CH 173

Feudal Lord's intention

***---***

The town of Volzard was originally located right next to the dungeon, but it was destroyed by the overflowing monsters.

After that, it seemed that the current Volzard was built with high ramparts in a slightly distant place to protect it even if the monsters overflowed.

The first section was created as a square city with walls of the same length in the north, south, east, and west.

Inside the city, the main street ran diagonally across the square, and the streets were parallel to it, it had a unique structure in which the grid was tilted 45 degrees.

When the city was built, Volzard was one of the cities of the Kingdom of Resenburg, and it seems that the southwest gate in the direction of the royal capital Aldaros was the main gate, and the northeast gate in the direction of the dungeon was the back gate.

Currently, if anything, the northeast direction was the direction towards the center of the Landshelt Republic, but the southwest gate was still considered the main gate.

Less than ten years after the first town was built, construction began on a new section, and the extension of the ramparts and the construction of new sections were still ongoing.

New rectangular compartments were added to the outside of the original ramparts, and as a result of repeating the creation of the compartments many times, the shape was a bit distorted, but the current wall construction was progressing, when finished, the outermost circumference would return to a square shape.

However, it seemed that that was also temporary, and soon a new wall would begin to be built, and it should change to a slightly distorted shape.

After returning from Barshania, I invited the chairman and Manon to the Lord's mansion.

Because, including Beatriche, the four of us would be able to spend time together, and I wanted to consult with Klaus-san about the land for the house.

The Lord's mansion in Volzard was built on a large piece of land along the north wall of the first block, and the guest house was built on the same site.

The mansion itself was not what it was when the town was built, and it seemed that it had been rebuilt several times, since they secured a large site at the beginning, there was no problem in terms of size.

Listening to Seraphima's story of marriage, and considering that it had to be large enough for my genus to relax, the site of the house should be quite large, even if it was not as big as the Lord's mansion.

In Volzard, for land of that size, it was only in the section that was currently under construction.

It looked like we would be able to secure the land for the new section, but it was a bit far from the first section, which had the Lord's mansion, guild, and garrison quarters, and we would need to cross several sections.

I don't think the straight line distance would be 3 kilometers before entering the first section, but in the case of Volzard, there was a slight problem with the act of crossing the sections.

A new wall would be built outside the existing walls to create a section.

Naturally, the new section and the old section would be separated by conventional walls, but the walls were left in place in case monsters invaded the city or a large fire broke out.

Gates were created to move between compartments, but depending on the position of the gate that connected the compartments, crossing a place where multiple compartments overlapped might require a large detour.

Such a thing was irrelevant to me, as I could reach my destination via shadow movement, but it would be troublesome to walk normally.

In the living room of the Feudal Lord's mansion, we were discussing the city map, but I didn't think the location of the new section was very good.

"If you're not satisfied with the new land, build your own wall here and secure the land."

Klaus-san pointed to the west side of the first section, facing the Devil's Forest.

"But, this is the place where the Devil's Forest is approaching, isn't it?"

"Right. You can open it up yourselves."

"But, it's not a house site, it's a front line base against the Devil's Forest, isn't it?"

"Well, that's true, but if you leave the Storm Cat alone in the garden, monsters won't come near you."

"Does that mean that we will protect Volzard against monsters?"

"In other words, it's the same as now, isn't it."

Klaus-san just laughed at what I was saying.

Well, that's certainly true.

"What should we do? Which one is better?"

I personally thought that the west side of the first block would be more convenient, but I had to listen to the opinions of everyone who would live with me.

"I also think that this western location is good, but isn't it difficult to build a wall by ourselves?"

"Yeah, I'm the same as Yuika, the location is good there, but I'm worried about the construction."

"Kent-sama, is it possible to build a wall?"

"Well, if I only design the construction, I wonder if the rest will work out somehow ..."

It was fine to leave the digging of the foundations to the Kobold Corps, and Fred could cut out stones and transport them through the shadow space without any hassle.

After that, we should be able to make it by asking everyone in my genus to assemble it.

More than anything else, it was attractive that I didn't have to pay for the land if I was going to open it myself.

"Kent, if you'd like, please open up more than what you're going to use, and have the Japanese officials buy it."

"Ah, that's right, isn't it. If Japan starts full-scale activities in Volzard, land will definitely be necessary."

"I'll buy the cut down trees as lumber if you open up the Devil's Forest."

"Oh, do I have that hand ... Rather, Klaus-san, didn't you want me to do that from the beginning?"

"I didn't intend for it from the start, but if you open up the city map and look for land, you'll naturally arrive at that kind of answer."

The south side of the first area was the area where the garrison's lodgings and training grounds were located, and it was originally a heavily defended area.

On the other hand, the west side was an area where houses and warehouses were lined up, and if I created a new area there and had my genus stationed there, the defense would become stronger.

Not only could I get the land for free, but I could also earn income by selling or renting it to the Japanese government.

The construction of the walls should be possible by my genus, but the construction of the building must be done by an architect.

If I could earn the cost of building the house from the cost of the land, I could get a large house without spending any money.

"Yup, then, I'll open up this place, make one-third our house, and sell the rest to the Japanese government."

"Kento, it's fine to sell it, but how much do you plan to sell it for? Besides, what kind of money do you plan to have them pay for it?"

"Ehh ... Umm, I'm sorry, I haven't thought about that yet."

Ahhhh ... Everyone is amazed.

"I mean, even though the construction hasn't finished yet, to think about the price ..."

"That's different, Kent. The bigger the organization, the more time it takes to move. If you let the information flow in advance, the delivery will be smooth when the construction is finished, and the money will come in quickly."

"But, it's still in the planning stage, nothing has been done."

"Even so, a large amount of land that the Japanese can use, it's only there."

"I see ... That's right. For now, I'll just talk to them."

"No, Kent is no good."

"Eeehhh ... Why is that?"

"You're going to get ripped off."

"Guu, it's painful that I can't deny that ..."

"Riche, proceed with the land negotiations with Japan on behalf of Kent."

Beatriche smiled and nodded when Klaus-san gave her orders.

"Riche, can I ask you this favor?"

"Please leave it to me. As the daughter of the Lord of Volzard, as Kent-sama's secretary, and as your future wife, I will do my best."

She's younger than me, but in terms of strength in negotiations, Beatriche is better.

Besides, the Japanese government wouldn't be able to mimic the ability to beat down prices of the daughter of the Feudal Lord, Klaus-san.

[ Kent-sama, if you divide the area, we will start leveling the ground. ]

"Klaus-san, is it okay if I just divide the area. It seems that Reinhardt-tachi want to start leveling the ground."

"Ou, I don't mind. Like this ..."

"Eh, is it okay to be so wide?"

"If you have any leftovers, I'll buy them from you for Volzard, so don't worry."

"I mean, isn't it divided so that there's leftovers?"

"Ohh ... don't say that."

"Well, I don't mind contributing to Volzard, but ..."

"I see, then a little more space ..."

"No, no, no, that's enough. How much are you planning to make me work."

The place where the new section was being created was on the opposite side of the city from the Devil's Forest, so it was safe for construction, but there was a problem in terms of location.

In order to increase the number of sections adjacent to the first section, the Devil's Forest must be cleared, so construction was dangerous and difficult to carry out.

If he has me do it, he'll be able to get a safe and well-located piece of land.

The Lord of Volzard is shrewd, isn't he.

After lunch, we started talking about the land, and around the time for afternoon tea, the butler announced to Klaus-san that he had a visitor.

"Klaus-sama, Ritsuko Satou-sama and Keiichirou Takagi-sama are here."

"Right, please guide them to the study."

"As you wish."

When I was surprised by the name of an unexpected person, Klaus-san gave me an order with a grin.

"Kent, protect me from the shadows."

"Ehh, that's ..."

"Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to ask you to eavesdrop. Even though I look like this, I'm the Lord of Volzard after all. I'm going to meet with a person from another world who I don't know very well, so it's just in case something happens. That's why, don't come out of the shadows unless I'm in danger."

"Haa ... I understand."

Apparently, Takagi-san didn't come to visit, rather, Klaus-san called him.

Maybe he's trying to resolve the conflict between me and Takagi-san.

As I was told, I hid in the shadows and followed Klaus-san to the study.

[ Eeeehhhh ... Wait, that is ... ]

[ Hohou, he's being treated pretty harshly. ]

Sitting on the sofa in the study, Takagi-san had a blue mark around his left eye, and his right cheek looked swollen.

For a moment, I thought it was from the chairman's slap, but it's not.

Satou-sensei was looking worriedly at Takagi-san, who looked exhausted, but he didn't seem to notice that he was being watched.

< Sorry for calling you on your day off. >

Klaus-san, who entered the study, sat down at a position across the table from the two of them while talking casually.

While the attendant was preparing the tea, Klaus-san stared at Takagi-san, and Takagi-san lowered his gaze in embarrassment.

< It looks like you've been hit a lot, don't saying anything unnecessary, I told Kent to tell you that, but didn't you hear it? >

"No, I heard it ..."

It seemed that Takagi-san made an order regarding the contents of the Griffon's guts at the Griffon dismantling site.

< Then, why did you talk so much? >

"Mita-kun was unreasonably brought to this world and lost his life in this land. Even so, I thought that neither the bereaved family nor his friends could accept his death if we could not return his ashes and hair to Japan, let alone the body."

< I see, you're working like a doctor to heal the pain in their hearts, aren't you. >

"That's right. It's my job to care for the students who can't return to Japan from this world."

< For that reason, it's okay to trample on the feelings of the residents of Volzard? >

"No, that's ... I'm sorry."

Takagi-san silently lowered his head at Klaus-san's unusually harsh question.

< The story that you are talented has also reached my ears. However, on the other hand, there are too many problematic behaviors. Frankly speaking, the current state is at a level that cannot be overlooked as a Feudal Lord. >

"I'm very sorry."

< I don't want to talk about this too much, but people from Japan have both good and bad reputations. It's not like the people in town know everything about you guys. Regarding the garrison's lodgings, the rent is properly paid, but some people seem to think that outsiders are occupying it. People who can't get used to the city and don't have a job and are wandering around are also the cause of the bad reputation. >

This story was new to me as well, but Klaus-san was probably trying to prevent Beatriche from telling me.

< There are people who are familiar with the city and work hard, but it's a matter of course in Volzard, so it's not worthy of special evaluation. Thanks to the work of Kent and Yuika, the Japanese people were able to avoid being viewed as hostile. Thanks to the work of those two, it's finally in a state of balance between good and bad ... but your presence, could tip that balance. Either way ... but doesn't that go without saying? >

"Are you asking me to go back to Japan?"

Takagi-san's tone sounded more like he was afraid of being affirmed rather than being rebellious.

Klaus-san moistened his throat with tea and continued.

< I heard that in Japan, if you make a mistake, you'll be replaced by someone else. Volzard is a place that is said to be the 'Farthest city' where you can be eaten by monsters if you take a step outside the ramparts, so talented people are valuable. I won't treat you as disposable, but I have no intention of letting you do whatever you want. >

"What do you mean?"

< Change the way you do things. If you can't do that, I'll send you back to Japan. >

Takagi-san had a relieved look on his face, as if he was prepared to be kicked out of Volzard.

"Understood. From now on, I will try to respect the opinions of everyone in Volzard."

< Ah, if that's true, then why are you attacking Kent? >

"Kokubu, is it ... That is ..."

Klaus-san asked Takagi-san a sharp question.

< Do you really not understand the importance of Kent? >

"Of course I understand it. Without him, the students and teachers here wouldn't even be able to return to Japan. He must have played an important role for Volzard as well."

< If you know that, why do you attack? Why are you saying things that upset him? >

"Precisely because he is an important person, since he has great power, his actions must be strictly controlled. Someone who has power, who is regarded as important by the world, I can't let him go with the trend of having it not matter what he does."

Takagi-san began to speak his thoughts eloquently as if he had made up his mind.

"There's no way he should be allowed to be treated like a hero and let him get away with what he's doing! In the first place, isn't his power acquired by chance, it's like winning the lottery. A man like that shouldn't be allowed to have a harem. As a father of a daughter, I cannot allow such a ridiculous situation. In the future, when my daughter grows up, what will she do if the world accepts a man like Kokubu. What would she do if she was deceived by a playboy man who had several women serving him. Klaus-san, are you just watching your daughter fall victim to a man like Kokubu? Are you still a father of a daughter?"

Satou-sensei, who was acting as an interpreter, was taken aback by Takagi-san who suddenly began to speak passionately, and Klaus-san, who did not understand what he was saying was also confused.

Umm, maybe the reason why he was attacking me was because he was aggravated as an extreme idiot parent who surpassed Klaus-san and Constant-san ... is that it.

At one time in Japan, I was criticized for dating three potential brides, but the tide started to change after Kizawa-san's remarks, and now it seems the majority are accepting it.

On the other hand, there seems to be strong opposition from the fathers of daughters, and Takagi-san was a typical example.

< Then, if Kent is allowed to have three wives, you're worried that when your daughter grows up, she will be poisoned by a harem bastard? >

Klaus-san, who finally restarted from the confusion, asked Satou-san with an exasperated expression.

"Of course. It's my daughter, so it's natural to worry about her."

< How old is your daughter? >

"She just turned 3 years old last month. She's already the apple of my eye. She's seriously an angel. No, it might be better to call her a Real Angel. So that she would grow beautifully like dancing flowers, Maika, I named her Maika. This, is a photo of her birthday, how is it, isn't she just so cute!"

He just asked him about her age, but when Takagi-san took out his smartphone, he must have used continuous shooting. He started endlessly swiping through similar photos.

Hey, that idiot parent, Klaus-san, is backing away.

< Ah, I understand how cute your daughter is, so calm down a bit. So, you're just against Kent having multiple wives? >

"That's right. If Kokubu chooses one woman and has a sincere relationship, I won't say anything."

< Aren't you just forcing your ideas on Kent? >

"No way, in Japan it is forbidden by law to marry two or more women."

< But, this is Volzard, not Japan. Polygamy is not forbidden. >

"But, he's still a Japanese with Japanese citizenship."(TN:Because you refuse to let him NOT be.)

< Then what would you do if Kent said that he would stop coming and going to Japan? >

"That kind of thing is not allowed! I will have him travel to and from Japan."

< How will you do that? >

"That's why, I will make a firm protest and correct his wrong ideas."

< Don't say such naive things. >

Klaus-san lowered his tone of voice to Takagi-san, who said such with a lot of confidence.

Before Satou-sensei could translate, Klaus-san's intimidation made Takagi-san shudder and fall silent.

< Aren't you just taking advantage of Kent's concessions. Protest? If something like that is refused, it's over. Correct his wrong ideas? That's done for if Kent continues to insist that his ideas are correct. Let me tell you, if Kent got serious, even if all the Volzard garrison members and adventurers were gathered together, they wouldn't stand a chance. It's just a matter of not doing it, but it should be easy for him to destroy Volzard. How are you going to move Kent who can do that? Takagi, you're just all talk, you don't have the materials or rewards to actually move Kent or restrain him. >

"But, as a Japanese, for Japan ..."

< Don't go off topic. I'm talking about you now. I'm not talking about Kent and the Japanese government. >

After being at a loss for words, Takagi-san opened his mouth indignantly.

"Why is it. Why is it that you are defending him so much?"

< It's obvious. Until now, Volzard has been severely protected by Kent. When the maximum outbreak occurred, the surroundings of the ramparts were filled with Goblins, and several Salamanders were approaching the city. If it was just us, the Goblins would have infiltrated the city, and we would have been attacked by Salamanders there. If Kent hadn't been there, it wouldn't be strange if many Volzard people would have lost their lives, or even if the city of Volzard itself would have disappeared. We were able to get through that situation with only a few injured people. Why would Volzard, who was indebted to him, not protect Kent. I'll be very clear. If you are hostile to Kent, I will not allow you to stay in Volzard. I will also dissolve relations with Japan. >

"I can't forgive such arrogant talk."

< I'm the one who decides whether to forgive or not, if you don't like it, get out of town. Even without Kent's help, we can drive you out of town. >

If Takagi-san, who couldn't use magic and couldn't even speak the language, was banished from the city, only death would await him.

Satou-sensei couldn't help but look at Takagi-san, who was trembling and at a loss for words to argue back, and came to the rescue.

< Klaus-sama, I'm going to give Takagi-san a good talking to, so could you forgive us for today? >

< Ritsuko, in the first place, this is not something I would normally do. The importance of Kent, you guys should be familiar with it. Why leave a man who appeared later, who could be called an outsider, to criticize him as he pleases? Why don't you protect Kent. You guys had Kent save your lives, didn't you? Or is it the Japanese way of repaying kindness with enmity? >

< I'm very sorry. As you said, we lacked consideration for Kokubu-kun. In the future, if Takagi-san is in conflict with Kokubu-kun, I will request the Japanese government to replace the counselor. >

< I'll say it one more time. If you cause any more trouble, I will banish you from Volzard. I'm not joking,  I'm going to expel you outside the castle gate of the ramparts, keep that in mind. >

Next to Satou-sensei, who bowed her head deeply, Takagi-san also bowed his head reluctantly.

< Kent is protected by Volzard. But, it's not like I'm going to allow anything and spoil him. If he strays from the path, even if he hits me, I'll have him change his path. Doesn't that require a relationship of trust? Takagi, have you built a relationship of trust with Kent? Isn't that sort of thing your area of expertise?>

"You're right ..."

< Takagi, you, are you really looking at Kent? > (TN:Huh, I just noticed, but the way Klaus calls him is タカシロ which is Takashiro ... maybe I mistranslated his name? Whatever, I'll leave it as Takagi even though it ruins my image of the name Takagi-san.)

"Looking at Kokubu ... is it?"

When Takagi-san, who tended to look down, raised his gaze, Klaus-san nodded and asked.

< Why Kent is having three ... no, four if you include the Princess of Barshania, do you know why he's going to have four wives instead of one? >

"That's because he's a womanizer, indecisive, and powerful, so he's getting carried away ..."

< Wrong. You don't understand Kent at all. >

Klaus-san cut off the words of Takagi-san, whose tension began to rise again.

< Kent is distorted. There are other reasons why he wants to have four wives, but the main reason is Kent's mental distortion. >

Last night too, with the words of Donovan-san, it made me more shocked than at that time.

"What do you mean by distorted?"

< Kent, though he may not realize it, is hungry for the affection of his family. Because he grew up without enough love from his parents. That's why, after gaining power and being able to do various things, he's been working foolishly for others, and for the sake of his comrades, he's been crouching and bowing his head, desperately trying to be recognized. Like when his parents abandoned him, he's afraid of being abandoned, of being alone. The reason why he can't narrow down the women he's become friends with is because he doesn't want to be abandoned, so he can't cut them off. >

Klaus-san's words struck me like thunder.

"If you understand that, shouldn't you teach and admonish him and have him narrow it down to one woman?"

< Are you telling Kent to throw away his frantically-gathered happiness? He's literally covered in blood, sweat, and dirt, and you're trying to destroy the happiness he's obtained after working so hard? >

"That is ..."

< It's true that Kent right now doesn't understand his duties as a husband or head of a household at all. He can't understand it at that age. If he doesn't understand, I'll tell him. If it's not enough, I'll make up for it. Such a kid desperately got them, isn't it an adult's job to help those who are trying to protect them? >

In response to Klaus-san's question, Takagi-san was silently lost in thought.

After staring at him, Klaus-san asked with a slightly changed tone of voice.

< By the way, Takagi, is your daughter a helpless fool? >

"No way, my Maika-chan will definitely be a talented woman in the future."

< Is that so, then are you incompetent as a father? >

"That's not true. I'm fulfilling my duties as a father splendidly."

< If that's the case, then you're missing the point with attacking Kent. All you have to do is educate your daughter properly so that she won't fall for a worthless man. Is it different? >

"Ahh ..."

Takagi-san opened his eyes wide and stared at Klaus-san.

< That's all from me. So that the students who want to return can return safely, and to build a good relationship between Volzard and Japan, each of us will make an effort, okay? >

Satou-sensei and Takagi-san bowed deeply before leaving the study.

After seeing them off, Klaus-san asked the attendant for two cups of tea.

"Kent, come out and sit down."

"Yes ... Thank you very much ..."

I put out a shield of darkness and entered the study, bowing deeply.

"You idiot, you shouldn't cry, but ..."

"But ... Because I was happy ..."

"You've protected us from monsters many times, and I'll take over for those guys."

"Yes, thank you very much."

Klaus-san had a warm smile like spring sunshine instead of his normal smile.

WIthout saying a word for a while, we drank the fresh tea that the attendant had brewed for us, and slowly began to talk.

"Kent, I can protect you in Volzard, but I can't protect you in Japan. You still have things to do in Japan, right?"

"Yes, the return of my classmates and resource development ..."

"I'm not talking about that."

"Ehh, but ..."

"Have you gone to greet Yuika's parents?"

"Uu ... not yet."

"Haa ... I asked you to subjugate the Griffon, even though you had no obligation to, but don't neglect your relatives because you're busy. The new year will come soon. Please finish your greetings by then."

"I, I understand."

"Also, my sons are coming home."

"Guu, I will greet them properly."

"Kuukuukuu, I'm looking forward to various things, Kent."

Kuuu, I feel like he's getting rid of his daily grudges, but today I couldn't even find a way to counterattack.

"Look, you can go back. I have a small thing to do here."

"Yes, thank you very much."

"Ou, I know, I know ..."

Klaus-san kicked me out of the study like a dog, and I returned to the living room where everyone was waiting.