Atelier Tanaka Volume 3 Chapter 4 part11

Neumann joined our group as we got back into the carriage and returned to the dormitory. I had planned on returning to the conference to listen to the remaining presentations, but after being awarded the title of baron I don't think I'm in the right mindset to casually sit and listen to any more speeches.

"T-The Radius Grassland!?"

Neumann couldn't believe what he was hearing.

We were now in my room. Besides me, the loli bitch, Christina, and Neumann were all here. The loli bitch sat on my right and Christina on my left. Neumann sat across from us.

I wonder if my lovely maid is out doing laundry. She wasn't here when we returned.

"Yeah, that's right."

"T-That territory isn't worth anything!"

"But it's what I've been given."

"T-Then you'll have to earn fifty gold by next month with that land…."

Neumann was reacting in a similar to Ester-chan when she first heard. We had already told him about the conditions set by the Prime Minister. Neumann's a government official and even he said the conditions given to me were incredibly difficult.

It really is impossible.

Well, I don't have any choice but to try now.

"I'm sorry I've got you involved in such a bad situation, Neumann-san."

"No, t-that's…umm…."

Neumann was lost for words.

I'm not surprised.

It's hard to believe that I'll be a baron in one year's time. He was pulled into this bad situation by the same person that did it to me. Ester-chan. She just brings misfortune to everyone around her.

"But I won't give up."

Having Neumann's reunion with his family resting on my shoulders just gives me more motivation.

I also want to experience a mother-daughter pair at least once.

"There are also things that still need to be done that only a noble can do!"

Ester-chan suddenly shouted this.

"What?"

"Knights. Nobles are given power and status, and with this, you're allowed to create your own Order. The Order is necessary to protect your territory and protect you as well. The biggest enemy to a noble is their fellow nobles. Your first priority should be getting an order of knights established."

"I see."

"A knight order isn't simply an armed force either. Your knight order is a direct representation of the power you possess. You can't just allow anyone to join your Order or you will give off a bad image to the aristocracy. Which means no mercenaries. You should only appoint someone you trust and believe will serve you with honour and integrity."

They must be like the police and SDF of my territory.

Then they really are important.

"But I can't think of anyone. I wouldn't even know where to start…."

No, I do know a couple people.

They just come with problems of their own.

"I could ask for a temporary transfer of knights from my parents, but…."

When the loli bitch tried to come up with a plan, she then realized it wasn't possible.

This would violate the Prime Minister's conditions. We'd instantly fail the moment she asked her parents for help. Though Neumann is basically a loophole. Ester-chan is downsizing the personnel she has and this allows Neumann to be reassigned.

Originally, he was sent to Tricklis as a form of punishment and now he's going to be working for a brand new baron who controls a territory with nothing in it. I don't think he can fall much further. I could see the despair on Neumann's face.

If I fail, he would have wasted a year with me and would be no closer to reuniting with his family.

This may even lead to what he feared the most. His wife finding a new man.

It's terrible to even think about.

"Baron Tanaka…."

Neumann looked as if he were praying as he stared at me.

I'm sorry. I really am.

I apologized to him in my mind.

"We shouldn't despair just yet. Let's visit the territory first before deciding anything."

If all I need is one more person, I should be able to manage somehow, but I don't know how I'll be able to find enough people to form a knight order. On top of all of this, the Prime Minister will be suspicious of everything I do. I need to find a way to form an order of knights using my own power.

Fortunately, I still have some extra money.

I only have less than two hundred gold left from the dragon extermination quest. I can't live off that amount for long. Besides, I don't want to spend all of my money. As a Japanese man living in a disparate society, I want to save every penny I can for a retirement fund. But if I don't use my savings now, I'll be a slave by this time next month.

And I'd have to say goodbye to Sophichan. I can't allow that to happen.

"I understand."

"Christinsan, please return to Lord Fahren. He thinks very highly of you. If you get closer to him, I'm sure you'll be able to grow your knowledge and even find ways to effectively fight against me."

"Are you just tossing me aside like some nuisance!? Aah~?"

"I'm sorry, that's not what I meant. You'll be bored if you come with us."

I'm surprised she even wants to stay with us.

I'm not lying when I say she'll be bored.

Besides, I want to help out the noble mage too. I don't intend to do anything with the loli dragon, but the noble mage only just told me how he feels about her so I feel like I'd be betraying him if I were to take her on an overnight trip.

"Fine, have it your way."

"Then, I'm sorry, but would you mind…."

"Pretty soon you're not going to be able to take me so lightly. I will definitely defeat you someday. I'll be challenging you this time, but once I defeat you and show you my real power, you'll be begging to challenge me!"

"…."

Christina declared this for all to hear.

This Ancient Dragon may be a lonelier creature than even this busamen. She seems desperate for my approval and I guess this is a result of limited interactions with living creatures. Or has she never before encountered someone that's as powerful as her?

Either way, I feel like I'm training a smart pet.

Chapter end