Chapter 69

"Mr. Richmond, could you please take charge of organizing the town's guard force?"

Given that he was an elder, my tone naturally became more polite. In response to my question, he hesitated, shook his head slightly, and stood up from his seat.

"I'm sorry, but I do not believe I am qualified for such a task."

"I've heard from Barthol that you are a capable person. Of course, you can consult with Rumburk and Barthol. I don't expect you to handle everything alone from the start."

"Your proposal is an honor and a responsibility that I cannot deny."

"Then—"

"I wanted to witness the last of Lord Joshua's achievements and the completion of the town. That's all. I am not suited to be in the public eye."

Richmond bowed deeply, his resolve firm. From his demeanor, it seemed he had experienced something in the past that led him to this place. I didn't know what had happened, but—

"The people who have gathered in Cumberland have all, to some extent, 'left their pasts behind.' Some have come with their entire families. Some were former adventurers. Some have given up their workshops, positions in merchant guilds, and even government posts."

"..."

Richmond faltered at my words, but I continued without pause.

"What they have left behind, what they have lost—some may consider these things precious, while others may consider them worthless. But—"

I paused, stood up from my chair, and spread my arms, slowly looking at everyone's faces. I closed my eyes, bowed my head, and then raised it again.

"Nelac is about the future, not the past. From the day you arrived here, I want you to look forward, not backward. I don't know what kind of person you were in the past, but since Barthol and Rumburk have recommended you, I want to entrust the guard force to you. No matter what your past may be, I don't care. What do you say? Will you help me as the new Richmond from today?"

"Lord Joshua—"

Richmond, who was about to remove his mask to reveal his true face, raised his hand to stop him.

"Mr. Richmond, it's fine to keep your mask on. You came here wearing a mask, and there must be a reason for that. So, I think it's fine for you to be the masked knight 'Richmond.'"

"My lord, I have long heard of your reputation. I now understand that rumors are unreliable. No words of praise can do you justice. I wish to dedicate my old bones to you until they collapse. I will humbly accept the responsibility of organizing the guard force."

Standing straight, tears streamed down Richmond's mask from his chin. I wanted to convey to him that in Cumberland, there was no need to worry about past ties. I wanted him to decide based on what he wanted to do now. If he didn't want to be seen, it was fine to keep the mask on. It was fine to be the current Richmond.

"Sir Richmond, Barthol and I will also do our best to assist you."

"Tell us anything!"

Rumburk, who had moistened a silk handkerchief, and Barthol, who seemed a bit embarrassed, called out warmly to Richmond. Richmond nodded deeply in response to both of them.

"Mr. Richmond, I would like you to work with Barthol to select suitable candidates to lead the last of the hunting and gathering teams. I've heard that the current number of people for maintaining order is sufficient, but as the town expands, we will need to increase the number of guards. If the current number is insufficient, please select capable people from among the new arrivals. I will leave the selection to you."

I decided to change my tone when speaking to Richmond, who had joined us as a comrade. I thought that if I continued to use formal language with him, he might feel uncomfortable.

"I understand. I will also arrange for training."

"Thank you. I want to include as many volunteers as possible, even those without experience."

"I understand."

I bowed to Richmond, who was seated, and he returned the gesture. Alright, now for the two maids.

"Elie, Arle, continue to take turns with my security. When you're not on duty, I want you to recruit people in the square."

"Yes!"

"Understood."

Elie and Arle stood up. They responded immediately, even before I had finished my request. Of course, I would still explain the details.

"Focus on recruiting those interested in commerce and trade. The work will involve civil engineering, specifically the installation of water and sewage systems. Non-experts are fine, but exclude minors."

"Understood."

"When Paul and the others finish their current tasks, I plan to have them join us. The technical aspects will be handled by Tore and Garam, and their apprentices. Please convey that the work will be physically demanding."

"Yes!"

Elie and Arle responded in turn. Arle's ears were twitching, which made me feel a bit more relaxed.

"That's all I need to ask of everyone. I will leave the details to you, and I apologize for the inconvenience. And, Rumburk—"

"Ah!"

"I would like to invite Sequoia, Tore, Garam, and Mr. Penguin to the next morning meeting. Could you let them know?"

"Understood."

"If there are no other matters, we will adjourn this meeting. Elie and Charlotte, please stay behind."

Since there were no other opinions, the morning meeting concluded. Everyone filed out, and Elie and Charlotte stood on either side of me.

"Your Excellency! Your words moved me deeply! I feel a warmth in my stomach—"

"R-right. I asked you to stay because I wanted to go see the progress of the agriculture. I haven't visited the fields since I first discussed the crops."

Charlotte's cheeks were flushed as she spoke with enthusiasm. I was slightly taken aback by her reaction but proceeded to explain the task to her.

I was about to move, but Elie seemed uncomfortable, rubbing her thighs together.

"Elie, if you need to use the restroom, it's better to go now. The mansion has proper facilities."

"Y-yes. M-my undergarments—"

"Huh?"

"N-nothing! I'll go right away!"

Elie's ears turned bright red, and she rushed out of the room at lightning speed.

"Your Excellency, I will also go."

"O-okay."

Was the meeting really that long? I thought I had kept it brief...

I crossed my arms, muttered "hmm," and drank some milk. Of course, this was different from the milk I had at the beginning of the day. Charlotte always prepared it for me during her breaks... Milk.

Haha.