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Dorian had participated in the defense during the Imperial Capital attack incident.
Even though he hadn’t managed to exchange any significant words with Ray, that day Dorian stood on the same battlefield as Ray.
Thus, Dorian remembered Ray’s appearance. When Ray suddenly appeared in an unexpected place, Dorian couldn’t help but be startled.
‘What…!’
Realizing who Ray was, Dorian almost reflexively sprang up from his seat and whispered as he approached Ray.
“It’s an honor to see you here, though I must ask, what brings you here?”
The fact that Ray was a recipient of the Empire Guardian Medal was officially a secret, so Dorian kept his voice low.
Ray curtly responded.
“Oh, it’s nothing much. Just clear out this building.”
“Pardon? The building… you mean?”
For a moment, Dorian thought Ray was commanding him to vacate the annex so he could use it alone.
Though it seemed excessive, considering Ray was a recipient of the Empire Guardian Medal, it wasn’t an unreasonable request.
Meanwhile, the gazes of the party attendees gradually focused more on Ray and Dorian.
Members of the Royal Direct Knights were recognized elites even within the empire.
Even if their innate backgrounds might have been somewhat lacking, they were close to the Emperor, receiving orders directly from him.
Therefore, whether for good or ill reasons, they rarely adopted a humble stance.
Yet, it was clear that Dorian was watching the young man who had abruptly entered the annex.
The attendees, noticing Dorian’s attitude, revealed their curiosity but prepared themselves just in case.
Amidst the attention of others, Ray, holding a different wineglass while walking through the hall, continued speaking.
“We need to accommodate refugees.”
“Refugees… you mean?”
If we need to accommodate refugees, why does the annex need to be cleared?
Dorian still couldn’t grasp the idea that refugees could be housed in the manor annex.
Ray frowned slightly at Dorian before taking a sip from his glass.
“Osiris Count has done a lot of work, but the war came earlier than expected, so preparations for accommodating refugees weren’t fully completed.”
Despite everything, Ray defended Osiris Count.
In reality, Osiris Count had indeed put in some effort, and given that Osiris Count governed territories near Phillip’s County, there was no benefit in creating unnecessary conflict.
“There aren’t enough places to house the refugees, and with this weather, letting them sleep outside for ten nights would make them freeze to death, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes… That seems right…”
“So stop hogging space unnecessarily and tell everyone to vacate the building.”
“…”
Finally, Dorian understood exactly what Ray was saying.
Ray was suggesting that the annex be handed over to the refugees.
Frankly, Dorian didn’t consider it a big issue if a few commoners froze to death from the cold.
To most of the privileged classes, it was a trivial matter.
However, if Ray considered it a problem, then it became a major one.
As Ray walked through the hall and switched glasses again, he stared intently at Dorian.
“Why? Don’t you like it?”
“No, no, how could I not?”
“Then quickly tell the others to clear out some rooms.”
“…Me?”
“Yeah, you should do it. Or should I?”
The fact that Ray was a recipient of the Empire Guardian Medal was officially classified information.
While Ray no longer intended to hide his identity completely, upon entering the annex, he realized there were too many prying eyes.
Not only were there imperial nobles, but also a few nobles and merchants from allied nations mixed in. If he openly revealed his medal, it would likely cause unnecessary commotion.
It seemed simpler to let Dorian handle clearing out the area first and then briefly reveal the truth once the situation settled down.
Prompted by Ray, Dorian reluctantly climbed onto the dais in the middle of the hall.
Dorian grabbed the device that amplified his voice throughout the hall and began speaking.
“Uh… Sorry to interrupt your enjoyment of the party.”
Embarrassed, Dorian continued.
“To accommodate refugees, we need to vacate the annex. Please prepare to move your belongings. New accommodations have been arranged in the main manor.”
“…”
The revelers initially didn’t understand what Dorian was saying.
After Dorian repeated himself several times, sharp reactions finally emerged.
“…Sir Dorian, what exactly are you talking about?”
“Refugees? You’re going to house refugees here?”
“Where is Count Osiris? Shouldn’t we consult Count Osiris?”
As side comments continued, Ray tapped Dorian and whispered something into his ear.
With an uncomfortable expression, Dorian relayed Ray’s message.
“Stop being insolent and clear out your belongings immediately.”
“?”
Those in the annex momentarily thought Dorian had gone mad.
*
Even after unilaterally ordering the annex to be vacated,
Ray continued moving around Osiris Countdom to secure lodgings and supplies for the refugees.
Given that Osiris Countdom was a hub for goods trading, there were quite a few bourgeois who owned large mansions.
Claiming it was wartime, Ray forcibly requisitioned their homes.
Of course, resistance inevitably arose…
“I cannot allow common riff-raff to enter my mansion!!”
“Take this guy away.”
“Huh? Wait, do you know who I am…! Gaaaah!”
It was completely dismissed.
Ray didn’t expect extravagant treatment for the refugees, but he hoped for basic sustenance and shelter.
Moreover, it wasn’t free.
The Imperial Court had already provided sufficient support to Osiris Countdom in exchange for housing the refugees.
The lack of preparation was merely due to certain individuals pocketing funds along the way.
Ray was now forcing them to return what they’d taken.
Additionally, Ray took the opportunity to open Osiris Countdom’s trade warehouses for storing the refugees’ belongings.
Thanks to the war halting exchanges, there were plenty of empty warehouses available.
After roughly three days of Ray causing chaos everywhere, the situation began to stabilize.
During this period,
Count Osiris successfully gathered scattered rumors and pieced together the situation.
Ray from Phillip’s County.
The person chosen by Duke Prizzran as a marriage prospect for his great-granddaughter, and a war hero of the Empire who received the Empire Guardian Medal.
Although it was still hard to believe, this was the reality.
“…”
Currently, there was a rumor circulating in Osiris Countdom that a special inspector sent by the Emperor was stirring things up across the territory.
Of course, the more influential nobles of the Empire had already guessed that this “special inspector” was the recipient of the Empire Guardian Medal.
This made Count Osiris extremely troubled.
Osiris Countdom had suffered significant losses due to interrupted trades caused by the war.
Therefore, Count Osiris had planned to cover some of those losses using the war funding provided by the Empire while simultaneously building relationships with central nobility sent to the region.
However, thanks to Ray’s antics, all of these plans failed.
The already limited budget was set to be drained by feeding the refugees, and powerful imperial nobles were focused on Ray and Phillip’s County, leaving Count Osiris entirely overlooked.
“Phew…”
Count Osiris looked at Count Phillip sitting opposite him with tired eyes.
Compared to the past, Count Phillip looked much better.
Count Osiris, finding this rather irritating, couldn’t help but comment.
“You’ve had a lucky break.”
“Hmph…”
Count Phillip cleared his throat awkwardly and replied.
“I won’t forget the help Count Osiris has provided this time.”
“If you remember, I’d be very grateful.”
Count Osiris sighed deeply, having suffered immense losses due to conflicts with the Rubia Kingdom in recent years.
*
“Wow…”
Inside a small reception room,
Florya held the medal Ray handed her, unable to close her mouth.
An Empire Guardian Medal—such a thing felt unreal.
Still, Florya wasn’t overly surprised that Ray had received it.
Having personally witnessed Ray beating up the Royal Guard when she was 13, Florya had long known Ray was an extraordinary individual.
As Florya fiddled with the medal and chatted with Ray for about half an hour, she eventually brought up a sensitive topic after much deliberation.
“Ray, our territory’s situation has been getting worse recently.”
“Because of the war?”
“Yes, trade with the Rubia Kingdom has almost ceased due to the war threat, and the port is difficult to use now…”
“I understand. Once the war concludes, I’ll do my best to assist.”
Once the war ends, there will be numerous ways to support Osiris Countdom.
Ray, who harbored no resentment towards the Osiris family and owed Florya a favor from the past, nodded readily.
Grateful for Ray’s positive response, Florya smiled brightly before suddenly becoming serious.
“But Ray…”
“Yes?”
“Um…”
“What is it?”
“…What do you think about strategic marriages?”
“Ah, look elsewhere.”
Before Florya could finish her sentence, she was rejected and covered her face in embarrassment.
Shaking with embarrassment for a moment, Florya clenched her fists and shouted.
“Anyway, since you’ll probably have multiple wives, can’t you include me?! I-I’m not that bad, right!”
“There’s nothing wrong with you, Lady Florya, but it’s simply not possible.”
“Ugh…”
Regretting bringing it up, Florya hung her head.
“Do you plan to become engaged to Alesya?”
“I won’t get engaged to anyone else before her.”
“Alesya must be so lucky…”
Just like how preemptive advantage in business can significantly impact outcomes.
Florya, who had poked Ray with a bit of hope, slumped and whined.
Our territory’s situation was poor, and continuous pressure regarding engagements had led to this impulsive remark. Had she known she’d be cut off so quickly, she probably wouldn’t have said anything.
Listening to Florya’s tantrum with a chuckle, Ray raised his teacup and spoke.
“Please continue to get along well with our Young Miss.”
“I don’t really have many friends besides Alesya whom I can confide in. But seeing Ray’s face makes me want to pretend to be closer friends in the future.”
I’ll try not to show my envy.
With such a mix of jest and sincerity, Florya exchanged words, and Ray smiled again.
*
With urgent matters somewhat resolved,
Relieved, Ray scheduled a meeting with Viktor and Hamus.
Though it had been a long time since they last saw each other, these two were among the rare ‘peers’ Ray felt a connection with, so Ray headed to the meeting spot with a slightly excited heart.
However, while walking, Ray sensed someone following him.
Since the pursuer was making their presence obvious, it didn’t seem like an ambush.
Ray sighed deeply.
From now on, such encounters would likely happen frequently.
Ever since Ray wielded Moros during the defense of the Imperial Capital, numerous power players had undoubtedly been preparing for clandestine meetings with him.
Ray turned around with a blank expression.
“If you’ve come to tell me something obvious, you’d better leave now.”
“I apologize.”
The person pursuing Ray bowed deeply.
“I’ve committed a breach of etiquette. If you wish to punish me, I will willingly accept my punishment. However, I haven’t come to say something obvious.”
“Nah, it’s obvious even without hearing.”
“No, Lord Ray. I…!”
The person chasing Ray revealed the emblem of the Matthias Dukedom and shouted.
“I’ve come to tell you about the secrets of your birth…!”
“Ah, seriously, go home.”
Chapter: Family Affairs (1)
