Chapter 13: Karlzenhaven

Approximately sixteen hundred years ago, the then two-hundred-year-old Emperor Charlemagne almost unified the entire continent through a series of wars and established the Empire. That was the golden age of humanity. Charlemagne reigned as the human emperor for four hundred years before announcing his abdication. Before he retired, to quell disputes over his successor among the tribes, he established the Elector system.

The Empire's system changed from centralization to a feudal system. The vast territory was divided among twelve Electors. The Emperor ruled the capital and the most fertile plains around it. Upon the death or demise of the previous emperor, the twelve Electors, along with the Churches of Justice, Life, and Magic, would vote to choose the next emperor from several candidates. This Elector system is still in use today.

"Mr. Oliver, the Empire is a strong centralized state. Why establish such an electoral system? Isn't primogeniture a viable option?" Ryan asked, looking at the scenery. In the distance, pine forests stood quietly under a blanket of snow, the cold air causing the horses to snort. Ahead, the guard Mather was cautiously scouting for possible threats, while Fak, inexperienced with driving, struggled with the cart since the original driver had died in a skirmish.

The weather was already cold enough, and chatting could ease the discomfort.

"If the Empire had no external enemies, if we were on an isolated island with no trade with others, primogeniture might work. But the Empire is surrounded by enemies on all sides. Sure, we have the knightly allies of Brettonia and close ties with the dwarves, but elsewhere? Enemies everywhere. Emperor Charlemagne hoped the most capable heir could lead the Empire forward, not spoiled brats raised with bloodline privileges," Oliver explained reverently. "Charlemagne never hid his past; he proudly told his ministers he once herded cows. Emperor Ludwig also came from a minor noble background. Birth doesn't matter; what matters are ability, bravery, and love for the Empire."

"Well said," Ryan nodded, saying no more.

After several hours of trekking, they finally arrived at the port city of Karlzenhaven in the Kingdom of Nord.

Compared to the small town of Ulan with only a few hundred households, the port city of Karlzenhaven was much larger, housing about eight hundred families. From a distance, black smoke columns indicated the city's size. The gray stone walls, though not very high, were sturdier than Ulan's wooden palisade. The gate guards were better equipped; unlike Ulan's guards in breastplates, Karlzenhaven's guards wore full lamellar armor, wielding spears and halberds. Their faces looked healthier, and the commanding officer even wore full chain mail, a longsword at his waist, and a shield in hand, covered by a black robe, exuding an air of authority.

"This medium-sized port can accommodate a dozen medium or large merchant ships. The port has all necessary facilities, with a standing force of 150 regular soldiers and a kingdom knight stationed here. If needed, up to 600 militia can be summoned, though that would be pushing the limits," Ryan explained to Teresa.

"Have you been here before?" the sorceress asked curiously, looking at the medium-sized port city.

"There's no place in Nord I haven't been, including Sky Castle. This port is no exception," Ryan replied proudly. He had traveled extensively, far more than Teresa, who mostly frequented a few major cities or stayed at home.

Cargo ships were departing along the river, seemingly transporting goods. The port soldiers looked very serious, suggesting something unusual was happening. Ryan also noticed a caravan arguing with the guard captain at the city gate.

"Liars! Swindlers! Why didn't you tell us we couldn't sail and still charged us an entry fee? We don't intend to stay; refund our money!"

The gate was in chaos. A caravan, dragging several carts of goods, was arguing with the guards. The situation was tense, with guards gripping their sword hilts and spears leaning threateningly.

The mercenary group had to wait as the commotion blocked their entry. Ryan grew impatient; he needed to find Belter's trail.

Dismounting, the kingdom knight approached the scene under everyone's watchful eyes. "What's going on here?"

No one moved. Seeing many guards with hands on their hilts, the experienced deputy captain, Wirt, knew not to provoke their nerves. Everyone looked to Teresa for direction.

"Wait. Ryan's status is best suited for negotiating," Teresa said, sitting on her horse, her long coat nearly covering her legs, showing only the tips and heels of her high boots.

The Garland Council was a recognized organization but had no authority to interfere in state affairs. Strictly speaking, Teresa wasn't a noble of Nord. It was better to let officials handle official matters.

A guard stopped Ryan. "Good day, sir! Entry to the city requires a fee of five silver dinars. We will issue a pass valid for five days... Good morning, Sir Knight!"

Ryan flashed his White Wolf Knight badge, and the guards saluted.

"What's happening here?"

"Sir, the lord declared a maritime ban yesterday, prohibiting any ships from sailing." The guard spoke softly, lowering his head.

"No sailing from here?!" Ryan thought he understood, frowning. "Why didn't the lord notify or post a notice? Charging entry fees before telling people they can't sail? What's the reason for the ban?"

Even so, five silver dinars was exorbitant. Ryan thought the lord was quite ruthless in collecting taxes.

Charging such high entry fees only to ban sailing was clearly extorting merchants. Once the money was pocketed, it was their problem if they couldn't sail. My turf, my rules. Don't like it? Don't come!

A classic lawful evil tactic.

"Are inns still open?" Ryan had no interest in the gate argument and didn't want to get involved.

"Yes, sir. Many inns have lowered prices due to the lack of guests. If you're looking for lodging, most places are full due to the sailing ban. The Butterbeer Inn in the city center might have rooms; their deluxe suites are certainly fit for a knight. Or you could notify the lord..."

"Whoosh!" A sharp sound cut through the air. Ryan instinctively looked at the gate where the argument had escalated. On the captain's order, a guard on the tower had fired an arrow, landing in the dirt before the caravan.

The guard captain smirked, thinking these people had no idea where they stood. How dare they act up here?

"Whizz!" Suddenly, a cloaked figure in the caravan drew an arrow from his quiver, nocked, and fired with incredible speed. The arrow shot the helmet off the tower guard, who fell back in shock but unharmed, landing on his backside.

Such skill! This was an elite ranger, possibly high-level. Ryan was now interested, holding his horse and watching the scene unfold with great interest.

The cloak revealed pointed ears and a slender face, indicating the ranger was a half-elf. The ranger's face was full of arrogance, even smirking at the guard captain. The captain, realizing he was outmatched, stepped back nervously. He was only a low-level elite, with little chance of subduing the powerful ranger without heavy losses.

Losing lives or his own in this confrontation could cost him his position if the lord blamed him.

The captain glanced around and noticed Ryan watching the scene.

A kingdom knight!

"Sir Knight! These merchants are breaking our laws! They openly defy the lord's rules!" The captain immediately approached Ryan, bowing deeply and seeking his aid, while glaring at the caravan as if they had committed a great offense.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. The caravan members, busy arguing, now noticed him. Many guards became wary, and the half-elf ranger gripped his bow, glaring at Ryan. The caravan guards tightened their grips on their weapons, while the mercenaries hesitated, not wanting to provoke a kingdom knight.

As a kingdom knight, Ryan had a duty to uphold Nord's laws, even if they were unreasonable. Seeing the situation reach him, Ryan lifted his warhammer, speaking sternly to the guard captain. "Oh? Five silver dinars entry fee, is that the law in Nord? Your lord taxes heavily, nearly charging me, a kingdom knight."

"My apologies, sir, but it's the lord's order. We must comply!" the captain quickly apologized.

"Exactly! Sir Knight, we came here because the trade taxes are lower than other ports. But now, after paying such high entry fees, we're told we can't sail! That's unfair!" Oliver argued.

Finally, Ryan mediated, reducing the entry fee to three silver dinars. Teresa covered the mercenary group's fee, not caring about a few dozen silver coins. They entered the city, while Ryan informed them he was heading to the lord's residence.

The lord of Karlzenhaven lived in a large wooden longhouse, three stories high. The first floor served as a reception and dining area, while the top two were private quarters. Mostly wooden, Ryan announced his arrival to the guards and quickly found the clerk to check sailing records.

"Yes, Mr. Ryan, a tall, thin man entered the town at closing yesterday. He didn't stay, immediately requesting passage to Marienburg. The captains were hesitant, but he offered fifteen gold dinars, several times the normal fare. One captain accepted," the clerk said, reviewing the records.

"Damn, we lost him!" Ryan muttered, having suspected this outcome after the delay with the beastmen.

"Why the sailing ban?" Ryan asked.

"This morning, the High Priest of the Ocean Church informed the lord that many sea monsters were gathering nearby, and northern barbarian fleets were

 attacking merchant ships. For safety, the lord ordered a temporary sailing ban," the clerk explained.

"I see." Ryan knew pursuing Belter was futile. Even if he convinced the lord to arrange a special ship, the risks were too high. He would report to Archbishop Innozenz and reconsider his next move.

Leaving the tower at noon, Ryan felt a rare break in the clouds, a few rays of sunlight bringing some warmth. It was only November and already so cold. He wondered how long the sun would be hidden during Winterveil.

"Archbishop Innozenz, I lost Belter," Ryan said, pressing the gem on his bracelet.

"I know. Belter sailed from Nord yesterday. It's not your fault. I notified you two days late, and now..." the authoritative voice sounded tired. "We have more pressing matters. The northern barbarians are mobilizing. At least 20,000 are gathering. We must deal with that first."

What? The northern barbarians are invading again?

This was terrible news.