14 - Even if I am Called a Fool
Immediately after waking up, I contacted Zelfie-san.
We agreed to meet at the same cafe as before, where I offered to take on Lord Lockwood's request.
\"Anta, did you hit your head or something? For a former heir to a noble house to say he'll take on a band of bandits... I admire the spirit, but I can't call it a sound judgment.\"
Zelfie-san looked at me, exasperated.
Inwardly, she probably thinks it's no wonder I was kicked out of my family home. But for now, that's fine.
Zelfie-san ordered some sweet treats and ate them neatly. I see; she must have been raised well. Just as Novem noticed.
(She certainly is like a knight. Not just in her fighting style, but perhaps it's the influence of her father.)
\"This is my decision. In the worst case, I don't mind if Zelfie-san bows out. I'll let Hawkins-san know myself.\"
Upon hearing this, Zelfie-san sighed and turned her gaze toward Novem.
\"I thought Novem was the smart one.\"
\"It is what Lord Riel has decided. Besides—\"
\"Besides?\"
\"Lord Riel said he can do it. There is no problem.\"
I felt that Novem's level of trust in me was perhaps too high, but I had a winning strategy.
My ancestors had also given their approval.
\"...The current House Lockwood has fallen on hard times, so don't expect any reward. You saw the young lady's appearance, right? Besides, the current head is useless. Up until the previous generation, they were serious and distinguished Robed Nobility with a viscountcy and a government post in the royal capital.\"
House Lockwood must be in decline.
However, it isn't House Lockwood who will receive the reward. Rather, we are the ones paying.
And the one providing the funds will be the Lord of Darion.
\"I don't mind. I intend to pay the reward myself.\"
\"Huh? Wait a minute. What on earth are you talking about? If you really did hit your head, I'll introduce you to a good doctor.\"
With a wry smile, I said, \"In that case,\" and made a request of Zelfie-san.
\"Could you introduce me to someone who has information? Someone knowledgeable about the bandits and the Lord of Darion.\"
\"I can understand the bandits, but the Lord?\"
I thought Zelfie-san would look troubled. But in reality, her gaze sharpened.
(It seems the ancestors—the Third and Fifth Generations—might have been right.)
\"Yes.\"
I spoke with a smile. Inwardly, I knew there was a chance of failure, but I couldn't let the other person see it.
I must show confidence. Otherwise, no one will follow me.
\"Well, I can win. Besides, this is my specialty. Oh, while I'm at it, could I ask one more thing?\"
I lied about it being my specialty.
In truth, I've never fought bandits. The only ones with experience fighting them are the ancestors inside the Jewel Orb.
\"...What is it?\"
\"No, this is a simple job. However, I believe it's a job only Zelfie-san could handle. I want to request this of you because you have the trust \"also\" of the Guild.\"
I felt that things were gradually proceeding exactly as the ancestors had predicted.
I had arrived in front of the manor where the Lord of Darion resided.
Through the information broker introduced by Zelfie-san, I was able to learn about the Lord's personality.
I was also able to learn about the current state of the town of Darion.
Bentlar Rodonia, a man to whom the word \"steady\" would suit, would likely be considered a fine Lord.
The location's proximity to the royal capital carried the disadvantage that, if handled poorly, the people might migrate toward the great metropolis.
Even if one is conscious of the territory's development, it inevitably gets compared if the royal capital is nearby.
The Rodonia family had spent a long time gradually growing Darion.
I straightened the collar of the clothes I had purchased.
\"It's been a while since I wore clothes like these... it feels like a very long time ago.\"
\"They suit you, Lord Riel.\"
Novem was also wearing a beautiful dress—not quite fitting for a daughter of a Baron's house, but still lovely. Perhaps because of her own innate grace, she looked quite stunning.
(She's always been like that, but Novem really has an aura about her.)
In contrast, I wasn't wearing the kind of clothes a traveler usually wears. I was wearing expensive clothes—second-hand ones—purchased from a clothing store in Darion.
I had spent most of the money I'd earned, but there was, of course, a reason for this.
The Sixth Generation, who was in charge today, spoke from the Jewel Orb.
'Alright, the appearance is fine. Now, Riel... are you ready to play the fool?'
I touched the Jewel Orb and gave an affirmative response.
'Excellent! Then let us go... it is time for the idiot son who was kicked out of his house to have an audience with the Lord of Darion.'
Told by the Sixth Generation, I looked at the gatekeeper who was watching us warily.
Rather than being wary, he probably thought we were children of nobility or something based on our appearance.
There was no sign of him intending to point a weapon at us.
I approached the gatekeeper and told him I wanted to see the Lord.
\"My name is Riel Walt. I wish to have an audience with the Lord; could you please confirm if that is possible?\"
At that, the gatekeeper's eyes widened slightly.
(As I thought, he knew. Since Zelfie-san knew, I figured there was no mistake.)
\"Please wait a moment. I will go and confirm right away.\"
Saying so, the gatekeeper passed the message to a soldier inside the gate.
Both Novem and I directed smiles toward the gatekeeper.
After a while, a man in a suit, rather than a soldier, walked out from the inside. Seeing that, I knew the meeting was possible.
\"You are Lord Riel Walt, correct? Lord Bentlar says he will meet with you. However, he cannot step away at the moment. Please wait for a while inside the manor.\"
I nodded at the polite response.
\"Yes, that is fine. I feel pained by my sudden visit. The Lord of Darion is most generous.\"
Novem silently bowed.
\"Then, this way...\"
Guided by him, I entered the Lord's manor.
For the scale of the territory, the manor felt small.
'Just as I thought.'
When the Sixth Generation said that, I felt relieved up to this point because it was also what I had expected.
According to the information broker, the Lord was a small, slightly plump man in his forties who seemed like a good person. His reputation among the people was at a satisfactory level for a Lord.
In other words, he was positioned as a good Lord for the people.
However, precisely because he seemed kind, he was also said to be a person who could feel unreliable.
A Lord who was slightly unreliable—that was the information. However, my opinion and that of my ancestors differed.
'The gatekeeper and the suit-wearing servant are truly loyal. They don't let their guard down even when praised, but their attitude toward us has softened slightly. Steady, and the fact that the territory has expanded this much is undoubtedly because the Lord is excellent! Truly wonderful!'
The Sixth Generation sounded pleased.
As for the reason, it was a bit depressing for me.
Because, a steady and excellent Lord—one who is loved by his people.
In other words.
'He must be struggling with the development of the territory! In addition to the labor shortage, he has a personality that cannot cut corners in governance! Good! There is a gap to exploit!'
The lively Sixth Generation also understood the Lord's problem points.
The fact that it was developing rapidly, and an environment where much work went to adventurers. And, while being loved by the people, he was leaving the bandits alone.
I thought there must be a reason. That's why I investigated.
The ancestors, all in high spirits, were scrutinizing the information to confirm the Lord's personality, the territory's problems, and the current situation.
'Two labyrinths appeared within the territory, and he dispatched vassal knights and soldiers to subjugate them. Working hard for the sake of the villages at the edge of the territory... Hmm! A splendid Lord!'
(Even if he praises him that much, he's just going to use that against him during the negotiations...)
I had suspected a connection with the bandits, but that lead vanished when I obtained information that the bandits had only recently drifted into Darion.
(I suspected it because the bandits hadn't been running wild since coming to Darion.)
If he were connected to the Lord, I intended to negotiate and have the Orb returned.
After being shown to a room in the manor to wait, I sat on a sofa with Novem and drank tea.
(Now, shall I play the part of the noble son kicked out of his family home?)
I feel like it's not too far from the truth, but from here on, my acting will be necessary. Also, I'll make full use of the family name Walt.
Since I have the ancestors' permission, there should be no problem—or so I want to believe.
'Hahaha! This is getting interesting, Riel!'
I was a bit put off by the Sixth Generation's high tension.
It was an hour later when the Lord, having finished his work, appeared before us.
However, he was currently staring at me with wide eyes.
\"I, Riel Walt! Though I am currently cast out from my home, I shall surely reclaim my lands and restore the glory of the past! To that end, I wish for Lord Bentlar's assistance.\"
The former heir of the provincial Lord House Walt, kicked out of his home.
That is my current evaluation.
I judged that the information reaching Darion wasn't that detailed.
At the same time, I intended to use this opportunity to fix the evaluation of the person known as \"me.\"
'An idiot son who deserved to be kicked out—a dreamer would also work. A dream-filled former noble who is all talk is fitting for the current Riel.'
This was the Fifth Generation's opinion.
Naturally, the other ancestors opposed it.
However, in my current situation, it wouldn't be strange for people who want to use me to appear around me at any time.
The ancestors also felt that the transmission of information was faster than in their own eras.
Therefore, they intended to fix my reputation in order to protect me in this matter.
House Walt, my family home, which has shown no movement toward me.
They intended to use this as an opportunity to see how they would move.
Would they come to dispose of me for making a fuss? Or would they leave me be?
It seemed to be a plan to use this incident as an opportunity to learn the reaction of House Walt, which is controlled by the monster called Celes.
(I'll be in trouble if they seriously send assassins...)
According to the ancestors, the First Generation's skill would solve that problem.
Thinking of the First Generation's barbarian style, it seemed a bit doubtful. But the First Generation's skill was certainly amazing.
The Lord before me—Bentlar Rodonia—had a slightly twitching face as he looked at me.
'Good, Riel. He has a face that says he's troubled because you're an even bigger idiot than he imagined! He's let his guard down and his expression is showing, gahahaha!!'
It was exactly as the excited Sixth Generation said.
\"L-Lord Riel, even if you ask for cooperation, this is such a sudden story that I cannot give an answer. Besides, such a conversation would not be for Lord Riel's own benefit. I shall act as if I did not hear this, so I would like you to return home for today...\"
He wants to act as if he didn't hear it. In other words, he wants to make it as if it never happened.
House Walt is located in the frontier, but it is a distinguished Earl's house. They possess military power and have connections in the royal capital, the center.
Bentlar-san, being entangled with an idiot son like me, probably thinks this:
'Good, Riel... he has the face of someone who thinks a bomb has entered his territory! He has a face that wants to kick you out!'
It's just as the Sixth Generation says.
He's probably pondering how to handle a nuisance like me. The subordinate man standing next to Bentlar-san stood without showing any agitation.
Whether he is a guard or not, his skill is considerable.
(This pressure just from standing... he's highly skilled.)
The fact that he has such a subordinate means he himself can be called excellent.
\"And also, Lord Bentlar... I hear that recently a band of bandits has nested in the nearby abandoned mine ruins? I, Riel, most certainly wish to be of use to Lord Bentlar. To that end, I wish for permission to subjugate them.\"
\"Permission? I have heard that Lord Riel has become an adventurer?\"
Bentlar-san seems to have researched me well.
He probably looked into it the moment I entered Darion and information about me leaked.
He is a capable man.
\"Yes, but from the Lord's position, I imagine you cannot leave bandits alone. Therefore, I want permission. What's more, once the bandits are defeated, you may take all the credit as the Lord's achievement!\"
When I said that with a smile, Bentlar-san's gaze shifted in agitation.
\"D-do you mean Lord Riel would subjugate the bandits yourself? Not by hiring someone?\"
\"Please be assured. I have hired veteran adventurers. I will also reach out to the Guild and gather the necessary numbers.\"
I directed a smile at him, saying it would be fine.
Then, Bentlar-san's expression turned a bit pale.
\"...It is a very generous offer, but I would still like to leave the affairs of the territory to me. This time, I shall accept only your feelings—\"
'Alright, Riel... now.'
At the Sixth Generation's signal, I put on a slightly sad expression.
\"I see... then, this time I shall subjugate them of my own personal will. I am a man of House Walt, after all! One or two bands of bandits, I shall subjugate them easily. Oh, please be assured that I will not mention Lord Bentlar's name.\"
I switched my policy.
However, Bentlar-san had a troubled look on his face.
'Even if Riel was kicked out, he is a member of House Walt... he probably can't make a judgment because accurate information hasn't been conveyed. He likely thought that if he just let him be killed, he'd be given a pretext for complaint. Good... this is getting fun!'
\"...Lord Riel, I will speak plainly. You were once the heir to a Lord's house. I wish for you not to interfere unnecessarily. If you are an adventurer now, you should seek a way to live as an adventurer. If it is help with that, I shall lend my meager strength. However, I wish for you not to interfere regarding the affairs of the territory.\"
(Meager strength, huh... maybe giving me some money as support. Though he probably really wants to kick me out.)
Bentlar-san's argument was reasonable. But I had my own reasons, and I had to get rid of the bandits.
(I do feel a bit sorry.)
\"Speaking of which—\"
When I tried to say something more, Bentlar-san's eyebrows twitched, as if he were irritated that the conversation was being diverted.
\"What is it?\"
\"No, it seems the bandits have rampaged quite flamboyantly. They drifted across territories into Darion and have accumulated a considerable amount of wealth... the Lords who let them escape must feel quite frustrated.\"
\"...I suppose so.\"
Bentlar-san's expression didn't change, but I could tell he felt resentful.
'If the surrounding Lords get involved, it'll be quite a hassle. Plus, because he allocated military force, the defenses are thin.'
They were bandits who weren't very bright, but because they made a killing across multiple territories, the Lords couldn't make a move.
The fact that they couldn't act even though the hideout was known was a bit suspicious. I investigated various things because of that, and some unpleasant things came to light.
(Regardless, for now, it's about the bandits. I wonder if my head worked a bit or if I'm just lucky...)
Bringing soldiers into another territory could be used as a pretext for war.
The Lords who let the bandits, who rampaged so much, escape must surely feel frustrated.
(Or rather, I thought the bandit leader was reasonably clever, but based on the information, he was probably just lucky.)
If he had done it intentionally, he would have been an opponent to be wary of. But upon investigating, it was clearly different.
From the ancestors' opinions, it was immediately clear that the opponent wasn't that much of a threat. As expected, they felt like people who had experience in bandit hunting.
Such bandits, who rampaged in other territories, are quiet in Darion. I wonder what the other Lords think?
\"You seem quite busy. I, Riel, though inadequate, shall solve the troubles Lord Bentlar carries. It wouldn't be pleasant if the people of the surrounding territories had strange misunderstandings, would it?\"
When I said that, Bentlar-san let out a sigh.
\"Haa... what is it you desire? Even if Lord Riel moves, do you think there is a merit for me? There are only disadvantages, are there not?\"
(That's not true.)
I announced with a smile.
\"Please lend me military force and funds. I shall show you by scattering the bandits brilliantly. However—\"
\"However?\"
I paused for a moment before answering.
\"You will use my name. Naturally, I shall take the bandits' wealth. Lord Bentlar will provide the military force and funds.\"
These were conditions overwhelmingly in my favor.
However, there was a merit for Bentlar-san in this as well. It would be that I, Riel, was the one who defeated the bandits in his own territory.
If I, an adventurer, defeated the bandits, the neighboring Lords would be unable to interfere.
The mountain of treasure the bandits stole would become mine, and Bentlar-san would not be suspected.
'He wouldn't want it to be thought that the Lord of Darion used the bandits to ravage other territories and then recover the wealth! Because that would cause problems in his dealings with neighbors!'
I could hear the pleased voice of the Sixth Generation.
\"You seem to have a general idea of the military force I currently possess. But, if I may say, military force consists of the people of my own territory. There is no way I can lend them.\"
\"I see. Then, can you arrange the funds? (Right. But I know that too.)\"
I want him to understand what kind of person I am. Yes—I made this request on purpose so that he would think of me as \"Dreamer Riel.\"
Normally, one does not lend soldiers or hand over military authority.
\"Yes. I shall provide fifty gold coins.\"
'Hmm, is that small considering the current amount? Riel, drive the price up. Listen, take advantage of the situation...'
Told by the Sixth Generation, I extorted more funds.
\"I can subjugate the bandits and even solve the troublesome problems. How about two hundred gold coins?\"
At my price hike, Bentlar-san burst out laughing.
\"Ahahaha, Lord Riel... you are underestimating me a bit too much.\"
Saying so, he gave a signal with his finger to the vassal beside him.
Then, the vassal left the room.
It was probably a smaller amount than Bentlar-san had anticipated.
Considering the scale of the town of Darion, while not a pittance, it was an amount he could afford.
But it was also exactly as intended.
'Alright, that's fine. He'll think you're naive and haven't received a proper education.'
The Sixth Generation seemed satisfied.
(Since I just have to act in a way that makes me seem useless, it's easy if you put it that way... but it's exhausting.)
And then, the vassal returned to the room with a leather pouch gripped in his hand.
Inside were two hundred gold coins.
\"The subjugation of the bandits will be carried out in Lord Riel's name. I have prepared the funds. However, we agree that there is no connection, correct?\"
\"Yes! Thank you very much, Lord Bentlar!\"
'He probably thinks it's no problem even if it fails. If it succeeds, he won't have to clash with neighboring Lords, and if it fails, the bomb-like dangerous Riel disappears. Perhaps the bandits will move on. Two hundred gold coins is a cheap purchase.'
Novem, who had been watching the sequence of events from the side, was simply sitting and smiling.
Bentlar-san probably thought I was a naive idiot son with a woman in tow.
(Now, next—)
'Riel, next we gather manpower!'
While listening to the pleased voice of the Sixth Generation, I shook hands with a smiling Bentlar-san, who told me with a smile, \"Make sure you never mention my name.\"