After a while since then, I had met with a man.
“Are you here for protection? Not to say anything, but wouldn’t it be fine to use the Duke’s soldiers?”
The man, who had a gleam in his eyes, was the leader of the Gregory Mercenary Group, introduced to me through the Golden Sheep Trading Company.
I needed soldiers for the gold mine security, but we only had about 300 men and a few dozen knights, so I had considered gathering volunteers, but with insufficient time and preparation for training, I decided to hire a mercenary group.
“My territory is short on soldiers.”
“Well… it feels like the price is a bit low, though.”
I maintained a relaxed demeanor as Gregory tried to negotiate the price.
I was the one holding the initiative in this situation.
“As mercenaries, they can only earn money through war, but this is a long-term request. It would be quite beneficial for a mercenary group to have a stable income coming in.”
After all, without war, mercenaries are just armed thugs. In that regard, it is hard to come by a job that can secure long-term income.
“I see… So, what level of enemy are you expecting?”
The fact that he asked about the enemy indicates that he was positive about accepting the request.
“Mainly bandits and leftover knights. There’s also a possibility of armies from other noble houses.”
Hearing about armies from other houses, Gregory showed a troubled expression.
“Bandits are one thing, but armies are quite a handful.”
“If an army comes, you may withdraw.”
When I conveyed this, Gregory’s expression relaxed.
Well, rumors were already spreading, and since the gold mine was under the watchful eye of Count Vaiwaal, I doubted that weak noble families would dare approach. Even if they did, they would have to be powerful enough to confront Count Vaiwaal directly.
Once a powerful noble family comes into play, no matter what I do, I won’t win, so I can only minimize casualties and retreat.
We successfully concluded a contract with the Gregory Mercenary Group. The gold mine had just begun operations and had no income yet, but security was necessary, so I withdrew some of the money I had saved during my time in the count’s house to pay them. It would get better once the mine was fully operational, but even with support from the main house, there had been several times I had to resolve things with my own pocket money, so my wallet had become considerably lighter.
I thought about taking a break with some tea, but just then, Erich entered the room.
“Your Grace, you have work to attend to.”
…Can’t you let me have just a little more time to rest?
In the end, after finishing the infrastructure work and various administrative tasks from the gold mine, the sun had already set.
Just as I thought I could finally take a breather, there was a knock at the door.
Again…? I thought as Lady Leila entered.
“I brought some light snacks since you seemed busy.”
“Thank you, Lady Leila.”
I lightly filled my stomach with the snacks she had brought.
Lady Leila seemed fidgety, as if there was something on her mind.
Watching her fidgeting was rather amusing, but I felt sorry for leaving her like that and decided to lend her a helping hand.
“Is something the matter?”
When I asked, she stopped moving and looked straight into my eyes.
“Actually, I have something I would like to ask you, Your Grace.”
“If it’s okay with me, feel free to ask as much as you want.”
I gestured to a nearby knight to bring a chair, and after Lady Leila sat down, I asked the knight to step away.
“…Why are you so kind to everyone, Your Grace?”
“I don’t think I’m particularly kind, though…”
Am I really considered kind? Perhaps it’s a value instilled in me like the stereotype that Japanese people are friendly.
“No, I hear that Mimi and the head maid are grateful, and the people in the territory appreciate the food support. Above all, you even consider someone like me, an enemy.”
“If I’m seen as kind, it’s probably because I’m weak.”
Lady Leila looked puzzled, with a question mark hovering over her head.
“I have neither sword nor magic nor talent. I can’t protect myself, which is why I care for them. To keep the loyalty of my vassals, I want to prevent the people from revolting.”
In the end, in this chaotic world, power is justice. However, the only weapon I had was this, as I only had my title and no actual strength.
“Then, if Your Grace had sword, magic, and talent, do you think you would have become arrogant and taken a different path?”
“That… I think I would remain the same.”
It wouldn’t change. Even if I had sword and magic, those are just means, not the essence of who I am.
Lady Leila smiled brightly.
“I still think you are kind, Your Grace.”
Being praised like that makes me feel embarrassed. If my grandfather were here, he would probably scold me, saying that kindness alone isn’t enough.
“…Thank you for your time. Lord Ainzich.”
Lady Leila smiled one last time and left.
I was left alone in the office, feeling my heart race.
