13 – 4. New Servants (2)
“First of all, the current lack of funds will be offset to some extent by receiving loans from neighboring estates.”
“We also need to look at the reaction of the surrounding estates. Even if you try to wipe out those who can’t even pay it back, in the end, the amount that is sorely lacking is all that comes back.”
“But, my lord. For now, getting into debt is the surest way.”
“I know. So we have to find another way.”
At Shien’s words, the retainers looked at her.
“Lichtenauer was greatly shaken. The situation must have been noticed by other territories nearby. Pressing them to pay back in that situation will only add to their anxiety. The more times like this, the more Lichtenauer needs to show itself recovering and standing up firmly again. Then the surrounding territories will admire it, and they will be afraid of it. Who did they open their hands to?”
“… Come to think of it, there is some truth in the head of the household.”
The captain of the guard, Rascal, who had been listening quietly by the side, opened his mouth.
“It is said that a crisis is an opportunity. It seems like a good time for Lichtenauer to show that they are still strong. It’s to make people have no choice but to lean on us even more without losing people’s respect.”
Even though the family is said to be reeling, they do not press for debt.
And with his own strength, he breaks through the crisis.
The territories who saw it would naturally bow their heads to Lichtenauer even more.
The retainers also nodded one by one at Shien’s assertion.
Funding is also a problem, but the reaction of the surrounding estates is also important.
Why Lichtenauer can serve as the head of the North.
Force is also armed, but it is because it has been recognized by other lords.
To maintain that political supremacy, you have to hold their hearts.
“But, my lord. What are you going to do with the lack of funds?”
“… What else is left besides paying the debt?”
“For now, we are selling all the by-products of the demon beasts we had. However, since the purpose is urgent, there is a high possibility that you will not be able to receive my price. The demand is high, but the supply is even greater.”
“Even if you sell it, it will take time because you have to sell it to a region other than the North. Anything else?”
“… Currently, the fastest way is to defer the consolation money.”
That’s why Rascal’s impression is slightly distorted.
Speaking of consolation money, it should be passed on to the bereaved families of those killed in previous battles.
However, the payment was delayed because the family head and his successor were all killed in battle.
Now that the new head of household has entered, you will have to pay the consolation money right away.
When I asked him to delay it for a moment, he couldn’t be more pleased.
“I know it’s not a good way, of course. But this is the fastest way. The money that is immediately withdrawn as consolation money amounts to 10 percent of Liechtenauer’s current budget.”
The consolation money is as much as 10 percent of the total budget.
It was a part that showed how many people were killed and injured.
‘If it’s 10 percent… It’s really big.’
Even Rascal couldn’t help biting his lip when he heard the details.
I understood why a fellow vassal had to say such a thing.
If there is no place for money to come in and there are a lot of places to go out.
One way or another, it was correct to reduce the exit hole.
“no. It never works that way.”
However, Shien opened his mouth with a firm expression.
“Compensation for the bereaved family is unconditionally the number one priority. No more mention of that part. This is an order from the head of the household. If you discuss it one more time, I will not stand still.”
It was a warning that felt chilly and even terrifying.
At Shien’s warning, the retainers all bowed their heads.
“They burned their lives on our behalf. These are the glorious and noble pasts that have made Lichtenau what it is today. Compensation and consolation are the minimum courtesy for them and the duty of those left behind. Even if Lichtenauer collapses, it is absolutely unacceptable to not show all the courtesy. I hope you understand what I mean.”
A voice with clear power.
The retainers bowed their heads deeply at the will of the new head of state.
“… First of all, I can try to some extent with funds. It’s not because I was in the center and I didn’t play and eat. I have some close friends, so I’m sure you can get help through them. And the rapid fire… .”
After thinking for a moment, Shien made a decision.
“I will dispose of valuable items in the name of the family head. Let’s turn it off.”
“My lord?”
At Shien’s will, not only his retainers, but even Rascal stand up in amazement.
Excessive extravagance staggers the family and makes the residents unhappy.
However, if you try to reduce your age excessively and look small.
It has the opposite effect of making others look down on you and ignoring you.
There is no such thing as maintaining dignity for nothing.
Even rural aristocratic families want to look different.
Even more, this is Lichtenau, the center of the northern nobility.
The family head lives without a single luxury item?
There can be no negative effects.
“That doesn’t work. Lord.”
“That’s right. We’d rather pay the bills bit by bit.”
“I beg you to reconsider.”
The vassals all express their disapproval.
They even say that they will give up their assets.
Their loyalty was unquestioned.
“I know what you mean. Thank you so much.”
Xian smiles brightly.
Because they are still loyal to Lichtenau.
I was so grateful that my heart was full.
“However, I will not bend my will. Don’t worry too much. I’m not going to dispose of everything, but I’m going to dispose of things that are not very useful. And later, when I become broke, I will not refuse at that time and I will be grateful for your additions, so you know that.”
Cien adds a little joke at the end to lighten the mood.
Since the head of the household was firm, the vassals could not express their opinions any more.
“For now, today’s meeting ends with this. You have worked hard today.”
“You have worked hard, Head of Household.”
“I will try to bring an agenda with better content next time.”
Those who stand up greet each other and then leave first.
After sending out all the retainers one by one like that.
Finally, when Shien is left alone, the door opens and Brenda enters.
“The meeting was a bit long today.”
“Iknow, right. It’s a bit too long.”
From morning to late afternoon.
Even though we only gathered really important agendas, time passed quickly.
“ha… .”
I put my hand on my forehead and let out a sigh.
Seeing Shien like that, Brender looks worried.
“Are you okay?”
“yes. just a little… You are tired.”
“Go ahead and get some rest. You worked almost half a day full day.”
In Brenda’s opinion, that’s probably what it should be.
Sean smiled and stood up from his seat.
“Ah, I… .”
Shien sighs as if he remembered something.
Then he parted his lips in a passing tone.
“Are you doing well?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I mean Adele. You’re training with the attendants from today.”
Brenda blinks at her question.
Then, he sighed and smiled slightly.
“My juniors. That’s why the instructors in charge said they stuck out their tongues.”
“uh… If you do it in a bad way… .”
“Absolutely not. Rather, it is because they are so good.”
At Brender’s answer, Shien let out a sigh involuntarily.
I thought it would never happen.
Still, one in a million, really one in a million.
Unless the people of Lichtenauer take Adele seriously.
I was so sorry for dragging him in.
“… Would you like to go and see for yourself?”
“yes? me?”
Shien himself didn’t notice.
Brenda noticed that her voice had risen slightly.
“Isn’t it the family head’s escort? That’s a good reason to see if you’re training well.”
“… ah. Well, but I might get in the way for no reason.”
“It was said that today’s training schedule was over a little while ago. This will be individual training time.”
“Is that so? Shall we go then?”
Since he is the one who brought it to himself, he must take responsibility himself.
Thinking that was the only reason he cared for Adele.
Shien moved a little faster toward the parade ground.
“There you are.”
The other servants returned to their lodgings after a hard day’s work.
But Adele was still in the gym.
“Whoa. Whoa.”
He is doing pull-ups at twice the speed of others.
Thanks to the short top, Adele’s muscles are tight.
I didn’t notice it when I was wearing long clothes, but I was in great shape.
Whenever Adele’s body moved, Shien’s eyes also moved.
“… .”
“… Instructors say that not only physical strength, but also manners are of a high standard.”
“yes? Ahhh. As far as manners? That is a bit surprising.”
“They say it looks like an attendant from an aristocratic family somewhere. Do you know anything?”
“… I don’t know how far.”
I didn’t try to say that I was a child soldier.
It would be a terrible memory for Adele.
It’s a tragedy you don’t want to tell anyone about.
“Anyway, I think I’ll easily pass the knight test within a year.”
“thank god. Maybe other attendants feel uncomfortable. Didn’t you say something like that?”
“doesn’t exist. Rather, everyone seems to be careful to see if the story of Adele has spread.”
Cien smiled at Brender’s answer.
If you play such a positive role, it’s good for yourself.
I didn’t feel like recruiting him a little bit blindly.
Hearing that he was a pretty good person made me feel better.
It was then.
“… ?”
Did you feel the eyes looking at you?
Adele catches her breath and turns her head to Shien.
“hot!”
Are their eyes meeting each other correctly?
Shien urgently turns his head to the side.
At that, Brenda smiled, pretending to clear her throat.
“Hmm, hmm. Shall we go?”
While trying to pretend that nothing was wrong, Shien took a step forward.
Brenda, who was following her, made her a tempting offer.
“My lord. Apparently, the attendants will have a light sparring with each other tomorrow morning.”
“… is it so?”
“yes. If the head of the family goes there for a while, I think it will be a good motivation for the attendants.”
“Am I? Wouldn’t you just go and get in the way?”
“Not at all. Rather, if the future lord is watching, I will do my best.”
“… .”
Shien shows signs of pondering for a moment.
When I thought about my schedule for tomorrow, I had free time in the morning.
“… Then, shall we go for a moment?”