285-257 Return to the throne (2)

On the day we arrived back in Pining after nearly a month of escort duty, we were staying overnight in the rooms of Viscount Nenus' house that we had used before our departure.

The next day in the afternoon, we were called to the room we had used to buy the family heirloom sword.

When I entered the room, I found Viscount Nenus himself, his butler Biesel, Master Ilias, and Arlin, among others.

I sat down on the sofa as recommended, and Viscount Nenus opened his mouth.

"First of all, thank you for your hard work on the escort mission. First of all, thank you for your hard work in protecting the life of the Iliad from dangerous bandits.

"No, that is the job of an escort.

The level of danger from the bandits was beyond my imagination, but that doesn't mean I should complain about it.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

In addition, it seems that he responded to an unexpected request. This is a different request from the original one, so naturally, I will prepare a different reward for you.

Yes, thank you very much.

Incidentally, I have already received the formal wear that Haruka and I wore as part of the reward.

It's not that they can't be sold as second-hand clothes, but since they were made to fit each of us, it's more valuable to give them to us as a reward.

In the event you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can contact us at .......

I have a bad feeling about the words of Viscount Nenus.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

It's not like Biesel is going to show it on his face.

Aaryn also only smiled at me when I looked at her.

But I guess I can't not ask.

When I looked at Haruka, Natsuki and the others, they nodded without expression, and I turned my gaze back to Viscount Nenus.

I'll ask you.

You may have heard of it, but there have been kidnappings here in Pining for some time now.

Let's see, ...... Oh, that's the guy that Diora flagged for me a long time ago, isn't it?

I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help you out.

The number of people itself is small. Probably less than ten people. That's why the case was discovered so late, and why we're having trouble getting a full picture.

"I see.

I don't know what kind of people are missing, but if they are adventurers, a few missing people is hardly an incident.

It's not uncommon for people to go out of town and never come back, and just because you're going to another town doesn't mean you're going to declare it and leave.

With that in mind, it is probably the town's inhabitants who are missing, but even so, it is quite diligent of the lord to act even with a single digit number of missing persons.

In this world, death is quite common, so it's normal not to worry about a small decrease.

Is it possible that the missing person is someone important?

I want you to investigate the case, find the missing person, and solve it if possible.

That's what the ...... Territorial Army is investigating, isn't it?　We are not experts in that area. We are not experts in this field, and I don't think we can expect to get much out of it. ......

I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to get rid of it.

It's a good thing I'm an amateur detective.

I'm not sure what to make of it. To be frank, our participation in the investigation would be a drop in the bucket.

"Hmm. I understand that. But we're short-staffed. It'll be a little better when Eckert and the others get back, but still ....... It has to do with another thing I need to apologize for: ......

I'm sure it's quite difficult to say, but Viscount Nenus was silent for a while, and then he opened his mouth.

"Saint Sathmie ran away from me.

""......!"

"Really?

It's no wonder Toya couldn't help but let out a yelp.

Even those of us who didn't let out a sound gasped and looked at each other.

"I'm sorry you guys took the time to get me. The Iliad's escort has taken advantage of the reduced number of soldiers.

"Wow, .......

"We're sure to be the target of a lot of attention.

(That's what I'm talking about. I'm going to punch you in the stomach.

"Should I have taken care of the problem then?

We hold our heads and whisper to each other.

And then Haruka says something a little scary, but it's a reality that's not entirely wrong.

I mean, they hadn't executed him yet, had they?

I had a feeling so, based on Arlin's reaction at the time.

Of course, we immediately put out an APB, but it's highly likely that he's already escaped from this pinning.

Kerg had cordoned off the town quite tightly in case of escape, but the gates of Pining were on normal alert until the escape was discovered.

When entering, the gatekeepers would check guild cards, collect taxes, and so on, but when leaving, they would let you pass unless you looked suspicious.

Satomi also knew that he would be trapped in the town if he was found out, so he quickly left the town.

Do you mean you need a territorial army to search for it?

Yeah. You guys got Satomie, but you're more suited to investigate the inside of the town than the outside, aren't you?

It's a bit of a toss up as to which of the two you're more suited to, but you're definitely not suited to searching outside the town, which requires organized action.

"The reward is the dungeon I'm supposed to give you. You will be given a six-kilometer perimeter around the entrance to the dungeon. Of course, it will be registered in the royal capital.

Unlike Japan, private ownership of land in this country is much more difficult.

For example, the land of the house we're living in.

For example, the land of the house where we live is our own land that we bought, but it is the lord of this place, Viscount Nenus, who approves it.

Conversely, if Viscount Nenus says 'no', it could be taken away.

However, "registration in the royal capital" is different.

Once it has been registered under the approval of the lord, only the owner himself or the king can overrule it.

It is impossible for Viscount Nenus to say afterwards, "I guess not! He can't say, "I guess not!

So, Viscount Nenus's offer is pretty unbeatable, but ...... it's because he has no use for it.

For us, there is nothing we can do with that much land.

If we had to think of a use for it, it would be to be able to freely build a resting hut or a shed in front of a dungeon.

In fact, even if you don't own it, I don't see why anyone would complain about it.

To put it bluntly, the rewards are subtle.

.........

I also promise to protect you from any interference from other noblemen and promise not to give you any trouble from my family.

No, the reason why other nobles might interfere in the first place is because you attended the wedding party at their request, right?

On top of that, I'm being asked to do troublesome things on an ongoing basis.

You can't say that they are arrogant, but they are aristocrats.

...... May I have a word with you?

Yeah, sure. Yes, we'll leave you alone for a moment. Arryn, get them some tea.

"Very well, sir.

Viscount Nenus and the others got up and left the room, and Arryn made us a quick cup of tea, bowed, and left.

A few moments later, Toya groaned with her head in her hands.

What are you doing, letting a very important and dangerous person escape ......?

It's because he's dangerous. It's only because he's dangerous. No matter how low the skill level of the territorial army is, normally they wouldn't be able to escape.

It's not as if he smashed the walls of the prison and escaped.

If it was a spectacular escape, the town would have been shut down immediately.

In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the best way to get the most out of your time.

It would be best if the Territorial Guard could catch him or dispose of him as is. ......

It's a little difficult to say. The next best thing would be for them to flee somewhere far away to another country and stay out of our way.

...... Satomi is the one who caused our house to burn down, isn't he?

Well, he's a distant cause. The landlord is the one who started the fire.

I see. ...... You're still alive, aren't you?

Mary's eyes are dark as she murmurs.

I think it's best not to drag this out too much.

I'm not sure what to make of it.　Do you want to take it?

The price isn't very attractive, is it?

It's not like you're getting a piece of land in the woods. There's no use for it.

You could cut it open and farm it.　That might be a good way to live after you retire.

Having a piece of land is something to be happy about, though!

Tohya's reaction was not good.

But isn't it great to be given such a large piece of land?　The farmer also said that if you have an inheritable farm, you are safe. ......

"If I can marry the heir to a farming family, I'm a success!

Listening to Mehta's words, I wondered about their father and his educational policy.

But it's not wrong to be very realistic, and it's true that being able to eat is the most important thing.

In a sense, love is a luxury of the rich. In this serious world.

"Mitya, how hard is it to turn a forest into farmland?　You have to cut down the trees.

Come on!

There are demons coming, and we have to kill them.

We'll do our best!

Mitya, do you have some kind of attachment to the land?

Is it because you are a successful man?

I'm not going to let my negative comments deter you from clasping your hands and breathing hard.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand why.

I'm not sure what to make of this. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

In the event that you've got a lot of money, you'll be able to use it to pay off your debts.

Haruka nodded in agreement, but added one more thing.

I think the way you said it, it probably includes the magic bag thing.　It's not a problem if it's just for your own consumption, but it's not a bad thing to have, the backing of the nobility.

So, what's left to fight for?　I don't think we can negotiate much.

Hey, don't look at me there, Yuki.

You can't negotiate with a nobleman either.

Besides--

It's nice to get a deal, but the ding-dong season is almost over.

Yeah, that's the thing. Dildos, they're important. Dindolls are important, both for Diora's sake and for our own dietary needs.

It's a fruit that can be eaten on its own or used to make inspirational sauce.

That's Dindol.

Now we'd rather go and collect them for ourselves than sell them for money.

And unlike last year, we have a magic bag, so we can expect to increase the amount we collect and the time we keep it.

I'd like you to go and pick some dingles. I'll never forget how delicious they were.

This may be due to the fact that I had been eating bad food for a long time, but there is no doubt that they are delicious.

"Yeah, me too. So, I'll ask him to wait for a while.

"Or we can split up temporarily. Right now, Nao and I can get by on our own.　

Last year, Haruka, Nao and Toya worked hard together, right?

Yeah. Well, I was just waiting for them. I couldn't climb the tree.

Didn't Toya help you with the luggage on the way back and forth?　Yeah.

For efficiency's sake, would it be better if we split up?　During that period, I want Toya and the others to take it easy.

So, what are the terms of the contract?　Additional demands seem to be difficult. ......

I think it's a little too convenient to use, but it's hard to see where the reward isn't worth it.

It's not easy to use, but getting the land in a real sense is pretty big.

If money is difficult, what else is there?　Special products or ...... furniture?

"No, it's better to order from Simon-san.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

But I agree with him. But I agree with you. Moreover, it's just a hindrance if you get it when you don't need it.

"Ale!　We have ale!

I don't drink it, so I've forgotten about it." "Oh, ......, there was such a thing. I don't drink, so I forgot all about it. I don't drink it, so I'd forgotten all about it, but you remembered it well, Mitya.

When I stroked her head, she giggled happily and said, "Heh.

But ale... If it's safe to keep, I might as well keep it.

It seems to be popular, and it could be used as a souvenir for Tommy, or as a bargaining chip for other people.

Well, let's go in that direction, shall we?　I don't know if it will work.

I don't know if it's going to work, but that's where Nao's negotiation skills come into play.　Good luck.

Yuki, don't put pressure on me with a smile. ......

I don't have any bargaining power.

Just take it easy. The only thing I need is for you to acknowledge me regarding Dindol, and that will be enough.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.