Three days after returning to the city of Gimuru, a letter suddenly arrived in the morning announcing Eleonora’s arrival.
I had heard she was hurrying to take her post, but even so, this was too fast.
In the letter included was include a line that said, “I would like to meet and speak as soon as possible.”
So, while not competely urgent, there was definitely something that required prompt attention.
Wondering what could have happened, I got dressed and headed into town. The letter said she would inform the laundromat upon arrival, so unless we missed each other, I should be able to meet up with her there.
“Excuse me.” [Ryouma]
When I arrived at the laundromat, I saw Leelin-san tending to the front desk and was relieved when she told me there was a guest.
I went to the reception room and there I found Eleonora-san dressed not in her usual maid uniform but in a pantsuit, looking every bit the secretary she was.
She was currently in the middle of a conversation with three others: Carm-san, Yurdum-san, and Sebasu-san, the last of which must have served as her escort here.
As soon as I opened the door, all four of them turned to me.
From the atmosphere of the room and the expression they wore, it did not seem as though they’d brought bad news.
“Our deepest apologies for dropping by so suddenly, Ryouma-sama.” [Sebasu]
Sebasu-san was the first to bow his head.
It couldn’t be helped if something unexpected had occurred, at least they came quick. When I told them that, Sebasu-san and the others smiled.
The tension in the room felt like a meeting that had hit a wall but was momentarily eased by the arrival of fresh tea. Regardless, I had no idea what was going on, so I asked them to explain so that I could join the conversation and offer my input.
“In that case, allow me to explain.” [Eleonora]
Eleonora-san was the one to speak up. Perhaps it was due to the urgency of the report, but her already stiff voice sounded even firmer and harsher than usual.
“To get straight to the point, we have received information suggesting that a certain noble might’ve begun constructing and operating a facility modeled after the ‘waste treatment plant’ that’s under your management Takebayashi-sama.” [Eleonora]
…That explains it.
Currently, I am recognized as an engineer under the Jamil Ducal House. That means the waste treatment plant is both a private business and a site for research under the duchy’s protection. If the information is true, that would mean that someone is trying to steal technology that’s under the protection of the ducal house.
“We’re currently investigating the authenticity of the information, as well as the state of the facility’s construction and operation, but no matter how unlikely it is, His Grace has decided that it would be easier for me to manage the situation if I was already stationed here.” [Eleonora]
Certainly, having her around would certainly make things much easier. So, that’s why she arrived earlier than expected.
“If there’s no conclusive evidence of the theft, then we can’t make any big moves. Still, it might be worth reviewing how the slimes at the treatment plant are being managed and operated.” [Ryouma]
“We were saying just that – that we should just wait for now and monitor the situation closely.” [Sebasu]
There’s no point in causing a commotion before we have definitive proof. A commotion might just make things worse. So, right now, the goal should be to gather information and prepare. That’s probably why the ducal house sent Eleonora—san.
Well, this isn’t really all that surprising. We’ve already expected that other nobles might try to get their hands on our research.
“But still, this is a lot sooner than we expected. Of course, assuming the info is true.” [Ryouma]
“I would argue that it’s more ‘reckless’ rather than ‘sooner’.
Under normal circumstances, no one would dare steal the technology of someone protected by the ducal house.
Even taking actions that might look like theft would usually be avoided.” [Carm]
“Yes.
So, does that mean the noble in question is someone the ducal house believes would do something so out of line?” [Ryouma]
That was actually what intrigued me more, so I asked that, and in the next moment, everyone present except Carm-san – in other words, the nobles – made sour faces.
“The truth is, we’ve seen a rise in problems originating from certain nobles.
It all traces back to last year’s incident… you’ve heard about the nobles who were punished for their involvement against the Jamil Duchy, correct?” [Sebasu]
“Yes, I still vaguely recall it.
Honestly, I didn’t find it all that interesting, so I didn’t memorize the details, but I remember hearing that the nobles involved were arrested.
During the investigation, additional crimes came to light, and other nobles who were linked to those crimes were also discovered, resulting in a domino effect that led to more and more arrests.” [Ryouma]
“As a result, quite a few houses had ended up replacing their heads.
In some cases, even the successors were found guilty of crimes, so someone who was never meant to inherit the house ended up in charge, and as result, they acted inappropriately, drawing even attention.” [Eleonora]
Some examples include imposing new taxes under false pretenses to line their own pockets, accepting bribes from wealthy townsfolk in exchange for favors, and using their newfound authority to crush their enemies.
In the end, nobles were still people, so some abuse was bound to happen, but was it really that bad? Sensing my doubt, Yurdum-san gave me a wry smile and began to explain.
“They might all be nobility, but the difference in education between heirs and the other children might be responsible for this too.” [Yurdum]
“Difference in education?” [Ryouma]
“Nobles value bloodlines, so preserving the family line is very important. That’s why they often have several children. But the more children there are, the more likely problems arise over succession.
To prevent that, it’s not uncommon for noble families to deliberately educate the heir and the other children differently. Most households pass on knowledge and skills necessary for managing territory only to the heir, and sometimes just to the second-born.
Of course, the rest still get a minimum education in proper behavior, as a noble who doesn’t know how to act is a problem.” [Yurdum]
Ah, so they basically ended up putting someone with no experience or knowledge in charge.
Yeah, that really does sound like a bomb waiting to blow up.
“History of the territory, its current situation, and the relationship with neighbors.
Even etiquette varies subtly between daily socializing and formal negotiations.
To just go and tell someone to suddenly start managing all of that, that’s just reckless.” [Yurdum]
“When there’s a sudden change in lordship, the head retainer who supported the former lord would usually act as proxy or aide, or sometimes they would rely on other allied houses, but in this case, the previous head was removed due to criminal charges, so those close to them were likely punished as well, and other nobles probably want nothing to do with the replacement.” [Eleonora]
People tend to lose their cool once pushed into a corner, so it’s not hard to imagine how they could wind up choosing the worst option out of all of the choices.
“So, what you mean to say is that these people wound up isolated, lost their support, then spiraled in a weird direction?” [Ryouma]
“That’s possible, but regardless, the new head is the issue.
This isn’t something to say too loudly, but many noble children who aren’t heirs are, well, let’s just say, they’re ‘undisciplined’ in many ways.” [Eleonora]
At Eleonora’s muttered comment, eyebrows slightly furrowed, Yurdum-san shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
“Hah. Well, okay. I guess I can’t really deny that. There are plenty of people like that, I suppose.” [Yurdum]
“I wasn’t referring to you. I’m just stating a fact that many are like that.
They grow up without worry, think marrying at a decent age is all they need and spend their days partying and bossing people around with money and influence.
My ex-husband was exactly that sort of man.” [Eleonora]
“Ah…” [Yurdum]
Oh right, she was divorced—and from what I’ve heard, the guy was really awful.
I’m not trying to defend the noble in this case, but maybe that experience is part of why she sounds so harsh despite nothing having been confirmed just yet.
“Well, in any case, it’s all still unconfirmed. Let’s make preparations while we wait for more news. We’ll hear back eventually, right?” [Ryouma]
“Yes. If all goes well, we should get confirmation within three days.” [Sebasu]
When I asked Sebasu-san for more details, he told me that the moment the rumor reached them,
Reinbach-sama, the previous head of the Jamil Ducal House, has already left for the noble-in-question’s territory.
He didn’t go alone too: he summoned three of his tamed dragons and loaded them with as many elite guards as they could carry.
…Yeah, I bet that noble will need a change of pants soon.
“Is that alright?” [Ryouma]
“There’s no problem.
Back when he was still in office, he always traveled with a similar escort when visiting other territories.
Our house may use a small, elite security force, but appearances still matter when dealing with other noble families.
Besides, in these kinds of situations, it’s important to show from the outset that you’re taking things seriously.
In that sense, this is actually a good opportunity. We can send a warning to other lords as well without much extra effort.” [Eleonora]
Yeah, I doubt many would be dumb enough to pick a fight escorted by flying dragons.
It’s too bad for them, but it’s good to know that literally dragons have my back, makes it that much harder to worry about other nobles.
“Well then, it looks like you’ve got everything covered. What will you and Sebasu-san be doing next, Eleonora-san?” [Ryouma]
“I will be returning to make a report.” [Sebasu]
“As for me, I’d like to begin with my duties here right away, but…” [Eleonora]
She had just arrived in town and there was a lot to do.
Still, arriving earlier than planned and immediately starting the handover wasn’t ideal.
Carm-san had begun preparing, but this really had come on too short of a notice.
“If you don’t mind, would you like me to show you the property in question? And if there’s time, I think it’d make your work easier as well if we toured the city and got you acquainted with some of the key people you’ll be working with.” [Ryouma]
“Thank you for your consideration. It would be my pleasure.” [Eleonora]
Apparently, the laundromat had been her first stop to make contact, and she hadn’t even arranged lodging yet. All her belongings were stored with Sebasu-san via spatial magic, so as long as she retrieved them, she could head straight to the prepared property without issue.
“In that case, let’s go tour the city.” [Ryouma]
“I shall be returning to make my report, then.” [Sebasu]
After we stepped out of the shop, Sebasu-san handed me Eleonora’s belongings. Well, her “belongings” were just two large leather travel cases. It seemed she had really come with just the bare essentials.
One of the cases was still new, but the other was clearly well-worn. It wasn’t dirty thanks to good maintenance, but it was covered in small scratches, with patches and repairs here and there. It was clear she had used and treasured them for a long time.
I stored them in my own dimension magic to keep baggage to a minimum, then we walked through the city. I could’ve just teleported us, but since this was meant to be a tour, we traveled on foot and by public transport.
We rode a shared carriage down the main street toward the northeastern part of Gimuru. For about 20 minutes along the way, I explained the shops and landmarks we passed until we arrived in front of a side street near our destination.
“This area feels a bit different from where the shops were. The roads and buildings seem newer overall too.” [Eleonora]
As expected, she immediately picked up on the difference.
“You’re right. Until just last year, this was part of the slums. It’s been redeveloped into a residential district since the end of last year.” [Ryouma]
“This is that place? I’ve read the reports, but I see there’s really no trace of the old slum.” [Eleonora]
I noticed her eyes sharpen as she said that. She scanning the area with such intensity that she didn’t even notice me watching her. Was she wary because this used to be the slums? Or did she simply dislike the location?
Thinking it better to ask now in case there was an issue, I cautiously brought it up only to get a very different answer than I expected.
“Oh, I don’t dislike it at all. On the contrary, I was deeply impressed.” [Eleonora]
“Impressed?” [Ryouma]
“Yes. Takebayashi-sama, how much do you know about my family and our territory?” [Eleonora]
All I knew was that her family was a baron house with a small domain, and that it had a gold mine. I’d also heard that other noble houses had interfered with the mine’s operations, exploiting the territory.
I told her that and she nodded once before continuing with a gloomy expression.
“As you said, the Lansor Baron House held only one significant source of income, the gold mine, but the rights to manage it were held by other houses. So despite high revenue, most of it flowed into four other territories, with only a small portion remaining in Lansor.
The territory constantly suffered from a lack of funds for governance.
The failure to prevent outside interference in the mine, and thus, in territorial administration was our family’s mistake, but the consequences extended to the people.
Those connected to the four houses exploited the territory’s citizens, while the rest were left behind, creating a widening economic gap. By the time I was a child, over half the population lived in poverty.” [Eleonora]
I didn’t know her family or their land, so I couldn’t fully grasp how harsh that reality was, but I could tell it had likely been as bad as the slums, if not worse.
She and her family knew how bad the situation was, so they tried to improve things, but to this day, they haven’t succeeded.
“I wasn’t the heir in my household. However, my parents were rare among nobles in that they gave us all equal education, regardless of our standing. Because of that, I believe I understand, at least a little, how difficult improvement can be.
Given that background, I couldn’t help but feel both surprise and admiration at seeing how this former slum has been transformed into a residential area.
I apologize for acting in a way that may have caused misunderstanding.” [Eleonora]
“There’s no need to apologize.
If you had some aversion to former slums or the people from them,
I would’ve had to reconsider which responsibilities to assign you.
After all, I work with people from the slums quite often.
And for this area to become what it is now, we had a lot of help from them too.” [Ryouma]
“Please be at ease.
It is the duty of those born into nobility to rescue the suffering people of their land.
How can one claim to help while turning away from those who need it most?
Or at least, that is how my parents taught me.
I may not be a noble or a ruling lord now, but as your secretary, Takebayashi-sama, I have no disdain for these people.” [Eleonora]
Her words were filled with sincerity, and I could tell they came from the heart.
Most likely, both she and her family were serious and noble-minded in the truest sense of the word.
There’s definitely a bit of a “noble” perspective at her core, but that’s natural given her upbringing.
She’s motivated, so I’m sure Yurdum-san and I will be more than enough to help round her rough edges.
Also, I noticed that whenever she spoke of her family, she’d hesitate slightly or her tone would falter.
There hadn’t been anything outright negative in today’s conversation, but perhaps there was some conflict or tension there.
Even in a short conversation, I was gradually starting to understand her.
I’d need to be careful not to overstep into personal matters, but for the sake of the future, I wanted to keep talking with her openly.
As I thought that, we finally arrived at the property-in-question.
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