though.

“We are fine with the usual line-up, I think.” (Wendelin)

Things are advancing favourably, but since we are developing the Savage Lands and Herthania Valley at the same time, it will cause a heavy burden on Roderich, whom I have entrusted with that, if we take too many people along even if it’s only as guards.
Me, Erw and my wives are probably enough.

“Yes, if it’s at the level of simple housework, we will handle that.”

Since we have even slept outdoors at the times of working as adventurers, there was no necessity to take maids along unreasonably.
As Dominique is newly-wed as well, it would likely be better to increase her free time currently.
Lately we have caused her a lot of troubles.
The new maid, Rhea, revealed an expression of wanting to go as well, but if we suddenly took a newcomer to a foreign country, it might cause friction between the other maids.
Besides, this time a maid isn’t particularly necessary.

“Wilma, what do you think?” (Wendelin)

“I look forward to the meals.” (Wilma)

“Those will be there.” (Wendelin)

Since it’s a slightly cold northern country, it was very likely for us to encounter different dishes and ingredients there.

“The Holy Empire Urquhart is overwhelmingly superior as for the domestically produced seafood of the oceans.”

In addition there might also be some good ingredients and recipes.
If it suits my palate, I will gladly negotiate for its import.

“How about you, Luise?” (Wendelin)

“It’s our honeymoon. There won’t be any problems since we will be there as guards.” (Luise)

Luise, who most recently matched dous.h.i.+ in power, replies while pus.h.i.+ng out her chest of which she doesn’t have overly much.
Even so, they have become a bit bigger after marrying, but there were many people who didn’t notice it even among her close acquaintances.

“You, Katharina?” (Wendelin)

“It’s an honour to be chosen for the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group. I will exhibit my magic to my heart’s content.” (Katharina)

If it’s Katharina, she will doubtlessly say that, I thought.
The family head of the Waigel household, which had fallen once, was chosen as member of the Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group to which a normal n.o.ble isn’t nominated readily.

“Ina, are there some nice sightseeing spots?” (Wendelin)

“The Köln* Cathedral or the Large Morning Market of s.h.i.+tamachi*; there are other smaller, pa.s.sable tourist attractions as well.” (Ina) (T/N: Köln = Cologne .. the author explicitly used the city’s name here. The cathedral over there is called “Kölner Dom.” s.h.i.+tamachi is the low-lying area of eastern Tokyo near Tokyo Bay, I could change it into a German name but I’m kind not sure what’s good for Urquhart yet)

Ina looked at a book called 『Margrave Breithilde’s Bardiche Traveller’s Journal』 which was brought by Burkhart-san.
Having been chosen as member of the previous Friends.h.i.+p Visit Group, Margrave Breithilde collected his observed information in a private book.
The contents have turned into a sightseeing guide which was made quite well.
Margrave Breithilde seems to be a person of the literal arts after all.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Yea.”

“Hey, this is more or less my job, however…”

It was unusual for Burkhart-san to only talk seriously, but he will carry out the necessary public works and serious arrangements together with Roderich since there are matters to handle during my absence as well.
Especially the road improvement and mining help in Herthania Valley is a hard struggle.
Even this is for an enjoyable honeymoon abroad.
It was decided that the partic.i.p.ants will only be the usual members.
The matters regarding ourselves can be handled by us. It’s also wrong to increase the numbers excessively since it has been decided how many can board the s.h.i.+ps.
As we have a shortage of labour, I wanted to avoid taking even a single guard if possible.

“If there’s Erw, Luise and Wilma, common guards are unnecessary.” (Wendelin)

“That’s true, isn’t it?”

“Them not being there is honeymoon-like.”

Also, there’s the matter of us cutting the share of other n.o.bles if we increase our entourage.
If we increase the entourage even though being newcomers, who completely profited from ores with mithril being the main appearing in Herthania Valley, it would be a reason for us being very likely trash-talked with 『The upstarts are impertinent!』.
n.o.bles are truly troublesome creatures.
It was basically a suggestion to go without guards and Roderich approved it while being reluctant.

“Please ignore the other n.o.bles and escape with magic if something happens.” (Roderich)

“Does that happen?” (Wendelin)

“It does. That’s why there are n.o.bles who increase their guards by even using the quota of other people’s entourage.” (Roderich)

As a n.o.ble is responsible for their own life, the public won’t complain or anything at the time when their own lord died while other n.o.bles survived.
On the contrary, it will finish with them being blamed with 『Isn’t that because you lot’s guard arrangement was no good?』.

“Even if we increase it somewhat, annihilation will be inevitable if the Holy Empire Urquhart feels like it.” (Wendelin)

Since we are going to be isolated in the midst of the enemy, you could say that the difference in guard numbers was meaningless.
Besides, so far troubles haven’t occurred even once.

“Even so, high-ranking n.o.bles, who have a history, try to increase their attendants because of their pride. Well, neither Lord-sama nor Katharina-sama need that, but…” (Roderich)

We are partic.i.p.ating in the name of His Majesty. It can’t be expected that Holy Empire Urquhart’s side doesn’t know of the achievements, I have obtained until now.
If the people themselves come, the other side might selfishly kick up a fuss, Roderich explained.

“Such a thing. That means something might happen in worst case, right?”

“To the bitter end it’s in worst case. Both countries are profiting from the ceasefire except a part of the authorities.”

No matter which world, there exist people who try to gain profits from war. Except for such people, the current state of ceasefire is desirable ((for the majority)).
By possessing occupied territories crossing over the gigantic crevice, the costs for defence will become too expensive.
As it’s indispensable to urgently transport soldiers if something happens, they would have to be able to always move large magic airs.h.i.+ps.

“Even for Holy Empire Urquhart having lost the southern territories, which were across the gigantic crevice, was good in regards to benefits. However, since it was a defeat, it looks like there’s a fixed number of emotional expedition advocates among a part of the military authorities.”

“After all there are ((such people)) in our country as well, right?”

“Such groups are in any country. They are also among the n.o.bles possessing territories in the north. And even among the troops of the central government. They don’t have the influence decide a dispatch of troops by the kingdom, but…”

No matter which world, such extremists aren’t rare.
We, who considered that there’s no other way even if we worry about it, began to prepare for our departure in a hurry.

◆◇◆◇◆

“Ooh! It’s size isn’t inferior to Stadtburg.”

One week later, we had an unbroken view on Bardiche, the capital city of Holy Empire Urquhart, from atop the deck of a large magic airs.h.i.+p which was prepared by the kingdom’s government.
According to doc.u.ments, Bardiche was only a bit above in size and population compared to Stadtburg.
The visible buildings had mostly only few differences to the properties of the Helmut Kingdom style, but there are some among the visible buildings that had, what is called on Earth, structures of Islam style, India style, Chinese style and j.a.panese style.
It seems Holy Empire Urquhart is a mix of various cultures.

“It’s a multi-ethic culture?” (Wendelin)

“Looks like it. It’s written in the book that Holy Empire Urquhart was established by unifying many small countries.” (Ina)

Ina, who was next to me, informs me of the contents which are written in 『Margrave Breithilde’s Bardiche Traveller’s Journal』.

“Who is chosen as emperor from the seven Marquis households, who hold the t.i.tles of prince-electors, seems to be a relic of that ((time)).”

An Imperial family exists in the capital city as well more or less, but it appears like once in every 3~4 times an emperor is born who is originating from the imperial family.
The rest is chosen from among the prince-electors, who announced their candidacy, at a vote by the members belonging to the n.o.ble’s Congress.
That means there is a partial electoral system, however this was also the proof that the power of their central government wasn’t as strong as that of Helmut Kingdom.

“They have various circ.u.mstances due to the country, huh? Well, I don’t care as I have my hands full with the matters concerning my own territory.” (Wendelin)

Right after that the large magic airs.h.i.+ps arrived at a port which is located in the outskirts of Bardiche.
Once we disembark the s.h.i.+p, we receive a welcome from Holy Empire Urquhart.
A military bands performs the national anthem of Helmut Kingdom and many n.o.bles express welcoming words one after the other.
This part doesn’t seem to be overly different from the nations on Earth.

“It looks like the magicians have been strengthened this time, Armstrong-dous.h.i.+-dono.”

“It might be called as the start of young talents sprouting, Blatson-dono*?” (Armstrong) (T/N: Burattoson)

“He’s the dragon slaying hero-dono? He’s young. Oops, excuse me. I’m called Alley Blatson. For the time being I’m the Head Magician of this country.” (Blatson)

A magician of Holy Empire Urquhart calls out to the group of 20 magicians which included me.
A slender elder with an age of around 60 years, who had his silver-grey hair swept back and wore an ashen robe, introduced himself as Imperial Head Magician.
His amount of mana is probably slightly above Burkhart-san’s?
Going by the visible impression, he looks like he possesses quite the ability.
He is likely the same type of a 『skilful and clever』 magician like Burkhart-san.