Seeing almost all of the {Slaughterers} gathered together Zenom took a step forward as Sean and I were surprised.
"Well, since we have the chance. Bring along these fellows when you make deliveries at the castle this time. Outside of the {Saviors} the only who's entered the castle before is Rodrick after all. There's a bit too many people but they should at least let us past the middle moat right? Let them see the castle. I want to see it for the first time in a while too."
Certainly there's quite a few people..including me there's about 20 people from just the {Slaughterers} here. If we include the caravan from Bakuddo and Ressegu the head clerk then it'll be close to 30 people. Even then it's just said Zenom said, everyone is registered as employees of Greed Company so I don't think there's any problem. Probably they should be fine making it past the outer moat into the third outer citadel. In order to enter the second outer citadel you have to go past the middle moat but whether they're armed or not it's questionable if they'd be let it..I don't know.
There's some slightly deformed parts to it but the castle is more or less in the hirajiro(TL: built on flat land) Japanese style with a layered structure. Putting it simply it means that there's several circular rings of land of different sizes and moats in-between. The outer moat runs around the very edges of it and then there's three citadels inside of that covering a considerable area. There's bridges across the outer moat in several places but they aren't drawbridges but very sturdy fixed bridges. There's large gates at every end of the bridges on the side of the third outer citadel and that acts as both a guard station and lookout tower. If you were to have a weapon on you then you'd leave it there when going inside.
In the third outer citadel there's the stables and lodging for the stationed guards and there's also lookout towers in a number of places other than just the gates. I guess it's taking into consideration the possibility of a siege but the considerably vast vacant land stands out. It's simplistic compared to the castle tower but what I guess you could call the castle of the third outer citadel acts as a more serious fortress and lookout tower as it continues past the middle moat into the second citadel, it's placed to protect the sole drawbridge that leads inside.
If you pass that drawbridge and go over the middle moat then you'll be inside of the second outer citadel. Here other than the defensive lookout towers there's a bit of a garden and such. Just the same as the third outer citadel it's got three layers of lookout towers to protect the drawbridge leading further inside. The various ministries castle branch buildings are located in this area and each of the knight groups from the first to the fourth have their headquarters here as well. The leader, vice-leader, and headquarters personnel of the knight groups all come to work here. Sister is a member of the first knight group but the actual station grounds of each of the knight groups including the first are in a different location from the castle so she isn't normally here.
Normally, the delivery of armor takes place in a room in one of the lookout towers of either these second or third outer citadels. If you were to ask which, it takes place in the third outer citadel more often. At first we even took care of the deliveries and orders in a vacant lot of the third outer citadel but in the past 2~3 years it's had a feel like going to the second outer citadel when a convenient room isn't open close to the castle in the third outer citadel. In other words I've only gone in a number of times that can be counted on one hand myself.
And, finally there's an inner moat and that leads to the inner citadel. Obviously the castle tower looms over that area. Obviously I've never entered there either and I've only seen it from the outside so I don't know what's going on inside.
"Just a bit, we thought we'd take a look at our future objective."
Ginger took a step forward beside Zenom while saying.
Fu..
I don't know who brought it up but I guess it was that sort of thing.
"..Well, that's fine. But, I think they'll only let you in up to the "third outer cit"..up to the outer perimeter?"
"That's no problem. I just want to take a look at even a portion of the castle that I've heard about."
Sanno said while shrugging his shoulders.
Ah, that's right. I need to say this.
"Also, Miduchi, Zenom, Toris, Bel, and Rodrick you guys stay behind this time. You've all seen it before and as expected there's way too many people."
"Eeh~~""
......................
Leaving behind the five who were grumbling that they went to the trouble of coming, even then we took along a total of over 20 people to the castle and took care of the deliveries. We were able to enter the third outer citadel without problem but after all we weren't allowed into the second citadel.
Even then everyone seemed to be impressed by the delicate and splendorous ornaments around the building and the magnificently mowed lawn in the vacant land. I was a bit nervous that Rokko or Jeru might start making too much noise but as expected even they were impressed as they just looked around occasionally saying, "Ha~" in a whisper.
Supposedly this Rombert castle was completed for the time being and started to function as a castle 50 years ago from now. Including the ornaments and such the building was only completely finished 40 years after that, a short 10 years ago. Prior to that, Rombert castle used to stand a bit to the North from here in what's currently considered the low-ranking noble district. The grandfather of the current King who was the King at that time had just finished an 80-year project to complete the new Rombert castle 10 years after he took the throne so he spent another 20 years moving castles and tearing down the old one.
I smoothly gave everyone an explanation of that sort of hearsay.
We left the castle after finishing up the delivery and sightseeing and I talked with Kamu on the way back to the company.
The one who proposed sightseeing at the castle with everyone this time was Toris. Supposedly Toris told everyone he wanted them to understand my objective to make a new country after this even a bit better. Hearing that they thought it would be good to see the castle at least once. Of course, it seems like there was also the reason of wanting to see the interior of the castle together with everyone at once as well.
On our way of slowly returning to the company headquarters I listened to what everyone was saying.
"Really~ it was amazing right~"
"Yeah, I've only heard about something like that in stories."
"Sean-san you've gone in a number of times right? Have you ever gone even further inside?"
"Yeah, just once I've gone a bit further inside."
"What's going on beyond that?"
"Things get even more luxurious. You can also see a garden with quite a bit of work done to it as well."
"Ha~ ..Garden! So there's even something like that!"
"Did you see the ceiling of that room?"
"Yeah, it had a beautiful picture drawn on it."
"That, it's a fairy tale from the past right."
"Is that so?"
"He~"
"That's right. Don't you know it?"
"I couldn't tell..I felt like I was going to go blind from how extravagant it all was."
"Right. It wasn't just gold but there was even one door that was completely varnished right."
"That was supposedly something with scenery of various places in the Kingdom drawn on it."
"Eh? Is that so Jamie-san?"
"Pu..It really wasn't a fairy tale right?"
".."
The first time I saw it I looked around quite a bit in admiration as well I think it was.
I thought that the original construction of large temples and shrines in Kyoto or famous great cathedrals in foreign countries would be like that. Though I'm sure the theme for the pictures is different.
While that was going on we arrived at the company. Five people with bitter smiles on their faces came out to greet us.
Even here everyone ended up talking about how luxurious and magnificent the castle was. I wonder what everyone's doing after this? Thinking that when I tried asking them about and it seems everyone is going out to eat. Last night, the three who came ahead to the capital early on already reserved a restaurant.
If you're doing that then how about having a meal with everyone in the caravan from Bakuddo and the store? Thinking that I tried suggesting it but was gently rejected by Toris. He wanted to wait until night before we all eat, drink, and get acquainted. Somehow it felt like things weren't adding up but if that's the case it can't be helped. There's probably things that are difficult to talk about when I'm around. In that case I proposed footing a bit of the bill but was rejected on that too. Somehow it wasn't very amusing as I felt like my good intentions were turned to nothing but sooner after Toris lowered his head to me and simply explained the reason.
Supposedly the lunch meeting this time is in the shape of the seniors of the {Slaughterers} Zenom, Toris, and everyone treating the juniors. Hmm, certainly there's no room for me to join in that case. They've all acted as leaders a number of times and built up a decent amount of trust.
However, in the end they're still mostly 19 year old brats. In order to act as the leader of first-rate adventurers in their late 20s and 30s they can't just be reliable and individually strong but need to pay attention to things on all ends. Putting aside what degree of meaning that has, they must have decided that even just doing a little bit is better than not doing anything at all.
Even the reincarnated people have started again as brats in addition to their past life. I'm sure they want to show off that they aren't just slightly strong brats with a bit of intelligence.
In order to lead people you need to show them the future. Of course, it's not as if there's no other methods as well.
For example instilling them with fear, even the method of controlling people through fear is somewhat effective. Though there's a lot of people who failed trying to do it, if it's up to some extent I think there's even more cases of it succeeding. It doesn't really matter what method is used at the start. In the end if you show them the future and let them believe that you're the assistance they need in order to aim for that then there's no problem wherever the startline is. If you can take responsibility for it that is.
In other words they must want to do something like a rise to action meeting.
If I were to retort even further on it then it's basically Toris declaring that he's aiming to become a high ranking noble of the country I make. In that case putting aside the retainers right now, he must want personal connections that connect to the future as well. Rodrick and Binsu are nobles and supposedly even Misu has some connections after all.
If that's the case then I should just do what I can do on my end. First off is going over the account book of the company and making corrections, then going to the government office before I forget to pay the luxury tax for armor this time along with the taxes for last month, listen to the state of customers from the Yotlen and Rassegu families, put in an order with Sean and the others for improvements on the items delivered next time, perform an inspection of the sausage factory without warning and reprimand them over any problems to fix, check on the progress of the slaves education, go around explaining changes in the amount of sausage ingredients we'll be needing to the sellers while greeting them, and I need to show my face at Tukerin's clinic to greet and thank him as well. Oh~ it's necessary to stop by Sandak Company and check on things regarding the amulet as well.
Though I can split up some of them with Miduchi there's quite a few things I need to do. First off it's necessary for Miduchi to accompany me in correcting the account books. Thinking that I was about to call out to her and it was just as she was about to go out with Toris and the others...
Even you're going along with them...I'm sure she's not going just to play around but...Even though it's already been over 10 years since my thoughts have switched primarily to the Ragudarios language of Orth, whether it be using an abacus or doing mental math for some reason saying, "Which is~ why, it becomes X0~ yen.." in Japanese feels a bit more efficient and is easier to concentrate...
It can't be helped so I had Anna go and buy me some sandwiches and ate those while correcting the accounts. After that when I went to the government office and took care of the taxes it was long past 3:00.
The sun is still high but I had Yotlen and the others discuss customer complaints and improvement points of the products with Sean and the others while having tea. It's not like Sean and the others will always be here after all. And then the day passed by as we were doing that. Rasseg and Mili who went out to make deliveries to companies we have contracts with finally came back after finishing up most of the jobs. After that Angela with a slightly red face probably from drinking appeared in the store to tell us to go eat and drink with the {Slaughterers} while she keeps an eye on the store.
Supposedly Zulu is taking the slave brats working at the factory out for a meal so there's no need to worry about them. Originally I've paid them enough in wages so they can eat so I wasn't worried about that. Supposedly Giberuti is keeping an eye on things at the factory.
According to her they were having a motivational meeting at Rokiddo this time and everyone including Basutoral and Cathy are still there. If it's one of the top restaurants of the capital then it's just right for thanking Sean and the others for their long journey. After bringing along the squires from Bakuddo, Ressgu family, and even the Yotlen family it was already a party. Ralpha and Gwine's loud laughing was echoing out to the entrance. I almost misunderstood whether that Rokiddo suddenly decided to setup a cheap bar like the ones in Baldukk.
Everyone was completely drunk and considerably cheerful. It seems they were originally having a study session on manners during a meal...Hey now, wasn't it a motivational meeting? Well, I guess that's fine. It should be fine to occasionally have a huge party at this level of high class restaurant while eating high class food. Anna, Hanna, and Kamuna all loved it after all.
.............................
Year 7447, Month 4, Day 29
In the end last night the party continued until late into the night. Thanks to that the squires and normal employees for the company were able to get very acquainted with the {Slaughterers} who are registered as security employees. It was pretty fun. Starting today it seems that all of the {Slaughterers} are going to enjoy themselves however they please in the capital and then return to Baldukk after they're satisfied. It seems Sean and the others are planning to stay one more night to get some rest before returning to Bakuddo.
Just before dawn I woke up the still half-asleep Miduchi to go running and we encountered the slaves from the sausage factory working hard at running as they're lead by Zulu and Angela. I thought they were missing some people so I tried asking about it and it seems they'll return after finishing half then next time Henry and Mekku will lead them for the other half of the running. That explains why it seemed like only the older ones were with them.
It was then that I heard someone speak from within the slaves. Just when I was thinking who it might be, it was the oldest two slaves among the factory, Maru and Rinbi. Supposedly they want to discuss something with me later.
I don't particularly mind.
Is it negotiations over a wage increase?
For the time being there's not much of a difference other than John and Terry.
Though I say that, the two of them are the oldest and there's physical labor as well, since they also have to look after the smaller kids a bit I had already given them a bit more compared to the others.
Just when I was thinking that, unexpectedly they said they want to be combat slaves.
There's some strange people out there.
I went to visit the store once after returning to the inn for a shower then left soon after greeting the Yotlen family. I thought about visiting Sandak Company first thing today but I decided to go to the sausage factory for the matter from just now. It's to do an inspection without warning as well as to discuss things with Maru and Rinbi. I decided to have Miduchi go pay a visit to Tukerin. It'll be a bit later but I'll head over there afterwards.
There's 22 slaves I have working at the sausage factory excluding John and Terry. Of those I bought 11 of them at the same timing as we started operation of the factory last summer. A short while after that I bought an additional 9, then another 2 who we purchased to adjust Toris's chainmail and after that was over threw them into the sausage factory.
That's why even if two people or so were to be taken out I'm sure there wouldn't be much of a difference in the productivity of the factory. But you know, these two just reached the age of adulthood this year. It was just as I was thinking I wanted one or two people as combat slaves but they're useless in terms of combat strength. If they haven't learned how to use a weapon for at least one year it's too frightening that there's no way I could bring them into Baldukk.
Just obediently work without showing interest in strange things. And, a short while later start a relationship whenever and have some kids. There's something I was thinking of having you do around 5 years later after all.
When I arrived at the factory Zulu and the others were waiting together with Maru and Rinbi.
"You said you want to be combat slaves is that right?"
I took a sat on one of the chairs in front of the factory and started biting into a fried baldoggie Giberuti handed me for breakfast while asking.
"Yes, master. We want to become combat slaves that can earn like Zulu-sama."
Maru knelt down and replied with a serious tone of voice.
"I do too, master. Please let us enter the {Slaughterers}."
Rinbi knelt down and said just the same.
".."
I'm sure they look up to things like that at this age.
Otherwise, just as expected they might want an improvement in their treatment.
I felt like I wanted to see what kind of face Zulu and Angela were making by my side but decided not to look.
It seems Giberuti went back into the store to start disassembling the meat mincer.
Maru and Rinbi just hit level 3.
Their slightly low ability values when I first bought them have recovered to the average for a Hyumu at their ages together with the improvements to their diet.
Of course both of them have magnificently healthy bodies.
"Have you gotten sick of making and selling Baldoggie?"
""No!! That's by no means the case..!""
The two of them replied in a panic.
Well, I guess there's no other way they could have replied but that.
"You two, have you ever held a weapon before..There's no way right."
""Yes. However we'll definitely learn and be useful!!""
I wonder where it comes from, this unfounded confidence?
"Hey, you two, stand."
I bit into a Baldoggie while saying.
""Yes.""
The two of them stood up.
There's hope sparkling in their eyes.
They're underestimating it too much.
"Zulu"
"Ha!!"
"Angela"
"Ha!!"
"Hit them"
""Ha!!""
Just as I heard a couple of dull thuds overlap, Maru and Rinbi were both crouched over on the ground holding their cheeks after being sent flying by the blows.
I made a bitter smile.
They sure held back.
Just like that about 10 seconds passed.
After all Giberuti is the best at frying them just right. This Baldoggie is delicious.
"Maru, Rinbi, master ordered you to "stand". How long are you planning to lay there?"
Maru and Rinbi stood up in a hurry.
Yeah, just relax.
In the past sister and I beat each other up all the time and when I started training with father, the head squire back then Aizensaido, Sean, Whitney, or Mikkensu I was punched and kicked plenty so I understand.
Even if you're punched with bare fists the amount of damage done to your HP is limited.
"Hit them."
""Ha!!""
Another two dull thud sounds overlap.
This time both Maru and Rinbi stood up right away.
They're still going easy on them~
"You already understand with this right? You two won't be useful for anything."
It's somehow started to get pitiful so I called out to them like that.
Both Maru and Rinbi lowered their heads.
The cheeks on both sides of their faces are swelling up.
However, they don't even have nosebleeds yet.
Maru is grinding his teeth while clenching both of his fists as he looks down.
Rinbi's looking down just the same but I can't tell her expression because it's hidden behind her long blue hair.
Well I'm sure she's mortified just the same.
"Master is talking to you? Reply to him."
""..""
"Hit them."
""Ha!!""
This time a couple of even deeper thuds overlapped.
Both Zulu and Angela hit them in the body.
""Guwu...!!""
Maru and Rinbi groaned while holding their stomachs and somehow were able to stand up.
But it took close to 10 seconds.
It's pitiful but like this there's no way they could make it as combat slaves.
The silence continued for quite a while.
"Hey, Maru. If you're like that then you'll die right away you know?"
There's no response.
Just the silence continues.
"Rinbi, it's the same for you too. In the end you'll just be killed by an ork or hobgoblin."
There's no reply from here either.
They're just looking at my feet as I'm sitting on the chair while either recognizing their own powerlessness, feeling mortified, or maybe feeling terror as they just keep trembling.
They might be feeling discontent thinking it's unreasonable.
Well, these two were born as slaves so I don't think they'd go so far as seeing it as unreasonable.
However, if they think something can be done about it at just this level then they're underestimating death matches too much right, these brats.
I hold onto my Baldoggie skewer that's completely gone cold as I look from my chair towards Maru and Rinbi.
While their faces twist from the pain I can still somewhat see expressions of resent and regret.
Hmph.
I looked up to my left. I can tell Zulu's making a strict expression.
I looked up to my right. Angela's trying to remain expressionless.
Though I also feel like there's a bit of kindness in their eyes as well.
Though you know~
It's still fine if these two were to die. Though it's not good.
But you know.
Someone else might end up falling into a crisis trying to cover for these two.
Ah, that's right, if these two were to die wouldn't that be a decrease in my assets?
Let's go with that.
Just as I was about to start trying to persuade them.
"I'm hungry. Let's hurry up and eat~"
"Supposedly the factory has today off."
"John and Terry are here right?"
"..Huh?"
"It's Greed-sama."
"Zulu and Maruso..Also.."
"It looks like we'll be able to eat Baldoggie right~ Isn't that one in Greed-kun's hand?"
"Ooo~ Isn't that great master!"
"Yeah, I like having fried eggs and baldoggie for breakfast."
Sanno, Ruttsu, Rodrick, and his two combat slaves came along.
I guess they're on their way back from running?
All five of them are covered in sweat.
"Hey now~ what's with all the serious faces?"
"What is it? Are you in the middle of disciplining? Properly listen to things your owner says~"
Don't interfere in this?