“Well, isn’t it fine? After all, this means we’ll have twice as many personnel for assisting with internal affairs and military matters. We’ve been struggling with a lack of manpower ourselves.”
As Herbert said this, everyone seemed to agree, nodding in understanding.
By dividing the responsibilities of knights between military and internal affairs, efficiency would improve. While strength was essential for military matters, internal affairs could be handled by others if necessary.
Tax collection, for instance, had been entrusted to the Golden Sheep Trading Company last year. However, they had their own responsibilities, and relying entirely on them wasn’t a sustainable solution.
This signified a step towards constructing a proper governance system. Even so, it would take time, and coordination with Bishop Heinemann and his religious faction would be indispensable.
“Then, Herbert and Werner will take charge of training the three knight apprentices, while Erich will lead the efforts to train civil officials with support from other retainers. Is that acceptable?”
“Yes, sir!” the group responded in unison.
For now, it seemed everyone was in agreement. There might be some dissatisfaction, but financial compensation should address any issues.
After the report meeting concluded and while working on administrative tasks in the office, a visitor appeared.
The door opened, and a man entered, arms spread wide as he approached.
“Hey, Ainzich. How’s it going?”
“I’m doing well. But I must say, you’ve taken your time getting back.”
Welcoming my overly cheerful older brother, I responded half-heartedly.
My elder brother, Lemaire, had come to assist with a small, elite group of retainers, known for their swift movements. It was odd that his return from the military took longer than expected.
“Don’t tell me you made a detour?”
“Ah, well, if I went straight back, Father would just put me to work again.”
I glanced at the retainers standing behind my brother, as if to ask, “Is this okay?” Their resigned expressions and nods confirmed my suspicions.
“Well, I’ll just report to Father that your efforts were greatly appreciated.”
“Thanks. Truly, a capable younger brother is invaluable.”
In truth, his help had been significant, and I was grateful to both him and Father for sending him.
“Now then! I’ll be sightseeing for a bit before taking a roundabout route back.”
With that, my brother hurriedly left the room, followed by his retainers.
Left alone, I felt as though a storm had passed.
Strong yet a free spirit—Father must have his hands full dealing with my brother.
In the report, I noted, “Lemaire will rest and recover in the capital before heading back.”
Sorry, brother. I don’t want to risk Father glaring at me either. As the researchers left the meeting room, the historian Odilon Laforet remained behind and stood in front of Martina.
“Martina, do you have some time?”
“I was told that I could prioritize the work of the research team this afternoon, so I do have time, but…”
“Then, I would like you to come with me. Your ability should be better utilized by reading more books.”
―Wait, does that mean I can read Laforet-sama’s collection!?
Martina’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and Laforet slightly smiled as he headed toward the door.
“First Knight Commander, I’ll see you in three days.”
“Understood. Martina, see you again.”
“Yes, thank you very much!”
Laforet and Martina left the meeting room and entered Laforet’s research room, located further along the corridor. The room, within the royal palace’s research wing, was filled with rare and valuable books—a dreamlike place for Martina.
At first, Martina had tried to maintain composure, but once inside the room, her expression softened, and she could no longer hide her amazement as she gazed at the spines of the books that lined the walls.
“It’s incredible…!!”
“You really do love books, don’t you?”
“Yes! I find it very enjoyable to learn new things.”
“That too is a form of talent. Then, it would be good for you to increase your knowledge this afternoon. I will also permit you to come and go freely from here from tomorrow onwards.”
Hearing Laforet’s exceedingly generous words, Martina’s excitement seemed to calm a little, and she spoke with a serious expression.
“Why are you willing to do this for me… These books are so precious, I believe?”
“Indeed. And because they are precious, I want you to read them. My greatest goal in life is to unravel history based on the remaining historical records and leave something behind for future generations. I don’t mind if it’s not me who accomplishes that.”
As Laforet spoke while gazing at the vast collection of historical materials, Martina looked at him with admiration.
―I had only vaguely thought of him as an impressive person, but it seems Laforet-sama is a very pure-hearted individual who loves history.
“You want me to use my abilities for historical research, is that it?”
“Yes, that’s what I believe. The ability to memorize all books is a rare and highly valuable skill for a historian who works with numerous historical records. Moreover, physical books are always at risk of being lost. That’s why I want you to help preserve these books in your mind.”
Upon hearing the mention of preserving books, Martina realized a way to utilize her ability that she had never thought of before. Some of the books she read in the commoner’s library, or those she happened to encounter at used bookstores, were no longer available in physical form.
Preserving valuable ones and having them stored by the nation would be a significant contribution to the future.
“Thank you, Laforet-sama. I will do my best to read every book here!”
“I’m counting on you. I will focus on reading books about the Dark Ages and research on demons. You should start reading those as well.”
“Understood.”
Despite the significant age gap between them—similar to that of a grandfather and grandchild—Martina and Laforet quickly grew closer due to their shared love for books. Together, they began pulling out books from Laforet’s vast collection, searching for anything that might mention the “miasma gathering,” and reading through them one by one.
” Laforet-sama, this book didn’t mention the miasma gathering, but it contains several useful pieces of information. I believe it should be studied further.”
“Oh? What useful information does it contain?”
“It includes a theory on the origin of humanity. On its own, it might seem like an absurd idea, but when compared with some of the books I’ve read previously, I don’t think it can be dismissed outright. If you’d like, I could make a note of the titles of the books that should be cross-referenced?”
“I would appreciate that. Could you write it down on paper and insert it in the book? I’ll check it later.”
“Certainly.”
Laforet could see that Martina’s abilities were even more suited for historical research than he had expected, and although his expression remained unchanged, it was clear that his smile was widening at the corners.
“Martina, this book does not mention the miasma gathering.”
“Understood. Then, I’ll read the next one.”
They continued reading, oblivious to the passage of time. Laforet, who often lost track of time when immersed in research, and Martina, who was fully absorbed in the world of books, were both unaware of anything else around them.
There was no one in the research room to stop them… and the moment they finally looked up from their books, the knock on the door of the research room indicated that it was well into the evening.
