Chapter 56

When I knocked and received permission to enter, I opened the door to find Klaus standing with his arms crossed and a stern expression.

"Come in and close the door."

"Yes..."

Even when the matter with Beatrice was discovered, Klaus still managed to maintain a somewhat light-hearted impression, but today there was not a trace of leniency.

As the lord in charge of Volzard, it was clear that this incident was far from something that could be laughed off.

I stood in front of the desk where Klaus was seated and bowed deeply.

"My classmates have caused a commotion in the town and have caused you great inconvenience. I am truly sorry."

"Kent..."

"Yes..."

I am deeply sorry."

A drop of sweat trickled down my chin and fell to the floor, and beads of sweat began to run down my back.

As I bowed my head and desperately searched my memory, heavy footsteps approached, and there was a knock on the door.

"It's Donovan..."

"Come in."

"Excuse me... What's the matter?"

Donovan looked at me, who was still standing with my head bowed, with a puzzled expression.

"Ah... It seems that I've completely forgotten what I was told."

"What were you told...?"

Donovan replied with a puzzled voice.

So, it was something said when I was alone with Klaus.

"In Lanzhelt, polygamy is allowed, and romantic relationships before marriage are free."

"Huh...?"

"Shut up! Kent, I told you, I would think about your relationship with Lise, but don't touch other women."

"Eh... That...?"

I was so sure it was about the commotion caused by my classmates that I collapsed onto the floor in shock.

"You were all over Lise on the way to school, and then you were all over Manon in the guild. Don't get too cocky with your growing harem, you bastard!"

"But, that was because Lise... "

"Lise...?"

"It's just... Beatrice kissed me, and I thought it would be unfair to Manon if I didn't do the same..."

"You think my Lise is a bother...?"

Ah, I'm really getting tired of this.

Maybe I should just give up.

"No, it's not that Klaus is a bother, but Beatrice is actually quite... pleasant...?"

"What did you do to my Lise!"

Sweat poured down my face as Klaus shouted.

"Nothing, I swear. It was just that Beatrice hugged me and kissed me..."

"Kill him! You and my sword..."

Thud...

The entire guild building seemed to shake from the vibration, and I looked at Klaus, who was staring at me, then glanced sideways.

There, Donovan stood with his arms crossed, his face contorted in anger.

That must have been the vibration from Donovan's foot slamming down.

"I don't have time to indulge in trivial matters..."

"Right, let's get to the point... Kent."

"Of course, Klaus."

Sweat was now visible on Klaus's temples.

After coughing a few times, Klaus began to discuss the punishment for my classmates.

The incident started with trivial arguments like "Did you look at me?" and "You're being disrespectful," and was initially calmed down by Kondo.

However, Gasemegane said something unnecessary, leading to another argument, and this time Kondo, who tried to stop it, was hit, which escalated into a full-scale brawl.

During the brawl, the swords of the new and old duo and Gasemegane were either drawn or taken, leading to a bloody situation, which further escalated when Takayama tried to use magic, and the fireball missed its target and set a shoe store on fire.

"To be honest, it's just a silly fight among kids. It's ridiculous to try to determine who's at fault. However, when weapons are used and people are injured, or when magic is used to set a store on fire, it's a different story."

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"The kids from Volzard were also caught and punished according to their crimes. For your classmates, I've decided on forced labor."

"Yes, I heard a little about it yesterday."

"Normally, those with minor offenses would just pay a fine, but your classmates have no money. For those with more serious offenses, I would confiscate their guild cards and exile them from the city, but that would be a problem if they disappeared..."

"Yes, if we can rescue the remaining people in Lastock, I want to negotiate with Camilla as soon as possible to return everyone to their original world. I want to avoid a situation where we can't find them when it's time to return."

Klaus nodded at my explanation.

"I thought so, which is why I decided on forced labor. However, they will be treated as criminals until their sentence is completed."

"Yes, that's understandable."

"Kent, how are criminals treated in your country?"

"Huh, in my country? Well... they're made to wear prison uniforms, their hair is cut, and they're put in prison."

"What about when they go out to work?"

"Huh, go out? Well... they're probably handcuffed and moved... I don't think they're usually allowed to go outside, so I'm not sure."

"What are these handcuffs?"

"They're like locks with chains that connect the hands... something like that."

"I see..."

After listening to my explanation, Klaus paused before speaking.

"Kent, the forced labor will take place at the construction site of the city walls."

"Yes, the place we worked at before?"

"No, it wouldn't be appropriate to work with the general public, so they'll work in a designated area, but it will still be outside the prison, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"I don't know how much magic your classmates can use, but I can't just let them out without any precautions."

"Yes..."

"That's why... we'll use this..."

Klaus took something from a drawer and placed it on the desk with a thud. It was a wristband made of obsidian.

"A, a subjugation wristband..."

"Yes, a subjugation wristband."

"But, didn't the slave system end in Lanzhelt?"

"Yes, the slave system ended, but it's allowed to use them on criminals."

For those with little money, low rank, or who can't pay for their crimes through property confiscation or rank stripping, forced labor is sometimes used to repay their debts, and in such cases, subjugation wristbands are used to prevent escape or riots and to limit the use of magic.

"This is something your classmates don't want to see, but it's a necessary measure to impose forced labor instead of exile."

"Yes, I understand... I think..."

"Kent, this is different from the ones managed by the Reisenburg royal family... Can you remove it?"

Since I was able to remove the custom-made ones that my classmates wore, I should be able to remove the ones Klaus has without any problem.

"Yes, I think I can remove it."

"Don't remove it... If you remove it from your classmates without permission, you and the others will be asked to leave the city."

"Yes... I understand."

Klaus stared at me for a moment, then sighed heavily.

"Ha... I don't want to say this after you helped us with the orc horde yesterday, and I want you to stay in Volzard, Kent."

"Yes..."

"But, I can't let those who disrupt the city's order run free, do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand."

"The length of the forced labor will depend on the severity of their actions."

"Um, in that case, Takayama, who burned down Marcel's shop..."

"The sentence will be until the compensation is paid in full."

The compensation is currently one million hert, and the daily wage for the city wall construction is 350 hert, so it will take a considerable amount of time to pay it off.

While I might think "serves them right," if the negotiations with Camilla go well and we can return to our original world, it might be possible to return sooner.

In that case, Takayama, who hasn't paid off the compensation, might be left behind in this world.

When I confirmed this, Klaus had a troubled expression.

"Normally, I wouldn't let them leave until their sentence is completed. However, since you're essentially taking responsibility for them, I'll grant a pardon if they return to their original world. But don't tell them until the time comes."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Also, those who have completed their sentences will be allowed to use the temporary dormitories, but I won't allow you to support their living expenses. They should work, earn, and feed themselves."

I have no intention of supporting these fools anyway.

"Yes, but I would like to cover the expenses for the girls who are not involved in the incident."

"Hmm... Are you planning to gather all the girls?"

"Eh... Of course not!"

"I know, I was just joking, but you need to be careful or they'll get out of hand."

"Ha... I know, but..."

"Alright, if anyone causes trouble after seeing this, I won't show mercy, regardless of gender."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you for your consideration."

I bowed deeply to Klaus again.

"Alright, let's end this discussion here. Kent, how many orcs were there yesterday?"

"Yes, there were 374 in total."

"That's a lot... Donovan, what do you think?"

"Yes, from my conversation with Kent yesterday, I believe this activation is on a much larger scale."

"Is there a possibility of a massive outbreak in the thousands or tens of thousands?"

"There's no certainty, but we need to be prepared or face total annihilation."

I shuddered at the thought of the city being overrun by monsters.

"What about the preparations?"

"Inspection of the armored doors in each household, and stockpiling food and water."

"Have the adventurers been notified... already?"

"Yes, when the alarm sounds, C-rank and above adventurers are to gather at the city walls, and D-rank and below are to assist in evacuating the town."

"Ah... I didn't hear about that..."

"Hmm, you'll come even if you're not called."

"Ha..."

When the alarm sounds, C-rank and above adventurers will gather at the city walls, and D-rank and below will help evacuate the town.

"Ah... I haven't told anyone yet..."

"Tell them as soon as possible, as we don't know when it will happen."

"Donovan, what should we do if we're away from the dormitory or house?"

"There are designated buildings to receive evacuees. I'll give you a map to distribute. The doors of the receiving buildings will have the guild's mark, so look for the mark if you can't find the location."

"Ah, the sword and hammer mark, right?"

"Yes, it's important, so make sure to tell everyone."

"Understood, I'll go and do that right away."

Most people are in the temporary dormitories, and Manon is with those who are out looking for jobs, so it should be fine today.

I should also explain to the boys, just in case.

"Donovan, if there is a massive outbreak of monsters, are there any warning signs?"

"If you're talking about warning signs, the current situation already fits."

"The size of the groups?"

"Yes, eighteen years ago, the group of rock orcs that caused significant damage to Volzard numbered less than a hundred."

"Even then..."

I remember that during the rock orc attack eighteen years ago, the city was invaded, and Klaus's brother lost his life.

As I recalled the story I heard during the city wall construction, both Klaus and Donovan looked at me.

"Huh, what...?"

"Kent, I'm really glad you're here. I don't want to go through what happened eighteen years ago again."

"Kent, think about what we discussed yesterday."

When the two top figures of Volzard, Klaus and Donovan, ask me seriously, I have to take it seriously.

"I'll consider it positively. Besides, we don't know if we can return to our original world yet, and I plan to stay for a while. With the increase in my followers, I'll make sure to leave personnel for monitoring and communication when we leave Volzard, so please rest assured."

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

I decided to leave two of the five undead kobolds I entrusted to the Reinhardt team in rotation in Volzard.

If something happens, one will notify me, and the other will notify Reinhardt.

Since they can move instantly, this should be fine, but if I come up with a better method, I'll improve it.

Also, I'll use about half of the magic stones from the orcs we defeated yesterday to enhance everyone.

The meeting with Klaus ended just before noon.

I moved from the guild to the Lastock garrison and had lunch at the knight's cafeteria.

The food for the classmates doesn't look appetizing, but the knight's food is quite good.

At least, the food should be decent, right?

When I peeked into the infirmary where the committee president was, it seemed like there were more injured people than usual.

"Mr. Kent... The training has become more intense again..."

"Is that because they think fifty people were wiped out?"

"Not just the knights... Everyone is trying their hardest..."

"I see..."

Even the clumsy hero, Takayama, is believed to have been eaten by the orc mage, so my classmates think they need to get stronger to survive.

On the other hand, some have given up, thinking they can't do it if even Takayama couldn't.

The knights' frustration seems to be taking a toll, resulting in more injuries.

The committee president is working hard to treat them, with a pale face.

It's painful just to watch.

After the morning treatment, Elna left, and I stepped out of the shadows to hug the committee president and immediately cast a healing spell.

"Kento... It's tough..."

"Sorry, we'll speed up the rescue operation, so please bear with it a little longer."

"Idiot... Idiot Kento... I can smell other girls again..."

"Sorry, I was hugged this morning without thinking..."

"Mm... I won't forgive you. When we get to Volzard, we'll have a direct confrontation."

"No... That's..."

"Be prepared. If you don't come to get me as soon as possible... I'll go wild."

"Y-Yes... I'll do my best."

"Good..."

The committee president kissed my cheek and didn't let go of the hug until Elna returned.

"Mr. Kent... You're one step closer to a harem..."

"No, no, I feel like I'm getting closer to a bloodbath..."

Still, I can't help but smile a little.

"Master, we want to lick too."

"Lick, lick, lick!"

"Pet us, pet our bellies!"

"Alright, alright, I understand."

Let's pet them before going to the Volzard defense force dormitory.

They've been waiting for a while.

I pet them one by one, and after being thoroughly licked, Malt and I were both satisfied, so let's head to the defense force dormitory.

When I went to the defense force's stable, the girls were practicing horseback riding under the guidance of stable hand Raymond.

"Hello, Raymond."

"Oh, Kent, are you here for training too?"

"No, I'm here for something else... I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Huh? No, no, it's a help, not a trouble. Everyone is out hunting to deal with the orc corpses, so the girls helping with the horses and stables is a big help."

"Wow... I'm sorry, they left it all to you..."

"Ahaha, what are you talking about? With that many orcs, who knows how many casualties there would have been. No one would complain, only gratitude."

"Ha... It's a relief to hear that."

"So, what brings you here?"

"Oh, right..."

The group with the odd sisters is Mihara's group.

They looked visibly annoyed when they saw my face, but I interrupted their horseback riding training and distributed the map I received from the guild, explaining the situation.

"If the alarm sounds while you're in the city, run to the buildings with the guild's mark. My followers will deal with the monsters, but unexpected things might happen, so pay attention."

Given the seriousness of the situation, everyone listened intently.

I asked the odd sisters to pass the message to the girls who were out working.

"Raymond, what should you do when the alarm sounds?"

"Ah, basically, run to the cafeteria. The cafeteria has food and is built sturdy, making it the best place to fortify."

According to Raymond, the cafeteria is designed for fortification, with direct access to the food storage, water, and cooking utensils, allowing about a hundred people to survive for a month.

Even if thousands or tens of thousands of goblins or kobolds attack, they will eventually move on when they run out of food, so waiting them out is a viable strategy.

The designated evacuation buildings in Volzard are designed to buy time, and all of them have food stockpiled.

Klaus is the one who prepared these evacuation buildings.

After losing his brother, the lord, in the rock orc incident eighteen years ago, Klaus has been working to ensure no one else has to suffer, by improving the city walls and evacuation buildings.

If it weren't for his overprotective nature, he would be a truly admirable person.