表向きには無事に、内部的には大量の死者を出しながら、戴冠式は無事に終了した。
イメラリアは新たな女王としてオーソングランデをまとめる事となり、その下にはアドルが引き続き宰相として王を補佐し、サブナクが近衛騎士隊隊長としてイメラリア及び城内の警備に当たる。
完全に王子派閥の影が消えた城内には、新たに領地を持たない法衣貴族や家を継ぐ予定のない貴族の子女からまとめて騎士や文官として採用される事が決まった。
今までと違う点は、全ての人員がフォカロルで研修を受ける事だった。
「では一二三様、彼らをお願いいたします」
旅支度を終え、ズラリと並ぶ新採用の貴族たち。彼らの目の前で、イメラリア女王は一二三に対してごく自然に頭を下げた。
さざ波のようにざわつく貴族たちだったが、これで一二三を新興貴族だと軽んじる者はいなくなるだろう、とイメラリアは思った。妙な虚栄心を持って一二三に対峙する者が出たら、折角集めた人員がまた減らされてしまう。
「わかった。仕事として受けた以上は、しっかりやらせてもらう」
一二三はしっかりと頷いて見せた。
フォカロルには、今後王都からの依頼として年に数名ずつの留学生を文官、武官共に送る契約となっている。もちろん、一二三に対して王国からはしっかり報酬が支払われる。
「サブナク隊長、申し訳ありませんが、よろしくお願いいたします」
「ああ、留守は任せておいてくれ。ゆっくり新婚気分を味わってくるといい」
一二三とイメラリアが話している近くで、ヴァイヤーはサブナクに出発の挨拶をしていた。彼はフォカロルまで一二三や研修生たちの護衛として数名の騎士たちと共に同行し、婚約者であるフィリニオンを伴って、フィリニオンの実家であるアマゼロト子爵領へと向かう予定になっている。
「私の分が終われば、次はサブナク隊長の番ですね。義父となる方は近くにおられますから、挨拶するのにご実家に戻られるのでしょう?」
サブナクの後ろに、そっと寄り添っているシビュラを見て、ヴァイヤーは微笑む。
「茶化さないでくれよ。......まだ、正式に宰相には話してないんだ」
目を丸くして驚いたヴァイヤーは、サブナクとシビュラを交互に見て声を上げた。
「驚きました! 何か問題でも?」
「それは......」
「サブナク様がヘタレているだけです。ヴァイヤー様がお戻りになられるまでには、殴ってでも挨拶に連れて行きますので、お気になさらず、花嫁を迎えに行ってください」
サブナクの腕を掴むシビュラの右手の細い指は、明らかに二の腕に爪を立てて食い込んでいる。
「文字通り命懸けで助けたのにこれですから。じっくりお話し合いをするつもりです」
気合たっぷりに鼻息を荒くしているシビュラに対し、サブナクはがっくりと肩を落としていた。
「それが問題なんだよなぁ」
戴冠式の騒動では、結果としてシビュラが二人の騎士を倒し、サブナクを救った格好となったのが、侍女たちの間で噂となって浸透しているらしい。
戴冠式以来、良い仲となった二人ではあったが、気丈でキビキビと振舞うシビュラに対し、穏やかな性格で他人の意見をよく聞くサブナクは、完全に尻に敷かれているように見えるらしい。
「せめて、少しは隊長としての実績を積んでから、自信が付いたら改めて挨拶に行くよ」
サブナクは力なく笑って、ヴァイヤーを見送った。
明るい門出となっている王城の正門前と違い、騎士隊長ロトマゴの執務室には、重い空気が漂う。
ここに居るのは、部屋の主であるロトマゴと、宰相アドルの二人だ。
「では、今日付けで退任するというのは間違いないのだな」
「ええ、城内で起きた一大事に、役に立つどころか敵に捕まる結果となってしまいました。もはや、武官として立つ瀬はありません。昨日のうちに、女王陛下には許可をいただいております」
デスクに残っている書類を整理しながら、ロトマゴは宰相の質問に静かに答えた。
「しかし、あの時は近衛騎士隊長も女王陛下ですら敵の襲撃を受けましたし、何もロトマゴ殿のみが辞める必要はなかろうと思うのだが......」
引き止めようとする宰相に対し、ゆっくりと首を振るロトマゴ。彼の顔には、悔しさや悲しみは無い。穏やかで柔らかな表情が浮かんでいる。
「サブナク隊長は、宰相のお嬢さんやトオノ伯に助けられたとはいえ、自ら行動し危機を脱しました。女王陛下に至っては、付いていた護衛が裏切ったのです。対して、私は何の抵抗もできず、座して時が過ぎるのを待っていたにすぎません......」
そこで一度言葉を区切り、ロトマゴは背もたれに身体を預けた。
「いえ、それは単に名目に過ぎませんね。老いて戦えなくなった武官は去るべきなのです。ただそれだけの事です。言い訳がましく理由を並べても意味がありません」
「どうやら、決意は硬いようだ」
「逃げ出すだけの話です。決意なんて高尚なものではありませんよ。それに、うまく仕事を押し付けられる後釜を見つけましたから」
微笑むロトマゴに、アドルもつられて笑った。
不意にドアがノックされ、一人の騎士が入って来た。
「失礼します。お呼びとのことですが......これは、宰相閣下とお話中でしたか、失礼いたしました」
入室したのはミダスだった。
「いや、私が呼んだのだから、大丈夫だ」
ロトマゴに促され、ミダスはロトマゴの前に立つ。
「ミダス、君の子供は、いくつだったかな?」
「は? 10歳と7歳ですが......。何かありましたか?」
急に家族の質問をされて面食らったミダスは、気を取り直して素直に答えた。
「そうか、やんちゃな盛りだな。一度は断ったようだが、王城の近くにある屋敷に移らないか。三人ばかりメイドを雇えば管理も楽だろう。その分、奥方も楽になるだろうし、子供に教育をするにも、王城の近くは習い事もしやすいから、何かと便利だろう」
「いえ、私たちにはやはりあの屋敷は広すぎますし......妻の手料理が好きなものですから、誰かに料理をしてもらうというのは気が引けますし」
頑固な奴だ、とロトマゴは笑い、聞いていたアドルも笑顔になっていた。
「しかしな、騎士隊長たるものがあまり遠くからの通いでは、何かあった時に対応するにも時間がかかるだろう」
「? 私は副隊長ですし、非常時には城内で待機する場所もありますので......」
「これからの話だよ。お前は隊長となるんだ。すでに女王陛下からも辞令をいただいている」
渡された紙を見て、ミダスは目玉が飛び出さんばかりに驚いている。
「こ、これは......。しかし、貧乏子爵家に過ぎない私が、このような立場というのは......」
「馬鹿者!」
戸惑うミダスに、ロトマゴは厳しい顔をして大喝した。
「お前は家柄を使って誰かの命を救えると思っているのか? あのトオノ伯は伯爵たる地位をひけらかして勝利を得たのか? 近くでそれを見ていたお前にとって、あの人物から得たものはそれだけなのか?」
いつもは見せることの無い、ロトマゴの強い口調に、ミダスは最初こそ驚くばかりだったが、言われた事をしっかり受け止めた時には、落ち着いて頭を下げることができた。
「申し訳ありませんでした。私は剣は苦手ではありますが、民衆に交じり、多くの人を見てきた経験はあります。それだけは、あのトオノ伯にも負けずとも劣らぬ自信があります」
「よろしい」
ロトマゴは、先ほどと同じ様な微笑みに戻った。
「では、今すぐにその辞令を持って家に帰り、家族に説明してきたまえ。引越しの準備をするにも、まずは奥方に話をする必要があるだろう? 屋敷はもう人を頼んで綺麗に磨き上げているし、メイドも三人程手配している」
「......お気遣い、感謝致します」
再び頭を下げたミダスの目には、少しだけ涙が浮かんでいた。
「なに、お前の肩に背負わせるものの大きさを思えば、最後にこれくらいはしなければな。......明日にはここを明け渡す。あとを、頼むぞ」
「はっ! お任せ下さい!」
結局、主に一二三のせいで多くの犠牲が出た戦乱は一時的にではあるが終結した。
オーソングランデとホーラントは、フォカロルの戦闘技術や領地運営技術を橋渡しの材料に使い、強い結びつきを得た。
逆にヴィシーはオーソングランデから使者とその随行員による城内工作について強い抗議を受け、最終的にはヴィシー側の全面的な降伏に近い形での終戦となった。
独立したピュルサンに対しても、ミノソンがフォカロルへ勉強のために人員を派遣してつながりを作る方法で、ヴィシーよりも強いパイプを作る事に成功したため、うかつに手を出すこともできなくなり、なし崩し的に独立を認める形となった。
国は増えたが滅びた国は無く、気がつけばオーソングランデの領地は広がり、発言権は過去に例を見ない程に強くなった。
それらの後ろ盾が一二三であることは、全ての国家の共通認識ではあったものの、表立って外交の場に顔も口も出さない一二三のスタンスもあり、さりげなくその動向を伺うに留まり、所属する国家であるオーソングランデも含めて、接触には慎重になっている。
その代わり、本人ではなく領地への働きかけは増えていく。
領地運営に携わる者、護衛や騎士、領地の兵を率いる者の多くがフォカロルへ訪れ、公金によって滞在して勉強していくので、領地の人口は増加の一途を辿り、領地に落ちる金額も増えていく。
戦争被害の影響もあり、労働力は世界中から集まってくる。いつの間にか、フォカロル領の人口は一二三が領主として就任した当初の数倍となっている。同じ領内にあるアロセールなどの街にも人が集まるようになり、フォカロルから派遣された代官によって整備された街は、見た目も制度も急速に整っていった。
そんな、今では王都以上の賑わいを見せるようになったフォカロルの街に領主が帰って来たとき、街では突然のお祭り騒ぎとなったのは、当然の結果かもしれない。
「通して~!!」
先頭を行くアリッサが叫び、兵たちが必死になって道をこじ開ける。
馬上のまま進む一二三の後ろには、ヴァイヤーたち騎士と文官、その後ろに採用されたばかりの研修生たちが続く。
多くの人物を従えて進むように見える一二三に、民衆は口々におかえりなさいと叫んだ。
それに応えるように、一二三が左手を上げてかるく振って見せると、黄色い歓声があがった。
「オリガさんがいなくて良かったね」
アリッサの呟きに、兵たちは頷いた。
そのまま、一二三とヴァイヤーは領主館へ向かい、残りの勉強に来た人々は、フォカロルがどんどん建てている宿泊施設へとアリッサが案内する。
「おかえりなさいませ、領主様」
館に入った瞬間に、お辞儀で出迎えたのは5人の文官奴隷だった。
カイムが進み出て、一二三の前に立つ。
「概ね問題は起きておりません。ご無事のお帰りをお喜び申し上げます」
鉄面皮の異名に恥じない真顔のままだったので、一二三は別に嬉しくもなんとも無かったが、久しぶりに聞いた平坦な声音に、帰って来た実感が湧いてくる。
ふと見ると、ミュカレがキョロキョロと落ち着き無く見回しているのが目に入った。
「ミュカレ、何を探している?」
「りょ、領主様、軍務長官は同行されていないのですか?」
「......王都からの研修生を宿泊施設へ案内している」
「ありがとうございます!」
礼もそこそこに、ミュカレは飛び出して行った。
その様子に呆れていると、上階からフィリニオンが降りてきて、一二三に会釈をする。
「お戻りと伺いましたので。これで、私の肩の荷も降ります」
少しだけ疲れが残っているようで、目の色は少し濁っているようにも見える。
「お疲れさん。後はいいから、ヴァイヤーを連れて行くと良い」
一二三の言葉にニッコリと笑ったフィリニオンは、年相応の美しさを見せた。
「ありがとうございます。......では、行きましょう」
フィリニオンに腕を掴まれ、ヴァイヤーは慌てて一二三に挨拶をして、二人はクリノラを引き連れ、彼女の宿泊場所へと向かった。
「では、遠征のあいだの出来事についてご報告をさせていただきたいのですが」
「その前に、ちょっと聞いておきたい」
カイムたち文官奴隷がそれぞれ報告をまとめた書類をを取り出し始めたのを押さえ、一二三はカイムに向かって言った。
「例えば、誰かにまたしばらく領地を任せるとして、お前たちの誰かを指名するというのは問題ないか?」
質問に対し、カイムはほんの数秒だけ目を閉じて、開いた。
「難しいでしょう。能力的な問題は無くとも、領地運営には地位を伴います。領主様やそのご家族、あるいは王都から派遣された貴族ならば問題はないでしょうが、平民や奴隷の誰かがその地位についたとしても、組織がうまく機能するとは思えません」
「そうか。面倒だなぁ」
王都からまた人を呼ぶのは面倒だし、どういう奴が来るのかわからない。
しかし、家族は当然この世界どこにもいない。
「家族......家族か」
ここまでつぶやいて、一二三の脳裏には元の世界に置いてきた家族の顔は浮かばなかった。そしてその事について何も思わなかった。
まだまだ、あっちの世界に帰りたいとは思っていない。
「そうです。例えばご結婚された上で、奥様へ一時的に任せる事は問題ないでしょう」
「ちょっ......」
カイムの提案に、デュエルガルは慌てて止めようとしたが、後の祭りだった。
一二三の結婚相手という話題は、近くで耳をそばだてていた女性職員を通じ、瞬く間に広まっていく。
職員から兵士、兵士たちからアリッサの耳へと、“一二三が結婚相手を探している”という噂が入るまで、3時間とかからなかったほどだ。
「これは大変なことになるかも......」
アリッサにしても、一二三という人物を一人の男性として見てどうかというと、はっきりとは答えが出ない。
好きではあるが、オリガという狂信的な人物を間近で見てきたせいか、どこか冷静になっているのが正直なところだった。競争になったとして、勝てる勝てない以前に刺されて終わりそうだ、とアリッサは思っている。
だが、第三者から見ての結婚相手として、新興貴族で国の内外を問わず知名度が高く業績も並ぶものがいない一二三は、貴族だけでなく側室の地位を狙う平民からも最高に人気の高い相手となるのは想像に難くない。
「もし今、オリガさんが戻ってきたら大変なことになる......」
あの一二三が積極的に結婚相手を探すとは思えないが、オリガに対しては噂だけでも充分すぎる刺激を与えるのは間違いない。
アリッサは慌てて噂の拡散を抑えられるだけ抑えるように指示を出し、オリガが戻ったら一番に知らせるようにと門番に申し伝えをするようにと命じた。
「オリガさん、早く会いたくはあるけど、今だけは帰ってこないでね......」
祈るような気持ちで、アリッサは急いで領主館へと向かった。
While publicly being peaceful and internally taking a massive toll, the coronation ceremony finished safely.
Imeraria will unify Orsongrande as new queen, Adol will continue to counsel the ruler as prime minister and Sabnak will be assigned as guard for the castle and Imeraria as Royal Knight Order Captain.
In the castle, where the shadow of the prince faction completely vanished, it was decided to appoint new personnel as civil officials and knights by gathering appointed nobles, who don't possess new territories, and the sons and daughters of nobles, who aren't estimated to inherit their households.
The aspect, which was different from how it was done up until now, was that all of the personnel would receive training in Fokalore.
"Then, please take care of them, Hifumi-sama." (Imeraria)
Having finished their journey preparations, the newly recruited nobles were lining up in a row. In their presence Queen Imeraria bowed towards Hifumi very naturally.
The nobles were noisily clattering about like ripples on a water surface, but there will likely be no one looking down on Hifumi as rising noble with this
"Understood. Since I received it as job, they will get trained properly." (Hifumi)
Hifumi showed a firm nod.
There is an agreement that from now on several of each, civil officials and military officers, will be sent as exchange students as request from the royal capital to Fokalore every year. Of course, Hifumi will be paid proper rewards by the kingdom.
"I'm sorry, Captain Sabnak, but thank you in advance." (Vaiya)
"Yea, please leave the house-sitting to me. It's alright for you to slowly savour the life of a newly-wed." (Sabnak)
Close-by, where Imeraria and Hifumi have been talking, Vaiya and Sabnak exchanged greetings of departure. He, together with several knights, will accompany Hifumi and the trainees as escort until Fokalore. Together with his fiancee, Phyrinion, they are scheduled to head towards the territory of Viscount Amazelo, which is Phyrinion's family's home.
"Once I finish my part, next it will be Captain Sabnak's turn, right? Since the person, who will become your father-in-law, is nearby, will you return home for some greetings?" (Vaiya)
Watching Shibyura quietly drawing close from behind Sabnak, Vaiya smiles.
"Don't make fun of me. ... I still haven't officially talked with the prime minister." (Sabnak)
Vaiya, who stared in surprise, raised his voice alternately looking at Sabnak and Shibyura.
"You surprised me there! Is there some kind of problem?" (Vaiya)
"That is..." (Sabnak)
"It's only Sabnak-sama being a good-for-nothing. Please go meet your bride without worries as I will have taken him along for greetings, even if I have to hit him, until Vaiya-sama returns." (Shibyura)
Shibyura, seizing Sabnak's arm with the slender fingers of her right hand, is clearly digging her nails into Sabnak's upper arm.
"As this person saved me by literally risking her own life, I intend to talk it over carefully." (Sabnak)
In contrast to Shibyura, who has a rough nasal breathing full of fighting spirit, Sabnak was crestfallen and had dropped his shoulders.
"That is a problem."
Between the maids a rumour has taken shape, which states that as result of Shibyura defeating two knights during the coronation ceremony's rebellion, she saved Sabnak.
Those two had a good relationship since the coronation ceremony, but in contrast to Shibyura, who treats others with sterny* stout-heartedness, Sabnak, who often listens to the opinions of others with a gentle personality, is apparently seen as being totally dominated.
"At least go to do formal greetings once you get some confidence after having acquired slight achievements as captain." (Vaiya)
Sabnak saw Vaiya off laughing feebly.
Different from before at the main gate of the capital, where it has turned into a cheerful departure, heavy air drifts about in the office of Knight Captain Lotomago.
Two people, Lotomago, who's the owner of the room, and Adol are in here.
"Then, there's no doubt that you will retire after today?" (Adol)
"Yea, with the serious affairs, that happened in the castle, far from being helpful, I ended up being caught by the enemy. I have no position as military officer anymore. I have received permission by Her Majesty the Queen yesterday." (Lotomago)
While sorting the documents remaining on the desk, Lotomago calmly answered the prime minister's question.
"However, at that time even Her Majesty the Queen as well as the Royal Knight Order Captain suffered from enemy attacks. I think there's no necessity for Lotomago-dono to retire or anything like that though..." (Adol)
Lotomago slowly shakes his head towards the prime minister, who tries to detain him. His face shows no grief or bitterness. He has a calm and gentle expression.
"Even though Captain Sabnak was saved by Earl Tohno and prime minister's ojou-san, he personally acted towards escaping the danger. As for Her Majesty the Queen, she was betrayed by the guards attached to her. In comparison, I, who wasn't able to offer any kind of resistance, couldn't do anything more than passing the time by sitting and waiting..." (Lotomago)
Temporarily pausing his words there, Lotomago leaned his body against the back of the chair.
"No, that's no more than mere pretence. A military officer, who wasn't able to fight because of his old age, should leave. That's all there is to it. There's no meaning in lining up reasons, that seem like excuses, either." (Lotomago)
"It seems that you've made your decision." (Adol)
"It's just a story about running away. It isn't anything as noble as a decision. Besides, I discovered a successor, whom I was able to smoothly burden with the work." (Lotomago)
Due to Lotomago smiling, even Adol was lured into laughing.
With a sudden knock on the door, a single knight came entering.
"Excuse me. I was told you called for me, but... this is, were you talking with His Excellency the Prime Minister? I'm very sorry." (Midas)
It was Midas, who entered the room.
"No, it's alright since I called you here." (Lotomago)
Urged by Lotomago, Midas stands in front of Lotomago.
"Midas, how old were your children again?" (Lotomago)
"Ha? 10 and 7 years old, but... Did something happen?" (Midas)
Midas, who was confused being abruptly asked about his family, pulled himself together and replied honestly.
"I see, the prime time of being mischievous. Although you rejected it once, won't you move to the mansion, which is close to the royal palace? For only 3 people the care-taking will be easy as well, if you employ a maid. Accordingly it will likely become more comfortable for your wife, too. Because it is easy to get lessons close to the royal palace, even for educating children, it will probably be convenient one way or the other." (Lotomago)
"No, the size of that mansion is for us too spacious after all... I will feel awkward to receive food made by someone else since I like the home cooking of my wife." (Midas)
, Lotomago smiles. Adol, who listened as well, showed a smile.
"However, if someone, who is the Knight Captain, commutes from too far away, it will likely take time to deal with it once something happens." (Lotomago)
"? I'm the vice-captain. Because there's also a place in the castle, which is on standby in case of an emergency..." (Midas)
"That's what we will talk about now. You will become the captain. The notice of personnel change has already been accepted by Her Majesty the Queen as well." (Lotomago)
Looking at the paper, handed over to him, Midas has been surprised as if his eyeballs are popping out.
"Th-This is... But, for me, who hails from a poor Viscount family, this sort of position is..." (Midas)
"Idiot!" (Lotomago)
Due to Midas being perplexed, Lotomago shouted in a thundering voice with a strict expression.
"Are you believing that you can save anyone by using your pedigree? Did that Earl Tohno obtained his victories by showing off his position as Earl? Is it only that much you, who watched him from close-by, gained from that person?" (Lotomago)
Due to Lotomago's powerful tone, he usually doesn't use, Midas was only surprised at the beginning, but at the time he properly grasped the things said, he was able to calm down and bow.
"I'm very sorry. I'm not very good at swordsmanship, but I have the experience of having seen many people by blending in amongst the populace. In that aspect alone I have confidence that I won't fall behind or even lose to that Earl Tohno." (Midas)
"Very well." (Lotomago)
Lotomago returned his smile to the same one as before.
"Then, go back home holding that notice of personnel change at once and explain it in front of your family. Isn't it necessary to have a talk with your wife first, also to prepare the moving? I have already called for people to tidy and polish up the mansion. A maid for around 3 people has been arranged as well." (Lotomago)
"... You have my deepest thanks for your considerations." (Midas)
In the eyes of Midas, who bowed once again, a few tears shone.
"What? If I consider the size of the things that will weight on your shoulders from now, this is the least I can do at the end. ... I will vacate this place tomorrow. Also, I will rely on you." (Lotomago)
"Ha! Please put your trust in me!" (Midas)
Eventually the disturbances, which caused many victims to appear, primarily thanks to Hifumi, came to a temporary end.
Orsongrande and Horant established a firm bond using the territorial administration skills and combat engineering of Fokalore as materials for bridge building.
On the contrary, Vichy received a strong protest regarding the manoeuvring within the castle by the envoy and his attendants from Orsongrande. In the end, the cessation of hostilities took a shape close to a total capitulation of Vichy's side.
Even concerning the independent Pyulsan, by using the method of forming a relationship of sending personnel for studying towards Fokalore, in order to successfully establish a pipe, which is stronger than Vichy's, Vichy became unable to make a careless move on them. As a result Vichy recognized the independence due to them being an enemy they had no way to crush.
There were no countries, which perished, and the number of countries increased. Once they noticed, Orsongrande's realm had expanded and they became a power, whose right to speak couldn't be overlooked anymore as was custom in the past.
Although it was the common understanding of all nation that this was due to Hifumi backing them, Hifumi has a stance of not making any speeches or showing his face in the public field of diplomacy. Adhering to what they heard about his nonchalant attitude, the nations have become cautious in contacting him, which also includes Orsongrande, the nation he belongs to.
Instead, the appeal of his territory and not the person himself has increased.
Many people, who are engaged in territorial administration, guards, knights and people, leading territorial soldiers are coming to visit Fokalore. Because they stay with public funds and study there, the territory's population is following the path of increase and the amount of money spent in the territory rises as well.
There's also the influence of the war damages. Manpower from around the world comes gathering. Unnoticed, the population of the territory of Fokalore has become several times that when Hifumi was inaugurated as feudal lord first. Reaching the point that even cities like Arosel, being in the same territory, are gathering people, the developed cities, because of governors dispatched by Fokalore, rapidly put their appearance and institutions in order.
It might be only a natural outcome that the city turned into a festival merrymaking at the time the feudal lord came back to the city of Fokalore, which achieved a prosperity above the current capital.
"Let us through~ !!" (Alyssa)
Leading at the front, Alyssa shouts and the soldiers desperately pry open a path.
In the back of Hifumi, who is advancing on horse, there is Vaiya's group of knights and civil officials and continuing behind them the trainees, who were just freshly recruited.
The population unanimously clamoured and welcomed Hifumi, who was seen to advance while being accompanied by many people, home.
In order to reply to them, once Hifumi raised his left hand and lightly waved, high-pitched shouts of joy were raised.
"It's good that Origa-san isn't here." (Alyssa)
The soldiers nodded due to Alyssa's murmur.
Hifumi and Vaiya head towards the lord's mansion as is and Alyssa guides the remaining people, who came to study, towards the lodgings, which are being rapidly erected in Fokalore.
"""""Welcome home, Lord-sama."""""
At the moment they entered the mansion, the 5 civil official slaves greeted them with a bow.
Stepping forward, Caim stands in front of Hifumi.
"There haven't been any problem on the whole. Let me express our pleasure for you returning home safely." (Caim)
Since he had a serious look that didn't shame his nickname of arrogance, Hifumi wasn't particularly happy either, but as it had been a while since he last heard his indifferent voice, he actually experienced a feeling of having come home.
As he casually looked around, he caught sight of Miyukare looking around restlessly without being able to calm down.
"What are you looking for, Miyukare?" (Hifumi)
"L-Lord-sama, hasn't the Military Director travelled together with you?" (Miyukare)
"... She is guiding the trainees from the capital towards the lodgings." (Hifumi)
"Thank you very much!" (Miyukare)
Bowing in a hurry, Miyukare darted away.
As he is astonished by this spectacle, Phyrinion comes down from the upper floor and bows towards Hifumi.
"I heard about your return. With this the burden on my shoulders will be lowered as well." (Phyrinion)
With her seeming to have only a bit fatigue left, her eye colour can be seen to have become slightly cloudy, too.
"Thanks for your work. Since it's alright now, it's fine to take Vaiya along." (Hifumi)
Phyrinion, who smiled sweetly due to Hifumi's words, showed a beauty appropriate for her age.
"Thank you very much. ... Well, then let's go." (Phyrinion)
Having his arm seized by Phyrinion, Vaiya gave his greeting to Hifumi in a hurry and, taking Krinola along, the two of them headed towards Phyrinion's lodging place.
"Then, we want the privilege of reporting concerning the events during your campaign." (Caim)
"Before that I want you to listen for just a minute." (Hifumi)
Holding back the civil official slaves around Caim, who started to take out documents each gathered as report, Hifumi turned towards Caim.
"For example, will there be any problem, if you guys nominate someone to whom I can entrust the territory for a while again?" (Hifumi)
Caim closed his eyes for merely a few seconds regarding that question and opened them then again.
"It's probably difficult. Even without the the issues of ability, the territorial administration brings status with it. If it's Lord-sama and his family, or possibly a noble dispatched by the capital, there won't be a problem, but I don't believe the system will function well, assuming some commoner or slave takes the post." (Caim)
"I see. How troublesome." (Hifumi)
It's difficult to summon someone from the capital again. I don't know what kind of person will come.
However, naturally I have no family in this world.
"Family... family, huh?" (Hifumi)
Grumbling up to here, the faces of his family in his former world didn't appear in Hifumi's mind.
He also doesn't think that there's still some way to go before he wants to return to the world over there.
"That's right. For example, there would likely be no problems to temporarily entrust it to your wife, if you were to get married." (Caim)
"St..." (Doelgar)
Due to Caim's suggestion, Doelgar tried to stop the flow of the conversation in a panic, but it was too late.
The topic of Hifumi's marriage partner has flowed to the female staff member, who was pricking up her ears nearby and has been spread in a twinkling of an eye.
It didn't even take 3 hours until the rumour 'Hifumi is looking for a spouse' spreads from the staff members to the soldiers and from the soldiers to Alyssa's ears.
"This might turn into a disaster..." (Alyssa)
For Alyssa, if you ask her whether she sees the person called Hifumi as a man, she won't be able to answer clearly.
I like him, but as result of having seen the fanatic called Origa from nearby, honestly speaking, it has cooled down in some respects. As for it becoming a competition, it will end by me being stabbed before it's about whether I can win or not
However, for a spouse looking at it as third party, he is a rising noble with popularity regardless of inside or outside the country. But, for Hifumi, who isn't someone lining up huge achievements, it is easy to imagine that he will become the most popular partner, not just for nobles, but also for commoners, who will aim for the position of concubine.
"If Origa-san came back now, it would turn into a major disaster..." (Alyssa)
I don't believe that that Hifumi is actively looking for a marriage partner, but concerning Origa, even only the rumour will doubtlessly give her a plenty excessive stimulus.
Issuing instructions to restrain the diffusion of the rumour in a hurry, Alyssa ordered to pass a message to the gatekeeper to notify her first, once Origa returned.
"Origa-san, I want to meet with you soon, but only for now, don't come back, okay...?" (Alyssa)
With feelings similar to a prayer, Alyssa rushed towards the lord's mansion.magic
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido