Chapter 114: Fireside Conversations at the Border Outpost

Temeria and Redania have a long history of friendship, not without its share of intense rivalries and conflicts. However, this is not a history lesson; the focus here is the Pontar River, which marks the border between the two nations—a natural, non-freezing waterway.

The border checkpoint, built on an islet in the middle of the river, is a large fortress constructed of hardwood. It is jointly managed by both kingdoms and can house up to a thousand soldiers, with wooden bridges connecting it to both banks.

This evening, the Phantom Troupe’s two-horse caravan is parked inside the checkpoint for the night. In times of peace, the flow of travelers through the post is not frequent, and the four-person group led by Victor stands out as the most conspicuous among them.

The southern bridgehead is managed by Temeria. Since the toll was paid upon entering the fortress, they have effectively left Temerian jurisdiction; however, until they pass the northern bridgehead exit, they have not yet technically entered Redania.

In the camp area, a bonfire has been lit. Angoulême, Una, and Fergus are warming themselves by the flames, chatting about their grand plans for success once they reach Novigrad—much like ambitious dreamers heading to a bustling metropolis.

Lying on the roof of the caravan, Victor gazes at the starry sky, letting his mind wander back to memories of his past life. The Pegasus constellation he once watched for in the night sky has long since vanished; with the arrival of autumn, the protagonist is now Orion. Though this is a different world, the hunter—the oldest of professions—is always represented in the naming of the stars.

Naturally, the young man’s unsociable behavior draws teasing from the girls.

"Hey! Vick, are you thinking about Vissie again? Stop it, she’s married!" Angoulême’s mockery immediately sends the three below into a fit of laughter.

Vissie was a farmwife they met a few days ago in Moblider while staying at a farmhouse. A mother of three, she made pancakes and roast chicken that Victor absolutely loved. Before leaving, he had even invited her family to move north to Novigrad with them, offering to set up a catering department for her.

Alas, the offer was politely declined; Vissie’s husband is the village veterinarian, and they live quite comfortably in Moblider. Victor had no ulterior motives regarding her; he simply enjoyed her cooking and, based on his foreknowledge of the potential devastation war might bring to the Velen region, had extended a friendly invitation. As for Angoulême’s teasing, there was no malice in it—she knew perfectly well there was nothing between them, but she couldn't miss an opportunity to slander their leader!

As the group enjoys their camaraderie, someone approaches the Phantom Troupe’s campsite.

"Hi there, folks!" The man is wearing Redanian armor, and judging by the insignia, he is at least a captain.

The laughter of the three by the fire ceases instantly. They instinctively glance up at the caravan roof, where a pair of feet first appear, followed by Victor’s face as he dons his sunglasses upon hearing the voice.

The reactions of Angoulême and the others make it clear to the checkpoint commander, "Patrick," that this young man in sunglasses is the true leader.

"Hi! It’s a long night; care to chat?"

"My pleasure." The youth leaps down from the roof.

...

Laughter rings out around the fire, and the group hits it off with the officer immediately. "Wyzima Champion," a beer that has been a bestseller in Temeria for thirty years, is a household name in Redania as well.

As the saying goes: "Meet new friends, reunite with old ones—Wyzima Champion, you deserve it!"

After a simple exchange of introductions:

"Ah... so you’re heading to Redania to open a shop in 'Novigrad,'" the checkpoint commander says, slightly tipsy. "...Then you must know about the 'One Super and Four Greats' who truly rule that city!"

Saying this, he solemnly raises his empty mug.

"Oh? I’m all ears!" Victor picks up the bottle to refill it.

Satisfied by the youth’s enthusiasm, Patrick smacks his lips and says: "Novigrad is the holy city of the 'Eternal Fire.' The vast majority of citizens believe in the Eternal Fire, and the Church radiates its influence from here to the surrounding north—that is the 'One Super.'

"The Temple Isle Council has its own independent law enforcement, the Temple Guard, and their administrative reach covers every facet of the city. There is no room for other religions; Novigrad cannot function without the Eternal Fire."

Pausing to enjoy the attentive gazes of his audience, he takes a large gulp of ale. "Beyond the 'One Super,' the 'Four Greats' are Sigismund Dijkstra, 'Whoreson' Alphons Willie, the 'Beggar King' Francis Bedlam, and the 'Butcher' Cleaver. These four gangland titans hold the city’s economic lifeline in their respective territories."

Angoulême is somewhat surprised: "Wow, why would gangs control the economic lifeline?"

The commander shakes his head. "It’s a long historical story, so let’s skip it! Just know that the gangs and the Eternal Fire are the true owners of the city. Hmph! But even in a Free City, Novigrad still has to pay taxes. If they dare not to, Philippa will make them regret it."

"And who is Philippa?" the dwarf Fergus asks, intrigued by the mention of a woman.

"Philippa Eilhart, royal advisor and court sorceress. Before the King was wed, she was the one pulling the strings of government." The commander’s tone turns irritable at the mention of her regency.

Fergus presses, "Judging by your tone, you don't seem to like her?"

"Ha, no patriot would like that bitch! Though, I can't deny she's cunning... let's not talk about her anymore." Patrick waves his hand dismissively.

Una naturally changes the subject. "So Novigrad’s power structure is that complex." As the future master blacksmith of their shop, she cannot help but ask, "Where would you recommend we open our business?"

Patrick replies, "That depends on your boss’s budget and what kind of environment he wants." He looks at Victor as he speaks.

The youth glances at Una and Fergus. "Safety! Safety first. The business can be slow, or even terrible, but it must be safe. Angoulême and I are often out on business, so safety is paramount."

"Haha! Alright then, I recommend Alphons's territory. He is a very cultured man, loves poetry. There are many brothels, casinos, and arenas in the city that are also his business."

"Whoreson!?... No! Our shop cannot open in Whoreson's territory." Victor’s words are absolute.

Patrick shrugs, not asking why, and continues: "Then perhaps try the Butcher, Cleaver. He’s a dwarf of his word, a real brawler. He has a short temper but follows the rules. As long as you pay your protection money, he will protect you to the end."

"Not under a dwarf either. Recommend someone else."

"The 'Bathhouse' Dijkstra and the 'Putrid Grove' Beggar King—they are both very powerful and capable humans."

"Forget it, not Dijkstra either. The alchemy workshop will likely open in Francis’s territory." The youth makes his decision quickly.

"The Beggar King!? His territory’s commercial activity is generally quite poor."

"Poor business doesn't matter; safety is what counts. I never worry about the demand for the things I sell." Victor speaks with absolute confidence.