Chapter 78

First, Leoard asked Barbarot to call the knights who were assigned as errand boys. Five errand knights gathered.

The number of knights stationed in Zeato is two hundred. Compared to that, five might seem few, but now is not the time to worry about that, so he started the conversation.

"Right away, I have a question for you. Is there anyone among you who wants to become a civil servant?"

In response to Leoard's question, the five looked at each other, unsure of how to answer. Being asked if they wanted to become civil servants out of the blue, they couldn't just quit being knights.

Therefore, the five just looked at each other, unable to answer.

(Hmm... The reaction isn't good. Maybe they don't want to be my subordinates after all.)

Leoard, who had a low self-evaluation, misunderstood that they didn't want to be his subordinates.

However, the knights of Zeato highly regarded Leoard. He had fought on the front lines during the monster panic and led to its resolution without any casualties, earning the trust of the knights.

"Um, why us?"

One of the five timidly raised his hand and asked Leoard.

"Hmm. To be honest, we are short of hands. Also, I am thinking of improving the knights. In simple terms, I want to dispatch people who can handle errands to the knights.

Originally, there are two hundred knights stationed in Zeato. It would be tough to support that number with just five of you."

"That's very kind of you... but there won't be any pay, will there?

We receive pay as knights, but I don't think the knights will pay those dispatched by the lord."

"Ah, that's true. But don't worry. I will pay them."

"Wh-What? The lord himself!?"

"Yes. Otherwise, no one would want to do the knights' errands."

"That's true, but is it okay?"

"Of course. Besides, I now have full authority over Zeato. I can intervene in the knights. I will also prepare the necessary documents.

So, after hearing this, is there anyone among you who wants to become a civil servant?

You see... I know it's not a good way to put it, but you are in a weak position, being the third or fourth sons of noble families who can't inherit. I don't think it's a bad deal..."

Leoard, feeling awkward as he spoke, avoided their eyes. He scratched his head, knowing he wouldn't get a positive response with such a phrasing.

"I'm sorry. Perhaps we should forget about it—"

"I'll do it. No, please let me do it."

"Huh?"

After a moment of silence, Leoard was about to give up and end the conversation. However, one of the errand knights volunteered to become a civil servant.

Surprised, Leoard couldn't help but ask again.

"Are you sure? I mean, being a civil servant is tough. You'll be buried in paperwork every day. It's a hard job, and you don't have to push yourself if you don't want to."

"Why are you hesitating after recommending it...?"

"Shut up, Isabelle!

Anyway, I'll ask again. Are you really going to do it?"

"Yes. I admit I have no talent for the sword and have been an errand knight for a long time. I really hate being useless. But if I can serve as a civil servant under Lord Leoard, I thought I could be proud in front of others and my family!"

(That's a solid opinion! However, just having the will isn't enough. I need to test your abilities.)

Leoard had confirmed their character but not their abilities. Therefore, he decided to have the volunteer take an exam.

It wouldn't be wise to select civil servants for the duchy's territory of Zeato based on just a verbal recommendation. Leoard's decision was correct.

Thanks to one volunteer, the other four also volunteered, and Leoard was very satisfied. However, whether they could handle the job would depend on the exam.

Leoard returned home and prepared the exam questions, which he would give to the five later.

"Lord Leoard, I understand that you are hiring errand knights, but where will you dispatch the people to do the knights' errands?"

Isabelle, naturally, asked Leoard this question. Leoard smiled and answered.

"About that, Isabelle. I want you to go to the knights with the newly hired servants. I want you to return here once the new recruits are trained to a certain extent."

"Huh? Lord Leoard, I was told by the princess to serve under you, but I don't have to go that far."

"There's no one else suitable. Besides, even a place full of sweaty men needs some flowers."

"Are you planning to use me as an outlet for their sexual desires?"

Isabelle, hugging herself, trembled like a fragile maiden. However, Leoard was confident that Isabelle could handle the situation, so he wasn't worried.

"You should be fine. However, the others might indeed be in danger. Many knights are nobles and might use their power to get what they want."

"Like Lord Leoard, I see."

"Hey, that's enough! You got me there!"

"Brilliant timing, indeed."

"Thanks. Anyway, I'm a bit worried about that, but I trust you to handle it."

"What if I refuse?"

"Then I'll report to the prince and send you back to the capital. I know you are a direct spy for the royal family."

"…You are not to be underestimated. Fine, I will follow Lord Leoard's orders and try to improve the knights."

"Thank you."

"By the way, will there be a reward if I succeed?"

"If you hadn't said that, I might have considered it!"

"I was careless."

Isabelle followed Leoard's orders and went to the knights with a few servants.

Leoard, seeing Isabelle leave, started writing in his secret notebook.