A large entourage set off from Dublin, heading north. Along the way, there was nothing but farmland and forests. The Irish people on either side of the road didn't even look up; they knew it was the Norman knights passing by.
"We'll go to Reddstown first to check on Rolf's castle," John instructed his companions.
The royal guards following John nodded and continued to stay by his side. The group consisted of about three hundred people, including John's guards, attendants, and servants.
This time, John was traveling purely for leisure, so he didn't bring a large army. The personal guards accompanying him were enough to ensure his safety.
Moreover, for the sake of comfort, John brought along a lot of miscellaneous items, which slowed down their progress considerably. But John was not in a hurry at all; as mentioned earlier, this was a leisure trip for him.
"Jacques, go ahead to Reddstown Castle and deliver the message," John added. "Have them prepare food and wine to welcome us."
"Yes." Jacques, experienced in diplomatic matters, was already accustomed to such tasks from John.
After Jacques was dispatched, John led the entourage forward slowly, like a giant snail crawling across the wilderness. By the time they reached Reddstown Castle, the servants, under Jacques' orders, were ready to welcome John.
Returning here once more, John felt little emotion. Most of the servants in the castle were Irish, while the Norwegians were mainly nobles and landowners. However, this time the guests were different, so the blond, blue-eyed Norsemen also came out to greet John.
"Your visit truly brings honor to our humble abode, Your Highness."
The leading noble bowed to John, respectfully assisting him off his horse, displaying a fawning and submissive attitude that even made John's royal guards feel ashamed.
Admiration for the powerful was something the Norse specialized in.
"This is my first time here as a feudal lord," John remarked, a bit sentimental. "Are the preparations I asked for ready?"
The nobles nodded and prepared to lead John into the lord's hall.
An elderly man in a clerical robe ran out, saying, "Honorable Prince, I am Sigismund, the regent here and Rolf's uncle. Please allow me to guide you."
John said nothing, merely letting Sigismund lead the way.
As they walked, Sigismund explained, "This is our small chapel, representing our devotion to the Lord. And up ahead is our lord's hall."
Before everyone stood a Nordic-style lord's hall. Unlike the layout of Western European halls, Nordic halls focused more on hospitality for guests rather than showcasing authority to courtiers. Sigismund pushed open the doors, revealing a long table.
This long table was specifically for entertaining guests, with the main seat adorned with exquisite cushions, awaiting John's arrival. John didn't stand on ceremony and sat directly there.
Soon, the cooks of Reddstown brought out large slabs of roasted meat to the table. The various delicacies affirmed that Rolf's treasury was relatively well-off. However, John had lost interest in these roasts.
Medieval cuisine generally had heavy flavors. Across Europe, both north and south, there was a penchant for using copious amounts of spices for seasoning. Thus, strong flavors were to be expected. And as for the food of the poor, it was better left unsaid. Even something like nine-turn intestines wasn't unheard of on a medieval peasant's table.
"Everyone, thank you very much for your hospitality. Let's all praise Rolf's generosity and Sigismund's meticulous arrangements. It's thanks to all your efforts that we can have this feast."
Sigismund, elevated by John's words, was overwhelmed with gratitude, as if receiving an immense favor, and he smiled as he filled John's cup with wine.
John raised his glass and toasted everyone, "I won't say much more. Everyone, let's enjoy the delicacies here!"
Although the Norsemen present were Catholics, they were not particularly devout. They didn't have any pre-meal rituals and immediately began enjoying the food in front of them.
As the guest of honor, Sigismund personally attended to John, carving the roasted meat and placing it on John's plate.
"I'm curious about what Rolf has been sending to Reddstown recently," John said as he put a piece of carved roast into his mouth. "He must have gathered quite a few spoils at the front lines. Can I get an idea of what there is?"
Such a straightforward probe left Sigismund a bit taken aback. "There are quite a few, but we haven't finished inventorying them yet."
I see...
John was calculating in his mind, but his face betrayed no emotion, making it impossible for Sigismund to discern anything. Despite their hierarchical relationship, there was no shortage of mutual suspicion between them.
As the regent here, Sigismund also wondered if John had any particular purpose for this visit.
"In England, a lord has the right to know everything about his vassals. This is our Norman tradition. It should be the same for you Norsemen, right?" John said, slicing a piece of roast with his knife, the motion seeming to cut into Sigismund's heart.
The elderly cleric replied, "We also have such a tradition, but our lords do not levy taxes on their vassals, which seems different from the situation in England."
His words made the atmosphere a bit awkward. The Kingdom of England's situation was quite unique in Western Europe. From the beginning, William the Conqueror had made centralization his primary goal.
Therefore, all dukes, earls, and barons in England swore allegiance directly to the king, without the feudal hierarchy seen on the continent, where "the vassal of my vassal is not my vassal." The taxation Sigismund mentioned was also different on the continent.
Continental nobles did not bear taxes, but English nobles did. Though the amounts were small, it symbolized a vast difference in status. Continental nobles were like petty kings, while English nobles resembled hereditary bureaucrats.
By bringing this up, Sigismund indicated his reluctance to change the status quo in Reddstown.
Everyone believed that since Henry II was keen on centralization, his son would be as well.
They all looked at John, hoping for some indication of his intentions.
"Indeed, this is not England. This is Ireland," John said calmly, yet his words sent shockwaves through everyone present.
This was a clear statement that John did not intend to implement the English system here.
John indeed had no interest in strengthening central authority in Ireland. With his authority in Ireland, even if the tribal system were in place, no one would defy him. If power could be exercised effectively, there was no need to change it.
"What I mainly want to discuss is the fate of Dún Pádraig. Wasn't it just recently taken by Rolf?" John said slowly. "I plan to grant it to Hugh de Lacy."
The weight lifted from everyone's hearts. Although Dún Pádraig had indeed surrendered to Rolf, John's concession on centralization meant Rolf's slight compromise here seemed acceptable.
"Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness."
Sigismund refilled John's wine cup, his face showing what seemed to be genuine sincerity.