#33
Instead of departing immediately, Jeha instructed his butler to prepare a lavish dinner banquet. Subsequently, he dispatched invitations to Xavier and his entourage, who were presently residing at the temple.
The entourage, who had undoubtedly been seething with resentment since their initial, rather dismissive reception from the lord, arrived at the dinner banquet with an air of distinct triumph. Upon beholding the lavishly appointed feast, spread out so grandly it could make one’s jaw drop, they exchanged satisfied glances, as though their esteemed presence had, at last, been duly acknowledged.
“Please, everyone, take your seats.”
Seated at the head of the table, Jeha gestured, inviting his guests to take their places. The entourage gracefully settled into their assigned seats, proceeding to cleanse their hands in the small silver basins presented by the attending servants. Xavier, having swiftly dried his hands with a cloth offered by a diligent attendant, was the first to break the silence.
“We are simply grateful for Your Excellency the Marquis’s profound generosity in hosting such a magnificent banquet on our behalf.”
“Please, think nothing of it. The honor is entirely mine, to host such esteemed individuals who have been dispatched directly from the temple. However…”
Jeha allowed his words to trail off, a subtle expression of contemplation gracing his features, before he resumed speaking.
“I had this dinner prepared quite lavishly, intending to express my sincere sentiments, yet I found myself greatly concerned that such an extravagant display might inadvertently burden or even offend those who, by their very principles, hold frugality and simplicity in high esteem. I earnestly hope you will consider my pure intentions and refrain from deeming this occasion overly worldly.”
At Jeha’s words, Xavier’s gaze made a deliberate sweep across the abundant and luxurious dishes arrayed upon the lengthy dining table. His eyes briefly, almost imperceptibly, lingered on the sparkling, opulent silver cutlery and the intricately gold-adorned porcelain, before subtly averting his gaze.
“For us, who are dedicated to serving the Divine, there exists little distinction between this bountiful repast graciously offered by Your Excellency the Marquis and the last meager crust of bread extended by a poor commoner. What truly holds significance is merely the heart and sincerity behind the offering. Having fully comprehended Your Excellency’s benevolent intentions, I implore you not to be unduly troubled.”
‘He certainly has a way with words.’
Jeha scoffed inwardly, though outwardly, he offered a reassuring smile, as if greatly relieved.
“It is indeed a relief to hear you express such understanding. Therefore, I urge you to consider my earnest sincerity this evening, and to eat and drink your fill, allowing yourselves to shed the weariness of your long journey.”
With those words, the lavish meal commenced.
From a discreet corner of the dining hall, musicians played their instruments, their melodies elevating the festive atmosphere. Servants moved with practiced diligence, carving succulent whole roasted geese, ducks, tender young lamb, and rich venison, serving generous portions onto the guests’ gleaming silver plates. Expensive wines, their colors shimmering, flowed ceaselessly into the gold-adorned crystal goblets.
The atmosphere, initially somewhat rigid, gradually softened and relaxed as the wine flowed freely, glass after copious glass. Jeha, ever the astute host, skillfully played the part of a novice lord—still quite young and ostensibly unfamiliar with the intricate workings of the Central Continent due to his prolonged studies abroad—thereby completely dismantling the guarded wariness of Xavier and his entourage. As time wore on and a pleasant tipsiness settled over the company, the earlier dissatisfaction they had harbored towards Jeha, stemming from their initial encounter, appeared to have utterly dissipated from their now jovial faces.
“Speaking of which, has Your Excellency the Marquis not reached an age where one might expect him to consider establishing a family?”
“A family, you say…? Are you perhaps referring to marriage?”
“Indeed. I have heard that the esteemed House Belgarga has historically been rather sparse in its lineage. And Your Excellency the Marquis, being an only son, has no siblings, I understand.”
“Yes, well… it is true that our family tends to be somewhat sparse in its succession.”
“Given that both your esteemed parents have passed, there may be few left to oversee Your Excellency’s marital arrangements. If Your Excellency the Marquis so desires, I would be honored to act as an intermediary, facilitating your search for a suitable partner—one who is both gentle of disposition and capable of ensuring a bountiful succession.”
‘What on earth does he mean by “gentle of disposition” and “bountiful succession”? Is he implying he’ll choose someone who will meekly obey her husband and produce an endless stream of children? Ugh.’
Jeha grumbled, a sour taste in his mouth. He found himself utterly unable to pinpoint a single redeeming quality in that man. While he conceded that the prevailing standards of female virtue in this era were, perhaps, an unavoidable reality, Jeha, a modern soul at heart, felt an involuntary surge of revulsion at the mere mention of such criteria.
“Or… do you perhaps harbor an ideal type in mind?”
Xavier’s inquiry was slow and deliberate, his gaze fixed intently upon Jeha. His eyes, sharp and calculating, were overtly engaged in an assessment, weighing Jeha from every conceivable angle. Unlike the other members of the entourage, whose defenses had noticeably begun to lower, Xavier remained, conspicuously, in a state of reserved judgment regarding Jeha.
Crafting an answer that would appease such a fastidious and unyielding man proved to be a simple task. Jeha, affecting a slightly bashful expression, responded.
“Unlike many other noble houses, our family does not favor marriages of political convenience. I, myself, harbor no interest whatsoever in lofty lineage or substantial dowries. Furthermore, having never cultivated close relationships with women, I confess I am quite ignorant of what truly constitutes a ‘virtuous’ woman. If there is merely one quality I earnestly desire…”
As Jeha’s words deliberately trailed off, the collective gazes of those engaged in conversation simultaneously pivoted, fixing intently upon his lips. Under the concentrated scrutiny of the entourage, Jeha, with an almost imperceptible smirk, willingly delivered the response he knew would satisfy them to the highest possible degree.
“I would hope for someone who is both chaste and profoundly pious, regardless of their social standing.”
Indeed, it was a perfectly crafted, honeyed response for the ears of the priests. Even in the discerning eyes of the meticulous Xavier, a palpable sense of satisfaction immediately welled forth.
“I now comprehend the extraordinary dedication Baron Lanchester must have poured into Your Excellency the Marquis’s education. You have truly matured into a most splendid young man.”
Xavier proceeded to praise Paimon, who was responsible for Jeha’s education. He then continued his discourse.
“These days, young people often succumb with alarming ease to short-lived, fleeting desires, often cloaking them under the guise of ‘love.’ And then, of course, there are the ingrained, ancient vices of the nobility, who, solely preoccupied with familial gain, shamelessly haggle over sacred marriages as if they were mere commodities to be bought and sold.”
Jeha nodded, his expression one of profound attentiveness.
“To my profound shame, I must confess that I had always regarded House Belgarga’s tradition of free marriage as rather worldly and, dare I say, somewhat frivolous. However, to learn that you not only eschew considerations of familial gain or the ephemeral desires of youth, but also disregard social standing entirely, seeking solely a profoundly pious partner… it is only now that I truly comprehend why House Belgarga has remained so remarkably robust throughout the centuries.”
Having delivered these words, Xavier inclined his head slightly towards Jeha, a gesture conveying profound respect. The other members of the entourage, too, wore expressions of unreserved admiration.
“Such personal revelations, I confess, make me feel quite bashful. Let us, if you please, transition to another topic.”
At this, Xavier paused for a brief, contemplative moment, then, as if having finally steeled his resolve, drained his wine glass and opened his mouth to speak.
“If you prioritize profound piety as a fundamental condition for your marital partner, I have not the slightest doubt that Your Excellency yourself possesses an equally deep and abiding faith. Therefore, I, Xavier, shall speak to you without reservation on a certain matter.”
“Please, do speak.”
“Last night, I paid a visit to the temple and engaged in a rather informative discussion with one of the resident priests.”
“Oh, indeed?”
‘What fresh grievance is he about to seize upon now?’
Jeha grumbled inwardly, though outwardly, he maintained a facade of attentive listening.
“The priest informed me that despite Your Excellency having returned to the domain over ten days ago, you have not once visited the temple.”
“Ah… that is true.”
“Your Excellency, as inhabitants of this land, regardless of their noble status, one must never grow lax in striving to draw closer to the Divine. As I made my way into the castle earlier, I observed its impressive prosperity. Yet, in stark contrast, the donations offered to the temple were… to be frank, rather meager.”
“Oh… is that so?”
Jeha found it increasingly difficult to maintain his composure.
“It is my considered opinion that Your Excellency should personally set an example, thereby inspiring your people to cultivate the habit of serving and donating to the Divine of their own accord.”
‘So, he’s just asking for money, then.’
Jeha muttered inwardly, then took a few gulps of wine, deep in thought.
In truth, Jeha had invited Xavier’s party today with the intention of maintaining amicable relations, at least for the time being. He needed to leave the domain for a while to search for the young dragon and to meet Hereis. His plan was to appease Xavier just enough, stuffing him with money, to prevent any innocent sacrifices in his absence, all while subtly implying that their domain was a deeply pious city, home to devout people.
However…
Being asked for money so early in their acquaintance made his irritation flare up again.
While he had always intended to shower the Belgarga Marquisate’s funds upon them, the moment they explicitly demanded it, he found himself perversely unwilling to give. Furthermore, the audacity of asking him to help them fleece the commoners utterly stunned him. He’d put on such a show of piety, only to reveal himself no different from any other grasping individual.
As Jeha emptied his wine glass and set it down, a servant, who had been standing silently behind him, promptly refilled it.
Jeha gazed at the refilling wine glass for a moment before turning his attention to Xavier and beginning to speak.
“Upon my arrival at the castle after a long journey, I found that the weariness of travel did not easily dissipate. After a few days of much-needed rest, I was faced with numerous tasks requiring my attention. I had indeed planned to visit the temple soon, but I had heard that one should purify both body and mind before such a visit. I intended to spend several days in vegetarianism and prayer, reaching a state of spiritual purity before making my pilgrimage, but… it seems an urgent appointment has arisen, causing that visit to be postponed even further.”
“An urgent matter, you say…?”
Xavier inquired, his expression clearly conveying his belief that no matter could be more urgent or important than visiting the temple and offering donations. Jeha, as if he had been waiting for that very question, smiled broadly and replied.
“Indeed, Archpriest Hereis sent word a few days ago, expressing his desire to meet with me. Opportunities to meet His Eminence are rare, so I had planned to depart swiftly, but I delayed my departure briefly due to your arrival, Sir Xavier.”
Seeing Xavier’s expression dramatically change, Jeha nodded, a joyous smile gracing his face.