Chapter 71

The carriage that came to pick me up was a well-made box carriage. The driver was dressed neatly, and a coat of arms was displayed on the side.

Was this guest treatment? The first thing I felt was a sense of unease. I had only given a clear evaluation for the defeat of the command creature.

Usually, one wouldn't receive such treatment for that. As an adventurer, it would be proper to visit on my own.

Moreover, I had some dissatisfaction with the king's response in this matter. Considering all of this, I couldn't understand the meaning of this hospitality.

The town we passed through caught my attention, but given the time ahead, I had no leisure for it.

The lord's mansion was a large stone building. Since internal clan wars hardly ever occurred, the moat and other defensive facilities were kept to a minimum, with the emphasis on administrative functions and living quarters.

The drawbridge would be raised at night, and after crossing it, I entered the mansion. I was then led to a corner of the reception room by a maid. The viscount was busy, so I was asked to wait for a while.

I sat on a sofa-like seat. It seemed to be made with a wooden frame and stuffed with cotton, making it sturdier than I expected. The tea served was black tea.

I knew that tea plants grew in the southern forest. Thinking about how they fermented during transportation and gave rise to the culture of black tea, my resolve to gather and integrate knowledge grew even stronger.

The paintings hanging on the walls were mostly realistic. It seemed that civilization had not yet reached the point where painting could be a full-time profession. However, the demand for realistic paintings as a substitute for photographs made the emergence of realist painters understandable.

The furniture and decorations were quite primitive compared to those of Earth's past. While they had a good quality feel, the craftsmanship was still rough. As the god had said, the lack of leisure among humans was evident even in such details.

While enjoying the tea, which I hadn't had in a long time, I was approached by a middle-aged man who seemed to be the butler. He said that the viscount was ready and began to lead the way.

To be honest, I didn't know the etiquette for such a place. Perhaps a deep bow would be appropriate? I hadn't been disarmed of my weapons. Well, as a magician, I didn't mind not being disarmed.

After the butler knocked, we entered the room. I kept my head down, placed my weapons, knelt, and raised my hands. I kept my head lowered, looking at the viscount's feet.

"That's not necessary."

A soft, gentle voice reached my ears.

"Raise your head. We can't talk like this."

Following his words, I raised my head to see a gentle-looking man in his forties standing there.

I stood up again and slowly approached.

"I've heard your name. You must be Akihiro? I'm Norwe. I'm the viscount of this territory."

"Nice to meet you, Viscount. My name is Akihiro."

I bowed deeply and greeted him.

Norwe, with a slightly troubled look, spoke.

"I appreciate your respect. However, the deep bow is reserved for the king. A nod is sufficient for us, his subjects. And you don't need to call me 'Your Excellency.' We're about the same age. Please call me by my name."

"Then, Lord Norwe?"

"Sure, that's fine. I heard you were an adventurer, but to be treated with such respect, it's as if you're dealing with a merchant. I'm pleasantly surprised."

Out of habit, I paid respect to my elders, but without information, this situation arose. I regretted not asking the butler.

Norwe smiled wryly and continued.

"Hmm. Perhaps I didn't explain well. This summons is not for reprimand. It's about something entirely different."

"Something different?"

"Let me be straightforward. Would you like to become a baron?"

"Excuse me? A baron?"

I was honestly surprised and reacted rudely. It was unexpected and I didn't understand at all.

According to the information, the ranks in each kingdom, from highest to lowest, were marquis, duke (for the royal family), count, viscount, and baron. There was no knight rank. The military and political positions were separate.

Moreover, titles were generally not inherited, as they were positions in themselves. The king was the only one who was inherited, after receiving thorough education from the ruling god and proving capable.

Norwe was the son of a duke but had risen from baron to viscount through his own efforts.

The concept of nepotism was not often viewed positively in modern Japan, but in a world with limited educational opportunities, early education and the inheritance of ideas were possible, offering significant benefits.

Granting titles was the king's prerogative.

However, these titles did not come with the absolute rights that titles on Earth once had.

While they offered considerable freedom in their roles, they did not allow for personal gain. Engaging in such activities would result in punishment by the king's direct audit team. Corruption was not an option.

To gain financial benefits, one would have to exceed the budget for new development and receive a bonus. The influence of the ruling god was evident.

In public perception, those with titles were respected. This respect was not unconditional but was a way of saying "thank you" for the difficult work they did.

Despite the hard work and lack of personal gain, the salary was good, the scope of work was broad, and it was a stable job recognized by the state.

Regarding the baron position, the goal was to expand the habitable area, a long-standing wish of the people.

There had long been a budget for a "beginner baron set," and when a suitable person was found, they would be given the budget to govern a new area.

I was also shown a simple map of the continent. The borders were barely defined, and the actual habitable areas did not reach that far. They were only for administrative demarcation.

If I were to become a baron, my jurisdiction would be centered around a location about two days' carriage ride east of the current village, covering an area roughly the size of the northern forest. There were mountains to the north, forests to the east and south.

"There are iron open-pit mines in the northern mountains."

The "baron set" budget included the construction of a large village and a small village. The idea was to establish a central village and a village for iron production on the mountain side.

Still, I would have to manage an area roughly half the size of Tokyo, larger than Sado Island. It was not a task that would yield results in five or six years.

"There is a right to tax exemption for ten years. However, this does not apply to guild taxes, only to taxes on harvests."

If I could reform agriculture and increase harvests, the profits would be significant. Reinvesting in equipment would likely lead to even greater growth, but...

"Regarding personnel, a suitable number of officials will be transferred. For residents, we will send people with clear backgrounds. This initial response is within the budget."

With people involved, the situation would be different... If the officials functioned properly, I could focus on policy-making and continue my adventuring. In fact, for the village's defense, I would have to continue adventuring.

"Why me?"

"Hmm. The recommendation came from the Adventurer's Guild and the Blacksmith's Guild. I have detailed information on your past."

He pointed to a stack of thick documents on the desk. Even with the poor quality of the paper, the thickness was abnormal. I wondered what kind of reports they contained.

"Was it the pump? What was the reason for developing it?"

"To improve the efficiency of well water drawing and create spare time. Reducing labor would also allow for other tasks."

That was my honest thought. If we didn't reduce the hard work, it would become the norm. Improving efficiency would create time for other activities.

"People in this harsh environment don't have the luxury to think that way. That perspective is what a ruler needs."

Japanese society is extremely efficient. This leads to a focus on further efficiency. In a busy work environment, such ideas don't arise.

"The outcome of this matter is also relevant. The military is looking for leadership talent, but I prioritize expanding the habitable area to give people hope."

I could see that this man had struggled. He had also secured the budget for building stone walls around the church as a village shelter, after much negotiation with the state.

"The budget is prepared for several locations, and there are other candidates. However, I hope you will consider it. Your talent should be utilized. It would also be reassuring to have someone from a nearby village become a local lord."

The territory assigned to me would partially overlap with the viscount's. This was to avoid excessive distance, which would be dangerous. I would initially use it as a free leasehold, and return it once the territory was developed.

"I would like to discuss it with my wife. Would it be a problem if my response is a bit delayed?"

"I would appreciate it if you would consider it. The budget planning starts in the new year. A decision by then would be fine. If it takes longer, the flexibility of next year's budget will decrease. Please adjust accordingly."

"I will consider it positively."

"I was being criticized by the court's little sparrows for not finding a baron when I was promoted to viscount. It's a relief to have this resolved."

Norwe seems to take it for granted that I will accept. Hmm, a noble... In Japan, it's a completely unrelated topic... Even if it's a stable job, I had planned to start a business...

For now, I promised to meet again soon and exchanged farewells.

Led by the butler, I headed towards the entrance of the mansion.

Sigh. What will Riz think...?

This unexpected turn of events left my head full, and I had no time to think about where to stay or how to return today.