Akatsuki Translations

“I can’t understand how a 15-year-old commoner boy can come up with the explanation you just gave.” -Euphylia

The noblewoman, who had maintained a certain elegance until just a moment ago, was no longer smiling at all.

“Ah, don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying you’re someone’s parrot. That much is clear from Alfina and Fuglsig’s words. I’m asking how this is possible.” -Euphylia

It’s a natural question to ask in an interview, like “What is your motivation for applying?” I had prepared a few patterns of answers. The reason I couldn’t find the right words was that the woman in front of me was silently showing that no deception would work on her. If I were being asked about the knowledge in my head, I could answer in any number of ways. But when asked about my own nature, it was powerless.

“As for the tree rings, I… I can only say that I saw it in a d-dream… haha.” -Ricardo

The words that came out were the ones I had intended to reject as unacceptable. I laughed at myself for sounding like a prophet. Of course, she responded with a sneer.

“Let’s change the subject. What reward do you desire for this achievement? I think it’s an achievement worthy of being properly rewarded, or else I’ll have no choice but to kill you if you aren’t.” -Euphylia

Cold sweat started running down my back. It was terrifying, with the tip of the folding fan pointing at my chin. I noticed that the butler, who I thought had been standing still the whole time, was now standing behind me.

“Auntie, you’re going too far with your jokes. This is about a reward, right?” -Alfina

“Protecting one’s own business. What else do you desire?” -Euphylia

Alfina clasped her hands tightly in front of her chest, defying her guardian. However, the archduchess paid no heed. In fact, she didn’t need to discuss the reward now. This was a continuation of the earlier interview.

Although it was different from Fuglsig’s scientific literacy, this high-ranking noblewoman also understood that knowledge was power. For that reason, of course, she would consider the danger of me possessing knowledge beyond my station. I wanted to say, “It wouldn’t be so easy to apply modern knowledge if it were that simple,” but it would have no persuasive power in the current situation.

That’s why Alfina was wrong. The generous words of offering a reward were certainly not as generous as they seemed. My fate after solving the problem would be determined by my answer. The old story of the tongueless sparrow came to mind. I wondered what would have happened if the kind old man had chosen the big basket[1].

Of course, unlike the old story, choosing the smaller one wouldn’t solve the problem in this case.

“Well? Won’t you give me an answer?” -Euphylia

In her eyes, I was an unfathomable and peculiar existence. Being an unknown itself was a cause for caution. Appealing that I was harmless would have the opposite effect. The archduchess’s wariness was unreasonable and unfair to me, but not at all surprising.

“Ordinary people, especially commoners, prioritize protecting their current way of life. That naturally narrows their perspective. They simplify difficult problems like impending disasters, which may or may not occur, into a binary choice of believing or not believing. Well, that’s not much different for us nobles either. You said you cooperated with Alfina to protect your small business, right?” -Euphylia

The archduchess’s eyes narrowed.

“A person like that couldn’t have painted such a picture.” -Euphylia

…Ah, geez, she just keeps saying whatever she wants, and she’s spot on. But that’s just her one-sided judgment. If that’s how it’s going to be, I’ll make her realize that my self-preservation is the real deal.

“I have three requests,” I said. I had prepared a draft beforehand.

“Let’s hear them.” -Euphylia

“First, the treatment of Leiria Village after the disaster is resolved. Please protect it in some form.” -Ricardo

Even if the monster flood is resolved, that village will receive no small amount of attention. At the very least, it will catch the eyes of people from the central region due to the knights’ comings and goings. And then there’s the recent attempted kidnapping. Just keeping secrets, as we’ve done before, won’t work anymore. We need to protect it in the literal sense.

The archduchess pointed to the honey placed next to the cup.

“Not just this time, but even after it’s over, protect the place where this comes from. That’s what you mean. What form will that take?” -Euphylia

“If we can prevent the disaster, Alfina’s reputation will rise. The fact that she doesn’t have the fief that a royal family member should have will become an issue.” -Ricardo

If it becomes known as the princess’s territory, no ordinary person will be able to lay a hand on it. I originally didn’t want such a situation to arise, but I can no longer afford to say that. In that case, I have no choice but to make the best of the worst situation.

“The western location is a problem, but it’s a small village. The king might actually be relieved if it’s just that much. I’ll make sure that opinion gets through. We’ll send a trustworthy person from our family to serve as the magistrate.” -Euphylia

The archduchess nodded. If that’s the case, the next thing I need to do is…

“My second request. Please push for the Third Knight Order to be dispatched to the west.” -Ricardo

“The Third Order is small in scale. It’s not a bad idea in terms of finances and not provoking the empire, but…” -Euphylia

The archduchess looked puzzled. The Third Knight Order is like a reserve force. They’ve been assisting the Second Order’s subjugation, so it’s not like they have no experience at all. However, the Second Order specializes in suppressing monster floods.

Normally, with the safety of Leiria and nineteen other villages at stake, safety should be the top priority.

However, at this rate, there’s a high possibility that the Second Order won’t be able to mobilize.

“With the Second Knight Order, there will be obstacles to the very possibility of dispatching knights.” -Euphylia

In this world where there’s little leeway in production, it takes time to gather provisions. Since foreign wars ended long ago and monster floods are predictable in this country, the regular stockpile is small to begin with. Moreover, the Second Order’s stockpile is at a critical level due to the behind-the-scenes conflict between Drefano and Kenwell. That’s a fact we learned from Mia and Jacob’s investigation. Talk about a lucky break.

If an emergency mobilization were to occur, Drefano and Kenwell would trip over each other’s feet. The already contentious dispatch would be further stirred up by lobbying and other activities. At worst, they might even obstruct the decision itself.

Strictly speaking, the subjugation of a monster flood is the defeat of a single high-level individual, not a war against a horde of monsters. The number of people shouldn’t be the top priority. I confirmed this with Fuglsig beforehand.

“The knight commander of the Berthold Archducal House was the former captain of a squad in the First Knight Order…” -Ricardo

“Indeed, we will also dispatch reinforcements from our territory, but… Why are you so particular about this? Do you have some connection to the Third Knight Order?” -Euphylia

The archduchess narrowed her eyes. She’s way off the mark. However, the formal head of the Third Knight Order is another key point.

“I watched the New Year’s Festival. ‘Even if disaster strikes, the “King”dom will repel it. Just as it always has,’ right?” -Ricardo

“…The head of the Third Knight Order is the Third Prince. The main figure who prevented the disaster would be a prince. For the royal family, it would more than make up for the blunder of denying the shrine maiden’s prophecy. No, it would paint a picture of the royal family coming together to prevent the disaster. It would also curb the backlash against Alfina.” -Euphylia

At this point, Alfina’s self-preservation is the village’s self-preservation, Vinder’s self-preservation, and my self-preservation.

“What’s the last one?” -Euphylia

“I need a four-day grace period before widely revealing this information. It will probably take that long just to lay the groundwork internally.” -Ricardo

“There’s no way it can be done in four days. Well, I guess it’s best to be thorough. So, what’s the reason?” -Euphylia

The archduchess stared at me intently.

“I can only say that monopolizing information is the greatest benefit for a merchant house.” -Ricardo

This is the moment of truth. This request is entirely for our own convenience. We stare at each other.

“…Very well. Consider that part of the reward as well. Alfina, you must never speak of this either. Not even to Adel’s daughter.” -Euphylia

“Not even to Claud? Y-Yes, I understand…”  -Alfina

“Thank you.” -Ricardo

I bowed my head, putting various meanings into it. If the plan gets out to Claudia, it will be ruined.

“Um, but is that all? It’s all about me. There’s nothing for Ricardo… Th-That’s right. I was the one who asked for this in the first place. If there’s anything I can do…” -Alfina

“A-Anything, you say?” -Ricardo

Alfina nodded emphatically with a serious expression. Her silver-blue hair flowed down to her modest but well-shaped chest. I unconsciously swallowed.

“Oh, so you did have some kind of promise with Alfina?” -Euphylia

“N-No, that’s not it.” -Ricardo

“Hmm, then let me tell you. I have a distant relative, a viscount family with a daughter of marriageable age. They’re looking for a son-in-law to inherit the family. If you’d like, I could introduce you.” -Euphylia

“Auntie!” -Alfina

Alfina stood up in surprise. Thanks to that, I failed to be surprised.

“What’s the matter, Alfina? It’s about the promotion of an important friend. If he becomes a relative, it will be easier for you to associate with him than before.” -Euphylia

“Th-That’s not what I meant… It’s something that should be up to the person themselves…” -Alfina

“Hmm. Indeed, if a commoner becomes a prospective son-in-law, Lushia may also be dissatisfied.” -Euphylia

“That’s not… That’s not it. This is supposed to be about rewarding Ricardo. Without even hearing what Ricardo wants… That’s not right.” -Alfina

A childish tone crept into Alfina’s voice.

“Aren’t you the one ignoring his wishes? I’m asking if he’d like me to introduce him.” -Euphylia

“Huh? Oh, um…”  -Alfina

Alfina looked at me with a troubled expression. The answer is obvious.

“Our family has spent nearly ten years in the honey business. You just called it a small business, Your Grace. Vinder may indeed be small. But it’s not cheap enough to trade for a viscount title.” -Ricardo

I don’t have such a small goal that I can afford to be distracted by a side job like being a nobleman. Anyway, it’s already been revealed that I don’t give a damn about social status.

But I hope those words don’t reach the ears of that viscount’s daughter.

“Kukuku, hahahahaha!” -Euphylia

The noblewoman laughed with her mouth wide open. On top of that, she started banging on the table with her folding fan. The intimidating aura from earlier has completely disappeared.

“I see, so you can’t exchange it for a mere viscount title. I was thinking of making you an official merchant of the Berthold family, but I suppose you don’t need that either.” -Euphylia

I nodded. It’s not that I’m without desires. Seeking only indirect self-preservation means, in other words, not to directly interfere with Vinder. Safety under the protection of nobility is a mismatch for my goals.

So this is my genuine wish. Since I don’t have the capacity to deceive my opponent, I have no choice but to fight with the weapon of honesty.

“Hmph. Well, I’ll take a longer look at you. Having you around will increase the fun of teasing my niece.” -Euphylia

◇◇

Four days later. I was heading to the library as usual.

“Senpai.” -Mia

“Mia. How are the preparations going?” -Ricardo

“Yes, the rumors are slowly spreading among the townspeople. Jacob is also spreading them among the adventurers who are former soldiers, so they will eventually reach the military as well.” -Mia

“What’s the reaction?” -Ricardo

“As expected, no one is taking it seriously.” -Mia

“As planned.” -Ricardo

I said, trying to suppress my emotions as much as possible. In the courtyard, a chubby boy was walking with a group of commoner students following him.

“Understood. But…” -Mia

“What is it?” -Ricardo

“What will Her Royal Highness think if she finds out about this?” -Mia

“…Is that what’s important right now?” -Ricardo

I said, trying to sound calm. Given her personality, she definitely wouldn’t be happy if she knew what I was about to do. But right now, I need to focus on what I need to protect above all else.

The attempted kidnapping of the village children was ultimately linked to Drefano. Jacob and the others’ investigation identified one of the mid-sized merchant houses under their umbrella as the client. And with our current power, we can’t even cut off Drefano’s tail. Not directly, at least.

“I spoke out of turn. …As for the clover honey, the portion that has been stored in the village has arrived. Emergency food supplies have also finished being delivered from Berthold, where the president is, just in case.” -Mia

It’s also been confirmed that the Third Knight Order’s garrison is getting noisy. By now, that intimidating amazon is probably grabbing Fuglsig by the scruff of the neck and giving a presentation in the castle.

“Alright, our preparations are in order too.” -Ricardo

I pay respect to my business rivals, but I show no mercy to my political enemies.

TL Note(s)

[1] The Story of the Tongueless Sparrow is a traditional Japanese story. Here’s a video in English
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtXzVPsojE4