Chapter 9

On the third day of being told to be quiet, my request for an audience with the Marquis of Talera was approved, and we met.

Surely, they must be on high alert. After all, I had been threatening the young lady, the heroine of the first half, with all sorts of accusations.

I must have had a pretty twisted personality, trying to harass the Crown Prince by threatening a lady I didn't even like and those around her. At any rate, I need to make it clear this time that there's no need to worry about that.

Since it was my day off, I visited in noble attire instead of my usual knight's uniform. I even left my sword behind to make them feel more at ease, but...

When I entered the office where I was summoned, five knights, including the commander of the Marquis's knights, were lined up behind the Marquis.

"Whoa, do they really think I'm that dangerous!?"

"Excuse me, Marquis of Talera, thank you for taking the time to see me."

When I greeted him, not only the Marquis but also the knights standing behind him were taken aback.

Of course, they would be; this is the first time they've seen such a polite me. I had always hidden my attitude of treating them as if they couldn't protect their territory without my strength.

"Ah... So, what is this about this time?"

I could almost hear him thinking, "Just get out quickly." But this time, unlike before, I came to discuss something beneficial for the territory.

"Yesterday, I went out shopping and witnessed a significant problem in the territory that needs to be addressed."

"A problem in the territory? Hmph, you?"

He snorted.

Alright, if that's the attitude he's going to take, I'll refute him without hesitation.

"Yes, it's not an exaggeration to say that the security of the capital has deteriorated because of this. The people see the Marquis of Talera as a heartless lord who treats them as disposable."

"What!?"

The commander of the knights, who had been protecting the Marquis since he saved him as a child, reached for his sword in anger. He's a good guy, but he's a bit of a nuisance because he's so devoted to the Marquis. However, the Marquis raised his hand to stop the commander.

"Go on, I'll listen."

"Alright. When you gather the people to fight monsters, what do you do with those who are injured and left with lasting effects, including knights and soldiers?"

"If they can no longer serve as a fighting force, they are dismissed. I don't force the injured to continue serving."

His attitude was as if to say, "What are you talking about?"

I let out a loud sigh for effect.

"Ha... That's what I mean by treating them as disposable. Do you know how these injured people manage to live? Those who can no longer return to their original jobs?"

The Marquis seemed to be considering this for the first time, and his movements halted. The knights also exchanged glances, clearly not expecting me to bring this up.

"They are probably supported by their families."

The Marquis, his eyes darting, replied.

"Hmm, what if the person supporting the family suddenly can't work anymore? I saw a craftsman who lost his job due to an injury, and his wife had to work to support her husband and children, which ruined her health. They couldn't afford to buy medicinal potions and were about to be chased away by the apothecary."

In this world, there are no insurance companies or social welfare systems. Life is cheap, and if you can't survive, you're left to die.

"So?"

"Knights and soldiers receive a pension when they retire, but there are no relief measures for ordinary citizens. How many of them become disheartened and cause trouble for others? At the very least, you could build a free clinic in the slums or find jobs for those with lasting injuries. There are many possible relief measures."

I felt like I was giving a lecture, but I laid out my thoughts.

"Is this the opinion of the Vandiere Knight Commander?"

"Huh? Yes, but if you tell me not to meddle in other territories, I'll stop. However, I could see that the security of the Marquis of Talera's territory would continue to deteriorate, so I felt compelled to advise you. That's all I wanted to discuss."

Having said everything I wanted to say, I bowed slightly, but the Marquis looked puzzled.

"That's all...? You have nothing to say about your daughter?"

"No, I won't be involving myself with the young lady in the future. But... No, never mind."

If a Holy Maiden appears, the balance of power will shift, and your daughter will become a concubine. I don't need to say that. In the novel, some nobles were glad that the heroine's purity was compromised because it didn't hinder the marriage between the Crown Prince and the Holy Maiden.

In reality, if both heroines are present, the Holy Maiden will likely become the empress, and the young lady will be a concubine. The Crown Prince was easily smitten with the Holy Maiden.

"Well, if you have something to say, say it."

I am the culprit, but I also want the young lady, who suffered so much in the novel, to be happy. If the Marquis starts working to secure the empress position now, maybe something can be done.

"... Don't you think the number of monsters has been abnormal these past few years? Perhaps a Holy Maiden will appear. More accurately, the situation may require a Holy Maiden."

"Impossible!"

"Alright, let's assume we can handle the monsters. The issue is your daughter."

"What does the Holy Maiden have to do with my daughter? Are you saying my daughter will be the Holy Maiden!?"

The Marquis slammed his fist on the desk. If that were the case, there would be no problem.

"No, if a Holy Maiden appears, the royal family will move to make her the Crown Prince's empress. If you don't want your daughter to be a concubine, I recommend you start laying the groundwork now."

"What are you plotting!?"

Because of my past actions, it's getting more and more troublesome.

"Over the past few days, I've reflected on my actions. I understand if you don't believe me, but I hope you can judge by my future actions. Excuse me."

Taking advantage of the Marquis's stunned expression, I quickly slipped out of the office.