Hehehe.

  How about that? Seems like the fashion of my time still definitely impresses.

  Kuch had been watching the welcoming pleasantries from the side, in full armor, so I got to see the full spectrum of reaction from the guests. They had been quite taken aback, then thoroughly intrigued not in morbid fascination, but restrained desire. They absolutely wanted to know how to get their hands on such formal vampire attire.

  I mean, I couldn't blame them. Heck, I had a wardrobe of both tailcoat suits and halter dresses for the purpose. It fitted everybody regardless of species, just that, in the lore, it had been what vampire high society developed itself alongside other sorts of fashions across the different peoples of Shin. Apparently though, all that variety of styles had been lost, most now just following a bog standard design appropriate for the era.

  It wasn't like I had anything against it, but it was just so plain- and everybody wore it. Meaning for me, it got tiring pretty quickly. If Kai were here, I'd know they'd be aghast too at the stunting of fashion styles. Suppose that means if they're a divine now, they'd surely approve of my actions- though I'd also sourly point out they were the ones who had let it get this bad in the first place!

  Whatever. Save the shakedown of my friends for later. Focus on the fashion today, which is the fashion of the past making a comeback.

  I was glad Kuch was there to help coach and instruct them on how to put on the attires I had gifted House Cordis when they left my abode. Petula was easiest, already having become accustomed to the various costumes I gently shoved her into, though the others did take some work. Gregori and Teodor were both equally resistant to the idea at first, only ceasing their complaints when they beheld themselves in the mirror. Then I think they were fully onboard.

  Vio though took a surprising amount of effort. Namely because her admittedly valid complaint that this was a bit much for an acolyte of Magia, not to mention a widow as well. I made a mistake there, but promised I could add something to help more cover herself up next time like a shawl or veil if she'd liked. That promise earned her cooperation for now, along with a comment that if her husband was still around, he'd probably have difficulty restraining himself from sweeping her up into the bedroom.

  I had been so tempted to make mention that Joan, now the divine Johanna, probably would have wanted to watch for notes. And 'inspiration.'

  Thankfully Kuch refrained from saying so, instead just smirking knowingly beneath the helmet. It sounded like the merchants had agreed that since the day was already almost over, they'd setup shop and begin selling their wares in the morning. Meaning that the rest of the was basically going to be an evening social function, a little party thrown by House Cordis to welcome their guests. It was probably going to be the last of the stiff formalities before things loosened up, but there were still a few more surprises to hit these guests of the emperor with.

  Let's start with my chess board gifts right before dinner starts. I watched eagerly through Kuch's eyes as I stirred at the pot of dissolved beets. Ah, free entertainment while making sugar in my workshop.

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  Gregori put on his best honest smile when the his sister and daughter presented the chess sets from Puppet Atelier. He tried to look humble as he could be to downplay the grandeur of these gifts, because otherwise they might take offense to the ridiculous quality of these gifts. "Please accept these simple game sets for you as tokens of friendship and gratitude for the long distance you have surely traveled to meet us. This is actually from an up and coming workshop House Cordis has recently taken sponsorship of," he swiftly added afterwards. "So your feedback and criticism is most welcomed."

  "Criticism? Of this literal art!" exclaimed Alderash, almost like a wheeze as he beheld the engraved chess board with trembling hands. "What craftsmanship, found in this western frontier! I-I don't mean to offend my lord, but surely, this is not something a merchant should accept!" He was a far cry now from the slightly smug attitude he always carried about, babbling on about how he was unworthy. But he did admittedly have a slight point; it was a very richly gift that could be wildly taken out of context.

  Yet the pride of House Cordis still wish to make the attempt either way. "Fret not, we give this not in the spirit of wealth, but of cordiality," Teodor smoothly pressed with a small nod of the head. "Think not of the value, but of the companionship it yearns to bring. I so happen to be quite enamored with such games, so would be pleased to enjoy a game with you should you have the set in the possession."

  "I-I see. Then I accept this great gift then."

  Almost all of House Cordis had to hide their amused smirks at Teodor's pained smile. He had disclosed previously that if any of the gifts was truly rejected, then he'd definitely be taking ownership of them. Now he'd probably have to beg Puppet Atelier for a set for himself- one that, knowing the owner, would probably be even more absurd in some manner.

  Gionre was more focused on the pieces that came with the set, eyes studying each modeled figure with clear interest and admiration. "I accept this gift too," he smoothly told, having less hangups about accepting the offering. The commander of the Third Legion was a fellow noble after all, though it was clear he was in awe of its quality. "I must say though, this is quite the stunning creation. It is like the delights of southern imperial culture mixed with the mastery of the hand in the east. To find such quality out here in the west; I too do not mean to offend, but I simply find it...curious."

  The duke frowned, seeing the slight suspicion behind the words. But before he could react, it was his son who stepped forward again to offer platitudes. "Your thoughts and words are well-minded and justified, as putting it quite bluntly, Gabion has historically not been known for such works." The heir flashed a smile. "Yet moving forwards, we hope to become so."

  "Oh? More so than being valiant defenders of the empire?'

  "Ah, that title might yet become invalid owing to a recent development." He paused, then nodded at the duke watching him. "My father would be more suited for making such an announcement though, as rightful lord of these lands."

  More and more, Teodor was really taking after his mother, Gregori quietly marveled. He'd masterfully stepped around the possible negative connotations yet addressed them all the same to maintain a polite and forwards-facing conversation. He even knew when to defer and pass on certain honors. The young man was becoming a very fine diplomat in his own regard despite his father's lack of focus on such matters.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  He couldn't have been prouder, and surely, the great ancestor Cordelia was too. The duke's chest swelled and he indeed proclaim the grand news that would surely shake up the western regions far more than any other ongoing chaos now. "With the aid of our new workshop, we have successfully confirmed that the monster tides are now a thing of the past. The wall need no longer stand, for its duty is finally over. House Cordis now will expand into the unknown west, freely!"

  That bit of news definitely had both merchant and general reeling. The former in realizing the incredible potential, while the latter showed...bitter disappointment. "Bah. So there's no more fight to be had?" Gionre sourly asked, earning a confused blink and nod from the hosts. "Good for you, I suppose. But now it just means that the only source of conflict is the ongoing regional chaos then, right?"

  "Yes, indeed. Though if you wished, you could aid us in our endeavors to further the empire's borders," the duke patiently suggested, earning pause from the commander.

  "What sort of danger lurks?"

  "Aggressive wildlife primarily, though there are on occasion monsters deeper in the woods."

  "...Better than nothing," he muttered before seeming to remember where he was. "Ah, what I mean to say is that the Third Legion will consider such duties following successful completion of our current ones. And after consulting Her Radiance, of course."

  "Speaking of the emperor," Alderash began, finally recovering after handing the gift over to a nervous aide to set aside. He frowned, trying to parse out the implications of this apparent border growth. "I suppose you must consult her before expansion, yes? As these territories possess no claim so new ones must be made, usually involving settlers perhaps handpicked by Her Radiance-"

  "Forgive me for interrupting," Vio smoothly slid in and pressed a gloved hand to her chest. "But there is a factual error in your understanding. There is not 'no claim.'"

  The merchant blinked owlishly and the acolyte continued. "It has and always been House Cordis' claim, long before we were even reintroduced by the emperor in establishing the Duchy of Gabion," the acolyte reminded, grinning widely. "So, we are merely reclaiming our ancestral lands and thus do no need to consult any others about such opportunity."

  "I-is that so?" The merchant's eyes widened and his finger raised to press up against his lips in thoughts. "Which means...instead of a competition among burgeoning counts and dukes, it could very well instead be a total monopoly of all resources westward. A new, yet already established center in the west with potentially unlimited growth," he breathed, light dancing in his pupils from the excitement of the prospect.

  "That is indeed my hope," Gregori told plainly with a matching expression. Long had he dreamed of such as a kid, only to shelve such hopes upon his ascension; yet now here he was, about to witness it occur. Or at least, through his son. That did still nag at him.

  "But we must first secure the imperial blessing to do so!" implored the merchant, dragging them both back down to reality. "It's important that we get the go-ahead to do so at least, with the backing of some imperial branch."

  "How fortunate then that we have on such representative at hand right now," Teodor commented and turned to a watching Gionre. "In your capacity as commander of the Third Legion, an appointed general of the Kerezim Empire, do you recognize the claims of House Cordis?"

  "Given that your other neighbors have currently shown themselves unworthy, then yes," he agreed nonchalantly with a simple scratch of the neck. "Though I confess, the matter simply bores me aside from what potential conflict there could be. I wish for the Third Legion to be a fighting force, not one for garrison duty."

  "The wildness of the territory may yet surprise."

  "That's what I'm counting on."

  Alderash swallowed, then nodded frantically up and down. "In which case, then barring direct intervention from Her Radiance-" That was something all present knew wasn't going to happen given how the emperor had already shown her favoritism to House Cordis multiple times over, impressed by their steadfast ideals and honor- "Then I would be remiss to not at least inquire about opportunities for investment. How soon do you plan on your expansion westward?"

  "As soon as the snow melts," revealed the duke and the merchant choked, realizing how close he had been to potentially missing out on a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

  "A-ah, so soon?! Then- oh, I know! Much of the caravan has wares that surely would be of great aid to these first settlers! Tools and seeds, especially! I can mark off the price even more significantly," he suggested, clearly wishing to secure that 'in' with House Cordis now. "I do ask that you remember this favor I present, should you begin to consider potential trading partners."

  "The details can be worked out later, but for now, I think it best we break for a meal and some wine," Gregori suggested, sharing a pleased look with Teodor. "But I will not forget your words."

  "Not at all my lord, I would be most honored to establish a closer business relationship with House Cordis!"

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  Hm. Alderash was maybe a bit overwhelming, but I suppose you had to be if you worked the medieval equivalent of customer service. I didn't envy him at all, given how he probably had to balance between doing right for his business, and sucking up to nobility to trade with them. All the same, I wouldn't blacklist him from Puppet Atelier, but I would require House Cordis be an intermediary until we could trust him more. Shame, he actually does sort of remind me of another of Mikel's retainers- perhaps a distant descendant?

  Gionre in comparison was quite the model Sveg. Literally, he seemed to be as bloodthirsty as my friend had been, always aching for the next fight. He did lack the gentleness though that came with Sveg's farming side- I'm guessing for him, war was his only pleasure. How disappointing, but well, he did look young, so maybe that could change in time. Oh, maybe I could convince him to at least give farming a chance if he stuck around? That was an idea.

  But anyway, this was great noble drama entertainment. I could see why in my old world, this stuff sold like hotcakes. Let's see then if I could do the same come dessert following their meal.

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