Serious. Extremely serious. Truly stubborn—rigid as a rock. Yet, precisely because Espada serves me with genuine loyalty and carries a strong sense of responsibility, he is strict both with himself and with others.
It’s exactly because I understand Espada so well that I’ve entrusted him with complete authority.
To elaborate a little on that authority: it’s not just about maintaining and defending the territory while I’m absent. He also has the power to screen and approve people who may become new villagers. Furthermore, he manages the village’s most valuable resource—materials obtained from magical beasts—and oversees their trade as well.
If Espada ever decided to run off with money, he could probably flee tomorrow clutching platinum coins. That’s the extent of discretion I’ve granted him.
Therefore, he can choose and delegate assistants or managers entirely at his own judgment. Yet, he always seeks my approval for important decisions. Part of that is likely out of respect for me as the head of the Van Nei-Feltio baronial family.
But, I suspect his true intention lies elsewhere.
Thinking that, I glanced around the room.
In the hall, which also serves as a VIP room, five individuals sat in evenly spaced chairs. Behind them, Espada and Lou stood, observing the backs of the five seated figures. Opposite them, on my left, stood Kamshin and Till, while on my right, Arte sat on a chair beside me, observing the five together with me.
The seated men and women were clearly nervous, all eyes fixed on me. Confirming that, I spoke.
“...Then, we’ll begin the final interview! Starting from the right, please introduce yourselves and tell me what tasks you’re confident in handling!”
It felt vaguely like a group interview, so I threw out the words casually. It must have been unexpected, yet the man at the far right quickly stood and began speaking.
“Y-yes...! My name is Jiu Jialo, a former slave! Before I became a slave, I worked in architecture and design, but my work sharply declined due to monopolization by other trade guilds, and I became a debt slave. While trembling in the cage, uncertain of my future, I was fortunate to be purchased by the Bell-Rango Trading Company, allowing me to live my current life. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Van-sama...”
And so, Jiu began his greeting and self-introduction. Super serious—no wonder Espada chose him for training.
I listened to the introductions of the other serious-looking men and women. The fourth, a noblewoman named Julietta Berlina, was exactly the kind Espada had described.
A cute girl with short golden hair, always smiling. When she spoke, she gauged reactions carefully, choosing words of agreement and empathy to measure others’ emotions.
She was a natural-born talent, fit to become an empress of Kabukicho. If I were in Japan, I might have spent my allowance supporting her every month—not that I ever did.
Finally, it came down to the last person.
A tall woman, around twenty-five, with purplish hair tied back, exuding a warrior-like aura. Strong eyes, beautiful yet slightly intimidating.
She straightened her back and spoke.
“My name is Emira Komi. I was born into a knightly family, but after my father fell in battle, our house fell into ruin. For the sake of my mother and younger brother, I sold myself. Fortunately, I came to Ceat Village, and with Espada-sama’s selection, I am now striving to serve as a deputy lord. I will do my utmost to meet Espada-sama’s expectations and, in turn, serve Van-sama faithfully.”
She bowed deeply. A simple introduction, yet her sincerity shone through. I found myself curious about Emira and decided to ask a question.
“Emira-san, you said you were born into a knightly family. Do you have knowledge of swordsmanship or tactics?”
“Yes. My father, having struggled to have a son, trained me strictly until I was ten, before my younger brother was born. I pride myself on my skill with the sword and spear, rivaling any knight.”
Emira answered confidently. I nodded in acknowledgment and looked to Espada.
“How about Emira-san’s knowledge as a deputy lord?”
Espada nodded lightly before speaking.
“She should manage a small town without issue. She can handle finances, resources, personnel, and even water and sanitation issues. Taxation is still being learned, but for now, no head taxes or tolls are being collected, so that can wait.”
“I see. Then, let’s have her manage Espa Town for a month as a trial. If all goes well, she can serve as deputy for the Fortress City of Murcia. Murcia-nii will eventually take over other towns and fortresses, so he’ll need someone competent as the deputy lord there.”
Emira’s eyes widened in surprise before Espada could even respond.
“D-Deputy lord… me?”
Her reaction was surprisingly calm but genuine—exactly the kind of reaction I wanted. I thought to reward her with a ballista; she’d probably use it in the Fortress City of Murcia anyway.
Then, Espada stroked her chin thoughtfully and spoke with a serious expression.
“I see. With such a shortage of personnel beyond Ceat Village, Murcia-sama will indeed be a great help. However, we had initially planned to place deputies in both Ceat Village and Espa Town, which now requires us to select and train someone new…”
Espada’s unusual reluctance hinted at a hidden motive. I narrowed my eyes and asked.
“…Are you planning to fulfill His Majesty’s request?”
Espada averted his gaze, displeased.
“Ah, scary! If deputies are in both Ceat Village and Espa Town, and Espada assists both, then I’ll be expected to travel according to His Majesty’s orders! I don’t want to leave Ceat Village!”
I protested, realizing the subtle strategy at play. Espada furrowed her brows deeply before replying.
“Since His Majesty values you greatly, Van-sama, you should not refuse any request.”
“No, listen to me! If I fulfill all of His Majesty’s requests, I’ll end up being told to come to the capital! I don’t want that!”
Our argument escalated in front of the five candidates, who likely looked confused.
Still, this was a point I had to make clear: no one could disrupt my reclusive lifestyle.
At that moment, Arte cleared her throat cutely.
Everyone paused and looked at her. Arte smiled gently back at me.
“Van-sama, so… how would you like to proceed with the interview?”
Her calm demeanor oddly made me straighten my back.
“R-Right… then, let’s tell everyone who will manage the territory about what lies ahead.”
With that, I returned to the main topic.
No comments:
Post a Comment