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The development of the unified Akitsushima Island, the southern archipelago, and the Baumeister mainland had been proceeding well. The neighboring Breithilde Margraviate was profiting from this, experiencing a boost in its economic activity.
There was still the problem of the tense relationship with the demons in the West and the stalling trade negotiations, but since those negotiations were at least continuing, the military threat of the demons had decreased. The demons’ military possessed many calm soldiers in its rank, so the danger of them going ballistic was low, too. Rather, the demon government had apparently increased the burden on the army by adding more young civilians in military employ, keeping the regular soldiers busy with managing those young people.
As anyone could tell right away, those civilians clearly were hindrances, but the state couldn’t just fire them because they had nothing left for them to do anymore. If those young people were to return into unemployment, the unemployment rate would become worse and the criticism of the current government would gain in intensity. Besides, the negotiations weren’t getting anywhere and it wasn’t as though the tense relationship with the humans didn’t exist.
However, increasing the number of military personnel was realistically impossible. Believing that young civilians in military employment might be a solution to this, the politicians, who weren’t overly knowledgeable about military affairs, reached the conclusion that power could be found in numbers.
Given that all demons are magicians by nature, you couldn’t label this way of thinking as wrong either. As long as those young men and women had jobs, the employment statistics would improve and since they were paid wages, the economy would improve as well, if they used that money to buy stuff.
Though one could rightfully ask how they were supposed to use that money on uninhabited islands.
Either way, this was the reason why many young demons were currently present on the Terrahalace Archipelago. Because there was little work they could be forced to do, or rather, be entrusted with, they were sent out to build various things like buildings while disregarding efficiency.
The demons apparently wanted to turn the archipelago into a trade hub for humans and demons. Mall and his friends told us that political commentators, who were considered to be progressives, had given answers pointing in that direction in their newspapers.
『They’re talking about things like building friendship between demons and humans. But, making such naive remarks, which are based on an extreme belief in the good of people, is their job. Since demons cannot survive by only looking at the reality of everything either, this type of view might be necessary as well』
『If this situation develops into a war with that thinking as a cause, it’d be like putting the cart before the horse, but if it happens, so be it. Their work of loudly protesting against war will merely increase』
『Those twisted, half-baked elites are incorrigible』
Mall and his friends were as cold-hearted as always, and although they were pretty harsh towards their fellow countrymen, their remarks weren’t wrong. To begin with, Margrave Holmia was claiming the territorial rights of the Terrahalace Archipelago. It was unthinkable that he’d be pleased if the demons arbitrarily built things on the islands.
Since his territory was being stolen by the demons, it hurt his reputation with his vassals and other boles. Margrave Holmia emphasized his opposition against this, but having said that, it was impossible for him to take back the archipelago all by himself.
Seeing how the negotiations were continuing, the royal army of Helmut didn’t want to aggravate the situation either. And under such circumstances, it was unlikely for other nobles to send reinforcements. Besides, the costs for maintaining a large army were a problem as well.
Even so, it was indispensable to keep demanding that the stolen land be returned while pressuring the demons with military force. There were rumors going around that Margrave Holmia was running around all over the place, trying to raise some funds.
As is obvious, the situation itself was quite complex, but humans were able to get accustomed to everything. Gradually, the lives of the people returned to their normal state, except for those living in the Western regions. Understanding that it wouldn’t turn into a war, the people stopped caring about things happening in the distant west. And because we were also busy with the development of the south, we stopped paying much attention to what was happening in the west.
＊
With the circumstances being like that, I met Margrave Breithilde for the first time in a while. A part of it stemmed from me wanting to thank him for assisting with our development, and it was also necessary to talk about my promotion to the rank of Margrave.
Since his daughter Philine was my fiancée, I had to regularly show my face and appeal to the surroundings that we had a good relationship going.
It’ll be a political marriage, but it’s not like I can afford to ignore her until she becomes an adult. It was thinking very typical of nobles, and seeing how I was naturally acting in accordance with this train of thought, I, too, had grown accustomed to the life of a noble, it seems.
Fortunately, she had a good relationship with my wives and me since she had been with us for a long time during the civil war in the Empire.
As soon as Philine spotted me, she congratulated me on having been promoted to a new rank.
“Wendelin-sama, congratulations on becoming a Margrave.”
“Thanks, Philine.”
“Somehow things have become weird, haven’t they?”
“You’ve got a point there.”
The weird part of my promotion was that I still counted as Margrave Breithilde’s vassal, although we now possessed the same noble rank. As even we felt that it was a little odd, it was only reasonable for outsiders to consider it to be weird.
“I had already predicted something like this. The Kingdom made a rather obvious move there.”
“So it’s a plan to alienate you after all?”
“I don’t think they’re so blunt about it. The kingdom might return to its previous division of the territory after we die.”
Given that the Kingdom was planning to explore the area south of the Baumeister Margraviate, they probably planned to send settlers if they found new islands or continents over there. While the Kingdom would increase its power, it’d make the Margrave Breithilde House take charge of the central southern part, while making the Baumeister House take care of the southern parts. By splitting up the administrative districts smartly, they’d prevent both parties from becoming closer than necessary. It’d be impossible while Margrave Breithilde and I are still alive, but as time passed on, the possibility of a rift opening up between both houses would increase. The Kingdom appears to manage its nobles with a fairly long prospect in sight.
“No one can tell what will happen in the future, but I’d like to maintain our current close relationship as much as possible. Philine is going to marry you very soon as well, Margrave Baumeister.”
However, since her mother was of low status, her ranking among my wives would be quite low. Besides, her noble blood relationship would be reset in one or two generations.
A future where the Baumeister and Breithilde Houses would have a dispute was possible as well, but at present, there was no point in worrying about this.
“Wendelin-sama, I have brewed tea for you.”
“Thanks, Philine.”
After becoming a daughter of the Margrave Breithilde House, Philine has been receiving a fair amount of education. For the most part, it was education in homemaking, but she could already make pretty good tea since she had helped with the housework as a commoner girl.
At once, I took a sip from it, and I must admit, it doesn’t lose out to Elise’s tea in skill level.
“Philine, you’ve become quite adept in brewing tea.”
“Thank you kindly, Wendelin-sama.”
The place immediately became all mellow because of Philine’s bright smile as she answered me. As Philine provided the tea to me first, as it was demanded by etiquette, Margrave Breithilde pulled an obviously displeased expression. Maybe he doesn’t like the fact that she poured tea for me first.
Seeing his look, his wife immediately elbowed him, resulting in his expression quickly returning to normal.
“We brought some gifts, so let’s eat them together, okay?”
“Yes.”
We brought a cake made out of fruits from the Demon Forest, and thus it turned into a tea & sweets time with Philine.
“Your territory has grown quite extensively.”
“A lot of it is ocean, though.”
The biggest island is Akitsushima Island, and the second biggest would be Lulu’s homeland, which is riddled with monster domains. There exist more than a hundred additional, uninhabited islands, but all of them would be overcrowded if several hundred people were to live on them. And if we add even smaller islands into the calculation, I think the total number would easily exceed several hundred, but it’d be highly inefficient to develop them.
After all, a huge number of serpents dwell in the southern seas.
“Can’t you defeat all those serpents?”
“There are just too many of them.”
At the moment, the free magicians of Akitsushima Island are subjugating serpents, but since they’re intermediary and elementary magicians, they aren’t overly successful with it. On top of that, if we make them work too hard on this, it might lead to casualties.
Magicians are precious, so it’d be more than silly to pointlessly send them to their death. But the more careful the serpent subjugation, the lower the efficiency. Because the development takes the highest priority, it might be best to not use sea routes for a while.
“Fortunately, we have been able to secure magic airships.”
We plan to increase the regular flights connecting the islands with the Baumeister mainland. It takes time to educate new sailors, but this should be resolved over time.
“That’s great to hear. We are also very delighted as our economy is booming. The neighboring smaller lords have been recently behaving too.”
An area with many smaller fiefs is adjoining the Breithilde Margraviate. That area often experiences disputes between rivaling lords. Especially whenever the family heads change, the new lords want to show off their power to their residents and retainers.
But even if it doesn’t reach the level of an armed dispute, many nobles seek Margrave Breithilde’s arbitration as patron. What’s even more amazing is the fact that there are also nobles who start disputes with the Margrave Breithilde House.
Saying things like, 『I, the new lord of ○○ House, am not frightened of our patron, the Margrave Breithilde House!』 the new lord acts tough in front of his residents.
This sort of thinking isn’t that different from resistance groups on Earth.
Naturally, Margrave Breithilde isn’t overly happy about being dragged into troublesome situations like this every time. It seems to be the most annoying part of being a patron, but it appears that the frequency has dropped somewhat.
“Disputes happen for the most stupid reasons, don’t they?”
“Our family has been dealing with such people for many generations. If you ask why the Kingdom acknowledges the strange situation where the Margrave Baumeister House continues to be a vassal of the Margrave Breithilde House, it’s because these people would start to act up again if the Margrave Baumeister House became independent.”
It’s quite likely that they’d start demanding, 『Since we’ve become the vassals of the Margrave Baumeister House, the Margrave Breithilde House should improve on its disadvantageous arbitration towards us』.
In other words, they might return the favors that they received from the Margrave Breithilde House thus far, with resentment, if they feel their own positions have become slightly more advantageous.
“Small local lords aren’t as prosperous as everyone believes. Even if they get some revenue, it’s immediately spent on expenses. They’re desperate to make as much profit as possible.”
I can understand the situation, but since the Margrave Baumeister House, which is still inexperienced as a noble family, cannot coordinate its interests well, it might plunge the south into chaos in the worst case. If that happened, the Kingdom would have many losses, so they aren’t saying anything about us remaining vassals of the Margrave Breithilde House.
If another hundred years pass, things might be different, though.
“Right now, the situation is calm. The smaller lords and their residents are making a profit by selling goods, which are necessary for the development, to the Baumeister Margraviate and sending labor forces over. After all, working will yield them more money than wasting time quarreling over tiny patches of land.”
Rich people don’t quarrel. And even if you don’t talk about the richer lords, even the poorer ones don’t have any time to quarrel with each other since they’re capitalizing on the economic boom.
“Once demand for the development comes to an end, they might go back to their old ways, though.”
It’s possible, but I doubt that the development will be over anytime soon. After all, I’m currently super busy. And me being busy means large-scale development is stalling. If I let Roderich decide, he’d make me work 24/7. He even made an incredibly scary comment, stating that it’d be ideal if it were actually possible. Of course, it’s physically impossible, so Roderich put together a schedule for me.
After threatening me with harsh remarks first, he proposed a full daily program for me afterwards. But once I actually tried to do this overloaded schedule, I ended up deluding myself, believing that it might actually be a fairly easy workload. I was clearly being controlled by Roderich.
“The matter with the demons is worrying as well. In the current state, the negotiations won’t proceed for several years.”
“Adjusting the interests of both sides won’t be that easy, I suppose.”
“The magic tool guild has also been arguing due to its succession struggle.”
If the Kingdom imports magic tools from the demons, our own magic tool artisans will lose their jobs. Forming an alliance with the Empire’s magic tool guild, the Kingdom’s tool guild was scheming to impose a strict ban on magic tools from the demons. Since it’s an organization with money and influence, they have been sabotaging the negotiations quite successfully.
It’s also bad that the guildmaster passed away the other day. Due to this, the dispute over the next guildmaster has come into play as well, blocking the negotiations even further.
I could vividly picture the teams of the Empire, Kingdom, and demons being fed up with the negotiations being at a standstill while inside one of the buildings constructed on the Terrahalace Archipelago.
“The negotiations won’t be going anywhere, no matter who joins them. Rather, there’s the danger of turning the magic tool guild into your enemy.”
The Empire is experiencing the same problem. No one wants to be resented by the magic tool guild, so they’re just killing time fruitlessly. I don’t consider joining over there either. I’ve got plenty of other things to do, and I have no issues with maintaining the current state.
On Akitsushima Island, the development has been proceeding thanks to the second-hand magic tools imported by the demon queen, but no outsiders are allowed to enter that island for a good while longer. And even if they discovered the import of demon magic tools, I planned to trick the government by telling them that we excavated old magic tools.
“Margrave Baumeister, you seem busy dealing with minorities. But, you must not forget to visit in order to meet my lovely daughter Philine.”
By doing that, it’d show to the surroundings that the relationship between our Houses is good. It will also serve as a countermeasure against the government’s plan to divide us.
“By the way, I happened to overhear that you will be welcoming the daughter of an influential person from Akitsushima Island as your wife, Margrave Baumeister.”
“It’s the influential person herself.”
“Oh?”
Because Ryouko and Yuki were the sole survivors of their respective families, they’d be inheriting the family, despite being women. Both were single, so they’d give birth to my children. Those children would then become the governor and vice-governor of Akitsushima Island in order to strengthen the rule of House Baumeister on the island.
In short, I’ll marry both of them.
“Uugh…no helping it…”
Margrave Breithilde, a high-ranking noble by birth, understood better than anyone else that I had no other choice. However, as the father of a cute girl, he worried that Philine might be ignored, if the number of my wives increased any further.
“According to what I have heard, you will also be marrying the daughter of a former, distinguished and influential lord, and the village chief of another island?”
“Those two are…”
Given that they’re still five years old, it’s not like it’s already set in stone. I’m simply taking care of them since they’re children. However, both are quite mature for their age and seem to be gung-ho about becoming my wives, making Agnes, Betty, and Cindy very worried.
“It’s the same for your three pupils as well, isn’t it? Age-wise, it’s not a matter that far in the future either, correct?”
“Yes…”
Agnes already counts as a full-fledged adult. Betty will become one next year and Cindy the year after. Those three have been helping out with the development of my territory quite a lot, so Roderich has reminded me to bind them to us at all costs.
Just as obvious from all the explanations, I’m in a situation which causes even Margrave Breithilde to worry. Of course it’s not like I’ve been wishing for this. It’s simply that you never know what awaits you in life.
“Wendelin-sama, you’re incredible.”
“Am I?”
“Yes. I read about a noble, who has a lot of wives, in one of Father’s books.”
“Margrave Breithilde…”
Just what are you showing to your children?
“Dear!”
“It’s a nice story, you know?”
Following my rebuke, Margrave Breithilde also got scolded by his wife. Just listening to the outline of the story, it’s obvious that it’s not a book that should be read by small girls.
“Father, even if Wendelin-sama has a lot of wives, Philine will be able to get along well with them.”
“That’s right! Philine, you’re my daughter after all!”
Once again I got to hear Margrave Breithilde’s silly statement as a doting father. Having said that, I don’t worry about it much either. I mean, Philine possesses such a benevolent mind and strong heart that she has been able to befriend Doushi.
“Therefore, Philine thinks Philine will take the liberty to live at Wendelin-sama’s mansion ahead of time.”
As my fiancée, she’s going to live at my place before the marriage. In reality, Elise has used that method as well on orders of Cardinal Hohenheim. Ina and Luise were the same. They lived with me in my mansion in the capital for more than two and a half years before our marriage. Thanks to that, all nobles understood that those three were my wives.
It was an extremely effective measure to keep bad bugs away from them.
“Out of the question!”
“Why, my dear?”
As soon as Philine said she’d live at my mansion from now on, Margrave Breithilde vehemently protested against it. His wife cocked her head in confusion as she considered Philine’s idea to be good.
“Her education isn’t finished yet…”
“Wouldn’t it be alright to have her complete her education at their mansion? We just need to send over her tutors and teachers.”
Philine is a minor and she has lived as a commoner until the age of ten. Because of that, she’s now being taught a lot of things, but it doesn’t really matter whether she studies in Breitburg or Baulburg. It’s unthinkable that the Margrave Breithilde family doesn’t have the money to enable her to study at our place.
Rather, it’s a very effective method to let society know that Philine is going to marry me. Margrave Breithilde’s wife seems to approve of this as well.
“No, no, no! Out of the question! Philine is going to live with me until she becomes an adult!”
“Dear…”
Margrave Breithilde doesn’t want to let go of Philine. Because he’ll feel lonely once she’s gone, he’s strongly opposing the idea of Philine living at my place before her official marriage with me. His wife was quite perplexed about this fact after realizing it.
“Once Philine starts to live at the mansion in Baulburg, it will also prevent other nobles from meddling with her!”
It’s rare to call off an engagement when the fiancée has already started to live with her future husband. It’s the best way to inform the world of their relationship.
“Philine, you don’t feel anxious about living with Margrave Baumeister-sama, do you?”
“Philine doesn’t, Mother-in-law. Elise-sama and the other women will be there, and Margrave Baumeister-sama is a kind man, too.”
Philine has become very close to us ever since we rescued her from that village. I think she’ll be just fine living with us.
“I see. Dear, you heard Philine.”
“Philine, do you dislike living with your Daddy?”
“No, it’s fun to live with you, Father. I love you and Mother-in-law.”
“Philiiiine!”
Being told that he’s loved, Margrave Breithilde rejoiced so exaggeratedly that the maids, who were waiting in the corner of the room in case their services were needed in some way, drew back. He even started to cry out of pure joy.
“I’m happy for you to say so, Philine, but we’re nobles. At times, it’s also necessary to do the same thing as Elise-san.”
Philine marrying me is set in stone. And we want others to consider it like that, too.
“Please wait! In short, all will be fine as long as the surrounding people believe that Philine is definitely going to marry into the Margrave Baumeister House, right?”
“Indeed.”
“Then it’s simple! Margrave Baumeister just has to escort Philine to the celebration party for his promotion in peerage, which is planned to take place soon.”
Come to think of it, it seems like Roderich has been preparing for such an event… I’ve been thinking that it sounds like quite a hassle to attend, though.
“Well, if it’s that sort of method…”
“Philine, you’ll be escorted to the party as Margrave Baumeister’s fiancée.”
“Father, Philine will do her best in her studies so as to not shame our family as its daughter.”
“As expected of my lovely daughter!”
Margrave Breithilde started to cry out of joy once again. I think Margrave Breithilde being a very doting father plays a role in this as well, but maybe he wants to use Philine to teach that aunt of his a lesson. Though that’s something I’d never voice out.
＊ ＊ ＊
Akitsushima Island was proceeding with its development. The demon queen was using the days of her summer vacation to work over there while also playing every once in a while.
“Fujiko, did you memorize the multiplication table?”
“Somewhat. Six seven is 43.”
“No, it’s 42, Fujiko.”
“Seven is 56.”
“Hmm, Lulu is faster when it comes to the multiplication table.”
The demon queen has started to teach simple arithmetics and kanji to Fujiko and Lulu. She has already finished her summer vacation homework, and since it’d be bad if she spent all her time playing around, she has been teaching the two.
Mall and his friends were traveling all over the island, busy with distributing magic tools, coaching people on their use, doing simple repairs, and giving tips on how to farm.
Many of the demons, who possess mana by birth, are capable of flying. Influenced by their modern life, only few apparently go out of their way to learn Flight nowadays, but they’ll become able to do it after training for a bit.
Because they’re scheduled to marry soon, they want to earn as much money as they can in the remaining time. As such they’ve been working so hard these days that their previous unemployment appears like a lie. They’re flying all over Akitsushima Island to get their various jobs done.
“Margrave Baumeister, huh? Isn’t your promotion a great reason to celebrate?”
“It feels like it comes with nothing but more work.”
“Well, nobles having it difficult is the same in every generation. I’d probably be busy if I was one of the past kings.”
Given that the current demon queen is an elementary student, she didn’t have much to do after finishing her summer homework. As such she has been playing with the children of the island’s lords in addition to Fujiko and Lulu.
The people of this island were apparently isolated for more than ten thousand years, so they didn’t harbor any prejudices towards demons. Which reminds me, they’ve been the same towards us as well, but when I asked Yuki and Tada, they explained that the inhabitants of this island highly respected skilled magicians.
『It’s only natural for them to offer you their respect, seeing how you have dug wells for them, Milord』
When the mana of magicians fell below advanced level, the inhabitants of this island became unable to dig through the basalt layer in the ground. At that point, we appeared.
The demon queen possesses more mana than me and Mall and the others are intermediate level, but they’ve brought a lot of magic tools and they’re proactively teaching the island’s residents, so the people here respect them.
At the very least, they don’t seem to discriminate against demons for their race. I really would like the people on Lingaia to obtain some of this place’s flexibility.
Magic tools, which are treated as trash and junk in the demon country, are very useful on this island. The companies in the demon nation release new magic tools every year, so the people quickly stop paying attention to older models. But, even if you’re going to discard them as trash, you need money to pay for the disposal. It seems some demons even resort to illegal methods such as dumping old magic tools on uninhabited mountains.
Lyra-san obtained those tools for cheap, put them into magic bags, and sent them this way. The island’s development is making good progress because those old magic tools are being used to help with it. The island’s farmland has grown in size, the roads have been widened and repaired, and the construction of new villages and towns is going well, too.
Lyra-san is even providing us with a huge amount of crop seeds, agricultural tools, and older goods. Even if they were to use those in the demon country, they won’t rake in any money with those old seeds, but the harvest rate and the taste of the crops exceeds the traditional types of Akitsushima Island by leaps and bounds.
In reality, the seeds were cultivated on an experimental farm in order to distribute them to farmers alongside the seeds found in underground ruins. Furthermore, we were also advancing with our selective breeding.
The trade airships from our mainland have started to visit the island at least twice a week. The islanders, who have too much excess power left now that the wars are over, are subjugating the serpents in the waters around the island while being guided by Doushi and Burkhart-san, and some have even started to work as adventurers in the monster domain on Lulu’s former home-island.
As a result of that, they get rewards. The number of name holders, who use that money to develop new farms or start new businesses, has clearly increased as well. They stopped being lords, but as retainers of the Baumeister House, they were able to obtain a suitable income as a former lord family by reclaiming new land or starting new businesses with their relatives.
Given that the fragmentation of the territory has stopped, the development is proceeding efficiently and the island is rapidly growing. If the population keeps growing like this, I plan to eventually migrate some people to the smaller and medium-sized, uninhabited islands in the vicinity.
As time passes, I’ll probably be able to migrate them to the Baumeister mainland too.
“At last, this land is in the process of regaining its peace and calm. That’s your achievement, Margrave Baumeister.”
“It’s because there were almost no casualties or injured people, I think.”
The demon queen was praising me, but I think it went so well because a lot of coincidences worked in our favor, too. If many casualties occurred at some point of the unification, we might have been feared by the people of Akitsushima Island.
“Those three girls were a lot more brutal than Margrave Baumeister.”
The demon queen is referring to the three delinquent girls, I assume. Those girls have been criticized by the islanders for fighting over the family headship, doing real battles while ignoring the rules, and competing over territory.
Right now, they’re devoted to subjugation requests in the monster domain and killing serpents as atonement for their wrongdoings. Because those three seem like they’re quite hot-blooded, it’s probably best to provide an enemy to them at all times.
It might be a good idea to marry those three delinquent girls to Yoshitoshi, seeing how he’s just as hot-blooded.
When I voiced that idea out, Margrave Breithilde commented, “In that case, the children born out of that connection might eventually challenge Margrave Baumeister.”
An elite family lineage of delinquents, eh? The family has a big influence on children, so they might grow up to be hot-blooded children.
“But, it’s alright! Friedrich and the others won’t ever lose to them!”
They’re still babies, but I’m sure they’ll become magicians who will exceed even me. Once they become slightly bigger, I must start teaching them from basic meditation.
The training of my children’s magic, huh…? I’m looking forward to it very much.
“Children, huh? I must also take a husband and bear the next king. That’s still in the distant future, though.”
I wonder, are there any people in that modern Japan-styled demon society who would become the husband of the demon queen?
“It’d be so nice if Lyra-san were a man.”
“I think so as well.”
Given her being such an excellent person, she’d be a great husband for the demon queen.
“But, please don’t mention anything about this to Lyra-san.”
“Why?”
“Mall and the others, you see…a marriage isn’t bad, but…”
Mall and the others, who were hired by the demon queen’s farming corporation, initially fell in love with Lyra-san and apparently tried to meddle with her.
“Lyra is superb, but she’s somewhat clumsy when it comes to the subtleties between men and women. Because she is supporting me, she’s never had a boyfriend, and thus she lacks experience in that area…”
In short, she’s pretty and capable at work, but hard to approach for guys, huh?
“The other people thought that Lyra was treating Mall and his friends coldly. But, from my point of view, who has known her for a long time, she was actually happy. Yep, I can tell.”
Even though she’s still a child, the demon queen appears to have the advantage of being rather sensitive when it comes to the delicate signs between men and women. Though I’d be hard pressed to give an answer if asked how that’s useful.
“As for Lyra, I think she wanted them to pursue her a bit more.”
If people with little romantic experience choose such a strategy, it often leads to poor results…
“When Mall and his friends felt they had no chance with Lyra, they started to seduce other, young female members.”
Those guys might be unexpectedly bold and courageous, seeing how they honestly told Elise and my wives that they’re cute, and given that they don’t have any problem dealing with humans. In that area, they’re just like their teacher, Arnest.
Arnest might say this and that about them, but he clearly likes those three. Mall’s group has started to help Arnest for free whenever they have days off.
“So, with that said, please don’t bring up this topic with Lyra.”
“Understood.”
I thought that Lyra-san was a woman who lives for her work, but I guess she’s also interested in a romantic relationship. It’s kind of amazing how such a beautiful woman has never dated a guy until now.
“Lyra is a beauty, so guys flinch away from speaking to her.”
“I guess such things happen as well.”
However, in my previous life, the pretty women at my work all had boyfriends. I can’t tell what flaw Lyra-san might have.
“Which reminds me, I hear you will be taking me camping in three days?”
“To make some summer vacation memories.
“Though it’ll require me to tamper with my school diary a bit.”
The activities of the demon queen aren’t illegal, but it’s close to circumventing the law. Thus, the demon queen plans to write in her diary that she went camping with the members of the farming corporation.
In reality, I’ve invited the Akitsushima team, the demon queen, and Mall’s group since the development of the island is proceeding well.
“Are Fujiko and Lulu going to come as well? I’ve been looking forward to it.”
“So am I.”
Mall and his friends are easy to get along with because of their Japanese-like mentality.
“Before that, you have one job, though.”
“You mean, accompanying those people?”
“Ah───looks like it’s going to be quite a pain…”
“Even if they’re like that, retainers are retainers. Domesticating them is an important task, too.”
“Right…”
The demon queen agreed with me, but even she will occasionally say some really cruel stuff, won’t she?
After she admonished me, I moved to a specific location using my Teleport.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Earl Baumeister!”
“He’s become a margrave.”
“Then, Margrave! Look───! This is my power after I have become even stronger thanks to Teacher───!”
Once I arrived at the promised place at the appointed time, I was suddenly challenged to a silly duel by that idiot Yoshitoshi, who had been behaving himself lately because I had Doushi take care of him.
“Convert into power, my tornado! Secret Technique 『Tornado Punch』!”
The idiot was about to punch me while having a small tornado engulf his arm. I guess he at least improved somewhat, as he didn’t want to bother his surroundings by releasing a huge tornado all of a sudden.
Still, since he’s about to attack his lord, I guess you can also say that he hasn’t changed much.
“Watch your feet.”
“Gnah!”
Because I had no time to waste, I created a pitfall right in front of him. Yoshitoshi had charged without considering anything and logically fell for my pitfall, resulting in his defeat.
“Are you stupid!?”
“Just where would you find a retainer who suddenly challenges his lord to a duel!?”
“What a troublesome guy.”
The three delinquent girls didn’t miss the opportunity to unleash a barrage of criticism towards Yoshitoshi’s recklessness. These girls are better than Yoshitoshi…
“If something happened to our lord, I’d be unable to have a child with him!”
“Just pick a random serpent in the ocean, if you’re so eager to have a duel! I want to get good vibes going with my lord.”
“As if our lord would have any interest in a crude woman or a woman with a small, seedy body. I will be the one to win this war of love.”
Correction. Those three are acting just as always.
Blasted Doushi. He pushed these girls on me after saying that he’d be busy today. He could have simply taken them along on a summer vacation trip.
“Whoa…you’re the worst.”
“Erw, why are you talking as if it’s someone else’s problem? Today you’re going to come along.”
“Damn it! I mustn’t lose at drawing lots!”
“You drew lots?”
Hey, Erw, why am I forced to participate when I’m not allowed to join the lottery?
“These guys kick up a fuss whenever you’re not there, Wend. On the other hand, there are no problems as long as you’re present.”
Am I some sort of tranquilizer for those three?
“A───ah, usually I’m not that unlucky with lotteries…”
“Stuff like that happens every once in a while. Katharina has it easy to win in such events.”
“True. That girl has as little luck in lotteries as hubby.”
Katia and Wilma, who were scheduled to accompany Erw, were obviously unhappy about getting the short end of the stick. I totally felt the same, but I wasn’t even given the chance to dodge this trip.
“That’s life. It’s a first for us, so we could discover something new.”
“I’d be happy if they had delicious stuff.”
It was scheduled for us to investigate the monster domains on this island while confirming whether Yoshitoshi, the biggest troublemaker, and the three delinquent girls could properly hunt monsters. The members would be Erw, Katia, Wilma, the three delinquent girls, Yoshitoshi, and me. Half of this group will not only be completely useless when it comes to teamwork, but it seems like they could get in our way in the worst case.
This pack of wild animals won’t be manageable without Doushi being present. In reality, I had asked Burkhart-san to accompany us today, but he got a stomachache.
These four people are so terrible that people would feign illness to stay away from them.
Yoshitoshi challenged me to a duel at once, but now he was inside that hole, headfirst, with his legs sticking out. Meanwhile ,the three delinquent girls were considering ways to make a move on me. I really want to go back home.
“Wend-sama, today we’re going to loosely check things out.”
“True.”
“We might die if we go too deep while forcing things.”
Given that these four would have no problem starting an argument, despite us being in a monster domain, I think we should hunt around the entrance area.
“Okay, we’re off then.”
“Hey, hubby…”
“Did I forget something?”
“Is it okay to not help that?”
“…Margrave Baumeister! If you don’t help your eternal rival, Yoshitoshi, you will regret it for the rest of your life!”
As I thought, this guy is so annoying! Maybe I won’t be condemned if I get him to die in a monster domain.
“Help, Milord.”
Just when I thought that, his tone suddenly changed.
As I had no choice, I pulled him out of the pitfall, but we were already mentally exhausted before even having stepped into the demon domain.
＊ ＊ ＊
“The monsters inhabiting this place and the things you can gather here aren’t overly different from what you can find in the Demon Forest, are they?”
“So it seems.”
“In that case, only adventurers from Akitsushima Island might come to this place, considering the distance.”
We immediately entered the demon domain and checked out the monsters as well as resources there, but they were similar to what you find in the Demon Forest – probably because of the similar climate.
The monsters were tough, but Yoshitoshi and the three delinquent girls, who took the lead, defeated them in succession.
Nothing less of the hot-blooded quartet.
“For sure, they’re not going to attack each other in this situation, are they?”
I could understand Katia’s worries, but upon closer consideration, those four are full of ambition and desire. I don’t think they’ll do something as silly as destroying themselves by starting a pointless battle inside a monster domain.
Doushi’s education seems to be of help here. The four worked together properly, taking down their prey.
“Wend-sama, plenty of fruits.”
“Here as well, huh?”
This place was overflowing with fruits. Wilma happily gathered them while Katia was using a picture as a reference.
“The monsters are pretty strong, but they’re perfect for allowing those guys to let off some steam.”
“You’ve got a point there.”
After the unification of Akitsushima Island, the military personnel, except for guards tasked with maintaining public order, have been drastically downsized. Given that 90% of the soldiers were conscripts, many of them aimed to first help with farmwork and exploitation, then reclaim their own field, and finally become big farmers themselves.
Most relatives of the lords and their retainers became vassals of the Margrave Baumeister House or helped out with the business of their families. The rest were folks who were unsuited for that sort of work. They became adventurers, gathering and hunting in monster domains.
I gave veteran adventurers, besides those from Akitsushima Island, priority on the island where Lulu used to live. This much preferential treatment was necessary since there’s not much of a difference in what you can get on that island, while it’s quite far away from the mainland.
Probably because of that, an inn town was built at the location where Lulu’s village used to be, and a stable number of adventurers started to use it. They lived a life where they’d earn some money on the island for several months and then return to the mainland for an extended vacation.
The four, who were guilty of various transgressions, wouldn’t be welcome on Akitsushima Island, even if they went back there, so I think they’re going to make this island their base.
“Hahaha! As expected, I’m the strongest!”
“I’m going to become an outstanding adventurer in this place and then get called by Milord at night…hehehe, my victory is close.”
“His Lordship wouldn’t want to touch a crude woman like you.”
“No wonder. Shingen is a midget after all.”
“Good grief, this ugly fighting between nasty women is sickening.”
“”I don’t want to be told that by a battle maniac!””
They were able to work together properly, but it was unthinkable for those four to get along all of a sudden. All of them were quarreling with each other as they felt like.
“Wend-sama, pretend not to hear.”
“I think that would be the safest for your mental sanity, Wend.”
“I think so too.”
We decided not to look at those four overly much while being cautious of them, and concentrated on gathering fruits.
＊
“Milord.”
“What’s the matter?”
A few hours later, Oda Nobunaga called out to me when they had taken down quite a large number of monsters.
“Actually, several adventurers have gone missing at a certain location.”
“Did they lose their calm and go too deep into the domain?”
“That’s very unlikely. You can make good cash even while staying close to the entrance, so there’s no reason to force yourself to head deep into the forest.”
This monster domain boasts a density and resilience rivaling those of the Demon Forest. Besides, the soldiers and military commanders who lost their jobs over at Akitsushima Island are strong, but not all of them are magicians. Many of them are hot-blooded, but none of them would unreasonably head deeper inside.
“Is there something of interest at that location?”
“I think so.”
“A dragon?”
If several fairly strong adventurers don’t come back…it’s highly likely they’ve died. Either they were outnumbered, or they suffered a surprise attack. If none of those two applied, they must have run into a powerful monster.
“Should we go and have a look?”
“Are you sure, Wend?”
“Yes, it’s going to be fine.”
I think we’re fairly strong adventurers, and I can gauge the monsters’ strength with my Detection. If the monster over there is too powerful, we just need to run away.
“I’m not asking because of us, but because I’m not sure whether those guys would be able to cope…”
Erw was worried that those four might try to force things.
“Hehe, mine was the best proposal. Milord’s heart is definitely tilting towards me, Oda Nobunaga.”
“Anyone can make that sort of proposal.”
“Shut it, midget.”
“Now you’ve said it, your crude gorilla woman.”
“As always, you two go at each other with that unproductive quarrel of yours. If I defeat that new monster and present it to His Lordship, I’ll definitely be called over to attend to him at night.”
“”There’s no way that’s going to happen.””
“What was that!?”
The three delinquents continued their arguing without caring about the people watching them. Or rather, can’t they do something about all those weird delusions where I suddenly start to like them for some reason?
“Erw, how about taking them?”
“No need. They’d likely refuse as well. Those girls are plotting to give birth to your children in order to rise in position on that island.”
It’s quite troubling that those three girls use their brains only for such things. Maybe it’d be best to push them on Yoshitoshi through an order as lord.
“You’re going to fight poison with poison?”
“Wilma, you’re too blunt.”
“Even if those four tried something reckless and died, it won’t be our fault.”
“You sure say some incredible stuff.”
Katia was astonished by Wilma’s evil tongue, but I don’t think any of us thinks that she’s wrong about what she’s saying.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Hmmmmm.”
“How about it, hubby?”
“The number of monster responses is somewhat big, but they shouldn’t be that strong.”
We headed to the area where adventurers had repeatedly gone missing, but even after searching with Detection, I couldn’t find a monster with a particularly strong signature. The monsters here shouldn’t be that different from those in other areas. If anything, their numbers are somewhat higher over here.
“We’re soon going to enter that area.”
“Wend-sama, pretty.”
“Pardon?”
Once I looked at the monsters indicated by Wilma, it was a swarm of truly big parrots. Red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet – they came in all sorts of colors as they perched on the trees all around us.
“I guess they’re pretty birds. But, they’re not attacking us.”
Erw felt uncomfortable about the parrots merely looking at us. The parrots were definitely monsters, but they didn’t attack, even after spotting humans. Rather, they were eating fruits.
“There’s plenty of fodder, so maybe they aren’t overly keen to fight.”
“You mean they have no need to pointlessly attack others?”
Erw didn’t relax his wariness, but no matter how much we put ourselves on guard, the parrots didn’t attack.
The parrots in this area have an overall height of two to three meters. The bigger specimen even reach up to five meters. Since they’re monsters, they’re abnormally big for parrots.
But, even while spotting us, they were engrossed with devouring fruits and tweeting at each other.
“What a let-down, hubby. These birds have very beautiful feathers, but do they taste good?”
“Who knows? Maybe it’d be better to worry about the value of the feathers instead.”
I haven’t seen any parrots in this world yet, but maybe these guys here are a new species? However, I don’t know whether they’re edible.
“There’s just one concern here.”
“They might attack us if we attack them.”
“Right.”
What if it leads to us being attacked by all the parrots in the area? Assuming the adventurers died, it wouldn’t be strange to assume that they died after meddling with these parrots.
“It’d be safer to leave them alone for now and hunt them with a bigger group next time, wouldn’t it?”
“That’s a good idea.”
“I wouldn’t be happy about us getting attacked by that group either. I also agree with a retreat.”
“We shouldn’t pointlessly brave any dangers.”
Erw, Katia, and Wilma agreed with my opinion.
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But just as I tried to retreat…the four idiots went ballistic on their own.
“Hahaha! Monsters no one has hunted thus far, huh? They look weak, don’t they!?”
“I’ll offer these to Milord and then attend to him at night…”
“Shingen, I won’t allow you to steal a march!”
“His Lordship doesn’t desire your sloppy bodies. This is my place to shine.”
The four wielded their abilities, which they had further refined through Doushi’s training, each of them taking down one big parrot.
Since it’s dangerous to suddenly hunt the parrots, I decided to stop here for today, but those guys arbitrarily decided to keep going.
“Guehh───!”
“””Gugugueh───!”””
“””””””””Gugugueh───!”””””””””
I don’t understand the language of parrots, but seeing their friends getting killed, the parrots stopped eating and resting, starting to have something like a conversation. Personally, I couldn’t think of anything but them talking about them killing us in return for us killing their brethren.
“You idiots! Don’t go off killing on your own!”
Katia, who has been working as an adventurer the longest among us, remonstrated with the four for acting on their own before any of us could do it.
“Aren’t those weak monsters? Don’t worry, woman who’s weaker than Milord.”
However, the foolish Yoshitoshi didn’t even manage to memorize Katia’s name.
“Katia-dono, victory goes to the one who makes the first move in everything!”
“I see, so you’re jealous that I hunted the monsters first. After all, it might lead to me receiving His Lordship’s affection.”
“Since there was no order, I’m just moving on your own judgment. I always did that during battles. A genius moves on their intuition.”
“These guys are a lost cause.”
These four are terrible in various ways. They’re the sort of people whose absence from Akitsushima Island will allow the islanders to lead a happy life.
“Wend, things are getting dangerous.”
“So it seems.”
The cries of the parrots were gradually starting to become louder, and at the same time, their bloodthirst spiked as well. It appears they care about their brethren a lot more than I expected. They don’t look like they plan to forgive us for killing their friends.
“The birds here might actually have better personalities than those four.”
“Ahaha….”
I could only laugh at Erw’s joke.
“Wend-sama, their numbers are huge.”
When I looked around us, I saw large numbers of parrots perched on the trees, with their numbers continuing to grow. I couldn’t precisely grasp their numbers with Detection because there were so many of them. Still, no matter how weak the individual parrot might be, they become an overwhelming menace in such a ridiculously high number.
“Oh? This is unexpected───!”
“Unexpected my ass!”
Erw seriously snapped at Yoshitoshi’s somewhat irresponsible comment.
“Milord, this is dangerous.”
“As your loyal retainer, I must implore you to show mercy, Your Lordship…”
“Such things are a matter of chance. Just like in war.”
Realizing the danger, the three delinquent girls immediately asked for my help. These girls have seriously rotten personalities.
“We’re inside a monster domain. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own lives!”
Once I called over Erw, Katia, Katharina, and Wilma, I immediately teleported us to the entrance of the inn town outside the monster domain. If those four devote themselves to running away, they won’t die, and as such, I punished them by leaving them behind inside the monster domain.”
“Those guys are nothing but trouble for other people.”
“Hubby, do you think they died?”
“As if! There’s no way they’d die, even if you killed them!”
“They’re the kind of people who are rather tenacious.”
Just as Wilma and I predicted, the four came out of the monster domain, plastered with parrot feathers, after around an hour. They’d have likely died if they stayed and fought, but they’re apparently capable of choosing to run away if it saves their hide.
“Hubby, what about the parrot corpses?”
“So far as it goes, I took them with me, but…”
I came back here after picking up the dead bodies of the parrots, but according to the appraisal at the local guild, they didn’t possess anything of worth. Because they were eating nothing but fruits, their meat was pretty good without a gamey taste, but their feathers could only be used for clothes and ornaments. Considering that the whole pack would attack you, if you killed just one parrot, they were ignored as targets for being completely not worth the effort.
＊
“Next time I will take down Margrave Baumeister for sure!”
“I will look for a new monster to be presented to His Lordship.”
“I’ll do that ahead of you.”
“Hunting and war are the same. And thus, I, the genius of battle, will prevail!”
I left those four troublemakers in Doushi’s care once again, but naturally, they didn’t reflect on anything they’ve done. Though it’s kind of ironic that they became a well-known adventurer party for their abilities as a result of the girls trying to win my heart with their adventuring, and Yoshitoshi trying to overthrow me.
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