Chapter 59: The Royal Capital's Emissary
After the shock of being rejected by Leda-san, I wandered the streets aimlessly instead of immediately returning to the mansion.
Although I barely retained enough judgment to store the returned sword and picture book in my item box, honestly, stumbling upon the peculiar general store and bookstore run by the enigmatic old man was either a coincidence or an unconscious action.
So when I saw a familiar face engaged in a heated exchange with the old man in front of the store, I was a little surprised and instinctively tried to hide for a moment.
"Shiro, huh? I see, you've become a free man," it was Muharem, the one who led our team during the territorial sweep. Even though my liberation from slavery had happened just yesterday, it seemed to be known among the local soldiers.
"What's up? You read books and stuff too?" I said it aloud and then thought it might be a rather impolite question, but his slightly awkward expression didn't seem to be because of that.
"Hmm, you too? If you had time to come and try to persuade an old, stubborn man like me, how about reading a book like this young one here?"
"Well, you know, Lord Manjani, wouldn't it be nice if you could at least lend a hand with Lady Karina's consultations..."
Huh? "Lord" something? Please tell me I didn't mishear that. And Karina wants advice?
"Wait, um, old man, were you someone important?"
Ugh, my social skills are lacking. I'm still the same as ever.
"...That was a long time ago. Now, I'm nothing more than an old man running a bookstore."
Oh, so he admitted he used to be important.
"I understand the princess's desire to enrich this territory. I'd like to help if possible, you see. I've been serving the Count since he was just a little child. However, coming up with a revitalization plan is useless without the money or manpower to realize it."
"But... couldn't you figure something out?"
Muharem seemed troubled as well. Maybe he's being told to bring me along or something.
"...Wait, so you're saying there is a plan?"
I asked on a whim.
Old Man Manjani fell into silence for a moment as if caught off guard, then he responded, "There is."
And with that, for some unpredictable reason, he began explaining the plan for the revitalization of the territory.
For Muharem, a soldier at heart, the story didn't seem to resonate much, but for me, someone who had come from modern-day Japan, it sounded like a rather typical community development idea.
If a construction company took it on as a public project, it could be completed in no time. Though, keep in mind, there are no bulldozers or chainsaws in this world... Wait?
"Um... I think that could be done quite easily..."
"What, what do you mean!?"
While heavy machinery doesn't exist in this world, magic does. If Beth put in the effort, wouldn't it be faster than a construction company?
Upon hearing my words, the old man suddenly turned serious and began contemplating. Muharem, having witnessed Beth's magic firsthand, seemed to realize that this was a concrete suggestion.
***
"It seems they will guide the capital's envoy to the labyrinth."
As I joined Greon and the others who were already prepared for departure, he muttered in frustration, "Why are they coming so early?"
Greon seemed to have been freed from slavery as well and had been hired as a leader of the local guards. He proudly wore a small emblem on his armor.
He was released a year earlier than his contract dictated, but considering his performance, I think it's only natural. He might be the strongest in close combat within the territory.
"Even though you were finally freed, you're planning to visit a brothel? Serving at the palace isn't easy either, Captain."
But seeing Larouque grin at him and hearing his excuses, it's hard not to find him endearing.
However, the comfortable atmosphere of the party that understood each other's feelings didn't last long. It was interrupted by the arrival of three men accompanied by Carenna and Cecily.
"From the capital, this is Lord Maegor, the inspector. And these two..."
Carenna introduced them with a stiff expression.
All three of them were dressed elaborately, but this man named Maegor seemed particularly noble. He wore a pendant with a distinct emblem around his neck, which apparently signifies his official status. Maegor's pendant was slightly different in design and larger in size.
Using my newly acquired "Discernment (Intermediate)" skill, I checked their statuses.
Each of them possessed numerous skills and spells.
Even the lowest among them is around Level 18, higher than Gen-san's level. No wonder they're central bureaucrats. Also, I've never seen job titles like "Lord" or "Mage" before, but they must be advanced occupations. In the famous classic RPGs, I recall "Lord" being a "warrior who can use priest-type spells."
The adventurer named Delacius looked us over and whispered something to the leader-like man addressed as Lord Maegor.
They must have checked our statuses too. If it's Level 19, I should be able to use "Discernment (Intermediate)" that I just learned.
Lord Maegor spoke up, "Gentlemen, I rely on your cooperation today."
And then, with a condescending smirk, he continued, "This is an important inspection to determine whether the Count Orbania's house will continue to exist or be dissolved. Keep that in mind, and answer our questions honestly and fulfill our requests."
For a moment, Cecily's anger showed on her face, and the elderly Sebastian, who stood behind us, clenched his fist with a vein pulsing on his temple.
"My intention is the same as that of His Excellency, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the capital! Remember that."
Carenna stood pale and speechless.