I was meeting with Wolf in my office.
“Good work.”
I praised Wolf. In truth, thanks to their quick report, my brother was able to arrive in time. The harassment had its intended effect as well.
They performed more than enough.
“As promised, I will place them under protection. For now, let’s designate the forest where the village is located as a restricted area, so that no other villagers without permission can enter.”
“Thank you.”
“And as for food… there are probably other necessities as well, so shall we request the Golden Sheep Trading Company to handle the transport of supplies via trade caravan, including regular door-to-door sales visits?”
“I’m deeply grateful for such consideration… I can’t thank you enough.”
Food is essential for survival, but farming is difficult in the root-filled soil of the forest.
Once they acquire food, people naturally want other things as well. They seem to be hunting in the forest, so trading furs might turn into a business opportunity. Both sides should benefit from this.
But putting that aside…
“Actually, there’s one thing I’d like to ask.”
When I said that, Wolf knelt down and perked up his ears.
It’s probably an intentional gesture to hear me better, but it’s a little cute.
I handed Wolf a single sheet of paper.
Wolf respectfully took it, and I began my explanation.
“There are signs that peasants from enemy territory may attempt to flee to our side. I’d like you to investigate the optimal escape routes. Please make sure they are accessible to ordinary people.”
Since it involves developing less-traveled routes, if trade companies or others begin to frequent them, it will attract attention, and it’s highly likely they’ll be suspected of trying to bypass checkpoints.
That’s why it’s best to rely on someone like Wolf, who specializes in espionage.
“Understood. I’ll likely need to scout several locations, so… I expect it will take about two weeks.”
“Ah, of course.”
If there’s only one route, people will inevitably gather there, making it more likely they’ll be discovered. It’s better to have multiple routes to reduce the risk.
“Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Oh, one more thing.”
I called out to stop Wolf as he was about to leave. Now that I trusted him, there was something I’d been meaning to suggest for a while.
“In fact, I’d like to assign a few people here for counterintelligence.”
When I said that, Wolf looked at me with a puzzled expression.
“We’ve already assigned three people.”
“Eh?”
“Herbert requested it. When we detect any suspicious persons entering, we are to notify the knights.”
“…I hadn’t heard about this.”
“I thought the Duke of Baltia was aware of it…”
That old man. I cursed inwardly.
Well, I understand he’s doing it for my sake, but it would’ve been nice if he’d reported it.
I suppose it makes sense that if skilled knights show up, they’d need to team up with beastmen since they would be unable to handle them alone.
“Shall I introduce them?”
“Yes, please.”
It’s a bit scary not knowing the faces of those who are protecting me.
I’d be quite frightened if I bumped into them in the hallway at night.
Wolf approached the window, opened it, and pursed his lips to let out some air.
Based on the look of it, it seemed to be a sound only they could hear.
How convenient… being able to communicate with sounds that humans can’t hear.
Before long, a beastman slipped through the window.
“This is the head of the counterintelligence for this castle, my daughter, Alte.”
“Nice to meet you, Duke Baltia.”
Wolf’s fur was gray, but his daughter had sleek black fur.
…I wonder if it would be okay to pet her?
I quickly shifted to a serious mode, realizing it wasn’t the best thing to say on a first meeting.
“I see. I look forward to working with you.”
“Yes! Leave it to me.”
After a brief exchange of greetings, Wolf and his daughter Alte said they were returning to work and disappeared through the window.
Well, Alte is with counterintelligence, so of course, she would return to her post, but Wolf could have just left through the front door…
Still, they had such beautiful fur. I wonder if they’d let me pet it if I asked?
