83 - The Flip Side of Promotion
――Inside the Royal Palace.
Clark and Norma, who had been summoned there, stood frozen as they received their documents.
Norma protested to the minister.
"What is the meaning of this! To be exiled despite being promoted!"
The minister spoke.
"Exiled? Isn't that a bit harsh? Granting land to knights who have achieved great deeds has been recognized as a reward since ancient times. Think about it... you will receive an income greater than your current pension and position allowance."
Despite the words of the greasy-faced minister, Norma was not convinced.
She had worked hard as a Palace Knight.
She could not accept being told to become a landed noble.
Even if they called it land, it was an exclave, a place where no one would even agree to be sent as a deputy governor.
The population was not even two hundred.
Clark asked the minister.
"B-but Minister. I am a Decurion—"
"I value your loyal service. You have worked hard for over ten years since becoming a knight. Now you are a peer of the realm as well."
He was granted the title of Knight, and recognized as a lord.
Furthermore, it was an exclave and near Norma.
"...This is nothing but exile!"
A Centurion in the Royal Palace certainly lost out to landed nobles in terms of actual income.
However, living in the Royal Capital was different from living in the countryside.
The work of managing land was arduous.
For Norma, living in the Royal Capital had been easier.
"I told you to mind your tongue. It is because you are heroes that you are being treated this preferentially. The knights who were promoted. Those who newly became knights... where on earth do you think the pensions for them come from? You should be grateful just to be given land."
Clark thought.
(He just gave us land in an exclave that's a pain to manage!)
Clark's situation was similar.
It was a settlement with a population of about one hundred and twenty.
"Now, your official rank in the Royal Palace remains as it is. Even if it is a Knight's house, it is a respectable noble house."
Landed nobles did not pay taxes to the Royal Palace, but at the same time, pensions were not paid even if they held an official rank.
Knowing this, Clark worried about the fact that he had become a landed noble after surviving and bringing back achievements.
Looking at Norma, her expression was truly pale.
"It is a reward from His Majesty. Surely, you aren't saying you'll refuse?"
Looking at the minister's face, he had a great smile, as if he understood everything.
Then, his face turned serious.
"An important person will be visiting Central. Before that, they cannot be bothered with trivial matters. Now, hurry back and begin the procedures."
Clark and Norma left the minister's room as if they were being kicked out—.
――House Sarcly.
Ralph was slamming his fist hard onto the desk.
The hippogriff he had been tricked into buying by Lyell had fallen apart once the ice melted.
――A hippogriff slain by your daughter―― ――Thank you for your purchase!――
There had even been a sign posted like that.
Rumor had it there were two hippogriffs and one griffon.
When the expeditionary force returned, he had confirmed that two hippogriffs were brought in.
Just as he felt relieved, he heard a rumor that a merchant had purchased a griffon.
"That brat..."
With a voice like a squeeze, Ralph looked at the documents on the desk.
He had hoped the expeditionary force would be wiped out, or at least suffer great losses.
Having failed, and with the expeditionary force returning after achieving great deeds, the Royal Palace had hurriedly begun moving to collect funds.
However, there were nearly a hundred promotions.
While thinking bitterly, it would look bad to the public if he didn't allow promotions and reduced the rewards here.
The plans intended within the Royal Palace were scrapped, and they were left scrambling to respond.
And House Sarcly was heavily involved in that problem.
They had sent away commanders like Norma and Clark by giving them land, but Ralph, who was one of the responsible parties, was no exception.
Using the fact that he had been stuck with a hippogriff as a reason, the responsibility was pushed onto him.
His peerage was demoted by one rank.
His official position was also demoted.
House Sarcly had been downgraded to a Baron's house.
Since he was recognized as being on the decline by those around him, his social connections would likely decrease more and more from now on.
"To think of how much effort the clan put in to maintain this position..."
Ralph looked regretful, but after taking a deep breath, his expression returned to normal.
He shifted his thinking.
"I'll have to cut some servants. Bread will be independent after this..."
Having decided to cut Bread first, Ralph thought about Marcus, whose court rank had risen by one level due to his promotion.
"...Is he better than Bread? But that alone cannot maintain House Sarcly. Whether they marry or not, I'll have to place my hopes in my grandchildren."
Ralph stood up and thought about his two remaining daughters.
Doris, the second daughter whom he had spoiled because Miranda was there, and Lucy, the third daughter.
He decided to send those two away—
To send them for training under landed nobles.
"I'll make it as strict as possible. That way, they'll have the chance to learn reality. I'll keep them away from Central for a while."
With House Walt coming to Central, Ralph was increasing his vigilance.
"...This might not be so bad after all. I'll pretend to be part of the non-mainstream faction for a while."
Feeling uneasy about recent events in Central, Ralph thought about using this opportunity to distance himself from those around him.
And then—.
"...It's a pity about Miranda. But a man who can do that much is safer. Shannon should be fine too."
Ralph, wearing the expression of a parent, immediately returned to a serious face.
"I'll admit defeat this time. To do something so elaborate at such a young age... he won't grow into a decent adult."
While thinking that he himself was in no position to talk, Ralph walked down the hallway of the mansion—.
"...It's mediocre."
I visited a casino in Central, but after using one gold coin, I ended up leaving with one gold coin and one silver coin.
I tried cards, coins, and various other things, but nothing felt right.
"What should I do... it's not interesting at all."
As I said that, the Sixth Generation spoke.
'Lyell, do you hate gambling? Don't you feel excitement when you bet like this?'
I denied it, rolling the Jewel Orb with my fingertip, and then the Fifth Generation's voice sounded.
'What's interesting about gambling? Was it sixty percent taken and forty percent returned? It's just more profitable to run the casino. It's a waste of time.'
An opinion typical of the efficiency-focused Fifth Generation.
But then—.
'No, but this kind of thing is important too. Practically speaking, if you don't manage it, they'll start illegal gambling, so the Barden family managed it during my time too.'
Hearing that, everyone except the Third Generation, starting from the Fourth Generation, spoke.
'Wait... what is that?'
'Hey, don't tell me the boss of the underground organization was...'
'...No wonder they couldn't be found. The Barden family... those ungrateful bastards!!'
'Pretending to be loyal subjects, while laughing as they watched us try to take countermeasures? To think of how much they made us suffer...'
(Ah, come to think of it, there seemed to be an organization like that in the territory...)
As I remembered the underground organization that gathered thugs in the Vice territory, my ancestors began to make a fuss, perhaps because they had also devised countermeasures in the past.
The Third Generation said with a laugh.
'Ah, I forgot to tell you. Sorry, sorry. Well, I died in battle, after all.'
(When he says that, I can't say anything...)
The Fourth Generation said.
'That's true, but still! An underground organization formed and we suffered so much... Aaaaaaaah!!'
The Barden family.
Hearing that, I remembered my senior disciple, the next head of the Barden family.
When learning swordsmanship, he had received training together with me as my senior.
(Alfred.)
He had sworn loyalty to his younger sister, Celes, and was the person who called me the failure of House Walt.
Until then, he had been a kind older-brother figure, but now he was nothing but a bad memory.
As I exited the casino entrance, I walked through a crowded area while listening to the voices coming from within the Jewel Orb.
Using a skill, I kept my distance from pickpockets who were targeting me while listening to the conversation.
'No wonder they refused when I tried to marry off my daughter! Did they think I suspected them? Damn it...'
The Fifth Generation was recalling those days, harboring anger toward the Barden family.
The Sixth Generation too.
'They had no intention of opposing us. They were just trying to parasitize... No wonder they didn't react to my skill!'
He sounded regretful. Quite regretful.
The Seventh Generation.
'Curse the Barden family... To think they've been mocking us all this time while sucking the sweet nectar!'
Suddenly, I wondered.
(Can the current me beat Alfred?)
During training, I could never win until the end. Age was a factor, but toward the end, he had swung his saber without holding back.
I remembered flinching, feeling something called killing intent.
Then—.
"Ah, Hero-san."
I almost spat out my drink at the sudden voice, and looking around, I saw Eva waving her hand, wearing loose clothing on top and tight short pants on the bottom.
She had a slightly tired expression.
"Eva? ...-san?"
"What, you're different from before today. It was interesting, so I wanted to talk to that version of you one more time."
As she gave me a mischievous smile, I scratched my head and blushed.
"So, what do you want with me, Eva-san?"
"Just Eva is fine. I thought I'd thank you for the other day. I made quite a bit of money."
To that, I said.
"I'm glad you profited. So, what is this thank-you?"
"How about lunch?"
I thought for a moment.
"Then I'll treat you to the meal, so I ask for the dessert. I made a little profit at the casino."
As I said that, Eva asked.
"Unexpected. That doesn't seem to suit you. So, how much did you put in and how much did you win?"
"I put in one gold coin and got one silver coin."
Eva made a subtle expression.
"I-I see... I was surprised because the amount was so large. One gold coin for one silver coin... is that, perhaps, mediocre? In that case, leave the meal to me, and I'll cover the dessert. I'm hungry."
The time was slightly past noon.
As I tried to take Eva to a reasonably priced shop, Eva told me about a recommended shop.
"Since coming to Central, I can guide you to the shops I've been told about. Follow me."
Following her, we arrived at a shop located away from the main street.
Upon entering, it was small, but it was a cleanly swept shop.
Looking at the customers, the proportion of elves was large.
"Is it okay for me to enter?"
"It's fine. As long as you pay, you're a customer."
As Eva sat at the counter seat, I sat next to her.
While listening to Eva talk about how today's earnings were the best since coming to Central, the elven shopkeeper came to our seats.
"Is he Eva's lover? You said your lover was a singer... the young people will be sad."
The one laughing was a young elven man.
However, Eva said.
"Don't say that, ojisan. Ah, this guy is Lyell, my information provider! Give us a discount."
Surprised that she called him ojisan, I looked at the shopkeeper's face, and the other party, understanding, explained.
"Elves age slower than other races. Because we live long, we look like this. Now, if you're an important customer, I'll give you a discount. Repeaters are important."
Leaving it to Eva, she placed the order.
As the shopkeeper returned to the back, an elven employee hurriedly came.
"H-here is your water."
"You... I already placed the order with the manager."
As Eva looked exasperated, the young elven girl became depressed.
"Eh? The manager's daughter?"
To that, Eva shook her head.
"She's a bit older than me, but she's his wife. Don't try to pick her up."
"...What kind of eyes are you looking at me with?"
Then, a voice came from the Jewel Orb.
It was the Fourth Generation.
'I think it can't be helped. Try reflecting on the last few days and arguing back. Go on!'
At the Fourth Generation's joyful voice, I reflected on the last few days.
The more I tried to forget, the more vividly the memories returned.
(No. The me at that time wasn't the real me!)
The Fifth Generation said.
'Normally, as you repeat it, you can control it to some extent, but in your case... if a normal person had your skill, they might have experienced growth five times or more by now. I think it's because a huge amount of experience is needed for growth, and since the growth is rapid, you can't suppress it mentally.'
Even if he says that, I can't accept it!
As I grew gloomy, Eva comforted me.
"W-wait! You've got to be kidding. I mean, despite having such a beauty accompanying you, why is your mental state so weak?"
I said to Eva.
"A past I don't want to remember is returning. Eva, you have a past like that too, right?"
Then, Eva shook her head.
"After I grew, even if my tension went up, I just remembered lyrics or something. I hear various things, but... we don't have changes as rapid as humans do."
I became envious of elves.
"It was interesting, so isn't it fine? It'll become a story you can talk about later, so why not just accept it?"
"I hate that!"
Then, the flustered employee tried somehow to stop our argument.
After finishing the meal with Eva, while thinking about how to spend the holiday, I found Clark-san looking busy.
He seemed to be visiting a shop that dealt in farming tools and negotiating.
The shopkeeper was refusing with a difficult expression, and hearing that, Clark-san's shoulders slumped.
I couldn't imagine Clark-san, a Palace Knight, purchasing farming tools, so I decided to call out to him to see if something was up.
"Clark-san!"
"Oh, Lyell-kun."
As the two of us sat on a bench on a nearby street and I heard the circumstances, the Third Generation spoke.
'A settlement with a population of about one hundred and twenty...'
I didn't know what to say to Clark-san, who was becoming a lord.
"Suddenly a lord?"
"I am surprised as well, but I must follow the decision. However, even if I want to move in various ways, I don't know what to do..."
Norma-san was also becoming a lord, but she didn't seem very happy.
The Fourth Generation said.
'There are various types of settlements. If there are no craftsmen, you have to cooperate with neighbors. It might be hard for nobles and knights of the Royal Palace.'
The Fifth Generation said.
'A lord of a settlement. Well, depending on the income, it can be tasty, but basically, it's poverty.'
The Sixth Generation said.
'For us, managing a settlement was just a matter of paperwork.'
The Seventh Generation said.
'As for me, I think you should contact the foster parents early. Also, I think you can't move without knowing the situation in detail.'
Hearing those opinions, the Third Generation laughed.
'Ahahaha, what are you talking about, you guys... there's nothing they can do.'
I gripped the Jewel Orb and asked for an explanation.
Looking at Clark-san's tired expression, I wanted to give some advice.
(Please tell me some good method!)
Then, the Third Generation, sensing this, said.
'Listen. Even if a lord suddenly arrives, basically, they're an outsider. You have to live there for a year or two and learn the rules of the place. The Royal Palace might be muddy, but even in a small settlement, there are various human relationships. After understanding that, you decide the policy for the territory.'
The Fourth Generation said.
'...If there was a deputy governor, it might be good to meet them. Depending on the case, if they have a manor, it'll be a pain if you don't settle things while you're in the Royal Capital.'
The Third Generation said.
'Just buy a manor. In the process, if you hear about the current situation, it's a profit. If the hero who slew the griffon asks, they'll be happy to tell you!'
Isn't that a threat in a sense?
While thinking that, the Third Generation gave me advice.
'Basically, listen to the opinions of the prominent citizens and adjust, and mediate if a problem arises. Even if you're called a lord, you don't have to do everything yourself; you just need to maintain a certain distance in your dealings. If you do what needs to be done and they don't involve you too much, they'll think you're a good lord. Well, there's a way of doing things that fits the land.'
Is that really okay? I wondered.
But the Fourth Generation added here.
'That's right. Let's ask Clark if he has an heir. I think you can apply for various things at the Royal Palace. My era's knowledge is old, so I'm not sure.'
The Third Generation said to me.
'Lyell, basically look at the opponent. There's a way that suits Clark-san, so safe advice is fine.'
I gave the advice to Clark-san.
"Um..."
"Hmm?"
To the depressed Clark-san, I conveyed the advice of the ancestors.
――Clark went to the Royal Palace and applied for the succession.
"Father, fifteen is way too young to be the head of the house."
A boy slightly taller than Clark was bewildered inside the Royal Palace.
To his son, Clark said.
"Even if it's just for form, it's not bad to become the lord here. If you do it after going there, it will take time even if you come here to apply. Right now, there's a certain amount of flexibility."
"Because you're the hero who slew the griffon? Father, you're serious, but I still can't believe you actually slew it."
While thinking that his son observed people well, Clark moved around inside the Royal Palace.
He visited the houses of knights who had been dispatched as deputy governors, asked about the territory, and went around saying he would buy any manors they had.
Most of the deputy governors had manors, and it seemed they viewed it as a way to make a bit of pocket money.
(Dust piles up... what a terrible story.)
Because he also had to live there, he was preparing by asking the former deputy governors about the necessary items and gathering them.
Clark's son seemed tired from the succession procedures and other various things.
"We can go home just like this today, right?"
"Sorry... I'll have you go on a matchmaking date just like this."
"Eh?"
Clark apologized, saying he had forgotten to tell his son.
"Over there, um... finding a wife seems to be difficult. Also, it's said that it's better to have connections with this place."
"I-I didn't hear about this!"
To the panicked son, Clark said that he had forgotten to tell him because he had been so hectic.
"Sorry! But it's tough on this end too. I'm supposed to be introduced to the second and third sons of craftsmen, so I have to head over there... Besides, right now, your name still carries weight as the hero who slew the griffon. Now is the only time."
"...This, we definitely should have avoided slaying the griffon, right?"
"...Don't say that."
Since the son only knew the surface-level circumstances, Clark couldn't get angry.
(Still, there's so much to do.)
It was better than not knowing what to do, but Clark felt dizzy from the busyness. Additionally, he was thinking about bringing migrants from Central.
If he did that, since the place was overflowing with people, the Royal Palace would provide subsidies.
(Next, I need someone who looks reliable as a follower... This, I'm really glad I learned various things from Lyell-kun. I could never have come this far alone.)
Clark felt grateful, but he did not know that Lyell's knowledge belonged to the ancestors in the Jewel Orb――.