Landshelt's Lords
***---***
After watching the Sand Lizardmen leave for the northern desert, it could be said that we succeeded in recapturing the Gouken Oasis.
"Fred, could you take Sahel with you to Breichberg? I left Murt behind as a liaison."
[ Roger ... I'll leave the escort and meeting reconnaissance to you ... ]
"Yup, and let Sahel know the faces of Klaus-san, Kartz-san, Bart-san and the rest."
"Nushi-sama, do you want me to kill them?"
"That's no good, no good, Klaus-san and the others are important people, so you can't kill them."
"Is that so, then, who should I kill?"
Sahel seemed to be itching to do something as she put her hand on the slender kukri knife that hung from her waist.
"No, no, you won't kill anyone this time. Could you please remember the faces of the people to protect and keep an eye on the meeting?"
"Understood, Nushi-sama. So, when am I going to kill?"
"Yup, I'll give you instructions when the time comes, so please wait until then."
"Understood ..."
Yup, she looks like an able-bodied Onee-san, but I felt like she's a bit clumsy.
Was it because Sahel, who was still in the process of growing, had grown rapidly.
The body is an adult, the brain is that of a child ... Rather, it's a reverse pattern from a certain manga.(TN:I'm guessing it's supposed to be referencing Detective Conan here, but there are honestly lots with this pattern.)
[ Sorry, Fred. It may take a little time, but please be patient and teach her. ]
[ Roger ... I'll teach her little by little ... ]
Although I felt a little uneasy, I dispatched Fred and Sahel to Bakkenheim.
Ehh, I was moving Seraphima and Sahel away from each other to prevent them from clashing, you say?
Th, there's no way, that's true ...
When I returned to the entrance of the oasis, the Sand Lizardmen that had been left behind outside the walls had also been subdued by the adventurers.
The adventurers were cheering as they held up their severed heads and shouted, probably because some of them had been killed by the Sand Lizardmen that rushed in.
Looking inside the wall, I saw that the passageway that sloped down from the entrance was completely submerged in water.
Maa, it was an oasis in the desert, so the water level would return to normal eventually.
The only direct use of the water from the oasis was to feed it to animals like horses and camels called belfts, which were used for transportation, and the water used by humans was obtained using magic or camp paper.
In other words, it was like filtration through magic.
"Zeta, could you please unharden and destroy just the wall on the side?"
"Of course, Nushi-dono. Would it be fine to leave it as a vacant lot?"
"Yup, level it out and harden the surface."
"Please leave it to me."
I asked Zeta-tachi to clean up the walls, and in the meantime, I will report the details to Erast.
Erast, the person in charge of the attack, shared his joy with the participating knights and adventurers, but also gave instructions not to let their guard down.
"Not yet, it's not over yet, don't relax!"
When I thought about it, they couldn't really see what was inside the wall from there.
Maa, since I dropped that much water, they probably expected them to be damaged, but they might not think that all of them were washed away.
"Hey, the wall is collapsing!"
"Everyone prepare for battle, wind magicians, blow away the dust!"
"Leave it to me! Mana, oh mana, oh mana that governs the world, gather, gather, gather in my hands and become the wind ..."
Yup, it seemed better to report this as soon as possible.
I deployed a shield of darkness right next to Erast-san and called out to him.
"It's finished. Erast-san."
"Well now, Kent-sama. Ehh, what did you say ... Did you just say it's over?"
"Yes, the Sand Lizardmen were pushed out of the roundabout to the north by the water and left for the desert on the other side."
"Is that true, thank you very much. Heyy, it's over! The Sand Lizardmen have left the oasis! It's our victory!"
"Uoooooooh ..."
All the participants burst out with joy upon hearing the news that the oasis had been successfully recaptured, rather than just a partial victory.
"Look! Water is flooding all the way to the entrance of the oasis."
"Uaah, it's our water!"
The participants in the operation burst with joy and jumped into the water.
Not only today's performance, but also the past several days of practice must have been difficult.
For that reason, I felt like they lost their self control with the news of victory.
"Kent-sama, thank you very much. I don't know how many days it would have taken if we had done it alone."
"If there weren't people blinded by greed, I wouldn't have had to consider it."
"Right, about the adventurers who interfered with the operation on the north side ..."
"I repatriated them to the middle of the desert far away from here, but was I too lenient?"
"That is, letting them have equipment ... is it about that?"
"Hmm ... No, they were just trying to hunt the Sand Lizardmen again, and by the way, the only equipment they had was a dagger."
"In that case, it's fine. If they're lucky, they'll survive, but if they're not, they'll turn into bones in the desert ... I think it is sufficient as a punishment."
"Then, is it okay if I ask you to help with the cleanup here?"
"Yes, ahh, I'm sorry, but if possible, could you please let Seraphima-sama know that the operation is over?"
"Were there any casualties?"
"Yes, please report that four knights and two adventurers were sacrificed."
"Understood. I'll let her know."
After shaking hands with Erast-san, I went into the shadows and visited Seraphima in the Mizuushi Oasis.
Seraphima was waiting for the news of the end of the operation with Hirt in the carriage parked at the Mizuushi Oasis.
Seraphima, who was lying down on the seat, and Hirt, who was sitting on the floor, were at exactly the same height.
"I guess the operation isn't over yet ... Did something go wrong ..."
"I think there will be some news soon."
"Did the strategy go well ... Was the oasis liberated ..."
"We'll know when we get the news."
Seraphima was being comforted by patting Hirt's head, it was a bit cute.
Yup, maybe I should appreciate this a bit longer.
"Sera, it's finished."
"Kent-sama! Is that true."
"Yup, the Sand Lizardmen left for the northern desert."
"Aahh, that's good. Now everyone traveling can use the oasis with peace of mind."
"Sera can also leave for Resenburg."
"Kent-sama, my target is Volzard."
"That's right. I'm sorry."
"Ufufufu, Kent-sama, would you please tell me how the operation went?"
"Yup, I only saw it halfway though ..."
I explained step-by-step from the point where the operation was jeopardized due to the actions of the adventurers who were greedy for credit, to the point where I destroyed the wall and informed Erast.
Ehh, did I explain about Sahel, you say?
W, well, due to time constraints, I omitted that.
"Then, if Kent-sama hadn't arrived, they wouldn't have been able to retake the oasis yet, right?"
"Hmm ... Maybe they could have taken it back without me, but it's over now, so isn't it fine?"
"Is that so, I see. Thank you very much."
Seraphima hugged my left arm as she sat next to me and rested her head on my shoulder.
Yup, it was a modest but exquisite softness ... But, I'm glad I didn't bring Sahel with me.
"Kent-sama, is there something wrong?"
"N, nuh uh, it's nothing."
"Now that I think about it, was Princess Camilla able to take full control of Resenburg?"
"Yup, we were able to conquer the only remaining opposing force, the Calvine Territory."
"So, the succession to the throne has also taken place."
"No, that doesn't seem to be the case yet. Things have been concluded with Camilla inheriting the throne, but it seems like there will be a period of mourning for a year after the previous King passed away, and the coronation will be held at the end of this year at the earliest, or maybe next year."
I also explained to Seraphima about the strategy to conquer the Calvine Territory.
"It's ironic. Around this time last year, we made a secret pact with Havre Calvine and Resenberg was being shaken, but now it's Barshania that's being shaken."
"Have you found the suspects of the monster-fallen case?"
"No, we have not received any news that they have been captured yet. If we continue along the highway, we will pass through the village where arrangements were made, but it is also possible that they took the road and headed west or north."
"I've informed Constant-san, but Guryayev may be able to proceed with the investigation."
"Did my Father have suspicions about Borovska as well?"
"Yup, but apart from the syringe mentioned earlier, he said he would directly inquire of Borovska if there was any medicine that would cause someone to suddenly become monster-fallen."
"In that case, we might end up revealing our side's intentions."
"Constant-san didn't want to seem suspicious even if it meant revealing what he was up to."
When I told her that by contacting them directly, he was trying to show them that he trusted them and wanted them to cooperate with him, Seraphima nodded.
"I see, is that what he thought."
"As for Mungia, it seems like he doesn't want them to engage in a two-sided strategy with Borovska."
"Yes, many knights lost their lives in the Leinef incident last year. Currently, Barshania does not have enough personnel to fight against two tribes at once."
"This is not the time to have internal conflicts."
"Yes, to prevent that from happening, I am marrying Kent-sama ..."
"Hmm ... Sera has no choice but to come to me in order to prevent a civil war ..."
"That's not true! I'm going to Volzard because I love Kent-sama."
"Really ... ?"
"Of course. I wouldn't take a bath or spend the night with someone I don't love."
"Sorry, I just wanted to hear that for a moment ..."
That's right. When I went to Guryayev for my New Year's greetings, I almost lost my sanity.
"Kent-sama, when I arrive at Volzard, you don't have to hold back."
"Uhh ... Yes, I'll think about it."
"Once Gouken is cleaned up, we should be able to leave tomorrow. Then we cross the desert, pass Resenburg, and go through the Devil's Forest to Volzard."
"The rest is, maybe half a month?"
"Yes, if the weather is good, I think we can arrive at about that time."
By that time, regarding the return work of my classmates and the issue of the Irosun Great Forest, I want to set a definite goal.
Maybe I wouldn't be able to get my own home in time, but I think it would be nice to live a sweet life at the Volzard Guest House.
As I was thinking about my new life with my four wives, Murt, who I had left behind as a liaison with Klaus-san, showed up.
"Wafuu, Goshujin-sama, Klaus wants you to come if you're free."
"Klaus-san? Did something happen?"
"Nnh lessee, the Lord of another city is coming, so please keep an eye on them."
"Okay, I'll go right away."
Even though I was thinking of flirting with Seraphima, I'm being obstructed from Breichberg by that Idiot Parent ... Rather, Klaus-san wasn't Seraphima's father.
Maa, if the other lords are also gathered, it would be better to take a look at their faces.
"Sera, I'm sorry. A meeting of Landshelt's Lords will be held in Breichberg."
"I understand. Kent-sama, thank you for today."
Seraphima kissed my cheek and reluctantly released my arm.
Yup, I guess it's no good to leave the reconnaissance to Fred ...
Since I had no choice, I hid in the shadows and headed for Breichberg.
The destination I moved to with Fred as a landmark was apparently the dining room in the guest house in Breichberg.
Seven people were sitting around a large round table.
Next to Klaus-san was Norbert Marburg.
Next to that was Andel Bakkenheim.
Following that, in order, Master Reese and Nacios Breichberg, then a plump woman with cream-colored hair who looked like a sheep beastman, and a man who looked like a dog beastman that looked like a basset hound I was seeing for the first time.
[ Kent-sama, the fat woman is Aloysia Liebenstein ... The dog man is Bloch Verlingen. ]
"Does that mean, that there's one Lord missing?"
[ Correct ... The Lord of Edelich ... ]
"Well then, are they proceeding without Edelich?"
[ This meeting ... seems to be laying the groundwork ... ]
Fred told me about the situation before I arrived, but it seemed like the Lord of Edelich was a man with a lot of quirks, so it would be difficult to convince him.
Nacios-san, the Lord of Breichberg, was in charge of facilitating the meeting.
"To summarize of what has been said so far, is it fine for each town to contribute funds, hire personnel, and proceed with the construction in order to overcome the current situation in the Irosun Great Forest?"
Everyone nodded in response to Nacios-san's question.
Immediately after that, Klaus-san spoke.
"The question is whether that Edelich-jii will agree or not."
"Perhaps, I don't think there's any need to worry about that at this meeting."
It was Aloysia, the female Lord of Liebenstein, who spoke softly, as if admonishing Klaus-san, who looked like he had bitten a bitter bug.
"That is, what do you mean?"
"Just as I said. It seems that Edelich is still unable to conduct sea trade."
"He can't trade ... What's the reason?"
"It seems like a Kraken is staying there."
"Hou, that's good news, isn't it."
Klaus-san was now smiling from ear to ear, as if the expression on his face just a moment ago was a lie.
Honestly, this person ... When someone he hates is in a difficult situation, he suddenly gets in a good mood.
[ Kent-sama too ... has been considerably corrupted ... ]
"Eeehhh! I don't think so ... Yup, it might be."
If my personality was bad, it was all because of Klaus-san.
For now, let's leave it at that.
"Klaus-san, that is not good news at all ..."
"I see, Bloch's place too, do you have business with them."
Bloch Verlingen, a floppy-eared dog-beastman, seemed to be the youngest of the seven Lords of the Republic of Landshelt, and appeared to be in his late twenties to early thirties.
Verlingen was located on the north side of Liebenstein, which was to the east of Breichberg.
Many of the products produced within the territory, such as sheep farming, sericulture, and cotton cultivation, were related to textiles, and most of the fabrics used within Landshelt were produced in Verlingen.
"Our woolen products had a good reputation even across the ocean, and export volumes were steadily increasing ..."
"Hey, that doesn't concern me ..."
"No, Klaus-san, you probably think it's someone else's business."
"I suppose ... But, why don't you try opening up a sales channel beyond the Devil's Forest?"
"Ehh ... Aahh, that's right. Come to think of it, that Stupid King is dead."
"Yeah, it won't calm down for a while yet, but from what I've heard, it looks much better than before."
"I see ... That's true, if it's Resenburg, there's no need to cross the sea ..."
It was Andel, the Lord of Bakkenheim, who intervened in the conversation between Klaus-san and Bloch.
"Bloch, it's good to aim for Resenburg, but if you can't get past Irosun, there's no point in talking."
"Uhh, that's right ... But, everyone, you've made a deal with Volzard, right?"
"Although that's possible, we're relying on Kent Kokubu. In other words, it depends on Klaus' allowance."
"Ahh, what. In order to cross the sea, I have to humor Arnat-jiisan, and in order to cross the forest, I have to humor Klaus-san ... How annoying."
"In order to prevent this from happening, all the territories will contribute funds to settle the situation."
"So, isn't Andel-san the one who will benefit the most?"
"Norbert-san will probably benefit more than me, but I'm sure we will benefit as well."
Bloch seemed to be glancing at Master Reese, who was sitting to his right, even as he was talking to Andel-san, who was sitting in front of him.
As usual, Reese-san was wearing a revealing dancer-like costume, and from Bloch's perspective, she probably looked like she was about to spill out.
"Marburg, which is said to benefit the most, will naturally pay for it, but what are the most important measures to be taken. Are we going to dig a ditch or build a wall?"
"It's both."
It was Master Reese who answered Norbert's question.
"May I ask why?"
"If you dig a ditch, dirt will come out even if you don't like it. Use that dirt as a wall."
"I see, now that you mention it, it's exactly as you said."
The other Lords didn't seem to have any objections to Master Reese's opinion, but Andel Bakkenheim raised his right hand.
"There is no objection to digging a ditch or building a wall, but what should we do about the villages along the way, should we leave them abandoned?"
"Of course, there is no choice but to rebuild them. There's no way the Irosun Great Forest can be passed through in one day. At least two places, Slakka and Moitaba, are necessary."
It took about a day and a half to travel through the Irosun Great Forest by horse-drawn carriage.
ALong the way, you would definitely need a village where you could stay overnight.
In particular, Slakka was originally surrounded by water ditches, but this time it looked like an even wider and deeper ditch would be built.
After that, the seven people continued to discuss various topics until late at night, topics like the depth of the ditch, the height of the walls, and how to proceed with construction.
Landshelt's Lords
***---***
After watching the Sand Lizardmen leave for the northern desert, it could be said that we succeeded in recapturing the Gouken Oasis.
"Fred, could you take Sahel with you to Breichberg? I left Murt behind as a liaison."
[ Roger ... I'll leave the escort and meeting reconnaissance to you ... ]
"Yup, and let Sahel know the faces of Klaus-san, Kartz-san, Bart-san and the rest."
"Nushi-sama, do you want me to kill them?"
"That's no good, no good, Klaus-san and the others are important people, so you can't kill them."
"Is that so, then, who should I kill?"
Sahel seemed to be itching to do something as she put her hand on the slender kukri knife that hung from her waist.
"No, no, you won't kill anyone this time. Could you please remember the faces of the people to protect and keep an eye on the meeting?"
"Understood, Nushi-sama. So, when am I going to kill?"
"Yup, I'll give you instructions when the time comes, so please wait until then."
"Understood ..."
Yup, she looks like an able-bodied Onee-san, but I felt like she's a bit clumsy.
Was it because Sahel, who was still in the process of growing, had grown rapidly.
The body is an adult, the brain is that of a child ... Rather, it's a reverse pattern from a certain manga.(TN:I'm guessing it's supposed to be referencing Detective Conan here, but there are honestly lots with this pattern.)
[ Sorry, Fred. It may take a little time, but please be patient and teach her. ]
[ Roger ... I'll teach her little by little ... ]
Although I felt a little uneasy, I dispatched Fred and Sahel to Bakkenheim.
Ehh, I was moving Seraphima and Sahel away from each other to prevent them from clashing, you say?
Th, there's no way, that's true ...
When I returned to the entrance of the oasis, the Sand Lizardmen that had been left behind outside the walls had also been subdued by the adventurers.
The adventurers were cheering as they held up their severed heads and shouted, probably because some of them had been killed by the Sand Lizardmen that rushed in.
Looking inside the wall, I saw that the passageway that sloped down from the entrance was completely submerged in water.
Maa, it was an oasis in the desert, so the water level would return to normal eventually.
The only direct use of the water from the oasis was to feed it to animals like horses and camels called belfts, which were used for transportation, and the water used by humans was obtained using magic or camp paper.
In other words, it was like filtration through magic.
"Zeta, could you please unharden and destroy just the wall on the side?"
"Of course, Nushi-dono. Would it be fine to leave it as a vacant lot?"
"Yup, level it out and harden the surface."
"Please leave it to me."
I asked Zeta-tachi to clean up the walls, and in the meantime, I will report the details to Erast.
Erast, the person in charge of the attack, shared his joy with the participating knights and adventurers, but also gave instructions not to let their guard down.
"Not yet, it's not over yet, don't relax!"
When I thought about it, they couldn't really see what was inside the wall from there.
Maa, since I dropped that much water, they probably expected them to be damaged, but they might not think that all of them were washed away.
"Hey, the wall is collapsing!"
"Everyone prepare for battle, wind magicians, blow away the dust!"
"Leave it to me! Mana, oh mana, oh mana that governs the world, gather, gather, gather in my hands and become the wind ..."
Yup, it seemed better to report this as soon as possible.
I deployed a shield of darkness right next to Erast-san and called out to him.
"It's finished. Erast-san."
"Well now, Kent-sama. Ehh, what did you say ... Did you just say it's over?"
"Yes, the Sand Lizardmen were pushed out of the roundabout to the north by the water and left for the desert on the other side."
"Is that true, thank you very much. Heyy, it's over! The Sand Lizardmen have left the oasis! It's our victory!"
"Uoooooooh ..."
All the participants burst out with joy upon hearing the news that the oasis had been successfully recaptured, rather than just a partial victory.
"Look! Water is flooding all the way to the entrance of the oasis."
"Uaah, it's our water!"
The participants in the operation burst with joy and jumped into the water.
Not only today's performance, but also the past several days of practice must have been difficult.
For that reason, I felt like they lost their self control with the news of victory.
"Kent-sama, thank you very much. I don't know how many days it would have taken if we had done it alone."
"If there weren't people blinded by greed, I wouldn't have had to consider it."
"Right, about the adventurers who interfered with the operation on the north side ..."
"I repatriated them to the middle of the desert far away from here, but was I too lenient?"
"That is, letting them have equipment ... is it about that?"
"Hmm ... No, they were just trying to hunt the Sand Lizardmen again, and by the way, the only equipment they had was a dagger."
"In that case, it's fine. If they're lucky, they'll survive, but if they're not, they'll turn into bones in the desert ... I think it is sufficient as a punishment."
"Then, is it okay if I ask you to help with the cleanup here?"
"Yes, ahh, I'm sorry, but if possible, could you please let Seraphima-sama know that the operation is over?"
"Were there any casualties?"
"Yes, please report that four knights and two adventurers were sacrificed."
"Understood. I'll let her know."
After shaking hands with Erast-san, I went into the shadows and visited Seraphima in the Mizuushi Oasis.
Seraphima was waiting for the news of the end of the operation with Hirt in the carriage parked at the Mizuushi Oasis.
Seraphima, who was lying down on the seat, and Hirt, who was sitting on the floor, were at exactly the same height.
"I guess the operation isn't over yet ... Did something go wrong ..."
"I think there will be some news soon."
"Did the strategy go well ... Was the oasis liberated ..."
"We'll know when we get the news."
Seraphima was being comforted by patting Hirt's head, it was a bit cute.
Yup, maybe I should appreciate this a bit longer.
"Sera, it's finished."
"Kent-sama! Is that true."
"Yup, the Sand Lizardmen left for the northern desert."
"Aahh, that's good. Now everyone traveling can use the oasis with peace of mind."
"Sera can also leave for Resenburg."
"Kent-sama, my target is Volzard."
"That's right. I'm sorry."
"Ufufufu, Kent-sama, would you please tell me how the operation went?"
"Yup, I only saw it halfway though ..."
I explained step-by-step from the point where the operation was jeopardized due to the actions of the adventurers who were greedy for credit, to the point where I destroyed the wall and informed Erast.
Ehh, did I explain about Sahel, you say?
W, well, due to time constraints, I omitted that.
"Then, if Kent-sama hadn't arrived, they wouldn't have been able to retake the oasis yet, right?"
"Hmm ... Maybe they could have taken it back without me, but it's over now, so isn't it fine?"
"Is that so, I see. Thank you very much."
Seraphima hugged my left arm as she sat next to me and rested her head on my shoulder.
Yup, it was a modest but exquisite softness ... But, I'm glad I didn't bring Sahel with me.
"Kent-sama, is there something wrong?"
"N, nuh uh, it's nothing."
"Now that I think about it, was Princess Camilla able to take full control of Resenburg?"
"Yup, we were able to conquer the only remaining opposing force, the Calvine Territory."
"So, the succession to the throne has also taken place."
"No, that doesn't seem to be the case yet. Things have been concluded with Camilla inheriting the throne, but it seems like there will be a period of mourning for a year after the previous King passed away, and the coronation will be held at the end of this year at the earliest, or maybe next year."
I also explained to Seraphima about the strategy to conquer the Calvine Territory.
"It's ironic. Around this time last year, we made a secret pact with Havre Calvine and Resenberg was being shaken, but now it's Barshania that's being shaken."
"Have you found the suspects of the monster-fallen case?"
"No, we have not received any news that they have been captured yet. If we continue along the highway, we will pass through the village where arrangements were made, but it is also possible that they took the road and headed west or north."
"I've informed Constant-san, but Guryayev may be able to proceed with the investigation."
"Did my Father have suspicions about Borovska as well?"
"Yup, but apart from the syringe mentioned earlier, he said he would directly inquire of Borovska if there was any medicine that would cause someone to suddenly become monster-fallen."
"In that case, we might end up revealing our side's intentions."
"Constant-san didn't want to seem suspicious even if it meant revealing what he was up to."
When I told her that by contacting them directly, he was trying to show them that he trusted them and wanted them to cooperate with him, Seraphima nodded.
"I see, is that what he thought."
"As for Mungia, it seems like he doesn't want them to engage in a two-sided strategy with Borovska."
"Yes, many knights lost their lives in the Leinef incident last year. Currently, Barshania does not have enough personnel to fight against two tribes at once."
"This is not the time to have internal conflicts."
"Yes, to prevent that from happening, I am marrying Kent-sama ..."
"Hmm ... Sera has no choice but to come to me in order to prevent a civil war ..."
"That's not true! I'm going to Volzard because I love Kent-sama."
"Really ... ?"
"Of course. I wouldn't take a bath or spend the night with someone I don't love."
"Sorry, I just wanted to hear that for a moment ..."
That's right. When I went to Guryayev for my New Year's greetings, I almost lost my sanity.
"Kent-sama, when I arrive at Volzard, you don't have to hold back."
"Uhh ... Yes, I'll think about it."
"Once Gouken is cleaned up, we should be able to leave tomorrow. Then we cross the desert, pass Resenburg, and go through the Devil's Forest to Volzard."
"The rest is, maybe half a month?"
"Yes, if the weather is good, I think we can arrive at about that time."
By that time, regarding the return work of my classmates and the issue of the Irosun Great Forest, I want to set a definite goal.
Maybe I wouldn't be able to get my own home in time, but I think it would be nice to live a sweet life at the Volzard Guest House.
As I was thinking about my new life with my four wives, Murt, who I had left behind as a liaison with Klaus-san, showed up.
"Wafuu, Goshujin-sama, Klaus wants you to come if you're free."
"Klaus-san? Did something happen?"
"Nnh lessee, the Lord of another city is coming, so please keep an eye on them."
"Okay, I'll go right away."
Even though I was thinking of flirting with Seraphima, I'm being obstructed from Breichberg by that Idiot Parent ... Rather, Klaus-san wasn't Seraphima's father.
Maa, if the other lords are also gathered, it would be better to take a look at their faces.
"Sera, I'm sorry. A meeting of Landshelt's Lords will be held in Breichberg."
"I understand. Kent-sama, thank you for today."
Seraphima kissed my cheek and reluctantly released my arm.
Yup, I guess it's no good to leave the reconnaissance to Fred ...
Since I had no choice, I hid in the shadows and headed for Breichberg.
The destination I moved to with Fred as a landmark was apparently the dining room in the guest house in Breichberg.
Seven people were sitting around a large round table.
Next to Klaus-san was Norbert Marburg.
Next to that was Andel Bakkenheim.
Following that, in order, Master Reese and Nacios Breichberg, then a plump woman with cream-colored hair who looked like a sheep beastman, and a man who looked like a dog beastman that looked like a basset hound I was seeing for the first time.
[ Kent-sama, the fat woman is Aloysia Liebenstein ... The dog man is Bloch Verlingen. ]
"Does that mean, that there's one Lord missing?"
[ Correct ... The Lord of Edelich ... ]
"Well then, are they proceeding without Edelich?"
[ This meeting ... seems to be laying the groundwork ... ]
Fred told me about the situation before I arrived, but it seemed like the Lord of Edelich was a man with a lot of quirks, so it would be difficult to convince him.
Nacios-san, the Lord of Breichberg, was in charge of facilitating the meeting.
"To summarize of what has been said so far, is it fine for each town to contribute funds, hire personnel, and proceed with the construction in order to overcome the current situation in the Irosun Great Forest?"
Everyone nodded in response to Nacios-san's question.
Immediately after that, Klaus-san spoke.
"The question is whether that Edelich-jii will agree or not."
"Perhaps, I don't think there's any need to worry about that at this meeting."
It was Aloysia, the female Lord of Liebenstein, who spoke softly, as if admonishing Klaus-san, who looked like he had bitten a bitter bug.
"That is, what do you mean?"
"Just as I said. It seems that Edelich is still unable to conduct sea trade."
"He can't trade ... What's the reason?"
"It seems like a Kraken is staying there."
"Hou, that's good news, isn't it."
Klaus-san was now smiling from ear to ear, as if the expression on his face just a moment ago was a lie.
Honestly, this person ... When someone he hates is in a difficult situation, he suddenly gets in a good mood.
[ Kent-sama too ... has been considerably corrupted ... ]
"Eeehhh! I don't think so ... Yup, it might be."
If my personality was bad, it was all because of Klaus-san.
For now, let's leave it at that.
"Klaus-san, that is not good news at all ..."
"I see, Bloch's place too, do you have business with them."
Bloch Verlingen, a floppy-eared dog-beastman, seemed to be the youngest of the seven Lords of the Republic of Landshelt, and appeared to be in his late twenties to early thirties.
Verlingen was located on the north side of Liebenstein, which was to the east of Breichberg.
Many of the products produced within the territory, such as sheep farming, sericulture, and cotton cultivation, were related to textiles, and most of the fabrics used within Landshelt were produced in Verlingen.
"Our woolen products had a good reputation even across the ocean, and export volumes were steadily increasing ..."
"Hey, that doesn't concern me ..."
"No, Klaus-san, you probably think it's someone else's business."
"I suppose ... But, why don't you try opening up a sales channel beyond the Devil's Forest?"
"Ehh ... Aahh, that's right. Come to think of it, that Stupid King is dead."
"Yeah, it won't calm down for a while yet, but from what I've heard, it looks much better than before."
"I see ... That's true, if it's Resenburg, there's no need to cross the sea ..."
It was Andel, the Lord of Bakkenheim, who intervened in the conversation between Klaus-san and Bloch.
"Bloch, it's good to aim for Resenburg, but if you can't get past Irosun, there's no point in talking."
"Uhh, that's right ... But, everyone, you've made a deal with Volzard, right?"
"Although that's possible, we're relying on Kent Kokubu. In other words, it depends on Klaus' allowance."
"Ahh, what. In order to cross the sea, I have to humor Arnat-jiisan, and in order to cross the forest, I have to humor Klaus-san ... How annoying."
"In order to prevent this from happening, all the territories will contribute funds to settle the situation."
"So, isn't Andel-san the one who will benefit the most?"
"Norbert-san will probably benefit more than me, but I'm sure we will benefit as well."
Bloch seemed to be glancing at Master Reese, who was sitting to his right, even as he was talking to Andel-san, who was sitting in front of him.
As usual, Reese-san was wearing a revealing dancer-like costume, and from Bloch's perspective, she probably looked like she was about to spill out.
"Marburg, which is said to benefit the most, will naturally pay for it, but what are the most important measures to be taken. Are we going to dig a ditch or build a wall?"
"It's both."
It was Master Reese who answered Norbert's question.
"May I ask why?"
"If you dig a ditch, dirt will come out even if you don't like it. Use that dirt as a wall."
"I see, now that you mention it, it's exactly as you said."
The other Lords didn't seem to have any objections to Master Reese's opinion, but Andel Bakkenheim raised his right hand.
"There is no objection to digging a ditch or building a wall, but what should we do about the villages along the way, should we leave them abandoned?"
"Of course, there is no choice but to rebuild them. There's no way the Irosun Great Forest can be passed through in one day. At least two places, Slakka and Moitaba, are necessary."
It took about a day and a half to travel through the Irosun Great Forest by horse-drawn carriage.
ALong the way, you would definitely need a village where you could stay overnight.
In particular, Slakka was originally surrounded by water ditches, but this time it looked like an even wider and deeper ditch would be built.
After that, the seven people continued to discuss various topics until late at night, topics like the depth of the ditch, the height of the walls, and how to proceed with construction.
