Chapter 111

I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house

“Ah, speaking of which, about that matter…”

As I was reporting, my father muttered as though he had just remembered something.

“That matter? What could it be… I have so many possibilities in mind that I can’t figure out which one it is.”

Seemingly irritated by my failure to remember, my father sighed and responded.

“It’s about Prince Zeke. I ask that you do not speak of that matter.”

Ah! I had indeed reported it to Father, but I had forgotten about it. I nodded in acknowledgment.

“Understood.”

“…You seem to be quite understanding, but aren’t you going to ask why?”

My father appeared dissatisfied with my response, as though something about it didn’t sit right. Or rather, it felt as if I was being tested on my political thinking.

“Given the distance, it’s still far away, and the direct impact should be minimal. Also, uncertain information could cause confusion, and it would be a hassle to have the source of the information investigated, so I suppose that’s my reasoning?”

“Hah… I see. If you understand it that much, then I suppose there’s no need for further explanation.”

“Rest assured.”

Of course, I had no intention of going against Father’s will. If it was within the limits of what Father permitted, I might do as I please, but otherwise, I would comply.

“Well, we’re investigating it on our end as well. Don’t speak of it to anyone until we pass the information on. If anything else comes up, speak to me alone.”

“Of course, Father.”

I replied confidently. But my father let out a sigh, as though something was still unsatisfactory.

What is it that bothers you, Father, when I’m clearly not going to say anything?

“Why, with how understanding you are, do you end up doing such strange things?”

“Is it really that strange?”

“It is indeed.”

Eh… when he says it so definitively, it does sting a bit.

“Well, for instance, about the civil officer matter you mentioned before.”

“Civil officer? Because of the shortage of knights…”

I started explaining, but Father shook his head.

“It’s not about that. Do you understand why knights perform tax collection duties?”

I placed my hand on my chin, thinking about the meaning of his words. Why knights, not civil officers, for this task? The key difference between knights and civil officers would be…

“…Strength, perhaps?”

I looked back at Father, and he slowly nodded.

“Exactly. Nobles and knights assert their control over land through strength. The connection between commoners and us is a relationship of rule by force. Therefore, rule without force will fail. Those without strength, like civil officers, will be looked down upon. And once you’re looked down upon, it’s over.”

Being looked down upon means it’s over. While Father didn’t say it explicitly, the implication was that failing to crush the commoners who look down on you would cause cracks in the ruling system. In such a case, both nobles and commoners would lose.

But…

“Father… I do not intend to change my thinking.”

“Even after I explained all that?”

I could see confusion in Father’s eyes. Until just a moment ago, he must have thought I was understanding, but now I appeared stubborn to him.

“If the conditions you speak of are followed, I agree it would fail. However… if we change the premises, I believe a solution can be found.”

“Oh?”

I looked back at Father with determined eyes.

“Ruling by force may indeed result in such an outcome. However, I aim to break free from that relationship and establish a rule based on mutual trust.”

At first glance, it would seem like I was directly contradicting Father’s view. However, I wasn’t rejecting it outright, and this is how we have been governing in our duchy. Protecting property, exempting volunteers from conscription, and so on. The people under our rule likely think it’s better than under the rule of other nobles. Otherwise, peasants wouldn’t be trying to escape to our land.

Father, still not fully convinced, spoke again.

“Ruling without force…”

“Even the uneducated peasants aren’t foolish. As long as they understand the benefits of my being a noble, I believe it’s possible even without force.”

Honestly, as I explained, I silently hoped Father would come to understand. Of course, that was my true feeling, but if civil officer training fails, they might end up overworked and die!

Father, perhaps moved by my passion, sighed once more. But there was a hint of pleasure in his expression.

“I did tell you to do as you please… very well, do as you will.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“It’s nothing. I’m only taking responsibility for my words. However, if you rule without relying on force, there will be many hardships. Strive hard, Ainzich.”

That encouragement seemed to carry his paternal feelings.

“Yes, Father.”

Phew. It seems I’ve managed to convince Father, so I let out a relieved sigh.

Father glanced at the clock.

“Well, we’ve talked for a long time. You must be tired from the carriage ride; it would be good to return to your room and rest.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Father.”

Well, indeed, we had been talking for a while, and I was tired, so it was a relief.

As I stood to leave, Father called me back.

“Look forward to the meeting.”

“…Understood. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Ah.”

I left the room and closed the door behind me.

I wonder what will happen at the meeting…?

While pondering this, the elderly butler approached.

“Good work. I’ll guide you to your room.”

“…Ah. Please do.”

Well, there’s no use in thinking about it now.

With that thought, I followed the elderly butler.