CH 182

Chapter 182 - When in Rome, do the Romans do

While I was making all the preparations, the messenger came from the other party.

However, I didn’t want to go out there myself, so I asked the teacher to take care of it.

The messenger’s name was Zenon.

I wonder if he has a last name.

I’ll ask him when I see him.

There was a bit of a hiccup with the presence of the beastmen, but he led him to the representatives’ hall.

There’s no such thing as an audience hall in the first place.

The messenger who looked surprised that there was no palace was ushered in.

The messenger was wearing a light gray robe.

In other words, a high-ranking official.

He frowned for a moment at the presence of a beastman in the room, but his expression quickly disappeared.

“Welcome to Ravenna. I am Alfred Della Scala, Feudal Lord of the town.”

The messenger bowed politely.

“I am Zenon, envoy of the chieftain Dorius.”

I suggest for him to be seated and asked him a question after Zenon had taken his seat.

“Sir Dorius’ territory or country, but what would you like me to call it?”

“It is called Tiryns, for a start. It is common practice to refer to him by his first name.”

“I see, that’s what I’ll do from now on. One more thing, you don’t give your last name. Is that customary?”

“We don’t have a surname, our social status takes its place.”

Hmmm, it’s a very unique place… I thought, and Zenon opens his mouth.

“May I ask you a question?”

“Anything.”

“In our custom, it is an insult to be in the same space with a demi-human. Didn’t your messenger tell you that?”

Everyone became tense.

Do they think they are in a superior position by far?

But when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

“The beastmen envoy’s were kept outside. But we still obeyed because we were following the customs of Sir Dorius’ domain.”

Zenon nodded as if it was obvious.

I did not change my expression.

“You should follow your own customs even if you are in our territory. Is that what you’re saying?”

Zenon looked at me for a moment, then opened his mouth nonchalantly.

“I don’t want to go that far, but don’t you think you should extend the proper courtesy to the envoys?”

I knew he was looking at us as if we were a vassal state.

I shook my head.

“They are our equal citizens, and they hold important positions. We have asked them to be present because we want them to know that. And there is a limit to how much we can respect their manners and customs in our territory.”

Zenon’s suppressed his expression, but he asked me more questions.

“Are you saying that treating demi-humans as equals is the one thing you cannot let go of?”

“Yes, they are only required to abide by Ravenna’s laws.”

Zenon backed down easily.

“I see. Please forgive my rude question.”

He was a polite messenger, despite his inner feelings.

“It’s just small talk, so there’s no need to apologize. “

Zenon gave me a look like he’s evaluating me.

“I would like to present to you a gift from my chief, Lord Dorius, in return for Sir Alfred’s kindness. “

The Elite Guard’s chief, Jules, took the box and brought it to me.

There is no possibility of bringing any dangerous goods at this stage.

I told him I didn’t need to bother checking.

When Jules opened the box, he found only a sword sheath, and it was gorgeous, studded with gold, silver and jewels.

I knew what he was getting into, but I was too lazy to ask a question.

“Thank you for your kindness. But isn’t there anything in it?”

Zenon bowed with a theatrical gesture.

“I have no intention of fighting, that’s what it meant. Chieftain Dorius wants us to coexist.”

I nodded quietly, my face expressionless.

“I see, I also wish to coexist with Sir Dorius.”

This was followed by a heartless exchange.

The meeting about the extermination of the wild boar should be held with Charles.

I told him not to worry because only humans would be attending the welcome party.

I guess he couldn’t grasp the fact that my expression didn’t change at all.

One of the most important tasks of an envoy is to find out the personality of the head of the other party.

Zenon just nodded expressionlessly.

After that, Kiara, not Mil, attended the banquet.

The situation was such that Mil had no objection.

We talked about our respective territories and got some information.

The territory of Dorius is a large plain.

I was told that the brave cavalry deployed in the plains was invincible.

I exaggerated my admiration.

But it seems that Zenon was still unable to grasp me.

I went out to see Zenon off on his return the next day, and asked the knights to escort him on his way.

As we parted, I said a few words to Zenon.

“Let’s both do our best and succeed in exterminating the wild boars. Please give my regards to Sir Dorius and thank him for the gift.”

Zenon bowed and left.

His face seemed to be unsure of me until the end.