Chapter 160 - 158 The Fate of Viscount Marvellous
While we spent approximately two months restoring the former Mercury Territory and the former Auris Territory, His Majesty and Klaus's men were investigating the magistrates and internal affairs officers in other regions.
"For the most part, it was favorable."
"Umu. It appears so."
It was revealed that those who had acted foolishly were only a small fraction, and His Majesty was relieved by Klaus's report. Furthermore, attention was also being drawn to our new territory, the former Gran Territory.
"As expected, Shivans's territory has good subordinates!"
"The Commerce Minister, Sera, excels at city planning and agriculture, and it seems the Female General, Yaris, is catching bandits and brigands one after another, Your Majesty!"
His Majesty and Klaus, who had even placed spies in our territory, seemed satisfied, but there was one single point of dissatisfaction—or rather, anger.
His Majesty's anger.
That was this recent Jason incident. Following this commotion, His Majesty declared that he would investigate all the nobles as well.
"If you have nothing to hide from me, allow me to inspect your territories thoroughly!"
When told this, the nobles had no way to hide. If something as thorough as a land survey were conducted, naturally, even the hidden mines they had concealed would all be exposed.
One of them, Viscount Marvellous, was in a pinch.
Marvellous was bedridden, as the old wounds from the war had not fully healed. Around that time, he had vaguely realized that his son, Shiomachi, and his younger brother were in a strange relationship.
As a result, while he was worrying about his physical injuries and the future of the Marvellous family, his condition worsened. Due to the mental strain, he reached a state where he could not get out of bed, and just then, the hidden mine was discovered.
"Gwah... the... the Marvellous family is finished..."
Marvellous cried out from his sickbed, and the stewards and butlers thought so too.
That one is the next head of the house, right? This is a broken game...
In the next room, Shiomachi and his uncle were in a frolicking, decadent relationship.
"Oh, Uncle!"
"I'll never let you go, Markun!"
"Ah————!"
To Markun, he was a father. To the uncle, he was a brother. While they were on the verge of death, the existence of the hidden mine had been exposed, and they were being hit with back taxes. Everyone wondered what on earth they were doing.
The one the stewards and servants relied on was his wife, Lion.
"We are terribly sorry, despite having you marry into this house. However, right now, the only one we can rely on is you, My Lady!"
But the stewards were well aware that the Baron Edinburgh family, Lion's maiden home, was also unreliable.
In this situation, the only person we can speak to properly is Lady Lion...
In a state of mind like a drowning man grasping at straws, they consulted Lion.
"I have an idea!"
When Lion told them with a smile that she had a good idea, the stewards lifted their heads and found hope.
"What kind of idea?"
At the steward's question, Lion commanded: "Go and tell Shivans O'Brien-sama, who has become a Baron this time, of this predicament! He will surely help us! If things go well, we can even treat Father and rebuild the territory. Divide the tasks and search for him!" With that, fast horses carrying letters took flight to various places, including the academy and the territories.
If things go well, I can have a second child!
The stewards had no room to notice Lion's ambition.
Even in the Cabinet Minister meetings, the topic of "Why do people commit crimes even when they know they will face the death penalty?" was being debated.
Windam, who had recently gained the trust of his subordinates and was being doted upon by His Majesty as the "Hero Old Man," spoke up.
"Human greed drives people to crime. The previous magistrates and internal affairs officers were by no means bad people. They likely succumbed to greed for money and power, or yielded to the threats of criminals. I heard they did as they were told because their families were taken hostage. I can understand those feelings."
As expected, the root of all evil was Prince Jason.
They concluded that if they did not now crush the villains of the Duchy of Walujava, who were manipulating him from behind, there would be no future.
There, the Foreign Minister spoke.
"I certainly believe what Lord Windam says. According to my investigations, 19 Years Ago, the Hazard Country and the Duchy of Walujava invaded in coordination. The situation is a bit different now. The Hazard Country is exhausted from the war with the Kieff Country. That is likely why they are carrying out assassinations, incitement, and diversionary tactics."
Next, the Minister of Internal Affairs reported following that statement.
"According to what we have heard from our spies, the Lechaa Trading Company, and the Shilling Trading Company, it seems a Prime Minister named Archbishop Shoben rules that country. He is likely the one manipulating Prince Jason. This time, we shall be the ones to bring him down!"
The Minister of Internal Affairs spoke as if saying an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
In the former Gran Territory,
Sera, Yaris, and the others who had been entrusted to me were holding meetings day after day. First, following Sera's proposal, "Let's achieve the maximum effect with the minimum effort we can provide!" the five people Sera had initially brought along each made a proposal.
"First, we should improve the sandy beach and expand the salt fields!"
"We must build a proper wharf and create a fishing port!"
"Roads! Roads! We have to improve the roads!"
"There is a lot of fertile farmland here! Let's focus on agriculture!"
"It should be made into a Sea Capital! Let's eliminate the slums, make it a beautiful city, and utilize the slum dwellers!"
Yaris, one of the three members of Shivans' Guard, spoke up.
"Roads are good, but we should make more use of the waterways! It will make transport easier!"
"That's good! It will make life easier for the farmers and can be used as moats!"
When Vel agreed, Regias spoke from the perspective of national defense.
"Even if they are enemies, we must create a city that is easy to defend and hard to attack by bandits, thieves, or pirates! I will lead the Engineer Unit!"
He was full of motivation, holding a pickaxe and wearing a helmet.
Then Passo appeared and spoke.
"Road maintenance is an urgent matter. I propose we enhance the installation of streetlights. We should increase the cultivation of Fluorescent Flowers! It is a loss to the country if young girls are attacked at night and face danger!"
It was good at first, but he shouldn't have said the latter half.
However, since there was some truth to it, everyone stood up with the motto, "Let's do what we can! So that we can be recognized by Shivans-sama!"
Regarding the sea, the Captain of the Marine Corps took the lead in planning coastal defense and security, spreading out maps with everyone and working day and night.
On land, Yuri took the lead in carrying out the annihilation of bandits and thieves.
"Don't look down on us just because we're women!"
She was leading female soldiers in raiding hideouts.
Of course, since Gensai and the others had also made them subordinates, Sarusuke used [Skill: Concealment] to infiltrate the enemy hideout and confirm the interior.
Gensai put the guards to sleep, and Saizou, Seikai, and Isa stormed in. The female soldiers apprehended the fleeing enemies.
"Even though you're women!"
"I don't want to hear that from a mere thief!"
Then, the captured bandits and thieves were tortured by the soldiers of the former ruffians, forced to spit out the faces and locations of their comrades and acquaintances.
In some cases, they disguised themselves as farmers to deceive the enemy and obtain information.
"Heh! So you're attacking this village tonight? I'll guide you, but can you provide a reward?"
"Of course! We've captured five good women at the hideout! We'll give them to you."
Unaware that they were being stealthily followed, the thieves returned to their hideout.
"O-kashira! The villagers promised to cooperate! They said they'd be waiting with the latch of the back gate undone!"
"Good! Prepare the torches! We're all heading out! Get the weapons and carts ready!"
The thieves began preparing busily.
As the sun set, the two people at the front held up torches and headed toward the village, but one by one, the people at the very back disappeared and were replaced by different people. However, no one noticed as they proceeded.
By the time they arrived at the village, the back half were different people, and when they tried to open the back gate, nets were thrown from above and from behind, capturing them.
"Y-you guys... are you betraying us?"
He spoke to his comrades behind him, but he only realized the truth when they laughed and said, "We were never your comrades to begin with!"
"What did you do with the guys in the back?"
"By now, aren't they being fitted with slave collars and turned into construction laborers?"
Laughing at him, the people who had been disguised as villagers made him realize it was a trap, but he lamented that it was too late.
As for Sera, "Shivans-sama told me I can use up to 10 billion! Now, let's rebuild the city!" she said, gathering artisans from all over to carry out a great reform of the territory capital.
Many contractors capable of construction gathered, along with carpenters and plasterers, of course.
Many people also came from the clinic. Among them, the twin sisters Saya and Lara, whose stomachs were slightly swollen, also rushed over to treat the slum dwellers for free.
Since Theo, Jean's grandfather, was among the artisans, I asked about Jean. When I heard that she said she was grateful to me, I asked the reason, and he said, "She said she wouldn't marry, and that she hates men. But she says that Shivans-sama is different."
Since she was currently pregnant, it seemed they hadn't brought her, and I thought (as I suspected, she did get pregnant), but he was full of enthusiasm, saying, "Ho! You can make all sorts of things here! It's the greatest joy for an artisan! Let's all work hard to earn money!"
He was involved in making houses and furniture, leading many artisan companions.
In Sera's vision, ships would be docked at the port, and seafood would be brought up onto the quay and immediately turned into sushi. The roads to the fishing port were also perfectly maintained.
Ufufu! I have to get praised by Shivans-sama!
Fish that couldn't be sold were immediately turned into fish paste or dried goods. Recently, smoked foods had also become very popular, so a huge smoking factory was also being built.
Around that time, the farmers were also overjoyed.
"What is the meaning of this? Even though we've finished the harvest..."
"Oh, come on! Surely God has blessed us?"
"But we didn't plant any cotton, did we?"
"Same here! Before we knew it, a massive amount of soybeans had appeared!"
There was an uproar that besides rice and wheat, vegetables and fruits were also growing, but Sera understood.
As expected of Shivans-sama! With this, the residents can take a breather!
In the territory capital, buildings and factories were being constructed, so the new territory was being completed at a very good pace.
Around that time, Aristo and the others visited the Dorakuma family, which was their own territory and Misuzu's maiden home, but they found no faults.
So, they tried asking, "Is there anything you are troubled by?"
"Where do you get your sugar and pepper from?"
"How do you make miso and soy sauce?"
"How can new types of alcohol be made?"
"It's Aristo-sama's territory, right? What are the local specialties?"
Unable to answer any of them, they returned to the academy for a moment and asked the teachers, who told them, "Wouldn't it be fine to procure them from the Cielo Trading Company?"
Are they idiots? Don't they think I'm not expecting an answer of that level?
While he was getting irritated, Aria scolded him.
"If you're going to be irritated here, why don't you go to Shivans or Sera and learn, even if you have to bow your head?"
"You're right. Thank you!"
Aristo had been acting as if he knew all sorts of things.
I couldn't answer any of them. I'm irritated with the teachers, but in truth, I'm most angry at myself for not being able to answer anything. Aria understood that.
Aria and Kate also said they would accompany Aristo, and the seven of them set off for Sera's place in the new territory.
And upon arriving at Sera's place, Aristo told Sera everything that had been asked at the Dorakuma family without hiding anything.
"Aristo-sama, you also toured the factories during the Summer Training Camp, didn't you?"
Aristo faltered at Sera's angry tone.
"I-I did, but? What about it?"
"Did you think that miso, soy sauce, and alcohol could be made easily?"
He had heard the general manufacturing methods, but he hadn't remembered them.
"I heard them, but I didn't remember..."
"Listen carefully. Shivans-sama uses magic and alchemy to perform fermentation and aging, and removes excess bacteria and other things, so high-quality goods can be made in a short time. However, normally, it takes years! In some cases, failure is even possible... To demand that it be taught as easily as cooking is ridiculous."
Sera spoke reproachfully, explaining to Aristo just how much risk was involved. She appealed to him regarding the fact that they had built factories and spent years only to finally achieve something, and that if they failed, even the crops they had spent a year growing would go to waste. She also pointed out that they would have to continue paying labor costs throughout that time.
"If the Dorakuma Trading Company intends to obtain them easily without any resolve, then I think they should just use the procurement the teachers mentioned. However, I don't think Cielo would ever join hands with such a company. Aristo-sama, do you truly wish to help the Dorakuma Trading Company?"
"To tell you the truth, I didn't have any resolve... I thought I would go to help out of guilt, be of some use, and have them forgive me for everything I've done."
Aria sighed and said, "Maybe the other party saw through your shallow thinking and intended to use you?" Kate also added, "That's quite possible. They are merchants who have seen it all. If this goes well, it's a windfall. Besides, Aristo is the great villain who raped the young lady." Aristo stood there, stunned.
Then, Sera whispered to Aristo with a smile.
"Most likely, if it is Shivans-sama, he will solve it by thinking one step ahead of what the opponent imagines! Aristo-sama, if you give up because you cannot do it here, you will never be a rival, will you?"
When she provoked him, Aristo burned with determination, saying, "Give up? There is no way that I would raise a white flag so easily! I'll do it!"
Shivans certainly has vast magical power and unusual magic. But I can also use my grandfather's authority. Shivans said before, that as long as there is money, even Port Town Marino can be built. That is certainly true! The problem is how to earn the money? I don't want to borrow my grandfather's power for this...
So, Aristo made a proposal to the other six.
"I want to obtain a certain amount of lump-sum money! And I want to get stronger! So, I want everyone to cooperate with me!"
Aristo's plan.
It was to head toward the Butler territory, get trained by Butler, and dive into the dungeon located in the Butler territory to earn money. If they were allowed to stay at the Butler mansion, they wouldn't have to pay for food or lodging. Moreover, he thought they could learn many things there as well.
Fortunately, since I had been renovating the Butler mansion, my mother Leen welcomed the seven of them warmly. Father Butler also said, "It is a commendable mindset to want to be trained!" and trained the seven of them until they were in tatters.
"H-hey, Kate... even I've ended up this broken..."
"Don't say it, Aria... I'm regretting it..."
In the midst of that, Aristo felt moved by Milfe's figure, as she laughed and challenged them again and again even when she was beaten to a pulp.
"A girl is working that hard! Then I will too!"
"To think there was another masochist besides Milfe! That's amazing, Rai-nee?"
"Indeed. I couldn't do it. Emilia, do you know about that masochistic boy?"
Emilia explained to Reimi that he was Shivans's best friend and the grandson of a great noble named Aristo.
"The rumors say Milfe also comes from a noble birth? I wonder if people of noble status are often strange people?"
In response to Reimi's question, Emilia playfully raised both hands in a "I don't know" pose.
The Traffic Light Trio and Carla wondered, "Why are they training!?" Unable to voice their doubts, they endured the two months while being beaten to a pulp.
I told my internal affairs officer that I would hand over the Auris Territory to them, saying, "I'll leave the rest to you!" and proceeded directly to the Marvellous territory.
Upon arrival, Marvellous was bedridden, and Lion was nursing him. Next to them, I could hear the voices of Markun and the uncle, and Marvellous was crying, saying, "Shiomachi and my brother are nothing but a disgrace."
It's my fault, but... to think they'd fall this far...
"Shiomachi-senpai was like that both when he was at the academy and during the war."
Marvellous nodded while lamenting and looked at the next room.
"That man... he really should not have been discharged from the hospital! I feel truly sorry toward Lion..."
Marvellous apologized to Lion many times.
If Marvellous dies now, Lion will be in trouble too.
After I applied [Skill: Heal] and gave him a nutritional drink, he calmed down a bit, so I explained the current situation.
"Until my grandson becomes an adult... I cannot die..."
"I understand your feelings. Since Lion-senpai has helped me so much, I will support the reconstruction."
He grabbed my hand, said, "Please..." and wept again.
Since I've been asked, I'll do what needs to be done!
However, the income and expenditure report shown to me by the steward was in a worse state than expected.
First, there was no cash.
On top of that, the head of the house, Marvellous, was in a near-death state, and even if Markun and the uncle weren't "Moho," they were useless. They were in a massive deficit due to the back taxes imposed by His Majesty.
"Shivans-sama... will it work out somehow?"
"Even if I say I can use magic, creating something from nothing is impossible, but there are ways!"
I asked the steward to gather the soldiers of the Marvellous territory.
Roughly 3,000 soldiers were gathered, but perhaps they had heard the rumors? Every single one of them was full of a delinquent vibe.
"I know you! Just like our young master, you offered your ass to the Emperor to become a Baron, didn't you?"
When one soldier spoke to me teasingly, everyone burst into laughter.
"Heh! What does a brat like you want with us?"
"Oi, oi! Are you so scared you can't even speak?"
I'll have to shut them up one by one...
"If you don't shut your filthy mouths, I'll kill you."
While smiling, I applied [Skill: Intimidation] and cast a barrier so no one could escape, and as I added killing intent, they gradually began to suffer and urinate themselves.
"Now! Those who mocked me shall die in agony."
"You... what did you do to us?"
"Are you all idiots? I haven't even touched a single finger, have I? Now! Draw your swords! I'll kill you! Or will you die like this? Choose whichever you like. If you don't decide quickly, the pain will increase."
Some put their hands on their swords, but their hands were shaking so much they couldn't grasp them.
"Now, I will make one proposal. Will you obey what I say? Or will you die in agony like this? Well, either is fine, but..."
Then, the one who had mocked me performed a dogeza and said, "I will obey..." and one after another, they began to perform dogeza as well.
Since everyone said they would obey, I released the intimidation, but they shouted, "You fool!" and attacked.
However... they did not move.
As everyone stared at the man who wasn't moving for a moment, with a "shredding" sound, his body was cleanly split in two.
"That was your last chance to survive. I didn't realize you were all such fools. With this, I believe you all understand. If anyone wishes to follow the same fate, you are welcome to defy me anytime."
Everyone shook their heads vigorously and listened to my words obediently.
I then issued an order.
"You will be divided into 10 teams to go mountain hunting for one week. Naturally, teams with poor results will see hell. If you do not act in unity, you will suffer later."
Then, one person raised their hand to ask a question.
"What specifically are the results?"
"Catching monsters, bandits, and pests. Ideally, live captures are preferred. Monsters can just be corpses. Those leading the units must work hard, or I will hold them responsible!"
Groups of 300 began preparing in a hurry and entered the mountains one by one.
Since it was a land with many mountains, the farmers had been lamenting the heavy damage from pests.
In the meantime, I tilled the land with earth magic and grew crops with spirit magic. I made roads and cleaned up abandoned houses. As I improved the fields, both farmers and merchants were delighted.
I tamed birds to observe the soldiers' condition.
Those who engaged in sabotage or bullying lost various things without mercy.
"My... my cock is gone..."
"Me too! Both the balls and the shaft are gone..."
"Just where on earth are you looking from?"
The soldiers felt a chill, not knowing who was watching.
Those who had a hard time ended up being laughed at.
"It's because you didn't work seriously, right?"
"Exactly! It's because you were bullying others!"
Those who had lost them wept, but no one sympathized.
One Week Later
What awaited the returning soldiers was... the teams with poor results were sent to the mines to extract iron or to build river embankments.
"We just finished the mountain hunting..."
"Don't complain! If we lose our balls and shafts because of you, what are you going to do about it?"
The teams with good results helped with the harvest. And when they were sent mountain hunting again, this time all the soldiers worked desperately hard.
For one week, I reinforced the mountains where iron could be found and dug deeper with earth magic. By using alchemy to extract high-purity iron, I worked to resolve the deficit.