Chapter 84

"Alus, even though you're still a child, it seems you're managing to lead a group. It must be tough."

"Huh? Yeah, that's true. Sometimes I'm underestimated because of my appearance."

"I see. Let me tell you a little about myself. Alus, do you know how old I was when I became the head of the Fontana family?"

"No, I don't know..."

"I was three years old. My father, the previous head, died, and I inherited the leadership of the Fontana family at the age of three. But, can you imagine a three-year-old managing a territory?"

Three years old.

Around the time I started plowing the fields.

Even with the memories of my past life, it would have been impossible to manage a territory.

After all, I was also criticized and dismissed.

Most people didn't take my words seriously, thinking they were just the ramblings of a child.

As a result, I could only tend to the fields behind the house.

"That's when Raymond took over the management of the territory in my place. He used his position as my guardian to run the territory. Even after I grew up, the situation continued."

"Is that really a problem? It doesn't seem to be an issue."

"It's not that simple. Raymond, taking advantage of the fact that I was the only male heir in the Fontana family, controlled everything in the territory. He used me as a puppet."

Ah, so that means when Carlos, a young boy, inherited the leadership of the Fontana family, it was because there were no older generations.

I see, by making a child the leader, it was possible to effectively privatize the territory.

Looking back, when I presented Valkyrie to the Fontana family, the permits and approvals were decided by Raymond alone.

However, the Fontana family's crest was used on those permits.

Perhaps Raymond, as my guardian, was using the important seal without permission.

"I've been waiting for an opportunity. For Raymond to make a mistake. And then this incident happened."

"Huh? You were expecting me to defeat him?"

"Not at all. I never thought that would happen. But the fact that a fortress was being built in the northern forest, which the Fontana family had no knowledge of, was enough to cause his downfall. So, when you caused the riot, I had Raymond take responsibility and suppress it."

"Ah, so the permit to own the land that you gave me was Raymond's mistake."

"Exactly. Even a small mistake can be a reason to undermine his power. But, unexpectedly, the person in question suddenly disappeared. It was tough. After Raymond died, it took a lot of effort to bring the Fontana territory under my control."

I see.

After I defeated Raymond's Fontana army in the field, the Fontana family's subsequent actions were slow because of this.

They needed time to consolidate the confused household.

I focused on building the castle instead of attacking the walled city, which gave me the leeway.

What would have happened if I had attacked then?

Well, it's best not to dwell on what-ifs.

If it had turned into a siege, there would have certainly been more casualties on our side.

"So, does that mean Lord Carlos has already consolidated the power of the Fontana family? If that's the case, there's no point in making peace with us..."

"Not exactly. Raymond's relatives and subordinates have been living off the benefits he provided. If I take over the power, those benefits will disappear, leading to resistance. They are obedient on the surface, but I need to suppress that. That's where you come in."

"Me?"

"Yes. Even though I've consolidated the household, I don't have many loyal followers. But by bringing in a new force like Balca, I can suppress them. That's why we're having this conversation. Alus, I'll make you a knight and give you land. Join my ranks."

Hmm, being a noble is tough.

I never imagined that the land I lived on was in such a complex political situation.

What will this proposal from Carlos mean for me?

It seems that while Carlos has brought the Fontana territory under control, his position is still delicate in terms of power dynamics with his followers.

However, there's no doubt that he is managing this land as a noble.

The lord himself has come to offer me a position as his subordinate, forgiving my past and giving me a small piece of land.

There are many unknowns about what will happen after I join, but it's not a bad deal.

At the very least, it's a relief that he won't hold me accountable for my actions.

Moreover, rejecting this offer would likely affect my relationship with Bishop Paulo, who helped mediate.

To be honest, the possibility of being constantly watched by the church is more frightening.

Alright, I've decided.

Originally, I started fighting because I was told to take the land, and I couldn't back down after taking lives.

I never intended to take the land from the nobles.

However, the current conditions are problematic for me.

I need to negotiate better terms.

Thus, the secret meeting between me and Carlos continued well into the night.

Thank you for reading.

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