Chapter 45: This World Must Have Gone Mad

To my surprise, the Emperor gave me the authority to draft his own knights. With a force of thirty people, guarding the Carriers Duchy was an easy task. Of course, I didn't intend to pick just anyone.

"No matter how many times they've been vetted, there are always bad guys out there."

Moreover, the problem did not end there.

Those whose loyalty to the Emperor was too strong were also excluded.

Just imagine if someone like Cordell McNeil were thirty years old.

Wouldn't they search through the entire bedroom and tell the Emperor everything they know?

Of course, that didn't mean I was at a loss.

I've lived a very healthy life up until now.

'But everything in moderation is good.'

A person who will just diligently stand guard as ordered. Actually, that was enough.

The interview for the Royal Guard Knight was a breeze. I took a quick look at their faces and quickly decided whether to accept or reject them.

I can get a rough idea just by looking at the recent status and overall ability. When I returned with the thirty knights, the mansion was in chaos.

"What the heck is going on? A knight from the royal guard out of nowhere, Your Majesty?"

"That's what happened."

I sat down with my butlers, who were wide-eyed, and explained the whole story.

Again, the reaction was not good...

"It's unfortunate, but this is actually a huge opportunity."

"Just as you conquered the North, you will also perform great feats this time. Then, won't you be given an even greater reward?"

"If Your Majesty leaves, the mansion will be quiet for a while. I will do my best to maintain the status quo."

Is both of them for real?

Miller and Tobias exchanged opinions with excited expressions. It felt like they had already made plans for the future in their heads. It was absurd, but in fact, in a way, it was natural.

'It must have been tough for them.'

How many things have I promoted so far?

From building accommodations for all officially contracted workers to the textile factory and the Medias shopping district.

The butlers had to work like crazy. Things have gotten a little better now that we've entered a stable period, but it can't be helped that there's still a lot of work to do.

Compared to before I possessed Abel Carrier's body, when I was doing nothing.

"You're thinking about relaxing first? Isn't that a bit disappointing?"

"Ha, haha! No way."

"Ahem! It must be your imagination."

When I hit the nail on the head, the butlers sweat profusely with awkward expressions.

But I had no intention of reprimanding Miller and Tobias.

Haven't they been my assistant so far?

There was only one person more honest than these two. Paul, the factory manager of a textile factory.

That guy is someone who follows me blindly, so that's why he's like that. In any case, the butlers also needed sufficient rest and compensation.

"You've worked very hard. Take this opportunity to go on vacation."

So I was planning to give a big reward.

Two pockets for a luxurious feel. I didn't prepare it in advance, but I have plenty of this in my office.

"Your Majesty?"

"No, what is this…"

Miller and Tobias opened the bag and couldn't hide their surprised expressions.

Although these two people were nobles, they were not very wealthy.

You could say that it is a fallen family with only its name remaining.

So, it was surprising that they got so surprised for just one hundred gold coins.

"It's vacation money. As you said, there's no need to expand the business for the time being, so take turns having fun. It would also be nice to visit my parents' house."

"Ugh! Your Majesty!"

"Thank you. I will be loyal to you forever!"

I smiled broadly at the butlers who kept bowing their heads.

If they continue to do a good job in the future, I plan to provide various rewards.

Salary increase, change of residence, etc.

'If you are loyal, what can't you do?'

It's much harder to win people's hearts than to make money. The butlers sent me off to take care of the overall business for the last time. Maintaining the status quo isn't that easy.

As soon as winter came, the textile factories had no choice but to stop. Because it probably won't grow any more. Then, they either have to change to a different fabric or change the entire business.

"Maybe I should look into fabrics that can be harvested even in winter."

If that's absolutely impossible, you can always turn the laborers over to another location. If it was the butlers' abilities, they would have been able to do it well.

I toured the pottery workshop, tool workshop, and Medias shopping street in succession.

There were no major problems with production or sales. After spending a few days like that, the day of departure finally arrived.

"I'm sure I've felt this way somewhere before."

A gloomy atmosphere with dust flying around. The smell of being further and further away from civilization.

There was a time when I couldn't taste anything even though I was chewing and swallowing delicious food.

I wondered what this feeling was, and it was exactly the same as that moment.

The day I enlisted.

'I really don't want to go.'

But what can I do? It's the Emperor's order, so i have to pretend to die.

I walked slowly and got on the carriage.

Soon, my body, regardless of my will, continued to move westward.

But, less than a day after departure.

Suddenly, the carriage slowed down. Finally, the coachman opened the small window with a troubled expression.

"Your Majesty..."

"What happened?"

"The road is blocked."

"Why?"

"I think you'll have to see it for yourself. It's hard to explain in words."

It really felt like nothing was working.

Adversity awaits you from the first day of departure. I got out of the carriage with a long sigh. Then I went to the front of the line. But, an absurd sight unfolded there.

"You can't pass the gate if you don't pay the toll."

They stop the procession even after seeing the flag of the Duke of Carriers waving at the front?

'Ah, this world must have gone mad, from the emperor to the bandits.' Sёarch* The Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.