Chapter 40
"So, specifically, how will this work?"
Once again, Gubeck took center stage in the discussion and looked straight at Zodia.
Since every troupe leader gathered there had decided to accept Roa's proposal, they moved on to the specifics. Everyone was serious, eager to hear what Zodia had to say.
"First, the food will be handed over here, at Riese Fortress. The total amount for each traveling troupe will be properly determined and recorded in a ledger. Please understand that once a troupe has used up its allotted amount, there will be no more to distribute to that troupe."
"That goes without saying. And this applies not only to the troupes, but to the common people of each country as well, I assume?"
"Just as Gubeck says. It should go without saying, but if you give in to greed, you can expect the soldiers stationed at the fortress to point their spears at you. Roa-sama has declared plainly, 'Whether it's a traveling troupe or a noble, if you want to reduce your own numbers, we won't stop you.'"
Someone audibly swallowed.
"As for the handover of food, we'll use this tally token and a password."
As he spoke, Zodia took out a wooden tablet with the name Lu Pu Zea split between its two halves.
"Each side will keep one half, and if the letters match, that identifies the troupe as one that has 'signed the contract.' And the password?"
"You'll each decide that for yourselves. Please make sure you don't tell anyone else."
"I see. So this is a precaution in case bandits impersonate us."
When Gubeck seemed satisfied, one of the leaders raised a question.
"Come to think of it, what measures are being taken against bandits? Even if you say our safety will be guaranteed, as Gubeck pointed out, there's every chance that bandits who hear the rumors will target the traveling troupes."
"We have measures in place for that as well..."
He had just begun to say this when someone knocked on the door.
A ripple of tension ran through the room as Zodia called out, "Come in."
The person who suddenly poked their head through the creaking door managed to surprise even Zodia.
"Roa-sama!? What are you doing here!?"
The leaders were even more shocked at Zodia's words. Several of them stood up and recoiled.
"Hello, Zodia. Actually, I had some business in Gadeland. I also had a favor to ask you, so I came to Riese. Then I heard that you happened to be holding a briefing. It seemed like a good opportunity, so I thought I'd drop in."
Following Roa, who had entered so casually, were Wickhart, Lapiria, and the twins. The twins made no attempt to conceal their beastlike presence. They looked like carnivores baring their fangs and snarling a warning.
"Now then, everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Roa=Stein, vice-commander of the 10th Knight Order. Um, how far along were you in the explanation?"
After Zodia explained what had been discussed, Roa nodded thoughtfully and took over, saying, "I'll explain from here."
"As for measures against bandits, Rudek, Golbel, and the Empire each plan to assign several guards to every traveling troupe. I've already discussed it with the other two countries, and they've agreed."
"Guards? For a mere traveling troupe?"
When Gubeck asked dubiously, Roa casually replied, "That's right." Then he looked at Gubeck and smiled.
"You're Gubeck of La Belno Ale, aren't you?"
The leaders who had not yet had a chance to introduce themselves wore looks of utter astonishment. Though La Belno Ale was famous, the people likely to know Gubeck's own name were limited to lords familiar with him and his fellow troupe members.
"Have we... met somewhere before?"
At Gubeck's question, Roa's eyes widened slightly. To Zodia, the expression looked like one of sudden regret. Zodia surmised that Roa had probably learned of Gubeck in the future he knew.
"Well, La Belno Ale is famous, after all."
Roa tried to brush it off that way. As Gubeck remained confused, Zodia elaborated on Roa's words.
"Didn't I tell you before, Gubeck, that Roa-sama knows a great deal about traveling-troupe culture and the like? He even knows our greetings and 'Loref's Scream.' It wouldn't be strange for him to know Gubeck's name."
After Zodia supplied that explanation, Gubeck muttered, "I see..." Then he looked at Roa again and introduced himself.
"I apologize for the delayed greeting. As you said, I am Gubeck of La Belno Ale. I sincerely thank you for taking such pains for people like us."
Gubeck's greeting prompted the leaders to introduce themselves one after another. Each time, Roa responded with remarks such as, "Oh, the famous troupe known for acrobatics," or, "If I recall, you're a traveling troupe that mainly tours the Empire," leaving the leaders staring wide-eyed.
Once he had received everyone's greetings, Roa continued.
"Regarding the guards I mentioned earlier, as Zodia explained, the purpose this time is to lift the spirits, even just a little, of the people being forced to live under austerity. Since this is a request from the countries, it's only natural that guards be assigned. That said, there will probably be no more than a dozen or so at most. Well, I don't think many bandits would attack with regular soldiers present. We also have another purpose on our side."
"...May I ask what that other purpose is?"
"Of course. Though it's nothing particularly important. We'll also have soldiers accompany you to guard places that normally fall outside our watch. There will probably be criminals desperate enough to do something reckless after running out of options."
"That is true, I suppose."
"And there's one other favor I'd like to ask. That's the matter I came here about today."
Though Roa's tone remained gentle, everyone wore frightened expressions, as if they had been overwhelmed by his presence.
Even Gubeck, who generally paid little attention to the other person's status unless they were royalty, had a slightly strained expression.
"...Is this something even I haven't heard about?"
Roa nodded at Zodia's question.
"It occurred to me after our discussion, so I stopped by Gadeland as well."
From that point on, the leaders of the traveling troupes would come to understand...
what Roa=Stein truly was.