Chapter 9

"Thank you. I don't know how to express my gratitude..."

Lambert stood in the square, surrounded by the villagers.

The white-haired old man standing directly in front of Lambert, bowing and expressing his gratitude, was the village elder.

The other villagers also bowed deeply, their heads almost touching the ground, in a humble manner.

"It was a disaster... It's not something that can be easily resolved."

"Sir Knight...? What do you mean by that..."

Lambert had interrogated the leader of the bandits and had a good grasp of the background of the bandit incident.

It seemed that the leader of the bandits had obtained information that the baron of the region, Obock, would not send his private army even if the village was attacked.

The source of this information was unclear to Lambert, who was unfamiliar with the modern context, and the leader died before he could provide more details. However, it was likely that Baron Obock had intentionally spread this information.

Lambert had already investigated the matter by questioning the villagers and had a good idea of the situation.

It seemed that after Lambert's death, there had been significant changes in the laws of the Regius Kingdom, with limits placed on the amount of taxes that lords could collect from their territories.

Lambert had heard about this from Aurelia several times.

*When I unify the western continent, I intend to thoroughly improve the national laws to ensure that as few people as possible suffer in their daily lives. I have compiled a list of proposed improvements that I have been considering for a long time, staying up all night to do so. I would like to hear your opinion...*

*...You're being too hasty, Your Highness. Besides, it's also a matter of the Grand Duke's oversight...*

*There's no need to worry. The only people I will allow into the meeting are my mother, the caretaker Ginnie, the wise old man Karl, and you and Gryph. I only let people I trust in...*

Among the list of proposed improvements that Aurelia had shown Lambert in the past was an item that placed limits on the tax rates that local lords could set.

When Lambert realized that this was being implemented, he felt a mix of joy, frustration, and a hint of resentment.

However, it seemed that many were circumventing this system.

One of them was Baron Obock.

Taking advantage of the villagers' lack of knowledge, he had complicated the system and collected taxes unfairly.

A traveler had noticed the irregularities and suggested that the villagers challenge the amount of taxes being collected by the baron.

This led to a temporary resolution, and the villagers' lives became much easier.

However, the bandit incident soon followed.

Lambert believed that this village was used as an example by Baron Obock.

It was unlikely that the baron had only been cheating on the tax amounts for this village.

He was probably doing the same in other territories.

If the issue was discovered in one place, it would quickly spread to others.

By attracting bandits and then doing nothing, the baron was likely trying to threaten the surrounding territories, implying that if they did not pay the proper taxes, he would not fulfill his duties as a lord.

"There will always be petty criminals. But don't worry. I'll take care of it. The pests infesting this country must be eliminated. You don't need to worry about it."

"Huh...?"

The villagers did not understand the meaning of Lambert's words.

However, they felt a sense of reassurance from his powerful presence and the fact that he had defeated the bandits.

Since he had told them not to worry, they did not feel the need to ask further questions.

Suddenly, three people approached.

They were the three adventurers who had been taken hostage earlier.

Their faces, which had been obscured before, were now clearly visible.

Lambert was greatly surprised when he saw the face of the woman leading them.

"Thank you for saving us. I don't know how to express my gratitude... We were asked by a benefactor to check on the village, but it was beyond our capabilities. You seem to be a renowned warrior. Who are you, sir?"

She had bright blue eyes that conveyed a strong will, long lashes, a high nose, and short, elegant golden hair that did not reach her shoulders.

Her clothes and cheeks were slightly dirty, likely from the rough handling by the bandits, but her beauty was still striking.

"Your Majesty!?"

Indeed, she looked exactly like Lambert's former lord, Aurelia.

Lambert, forgetting the resentment he had felt towards Aurelia, had knelt down without realizing it.

He was so surprised by the sudden reunion that he bowed his head deeply and remained in that position.

"Please forgive my rudeness. I didn't realize you were the king... Why are you in such a village..."

Realizing his mistake, Lambert finally calmed down.

First, the age was different. The woman in front of him was about a decade younger than the Aurelia in Lambert's memory.

Aurelia was at least twenty-six years old.

However, the woman in front of him looked to be around eighteen.

When Lambert glanced up, he saw that she was standing with her mouth open in surprise, looking even younger than before.

An awkward silence fell between them.

"Hey, isn't she someone you know from your hometown?"

"...I don't want to get involved in Fiona's family troubles... But I'm glad we were saved this time..."

The two people behind her spoke to the Aurelia-like woman.

It seemed her name was Fiona.

Although he was relieved to hear that her name was different, she still looked too much like Aurelia.

However, upon closer inspection, Fiona had a beauty mark that Aurelia did not.

"N-no! ...I don't think so. I don't remember having a relative with such skill. If I had met her when I was young, I might not remember, but... I think someone this strong would be more famous. Um, could you please remove your helmet?"

Lambert instinctively pressed his helmet, as if protecting it.

"No... It seems I made a mistake. Don't worry about it."

"O-oh, I see..."

Fiona seemed to have something to say, but she did not press the matter further.

"By the way, are you from the city? If you're heading back, could you show me the way?"

"Yes, we are based in the city of Ainzas. If you'd like, we'd be happy to guide you...?"

"Is that the city where Baron Obock resides?"

"Huh? Yes, but do you have business with the baron?"

"...No, not exactly. Still, it would be helpful if you could guide me to Ainzas."

Lambert did not intend to involve Fiona and her companions in his plans and had no intention of sharing his hypothesis.

Despite being unfamiliar with the name Ainzas, he decided to travel with them.