Before Punshal and the guard standing beside him could react, the red-haired man grabbed Punshal's collar with his left hand and hoisted him up. The significant height difference between the two left Punshal dangling in the air, his legs flailing as he struggled. Noticing this, Punshal's guard lunged at the red-haired man with a raised fist.
"Hmph! Two dogs or one, it makes no difference!"
The red-haired man, still holding Punshal aloft with one hand, swung his right arm, landing a punch on the charging guard's face. As the guard collapsed to the floor, the red-haired man followed up with a swift kick to his torso.
In an instant, the guard, clutching his face with both hands, rolled backward, sliding across the hall until he slammed into the far wall.
Watching his guard being subdued before his eyes, Punshal, gasping through the pain of his constricted throat, managed to choke out words.
"Urgh… what… what is this insolence! Let… let me go!"
He twisted his body, still dangling in the air, trying to break free as he spoke.
"Hahaha. Come now, Witold. Put down the envoy of House Raller."
Count Tould addressed the red-haired man with a chuckle.
"My apologies for the late introduction. Witold, head of House Smollen and vassal of House Tould, greets the Count!"
Witold's booming voice rang in Punshal's ears as he released his grip, letting Punshal crash to the floor with a thud. Witold then dropped to one knee, bowing his head in a formal gesture of respect to Count Tould.
"Well then, since representatives of the two feuding houses are gathered, this should make things easier. Witold, is the envoy of House Raller's claim true?"
"If the Birch Forest hadn't kept expanding, we wouldn't be here. For years, they've been transplanting trees and even using magic to grow them, encroaching on our land. We built a fortress in response, nothing more."
"Having heard the Baron Smollen's side, let's hear from the envoy of House Raller."
Count Tould sat in the large chair at the center of the hall, picking up the sheathed sword beside him and striking its tip against the stone floor. The dull thud of the scabbard was enough to silence the restless atmosphere in the room.
"Y-Yes… Well, as we planted trees across the forest… it may have expanded slightly. But there was no ill intent. It's just a good hunting ground, so… the Baron thought a slightly larger forest would be nice…"
Punshal's earlier bravado faltered as he stammered. His guard, who was supposed to protect him, was only now regaining consciousness, leaning against the wall and coughing as he wiped blood from his face with a towel brought by a Tould servant. The Baron Smollen glared at him with the intensity of a predator ready to pounce, and even Count Tould, who had been somewhat receptive, seemed ready to draw his sword depending on Punshal's next words.
Punshal began to regret boasting to Baron Raller that he would confidently confront Count Tould in Valla-Glas about this matter. The Baron Smollen's piercing gaze tangled his prepared words, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. He felt like prey thrown into a den of ferocious beasts. Swallowing hard, Punshal steadied himself and spoke again.
"B-But… planting a few trees on a mere few cubits of land is hardly a crime! Meanwhile, House Smollen built a fortress deep in the heart of the forest!"
His trembling voice betrayed his fear as he forced out the words, glancing nervously at the Baron Smollen.
"Envoy of House Raller! Do you wish to leave your head here and now?"
The Baron Smollen's eyes widened, his voice thundering with the threat of immediate violence.
"I've heard both sides." Count Tould said calmly, addressing the two.
"Shall I propose my solution? Are you willing to listen?"
"Of course, my Lord."
"Yes, Count."
The two turned to face the Count, kneeling as they responded.
"House Smollen claims that House Raller has been planting trees in the Birch Forest to encroach on their territory. House Raller admits to planting trees, which slightly expanded the forest into Smollen lands due to a minor mistake, but claims that House Smollen, in response, built a fortress deep within the forest, infringing on Raller territory. Is that correct?"
"As you say, my Lord."
"Y-Yes… that's more or less accurate."
"Then here's my proposal. House Smollen will pay for the trees cut down to build their fortress. As for the ambiguous border between Smollen and Raller lands, let's use the Lanta Fortress, currently under construction, as the boundary. How does that sound?"
"Hahaha! Fine by me! I'll pay for the trees, no problem!"
The Baron Smollen laughed heartily, clapping his metal-gauntleted hands with a clanging sound.
"That's… that's outrageous…"
Punshal, wiping sweat with a small handkerchief clutched in his short, stout hand, stammered with a pale, contorted face.
"Are you dissatisfied? Do you think I'm favoring House Smollen because they're my vassals? In my view, this is better than letting the Birch Forest disappear entirely."
Count Tould's gentle smile carried a subtle threat as he spoke to Punshal. The envoy understood the implication: if the forest were burned or its trees felled entirely, the document defining Raller's territory by the Birch Forest would become a liability.
Realizing this, Punshal felt the weight of Count Tould's veiled threat.
"W-Well… yes, it's a wise judgment… However, I lack the authority to make such a significant decision…"
Hoping to let the matter fade quietly, Punshal tried to deflect with quick thinking.
"No need to worry. I'll personally write to your lord, Rudian, to assist. Surely you don't need House Kavil's permission for this as well?"
Count Tould's lips curved into a soft smile as he addressed Punshal.
"I-If you could do that, it would expedite matters."
Punshal's plan to dodge the issue crumbled. With a bitter smile, he bowed his head and responded.
"Then, since the envoy's business is concluded, would you stay for a meal before departing? What about you, Witold?"
"Sounds good! I brought a few barrels of salt-cured salmon from Damu on my way to Valla-Glas. You should try some, my Lord."
The Baron Smollen pointed toward the wagons outside the hall, visible through the window.
"Haha, with Damu sending gifts like this every time, I might find meals dull without Dawi and Muwa's salmon."
Count Tould joined Witold at the window, looking down at the wagons laden with large wooden barrels.
"I appreciate the offer, but I must return to my lord, Rudian Raller, to report today's events as soon as possible."
"A pity! The salmon from Dawi and Muwa is a rare treat. Very well, take a letter with you before you go. I'll write it now."
"Y-Yes… I'll do that…"
Punshal bowed with one knee, then hurriedly left the hall with his guard, who was still clutching a towel to his face.
"Witold! I was planning to visit Tollu, but you've come to me instead."
Count Tould clapped the Smollen Baron's shoulder with the back of his hand.
"Haha! I came with some goods to deliver, but I saw Raller's wagon and rushed in without permission. Forgive me."
"No need. That boldness reminds me of your father—it's refreshing. By the way, haven't you gotten even bigger? I might not be able to keep up with you in a spar soon."
"No, my Lord. I'm still far from your level."
Witold approached the Count, then shifted to a new topic as if it had just occurred to him.
"By the way, how do you think House Raller will react?"
"They won't escalate over a few handfuls of forest land. Their lord doesn't seem spineless enough to beg his master for help over such a small matter. And if war breaks out…"
"That's what we want! I'll make House Raller vanish from this kingdom. Those filthy hounds following a foolish master are no match for us!"
The Baron Smollen grinned, raising his arm and clenching his fist tightly.
"Exactly. They know we'd welcome a fight. Even if House Kavil backs them, House Tould and House Smollen together are more than enough. Raller, no matter how loyal a hound to Kavil, won't dare challenge us lightly."
"Yes! I'll ensure the Lanta Fortress is impregnable for any future conflict. Our soldiers' training is always a priority, so rest assured."
"Hahaha. Good. We've got time before the meal, so let's catch up."
"Bring out the good wine! I'll fetch the salmon from the wagon."
"Great idea. I was saving a few bottles for when I visited Tollu, but since you're here in Valla-Glas, let's empty them into our bellies."
"Perfect! A few bottles are nothing for Witold's stomach. I'll fill it with wine, leaving just enough room for the meal. Hahaha!"
Laughing, the two walked out of the hall.