Chapter 70

In the office, I focus on my duties.

The sound of a pen moving across the paper echoes through the room. Feeling a little tired, I place the pen down and stretch my back.

As I’m about to take a breather, I hear a soft knock coming from the window.

I walk over to the window, open it, and a black shadow slips inside.

“There was a message from the tribe leader via bird.”

The black wolf beastman, Arte, kneels and hands me a bundle of papers.

I take it and check the contents.

There are two sheets in the bundle.

One outlines recommended escape routes.

The other report notes the emergence of fleeing farmers.

The report explains the reason for this.

It seems the situation started due to shifting blame.

The dispute couldn’t be resolved through discussion, so they decided to resolve it with force in order to make someone take responsibility.

As a result, conscription has started among the local populace.

However, the heavy taxes and the recent defeat in battle seem to be contributing to a growing trend of evading conscription.

As a result, some farmers have begun fleeing to neighboring territories.

Nobles who can’t gain control over the hearts of the people sure have it hard…

Now, what should I do?

I could make a copy of the escape route paper and have it delivered to the merchant guild.

The real issue lies with the nobles.

It’s probably the noble family loyal to the royal family that I helped release for free that is being targeted.

I wouldn’t mind letting them be abandoned, but it would be troublesome if they unite.

…Should I mobilize the army?

I’ve come to a conclusion. As I head outside to give instructions, the door to my office opens at just the right moment.

“Lord Ainzich, may I have a moment of your time…?”

It was Leila.

Leila looks at me, surprised.

Now that I think about it, this is the first time she’s meeting Arte, right?

As I realize this, I suddenly feel a chill run through me. Uh-oh. With an unfamiliar woman and my fiancée alone in a closed room, she might think I’m having an affair!

“N-no, Leila!”

I frantically try to explain, but I can’t find the words to say.

Ah, I feel bad for all those who faced false accusations of infidelity in my past life. I used to curse them for not coming up with a better excuse, but now that it’s my turn, I can’t say a word.

While I’m caught up in these misguided thoughts, Leila approaches with sharp, high-pitched footsteps.

But rather than coming toward me, she stops in front of Arte.

Arte looks just as unsure of what to do, his tension apparent.

Leila raises her hand.

I instinctively want to stop her, saying it’s a misunderstanding! But…

She gently strokes Arte’s head.

“Such a wonderful coat you have.”

“A-ah, thank you…?”

Even though Leila is petting him, Arte just allows it, relaxed. Her skill at petting seems to be easing his tension. Arte lets out a small, quiet whine.

I see… Leila is also close with the cat-eared beastman maid.

As for my own feelings, left alone in the situation…

I’m so envious… I want to pet him too.