パジョーの思惑を何となくは想像できている一二三だが、これといって対応するつもりも無かった。オーソングランデそのものを敵だとは思っていないが、味方だとも考えていないので、どういう道を選んでも気にならない。
形はどうあれ、正式にフォカロルを中心とした子爵領の領主となった一二三は、フォカロルの旧領主館が今からの家となる。住むところにさほど頓着しないので、新たに雇い入れた侍女たちに清掃だけさせて、全ての部屋をそのまま利用する事にした。
部屋も使用人が使うような狭い一部屋で充分だと一二三は言ったが、領主がそれでは使用人が萎縮してしまうとサブナクに説得され、ハーゲンティが使っていた部屋を利用することになった。
ちなみに、オリガとアリッサも同じく領主館に部屋を貰って住むことになっていた。
二人には本来身内が使う部屋を与えられ、アリッサは急に豪華な部屋に住む事になり、しかも侍女たちが世話をしてくる環境になったことに戸惑っていた。
オリガはフォカロルに戻って来る頃から一二三に寄り添って秘書のような立場になっており、部屋も一二三の部屋の隣りを希望し、精力的に仕事をこなしていた。
遠征軍も一部は王都へ戻ったが、大部分の80人以上が残留した。
編成を戦時中のものから変更し、4グループに分けて領内の警備、フォカロルの治安維持、各種訓練、休息をローテーションで行うシンプルな形に変え、領内から新兵を募集することにした。
アリッサを軍のまとめ役、オリガを文官のまとめ役として雇用し、一二三の体制は一先ず形だけはできた格好だ。ちなみに、アリッサだけではまとめ役として不安だったので、文官奴隷から元王都文官のミュカレという女性を一人、補佐としてつけた。
自分の将来がかかっているだけに、全員必死だ。
「よし、時間だな。全員筆を置け」
ガリガリと書き込まれる音が止み、誰ともなく息を吐く音がする。
たった四人分だと、一二三はさっさと用紙を集めてぱっぱと採点していく。
「よし、まあいいだろう。全員を俺の直属の文官として扱う」
回答を確認したテストを、デスクの上にポイッと置いてから、全員を見回して一二三は言った。
「良かった......」
一人の女性がつぶやいて、他の全員も安堵の表情を浮かべている。
「それじゃ、このままこの街の体制について説明する。大した規模の街じゃないから、簡単な組織しか作らないからな。お前たちとミュカレの5人を、オリガをトップとしたこの街の行政の中心とする。ミュカレは知っての通り軍へ出向とし、場合によっては行政との橋渡し役になってもらう。徴税及び予算編成と執行はカイムとブロクラ。戸籍の作成と管理はパリュ。商工業関連の行政指導はドゥエルガルだ。職員はどんどん雇っていくから、適当に振り分けてお前たちの部下にするからな」
「あの......戸籍とはなんでしょうか?」
奴隷達の中で一番若い女性、パリュが手を挙げた。
「ああ、そう言えば説明してなかったな」
漏れが多そうだと一二三は言ったが、計算ができる人間が少ないので、この程度が限界なのだとサブナクから言われていた。
「どこに誰が住んでいるかを調べて取りまとめた情報の事だ。確か番地とかの概念も無いようだから、まずはお前の下に一番多く人員を回すから、後で説明する内容に従って街の全ての家と土地に番号を付けて、そこに誰が住んでいてなんの仕事をしているかを調べろ。そしてそれをカイム達に渡せ。それが徴税のための基本情報となる」
出生や死亡も届出をさせ、行政サービスもその情報に基づいて行うと説明した。
パリュはわかったようなわからないような顔をしていたが、後で説明があると聞いて頷いた。
「おれは商工業の指導をという事でしたが、何をやらせればいいんで?」
次に質問したのはドゥエルガルで、髭面の中年男だ。
「大まかな業種ごとに組合を作らせる。そこを通じて各職人や店を取りまとめ、産業の状況や行政からの指示をする。職に溢れた奴も、そこを通じて人手が足りていない所へ送り込むようにすれば、効率的だろう」
「なるほど」
ドゥエルガルはあっさり納得したらしい。
「それと、数人のドワーフの奴隷も間もなくフォカロルへ到着する。いくらか作らせるものもあるから、中で売り物になるものは国から組合を通じて市場に流すから、それについても任せる」
「わかりやした」
さらに、徴税方法や税率など、戦争中から考えていた内容を全員に説明し、戸籍情報がまとまり次第、税制変更を行うことを告げた。
確認にはそれぞれ領主館内に私室と執務室を与えられ、専属の侍女もつく。まるで貴族のような待遇に戸惑う一同だったが、
「それだけキツい仕事だという意味だよ」
という一言に、怯える者とやる気を出すものと様々だった。
その日には街へ到着したドワーフ達に、街の工事と道具の作成を、図面を見せながら説明して任せたり、街の警備について詰所ではなくもっと少人数が詰める交番のような建物を新設することを指示したりと、一二三は精力的に街中を回っていた。
自分の足で街を歩き回る新しい領主に、初めは戸惑っていた街の住人たちも、顔を覚えて次第に挨拶をしてくるようになった。
正直面倒だと思っていた一二三だが、戦争のための金と物資を生みだしてくれる相手だと思うと、自然に手をあげて応じる位の事はするようになった。
「何か、少し雰囲気がお優しくなられましたね」
一二三のために紅茶を入れながら、オリガは微笑んだ。
気がつけば、仕事があるとき以外はオリガが横にいるなと、一二三は思った。
「その......アリッサから聞きました」
オリガの声で、思考に沈んでいた意識が戻った。
「何を?」
「一二三様が、ヴィシー中央委員会へベイレヴラを差し出すようにと記された書面をお送りになられたことです。ありがとうございます」
アリッサはオリガによく相談をしているらしいので、そこで聞いたのだろう。隠すつもりも無かったが。
「まだ何の結果も出ていないし、素直にヴィシーが動く保証はない。礼を言われるような事じゃない」
「結果ではなく、そうして頂いた事が嬉しいのです。それで、その......」
顔を真っ赤にして、オリガはもじもじと何かを伝えようとするが、中々言葉にできない。
こうして見ると、年相応な女の子だが、最近は何故かスレてしまってるよな、と自分のせいだとは微塵も考えていない一二三だった。
「そこから先の事は、まだ言わない方がいい」
「俺だって男だ。お前の気持ちは嬉しい」
一二三はオリガを応接のソファへ促して、自分も正面に座った。
「でもな、奴隷だったお前を奴隷として俺は買った。復讐も満足に果たせていない。まあ、カーシャはあれで良かったらしいけどな。復讐のために俺の近くにいるからとは言わないが、何かの刷り込みのように俺が良く見えている部分はないか?」
「そ、そんな事はありません!」
オリガは、自分の気持ちが否定されたと感じて、涙が溢れた。
「落ち着け。俺もまだこの世界では落ち着いてそういう関係を持つ相手を欲しいと思えないというのもある。俺の都合だ。すまない」
頭を下げている一二三の姿を見て、オリガはすっと気持ちが落ち着いていった。
「そ、そんな、一二三様、私に頭を下げるなど、おやめください!」
「お前の事は嫌いじゃない。だが、それ以上今は考えられる状況じゃないんだ。そうだな......ヴィシーとの件が落ち着いたら、ゆっくり話す時間を作る。その時にオリガの気持ちが変わっていなければだけどな」
一二三は冗談めかした話し方だったが、オリガは真剣に受け止めた。
「分かりました。私の気持ちは変わりませんが、一二三様の傍にいるに相応しい女だと証明してみせます。ですから、私を見ていていただけますか?」
「......わかった」
一二三の返答に取り敢えず満足したのか、オリガは笑顔を取り戻して、仕事に戻ると言って一礼して退室した。
残された一二三は、刀を取り出して刀身を確認する。刃こぼれしないことは分かっていても、これは日課になっていた。
(恋人、結婚か。あっちでは考えなかった事だが、貴族になったからには、本で読んだような感じで、どこぞのお嬢さんが擦り寄ってきたりするんだろうか。よく聞く話だが、オリガでも誰が相手でも、結婚したら俺の性格は丸くなっていくのだろうか。人を殺すことをやめることができるだろうか?)
殺すこと殺される事よりも、自分が変質してしまうようで、それが怖かった。この世界へ来て、初めて怖いと思った。
(こんな奴の嫁になりたいと思う奴がいるかね......)
それとも、嫁ができればそれが大事な相手になるのだろうか。子供ができれば......。
「やめやめ。気が滅入るだけだな」
決まってもいないことに色々思い悩んでも仕方ないと、仕事の続きに没頭した。
どうやら、仕事が早いのはトルンだけではなくてドワーフ全般に言える事らしい。
一二三がウーラルから買い入れたドワーフの奴隷達は、フォカロル到着の初日から与えられた仕事を精力的にこなしていた。
領の専属制作班として、奴隷ドワーフのプルフラスをリーダーに、10人のドワーフがいくつかのグループに別れて作業に勤しんでいた。買い入れたドワーフは15人だが、残りは街の工事にあたっている。
作業場所は広々とした作業場跡を買い取って利用している。
訪れた一二三の姿をみて、プルフラスが駆け寄ってきた。
「おお、領主様か」
「作業は進んでいるようだな」
まだ作業開始から一日だというのに、すでにいくつかの作品が作業場の脇に並べられていた。
「いやいや、楽しい仕事を与えてもらったからな、頑張っておるよ。奴隷になっちまって、このまま鉱山で死ぬまで働くかと思っておったが、あれこれと見たこともない物を作れるとは、みんな領主様には感謝しておる。さあ、指示通りにできているか確認してくれ!」
プルフラスに誘導されて、作品を順番に確認していく。
一二三の指示によって作成されたのは、投石器と大型のボウガンのような武器で、矢の代わりにシンプルな木槍を射出するように作られている。短い期間で大量に作るなら、矢を作るよりもただ削って作るだけの槍が早いからだ。
「武器はわかるが、この“とろっこ”とかいう台車はどうするんだ? 確かに重いものを載せても二人で簡単に動かせるが、図面通りに作ってみたら曲がる機能が無いんだが」
「専用のレールを引く。正確に言えば二本の棒を平行に敷いて、その上に載せる。棒がカーブすればそれに沿って曲がる」
「動作試験は済んでるな? 職員を何人か応援にやるから、街中を一周するレールを二本敷設していってくれ」
街中の図面を渡した一二三は、道路部分に引かれたラインをなぞって見せた。
「二本いるのか?」
「逆回りがあれば便利だろう。安い移動手段として普及すれば、街中の流通や人の移動が活性化する」
なるほどと大げさに頷くプルフラスに、一二三は爽やかに笑った。
「違うぞ、これからそのレールは街の外へ分岐する分も作ってもらう。国境方面にな」
「王都方面ではなく?」
「当たり前だ。これは戦争物資を素早く運ぶためのものだぞ? 人も物資も、手早く手配できるならそれだけ有利だろう」
朗らかに笑いながら物騒なことを話す若い領主に、プルフラスは息を飲んだ。
(これが噂の英雄“細剣の騎士”なのか?)
プルフラスには、英雄というよりはもっと恐ろしい何かに感じられた。
だが、自分の立場を思い直せば、ここで腕を見せる以外にはないと、一二三の指示を聞き逃すまいと気持ちを切り替えた。
この街が、いつか戦場になるだろうと予感しながら。
As he didn't really consider Orsongrande an enemy nor did he judge them to be allies either, he didn't particularly care which path they would choose.
The state being as it is, Hifumi officially became the feudal lord of the central viscount territory of Fokalore. The mansion of the former feudal lord of Fokalore became his residence from now on.
Even though Hifumi said it would be plenty for him to use a small room like the servants used, he was persuaded by Sabnak that if the feudal lord were in such situation the servants rooms would end up shrinking even more. Thus, the result was that he would use the room Hagenti used before.magic
Incidentally, Origa and Alyssa also received a room for living in the same former feudal lord mansion.
The two were given rooms that were originally used by the former feudal lord's relatives. Alyssa swiftly decided on an extravagant room to live in, but she was unusually bewildered having her circumstances being taken care of by maids.
From the time Origa returned to Fokalore she stayed close to Hifumi almost as if her position was to be his secretary. She also aspired the room next to Hifumi's room. Thus she was finishing her work vigorously.
Although one part of the expeditionary force returned to the capital, the majority of above 80 people stayed behind.
Revising from their organisation during the war, they divided into 4 groups to guard the territory, maintain the public order, and practice all kinds of things. They changed into a simple way of performing a relief rotation and decided to conscript new recruits from within the territory.
Alyssa was employed as army manager while Origa was employed to manage the civil officials. Merely for form's sake Hifumi arranged this shape of system for now.
As it would affect their own future, all of them were desperate.
"Alright, it's time. Everyone put down your pens." (Hifumi)
The scratching sound of filling in the papers ceased and without knowing who it was, the sound of breathing out could be heard.
Since it was merely the portion of four people, Hifumi collected the sheets of paper without delay and graded them quickly.
"Alright, maa, I guess it's fine. All of you will operate as civil officials under my direct control." (Hifumi)
After checking the answers of the test, Hifumi tossed the papers on top of the desk and looked at everyone while talking.
"I'm so glad..." (Slave)
A single woman muttered while the others had a relieved facial expression.
"Well then, I will now explain regarding the organisation of this city's administration. As it isn't a city of significant scale, it isn't feasible to make anything but a simple structure. The five of you, you guys and Miyukare, will play a leading role in the administration of this city with Origa on top. As you know, Miyukare will be transferred to the troops. Depending on the situation she will bear the duty of mediating with the administration. Caim
"Ano ... What is a family register?" (Paryu)
The youngest woman among the slaves, Paryu, raised her hand.
"Ah, now that you mention it, I didn't explain that." (Hifumi)
Although Hifumi said there were many leaks like that, since there were only few people who could calculate, Sabnak mentioned with confidence that this degree of taxation was the limit of what was possible.
"It is work that investigates who and where someone is living and compiles this information. Certainly, because there is obviously no concept of addresses or such either, most of the personnel will be at first sent under your supervision. After explaining the details, they will attach a number to all plots of land and houses within the city. Furthermore they will check up who lives there and what kind of occupation they have. And then you will hand this information over to Caim's group. This will become the basic information in order to collect the taxes." (Hifumi)
He also explained that the performance of the administration services was based on the information obtained by receiving reports about birth and death.
Although Paryu had a face which likewise could mean that she understood it or didn't, after listening to his explanation she nodded in assent.
"Even though I have the work called 'guidance of the commerce and industry,' what would be good to do there?" (Doelgar)
The next question came from Doelgar, a middle-aged man with a bearded face.
"Generally it is to make a guild for every type of industry. Each craftsman and store should be coordinated through them by giving them instructions depending on the situation of the industry and the instructions from the administration. Also, those guys who are unemployed will be efficiently sent to the places, which don't have enough hands, as manpower by the guilds." (Hifumi)
"I see." (Doelgar)
Doelgar seems to have understood it quickly.
"And, before long there will arrive several dwarf slaves at Fokalore. Since they are able to somewhat produce some things as well, we will distribute those goods, which have become our specialty, through the guilds in the country's market. Everything in regards to that I will entrust to you." (Hifumi)
"I have understood." (Doelgar)
Furthermore, such things as tax collection and tax rate, he explained to everyone the details of what he planned during the war. As soon as the family register information was gathered, he would announce the change of the tax system.
In order to validate them, each of them would be given a private room in the feudal lord's mansion to serve as office and would have an exclusive maid assigned to them.
"You can interpret it as your work being this level of demanding and intensity." (Hifumi)
After these words some became scared while others showed their determination.
That day the dwarves arrived in the city, they prepared the tools for the construction work in the city and were shown the blueprints while receiving the necessary explanations. The instructions were about the new buildings like the police box, where a smaller amount of guards could be stationed unlike a guard office in concern of the the city's security. Hifumi was vigorously going through the entire city.
As new feudal lord he walked through the city on his own feet. Even though the city's inhabitants were bewildered in the beginning, it reached the point that they greeted him as they gradually memorized his face.
Although Hifumi frankly thought of it as troublesome, considering that they had provided the money and materials for the sake of the war, it naturally turned into him improving his acceptance of the matters regarding his governmental position.
"Somehow your mood has become a bit more gentle." (Origa)
Origa smiled while making black tea for Hifumi.
Except during work, Origa is always besides me
"That ... I heard from Alyssa." (Origa)
Towards Origa's voice he returned his consciousness from his deep thinking.
"What?" (Hifumi)
"It's about the matter regarding Hifumi-sama sending a written letter in order for to the central government of Vichy to hand over Beirevra. Thank you very much." (Origa)
Given that Alyssa is apparently often consulting with Origa, I guess she heard about it then.
"We don't know yet what kind of effect it will have. There is no guarantee that Vichy will follow it obediently either. There is no need to thank me for something like that." (Hifumi)
"Even if there are no results, I will gladly accept the situation just like that. Because of that, um ..." (Origa)
With a deep red face Origa tried to convey something while being fidgety but she wasn't quite able to put it in words.
Seeing her like that, although it is appropriate for a girl of her age, for some reason she ends up wearing me out recently
"You better not continue saying anything yet regarding the previous matter." (Hifumi)
"Even I am a man. I am happy about your feelings." (Hifumi)
Hifumi urged Origa to the couch in the reception and also sat in front of her himself.
"But, I bought you, who was a slave, as a slave. I couldn't accomplish your vengeance properly either. Maa, I guess for Kasha this much was fine already. Even though I won't say that I am close to fulfilling your revenge, isn't this like the often seen part of imprinting something?" (Hifumi)
"Th-There is no such thing!" (Origa)
Origa, thinking that her feelings were denied, started to spill tears.
"Calm down. As I haven't really settled down in this world yet, you can say that I didn't think about wanting to have a relationship like that. It is for my own convenience. Sorry." (Hifumi)
Seeing the figure of the apologizing Hifumi, Origa quickly subdued her feelings.
"S-Such a degree of apology towards me, Hifumi-sama, please stop it!" (Origa)
"I don't dislike you. But, in the current situation I don't plan to go any further than that. That's right ... once the case with Vichy has been settled, I will make time for us to talk at ease. However, only if Origa's feelings haven't changed at that time." (Hifumi)
Even though Hifumi's way of talking showed signs of jesting, Origa took it seriously.
"I understand. As my feelings won't change, I will prove it to you that I am suitable woman to stand at Hifumi-sama's side. Therefore, could you please watch me?" (Origa)
"... Understood" (Hifumi)
Was Hifumi's reply sufficient for her for the time being? Regaining her smile, Origa bowed and left the room as she had to return to her work.
Hifumi, who was left behind, unsheathed his katana and checked the sword blade.
< Lover, Marriage, huh? Although I didn't think about these things over there, now that I have become a noble, I wonder if somewhere there is an ojou-san approaching to snuggle up to me like the impressions I got from reading in books? As it is an often heard story, I wonder whether my own character will get as amicable to marry Origa or some other partner? Will I be able to cease killing people? > (Hifumi)
Other than killing or being killed, me ending up changing in such way, that is scary.
< I wonder if there is a fellow who wants to become the bride of such a guy? ... > (Hifumi)
Or, I wonder, if becoming the wife is impossible, to become a cherished partner?
"Stop, let's just stop. It will only cause me to feel depressed." (Hifumi)
As it was inevitable for him to worry about various things without making a decision either, he continued to immerse himself in his work.
Apparently it wasn't only Thorn who worked early but it was something that could be said for the entire dwarven race.
The dwarf slaves Hifumi had bought from Ular did their assigned work energetically from the first day after arriving in Fokalore.
As 15 dwarves were purchased, the remainder was working at the construction of the city currently.
The manufacturing area was an extensive workshop which was bought to be utilized.
Seeing the figure of Hifumi arriving, Pruflas ran up to him.
"Oo, feudal lord-sama?" (Pruflas)
"It seems the work is making progress." (Hifumi)
Despite it only being one day since the work had started, there were already several products lined up at the side of the workshop.
"No, not at all. Since accepting the assignment of such enjoyable work, we are doing our best. After becoming slaves, though we wondered whether we would work in the mines until death, we can now produce things that we haven't seen until now either like this and that. We all do this in order to thank the feudal lord. Now, please confirm whether we were able to follow your instructions adequately!" (Prulflas)
Guided by Prulflas, he checked the products in turns.
Producing according to Hifumi's instructions, there were ballistas and weapons resembling large bow-guns. In order for those being able to shoot simple wood lances were produced instead of arrows.
"Although I can understand the weapons, what do you want to do with this wagon called "rail car"? Certainly, as it is easy to move it with two people even if it has to carry heavy load, according to the blueprints it doesn't provide a function to make a curve." (Pruflas)
"I will draw up an exclusive rail. To say it accurately, we will lay out two poles side-by-side and place it on top of them. It will make the curves according to the curving of those poles." (Hifumi)
"Haven't you finished the movement test? Since I will dispatch some personnel as support, please construct two rails around the whole city." (Hifumi)
Hifumi handed over a drawing of the whole city. It showed the traced lines of the drawn parts of the roads.
"Are there two of them?" (Pruflas)
"It's convenient to have one going around in reverse. It will be a popular way of cheap travelling. It will stimulate the movement of people and goods in the whole city." (Hifumi)
At the exaggerated agreement of Pruflas, Hifumi laughed refreshingly.
"It is different. After this, I will have you make further rails having segments diverging away from this city to other places. In the direction of the national border." (Hifumi)
"Not in the direction of the royal capital?" (Pruflas)
"Obviously not. Won't these be used in order to quickly transport materials for the war? Goods and people as well. That alone is already advantageous for swiftly preparing." (Hifumi)
The young feudal lord talked about dangerous things while smiling brightly. Prulflas had his breath taken away.
<This is the rumored hero "Knight of the Slender Sword"?> (Pruflas)
As for Prulflas, rather than a hero he felt something even more dreadful.
But, thinking back on his own position, there was nothing for him to do but displaying his skill here. He acted as if he didn't hear Hifumi's indications and renewed his attitude.
While he had a hunch that this city would become a battlefield someday.
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