A Mid-level (Middle-aged) Office Worker’s Laid-Back Industrial Revolution in Another World

"Now, Takeo, how was the Katlanda Empire?

Cliff asks.

"I got a good craftsman.

"You're the ones who took him, aren't you?

"Yes. Ah, it's a souvenir.

and Takeo give Cliff a pocket watch.

"Yeah? That's unfamiliar stuff...

Takeo, what the hell is this?

"Yes, this is it.

Takeo explained his pocket watch to Cliff.

"It's amazing technology, and it's a great concept..."

Cliff roars in arms.

"They couldn't sell it at all in the Katlanda Empire.

"... doesn't the Katlanda Empire know what this is worth?

If I could spread this pocket watch concept, it would change everything from military to economic at once... "

"Exactly.

So I decided to pull it in with us.

"Give Takeo the title... no, you're right to give him the Viscount.

The others would not have been able to make a summary execution until they pulled out.

"Is it?

"Oh, few people can make that immediate decision even if they can pull it in.

I can't tell you I can stop right now, but... "

"Is His Highness Cliff in need of immediate action outside of an emergency?

"I think I need it.

I've always wanted to be able to do that, but... not yet.

You need experience to make an immediate stop. But... I don't think I have much experience.

"I don't know if it's enough at a time when they're aware of the problem.

I don't think it makes much sense to go through with that.

"Right, you're right.

And you're out of line.

Actually, do you mind if I join Takeo back to Wang Capital?

"Yes."

Takeo nods.

"Well... so, I need a favor from Takeo...

Can you get Alice over here, please?

"I don't mind that...

Where should I go?

"Right... from here to Wangdu, it's three days with an emergency decree.

We're carriages, so it's three days to the mansion where I am.

"Lord Kitamizato.

It is normal for the residence of His Royal Highness Cliff from Wang Du to the city to take 4 days by horse and 6 days by carriage.

Meyer advises Takeo.

"Um, Meyer's right.

Can Alice wait in a town on King's Lands beyond my realm?

It is a town two days from Wangdu by horse.

It would be easy to understand because there are only two inns there.

Neil and the others are meeting there again.

"Okay.

Mr. Meyer, I'd like to ask Mr. Brooke and Mr. Follett to accompany Miss Alice. Is that okay?

"I'm fine.

His Majesty tells us that until Lord Kitamizato returns to the King's capital, our command will be vested in Lord Kitamizato.

"Okay.

Then make arrangements, as His Highness Cliff says.

"Yes, I'm in awe.

Your Highness Cliff, I'll arrange to come.

"Um, please.

When Cliff nods, Meyer takes his seat and leaves the stall.

"So? Alice, what do you do when they call you a lady?

"... Actually, I'm thinking about getting Viscount Ashton's granddaughter into my side room this time.

She's my daughter just now... "

"Yes."

"I'm 19 years younger.

"Alice, you're the same age as your daughter.

"Oh. I'm thinking of confirming my intentions before we talk about this... but I need Alice to confirm it in advance.

It's my family, and I'm afraid it's gonna be an order.

I'm sorry, but I want you to take it on.

Cliff bows his head.

"Okay.

And Viscount Ashton, by the way?

"I'm telling you... I get a reply when I leave it to the person.

"Don't you say, 'Make sure you have your own granddaughter'?

"Don't tell Viscount Ashton.

I don't use my family for politics. It's family style.

"You have the same idea as Count Elvis.

"Right, that's why the royal family places their trust.

"... those who plot with a tiger's eye away from the royal family, or vice versa, those who use their sisters to make connections... I think there's a lot going on here?

"Right.

But the Ashtons used to be a frontier uncle until I moved in.

The title is Viscount, but when the war broke out, it was an extraordinary house with the title Borderline Uncle ready to deal with.

"I see. Are you saying it's the same as the three nobles who are facing the Demon Kingdom today?

"Right. Count Godwin is the borderline ambassador on a temporary basis over there.

The Ashtons don't think that way the most around here.

And decent enough.

"For what?

"Oh, for what?

Cliff smiles bitterly and answers Takeo.

"Well, does anyone have any thoughts..."

"It would be in Takeo too, wouldn't it?

"Yes, because I want the Elvis family to thrive.

"What number is the kingdom?

"Hmm... is it about 4th?

Takeo thinks lightly before answering.

"Don't be so sure... but maybe the facts are in the right order.

Count Elvis territory, 3 Count territories facing the demonic kingdom... no? Next to Count Godwin's Territory and William... "

Think with Cliff in his arms.

"I think my knowledge can only be used as much as regional development.

All I have to do is see what I do and judge in the King's Capital.

Because there must be a brilliant group of brains the kingdom has.

"Well... I don't know where it actually is because I don't live yet, but I guess it is.

"I know the King's Capital is a gathering of those... but what about around His Highness Cliff?

"I think we... have a lot of realism that is unique to the region... but I think a lot of people are good. I want to gather the best from all over the kingdom in the future.

"Do you gather those who excel in the king's capital..."

"Does Takeo have a different idea?

"It's not like it's a different idea... but when you bring together the best in the center, you can speak to local autonomy...

As things stand, the Kingdom of Azpar is a loose system of decentralisation. The country's prerogative would be the consolidation of foreign policy and local aristocracy.

Although we believe that substantial local autonomy is left to the nobility?

"Right..."

"Is His Highness Cliff here because he wants to concentrate his power beneath himself?

Simply put, you think we're going for the Katlanda Empire, which employs a centralized system?

"No... you don't think that far.

I hope that they will leave autonomy to the local nobility as it stands and devote themselves to the development of the territory, but I am sure that it feels that the local administration has not been able to make a central decision as to whether it is dominating or good governance.

It's easy not to think about this when you're laying down good governance like Count Elvis and you're paying your taxes well.

The reality is that there are people out there who use a way out.

Because I want to do something about it, I want to bring together the best people to deal with it.

"Well... you see how His Highness Cliff does it.

Takeo laughs bitterly.

"Do you think Takeo will fail?

"If you do it properly, you may fail.

The way to do this is to do an ad hoc audit of the nobility... is that really auditing... is it not acquired?

It may be adopted as a method of bribery.

"Surely if you raise the anxiety element, you don't have a kiri.

If it was Takeo, how would you do it?

"I would put aside the proposal to conduct the audit.

Conversely, we send a credible Wang Du civilian to each local aristocrat to work in the province and return him to Wang Du in a few years.

"Hmm. Then what happens?

"If you lived in the province for a few years and worked as a civilian over there, you'll learn how to work over there.

You will do what you have learned on your own to demonstrate it in the King's Capital.

Wouldn't you know somewhat if you were observing how and what that job is?

If you decide you're using a loophole, go on an inspection with a mandatory audit and you might be able to control it.

But this is also imperfect because it might be tipped off beforehand.

"I see. But is it difficult to deal with Takeo?

Cliff bothers me.

"Your Highness Cliff, I'm not that kind of person.

Besides, I don't think we can eradicate tax evasion or bribery.

"Well... but I'm hoping to do something about it..."

"Rapid changes cause backlash.

It is crucial to hold many trusted civilians, martial arts officers and nobles first before starting an argument that said so.

"Right, you need to build trust first.

"Yes. Activating power from the start won't work. Maybe no one will deal with him.

It just lets the royal family lose its authority even when it is alone.

Then you need to come prepared and solidify around the target nobility.

"Maybe I'm in a bit of a hurry.

That's basic what Takeo is saying.

I guess I forgot that basics and thought about it.

Cliff sighs.

"Well, it might be cool from the side of the eye to move to Wang Du to show off your arms from the first...

I think it leads to a lot of goth.

"Oh, okay.

Again, I'm going to discuss it with the neighbors.

It's a bad idea to be too hasty.

"Yes. I think that's a good idea.

"Well... Takeo, we're moving to the next town today.

Will you join me and Ashton in the carriage for a chat?

"It sounds like a heavy welcome... but what is the agenda?

"Right... about the future movement of the Katlanda Empire...?

"Okay. You should share your thoughts on going.

"Um, do that.

That said, Cliff took his seat and Takeo left the jar with him.