Chapter 59

After hearing the information from the mercenary Byron, he turned to me and said he wanted to talk to me.

Byron straightened his posture and, with a serious face, said to me, "I also have something to say to you, Sir Zacharias. Could you hear me out?"

I wondered what it could be and nodded, saying, "Sure, go ahead."

Seeing this, Byron also nodded and looked at me with an even more serious expression. Then, in a quiet but strong voice, he said,

"Is it possible for me to serve the Lockhart family, and specifically, to serve you, Sir Zacharias?"

I didn't understand the intention behind his question.

"I am neither the head of the family nor the heir. Therefore, serving the Lockhart family and serving me have completely different meanings."

"I understand that. However, I want to know if Byron Seedorf, a man, is worthy of serving the prestigious Lockhart family, and more importantly, if I am worthy of serving you, Sir Zacharias."

(What a difficult question. If I say he is worthy, Byron will have hope. But I don't have the authority to approve his service to the Lockhart family, and I haven't really thought about hiring anyone. On the other hand, if I say no, it will hurt his pride. In reality, this man could easily serve as one of our vassals. Especially considering the village's growing population, a vassal with a clear mind is absolutely necessary. If I were the heir, I could tell him to visit me anytime after I take over. But...)

I was at a loss and looked at Guy for help.

Guy met my gaze but showed no further intention.

(This isn't something I should ask Guy. It would only make him uncomfortable. If he just wants to serve the Lockhart family, I can recommend him, and my grandfather or father would meet him. There's no problem with increasing the number of vassals right now, so if he shows his skills and character, he has a high chance of being hired. But the problem isn't there. The problem is that he wants to serve me, the second son...)

I decided to ask Byron a question in return.

"Let me ask you first. Why the Lockhart family? And why do you want to serve me? Also, from what I understand, Byron, you used to serve a certain country, not as a common soldier but in a significant position, right?"

He showed a slightly surprised expression and nodded.

"Indeed, you cannot be deceived. As you said, I was stationed at the Toa fortress, guarding the border between the Kingdom of Kaum and the land of the demons, Kwaedum Tenebre. Although I was a commoner, I was a captain commanding a hundred men. However, five years ago, during the demon invasion..."

This was his story.

He served as an officer in the Kingdom of Kaum's border guard, stationed at the Toa fortress, guarding the border with the demon land, Kwaedum Tenebre. He repeatedly urged the higher-ups about the necessity of reconnaissance in Kwaedum Tenebre, but his suggestions were ignored by the complacent commander.

Then, five years ago, the fortress was attacked by the demons and fell. At that time, he managed to save his allies despite losing half of his men.

After the fortress fell, his colleagues and subordinates, who knew about his repeated warnings, tried to report the commander's negligence to the military high command. However, the high-ranking commander, to cover up his mistakes, sent Byron and his subordinates and colleagues to a fierce battle, resulting in the loss of many of his colleagues and subordinates.

In the end, the Kingdom of Kaum, with the help of reinforcements from other countries, successfully repelled the demon army. However, in the decisive battle of Akrechein, he lost many of his comrades and began to question his role in the military.

After much contemplation, he decided to leave the military and start a second life as a mercenary. In just three years, he became a mercenary leading fifteen men.

"...At that time, I thought I wanted to serve someone I could trust. I believe you will achieve great things. However, that's not the most important thing to me."

He paused and smiled.

"You treated my subordinates properly the other day. You didn't show displeasure at the familiar attitude of the deputy captain, Curtis, and you conveyed my thoughts while considering his pride. At that moment, I thought, 'This person will never betray his subordinates.'"

I shook my head, flustered by his high praise.

"I'm not that capable. And those aren't words you should say to a ten-year-old."

Byron shook his head, saying, "Age doesn't matter."

"Also, I'm the second son. I genuinely wish my older brother to inherit the Lockhart family. Therefore, the possibility of me inheriting is almost zero. Following someone like me won't bring you any benefits."

Byron shook his head, still smiling.

"None of that matters. I just want to bet my life on you."

I was at a loss for words.

(Honestly, it's flattering that he thinks so highly of me. But I'm only ten years old. Moreover, I have a mission given by God. Considering that, it's difficult to accept his offer...)

"Alright. Let me ask you one more thing. If I were to take you under my command, what do you plan to do with your current subordinates? They would be troubled if their beloved captain left. Besides, don't you have a contract with Mr. Norton?"

"There's no problem with that. I won't leave until I make Curtis a capable captain. I believe that's the responsibility of someone who has subordinates."

(Indeed, a high-ranking but incompetent commander wouldn't be able to handle this man. But can I handle him? To be honest, I've always been bad at managing people. Even now, Nicholas and Guy help me, but that's only because of the Lockhart name. Once my brother inherits, that name won't mean much...)

I looked at Byron firmly again.

(However, the Kingdom of Kaum really missed out on a great man. His subordinates would surely follow him, and his judgment is accurate... But why is such a capable man leading a small group of only fifteen mercenaries?)

"Sorry to ask again, but why are you satisfied with leading a small group of only fifteen men? You could have led a much larger group of mercenaries."

Byron shook his head, smiling.

"That's an overestimation. They just gathered around me without me knowing. Besides, since I left the military, I can't handle more than this. If I want to pay attention to each one, this is my limit."

I was surprised by his answer and lost for words.

(If I lost a beloved subordinate, I wouldn't want to have subordinates again... With such a caring attitude, he would surely stand out as a vassal of the Lockhart family)

I decided to answer Byron's question.

"The answer to your previous question... We've only known each other for a few days. I can't say I fully understand you yet. But..."

He slightly lowered his shoulders at this.

"...This is just my intuition, but I think Byron Seedorf is a man worthy of serving the Lockhart family..."

Byron's eyes lit up, saying, "Then!"

But I ignored his reaction and continued.

"...However, I refuse to serve me personally. Do you understand why?"

"You are the second son and don't want to cause unnecessary trouble for your family..."

I nodded. Then I explained my thoughts.

"My brother is kind and wise. Even if you declare that you want to serve me and become a vassal of the Lockhart family, he wouldn't oppose it. My father and grandfather might not approve, but they have a high opinion of me. If I recommend you and you show your skills and character, there's a high chance you'll be appointed as a vassal. Moreover, my grandfather would likely say to my brother, 'Show me that you can make this man serve you'..."

Byron listened silently without saying anything.

"...Even if my grandfather, the hero known as the Lionheart, said that, there would be friction between you and the young, established vassals. Indeed, our vassals have an extraordinary respect for the Lockhart family, especially my grandfather..."

Guy nodded at this.

"...Therefore, they wouldn't want to recognize a man who neglects the heir. My father and brother would be the ones to mediate. Especially my brother, who would try to gain your recognition. You might think it's strange for the heir to a lord to do this, but that's the kind of man my brother is."

Guy nodded, and Byron shook his head slightly.

"Then, I cannot serve you, Sir Zacharias?"

I hesitated to say it, but Byron said with a calm and slightly sad expression, "I understand. I'll give up."

I nodded slightly but, seeing his expression, couldn't help but say, "There is one way."

"First, gain my grandfather's recognition without mentioning my name. Meet my grandfather, Gowan Lockhart, on your own and make him recognize your abilities."

Then, I turned to Guy, who was listening, and said, "And you, don't try to influence him."

"Use your wit to meet the Lionheart Gowan and make him recognize your abilities. If you can do that, you'll be on the same level as Guy. But gaining my grandfather's recognition isn't easy. Right, Guy?"

Guy replied, "It took me about a year."

Byron murmured, "A year..."

"If you gain my grandfather's recognition, my father will likely appoint you as a vassal. Then, as a vassal, observe the Lockhart family and the village of Rasmor. You'll understand what it means to serve me and what I think. If you still want to serve me after that, I'll consider it. It's a grand statement, but that's the best I can do for now..."

Byron nodded slightly, seemingly deep in thought.

To be honest, I don't know Byron well.

He is indeed an excellent mercenary and a good commander who cares for his subordinates. However, I don't know his true intentions or how much I can trust him. I don't think I have a good eye for people. But I trust my grandfather's and father's ability to judge people, who have gone through many trials and have a deep understanding of people.

If I leave it to my grandfather and father to judge Byron, and if they recognize him, he will be a valuable asset to the development of the Lockhart territory, regardless of his intentions.

Once he becomes a vassal of the Lockhart family, he will understand what kind of people the current and future lords are. Right now, he is only seeing the Lockhart family through me. That's why I want to give it some time.

After that, we chatted for about thirty minutes before parting ways with Byron.

I headed to the Norton Trading Company and requested a meeting with the president, Henry Norton.

Entering the company building, I felt it was more like a regular house, with only two employees in a small office space. An elderly employee led me to the reception room, and Norton soon arrived.

He welcomed me warmly, saying, "Welcome, thank you for coming."

I immediately got to the point and started talking about the transportation of the scotch.

"...So, I want you to pick up our alcohol in the city of Kilnarek and deliver it to the inn called the Nest of the Vulture in the southern district. What do you think?"

Norton nodded vigorously, saying, "We'll take it on."

"I'd like to visit Rasmor Village to meet the current and former lords and discuss the transportation fees."

I thought it was unnecessary to go to Rasmor Village and said, "If it's just my father, he can come to Kilnarek."

Norton was surprised and said, "To trouble the lord... I can come to the village..."

My sense of propriety hasn't fully adapted to the social hierarchy of this world. I tend to use polite language even in inns and shops, and I feel uncomfortable speaking in a commanding tone to people I meet for the first time.

To change the topic, I asked about the transportation fees for the delivery in Kilnarek.

"By the way, how much would the transportation fee be if the delivery is made in Kilnarek?"

"Well, it depends on the size of the barrels, but it would be around 100C (100,000 yen) per barrel. However, we can't compensate for any damage to the barrels."

(That's quite cheap. There's hardly any profit in it, is there?)

"I appreciate it, but won't your profit decrease?"

"Indeed, transporting swords would be more profitable. However, we believe there is greater value in this for our company, so we would like to take on this task..."

Clearly, Norton's goal is to build a relationship with the Lockhart family and improve the impression of the dwarves in Ars. He didn't mention the transportation of scotch to Ars at this meeting, but he probably intends to bring it up when he visits the village.

"Guy is expected to return to the village by the end of August. I'll inform my father by letter, so any time after that is fine."

(With this, the entry of "scotch" into Periclitur seems possible. I trust my father and Nicholas—Nicholas Garland, the vassal in charge of internal affairs—will handle it well.)

By the time I left the Norton Trading Company, it was past three in the afternoon.

I intended to head back to the inn, but Lidi grabbed my arm and said,

"We haven't finished looking at the shops yet. It took a while, so let's hurry."

Guy and I exchanged resigned looks and were dragged to a clothing store by Lidi.

In the end, we returned to the inn after six in the evening.

That night, I reported to the innkeeper, Yoan, that the transportation of the scotch was going well. He said he could wait for the response, but it seemed he had already made a decision and promised to place the scotch whenever it was ready.

The next day, I spent almost the entire day accompanying Lidi on her shopping spree. Guy looked tired, but Sharon seemed to be enjoying herself, so she might have gotten hooked on shopping.

(Come to think of it, I used to accompany my ex-wife on her shopping trips. I was dragged around all day then too. Maybe women are like this in any world... But I was supposed to rest in Periclitur. Why am I so tired?)