Dream Life

December 10.

An angel from the Empire, Viscount Ignacious Radford, told the Viscount that the Rockhart family would "soak" the Viscount, and discussed future policies with the Rockhart family alone.

Due to the immediate policy, the squire is invited into the hall.

First, Walt Vassel, a squire head, congratulates him in his usual tone.

"My lord to the Viscount, my servant, I congratulate you with all my heart."

So the other five bow their heads deeply.

"Words of heartfelt blessing, let me gratefully receive them. But this time the Duke is the reward of the earlier battle against the undead, that is, the one we won together. I would like to express my gratitude to you all once and for all. Thanks."

That's how my father bows his head, and so do we Lockhart families.

At the end of the exchange of celebrations, he sits his squire down and his father talks about his future policies.

"... My Lockhart family will be a Viscount, but its headquarters will not change from here in the village of Rasmore. This is also agreed with the next generation of Rodrick. As always for Kilnarek for the time being. However, it will penetrate slightly and strengthen our involvement..."

Walt and the others, as always, hear that they will remain in this village, with a relieved look and a grin. They also seem to think this is their home town and difficult to leave.

And it will be about the treatment of the squire.

First, hang words on Walt.

"Walt Vassel. I would like to nominate you as a knight and the house of my Lockhart family, Kasai. Will you take it?"

Walt hears he's a housekeeper and can't hide his surprises.

"I don't think it serves me..."

Housekeeping is a very important position in aristocratic territory. Not only in the house of the master, but also in the absence of the lord, he must act on his behalf. We also need to support our heads of household in both internal affairs and the military.

That's why Walt, a soldier, is butting in.

My father laughed at Walt, who looked anxious, "Don't worry,"

"It's the same as before. You can think of it as just a change of name. Besides, Enos will do the details."

Walt bowed his head greatly to his father's words and said, "Thank you," he acknowledged.

Next thing I know, I started talking to Nicholas.

"Nicholas Garland. I would like to elect you as a knight and as the home affairs officer of my Lockhart family. Will you take it?"

Nicholas smiles the way he always does, but shakes his head small and sideways.

"My Garland family has no inheritance beyond what your palace says. Give this honor to someone else."

He's right, the Garland family has no legacy. He had a son named Aaron to be exact, but he died of the plague at only seven years of age. His only child is Gene, the wife of Enos Vassel.

"I know that. But if Enos' second son, Huey, is adopted by the Garland family, the house will survive. Will you take it for my lovely grandson?"

Enos and Gene have four children, two men and two women. My second son, Huey, is a white-armed boy almost six years old. When Gene married Enos, it had been decided that if two boys were born, they would be adopted by the Garland family.

"But there's about a decade before Huey grows up..." Nicholas reluctantly said.

"Be prepared, Nicholas. I'm not letting you hide out yet. I'll work till I die, just like you."

In his grandfather's words Nicholas laughed bitterly and agreed by saying "I accept it with all due respect".

My father told Hector, Guy, that he likewise wanted to be a knight and a Lockhart family martial artist.

"It's too much for me, but I will serve you in good faith," Hector acknowledged. But Guy tried to be rhetorical with his origins being a rural born adventurer.

"Give it up. If you're a civilian and an adventurer, you're the same. If you insist on saying no, I'll keep convincing you for a year or so. Fuhahahaha!"

My grandfather sent me out to pick up that he had sat as a Rockhart family eater for a year because he would be a squire. Guy had no choice but to laugh bitterly at that, and honestly admitted it.

And it was Byron's turn in question.

As expected, he has said no.

"As you know, I ran off while leading soldiers in the Kingdom of Kaum. If we find out about this, we will surely bring disaster to your hall and to the Lockhart family."

My father persuades me in a quiet, but resolute tone.

"Lockhart needs a man named Byron Seedorf. I don't care who says what. Compared to your value, it's not a problem at all."

"I'm very pleased with your words, but even as a squire, I think I can serve you as always. If so, don't you have to be forced to take the knight's reign"

On behalf of my father, my brother embarks on persuasion.

"I want to publicly state that a man named Byron Seedorf is the knight of my Lockhart family. Just like your father, I think you deserve it."

Still, Byron didn't shake his head vertically.

I looked at my grandfather and asked him to convince me, but he shook his neck small and told me with his eyes that you should convince him.

I haven't put it into words, but you want to say, "Take responsibility because you voted to be a squire”.

"I'm the first person to say anything about this election. Of course, because I recognize your power, but it's also true that I don't think it's going to be a political problem."

"Why is that?

"You were always critical of the Kaum royal family. And after I had confined myself to the kingdom, I served in the Lockhart family, where I would risk my life to protect the people. And the important thing is that my tenacity with the Kaum royal family has still not disappeared. Last year, when we talked about taking the sword from the queen, we didn't let it go, and we didn't shake our heads vertically until the master convinced us. What do you think will happen if we publish this fact?

"I don't know," he says, shaking his head.

"A sword from Queen Katrina, the substantial ruler of the Kaum kingdom, which is not just a sword either. Million kronas refused to be given even a famous sword that does. Lockhart chose such a man as a knight. There's no way I can say there's a chance I could cut that front and tip it off to the caucus. Of course, there are people who think about me and the Queen's covenant, but at least they can't be outright critical of it."

"Sure it may be......" I can't boil it off. I think I have one more push, and I'm going to make the conversation even bigger.

"The same goes for the Kaum Kingdom side. The queen is giving away her sword after she learns of your origins. I gave it away for the Blacksmith Guild. Protest that now and do nothing to crush the guild's mentes. So it's unlikely that protests will come from Kaum. If the Empire says anything, that can be used to protect the future lockheart. I mean, it's available for politics."

He can't grasp the meaning of my words and tilts his neck.

"Is it used for politics?

"What's where the Lockhart family stands? Doesn't that mean you'll never run, no matter what?

Byron doesn't follow my story and shows confusion.

"What does that have to do with me..."

"The Lockhart family, whether they don't want it or not, will be caught up in a successor fight for the Empire in the future. At that time, Lockhart had better let him think that whatever pressure it took to think he was right himself would never yield. If we change the way we say it, we need to make people think we're not available to politics..."

Byron is listening in silence.

"If it is to protect a people or territory, it will be used regardless of origin. Even if a cross spear comes in from a senior nobleman, Lockhart is bound to pierce through. I want him to think the same thing about the next emperor. Lockhart has no choice but to think about the imperial subjects."

"I mean, with me, when I protect you from the solicitation of both the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince. But does that just work?

I'll laugh and answer that.

"Of course, I don't expect both factions to pull their hands on this alone. I'm going to hit another hand, but Byron is one of them."

Byron thinks quietly.

"My father, my uncle, and my brother affirmed that you were the man Lockhart needed. Me too, of course. Are you unhappy then? If anything goes wrong, we at the Lockhart family will take care of it. I hope you serve your father sincerely."

That's where my father takes my word.

"Zach is right. It's up to the Lockhart family, and me, to elect you as a knight. Whatever happens, just leave it to us."

"That much about me... Ugh..."

Byron, who was impressed, was in tears.

"Okay. For the sake of this Byron Seedorf, the Lockhart family, and for the sake of your museum, I will serve you as long as I live."

My father was also moved by that determination, he said forcefully, "OK,"

"Byron, then. I want to entrust you with the command of Kilnarek's defense forces. I want you to make full use of your experience as Commander of the Defensive Corps of Toa in the Heavy Wars and as Captain of the Mercenaries."

"Ha! Sincerely,"

Byron either blew it off or admitted it with a clean salute.

Finally, my father turns to Will.

"Will, you're the head squire of the Lockhart family. Become a compiler of future squires. It's a tough job to get between Walt and his squire, but I believe you can do it."

Will whined to the words, "I am the squire chief of the Lockhart family......" Then he wept in his eyes and said, "Sincerely, I pray for you! I said," I bowed my head in momentum.

Seeing that figure, he strokes his chest down saying he's glad he didn't recommend it to the knight.

I'm totally up just saying squire chief, but if I were to knight, I would have butted in the opposite direction.

"The future of the Walts, I'm sorry, but I can't give you territory. Instead, I'll be offering you a salary more than my home. I want to talk to you about the terms in the future."

I cleaned up this story a little bit. Since Scotch sales have stabilized, they have been given about 300 kronas a month and 300,000 yen as a living expense. I may think it's too cheap, but I originally supplied food, clothing, etc. in kind as well as firearms. In fact, they spend very little cash.

"About the squire, but I'm going to get a new promotion from the vigilante. I'm a little rushed, but I want to make up my mind before I head to the Imperial City."

Were you expecting this, Walt and the others are all nodding.

My father started talking about going to the Imperial City.

"We will be heading to the Imperial Capital, but the departure will probably take place in four or five days. Everyone but your father will be out of our house. Sims will take command of the escort. Dan asks Sims to assist him as a Jakes man."

Sim and Dan nod loudly. Then head to Walt and Hector,

"I'm taking a few people from the vigilante. I'll leave the candidates to both of you."

When Hector checks, "How many?"

"About ten people. Half want those who become squire, the rest want talented young people to gain experience. I'm sorry, but I need you to adjust well."

When the two of them nod, they turn their faces to the rosaries.

"I also ask Angie and Elena to accompany me as a samurai. I'm going to stop by Welburn."

I hear the Rosalies are happy to be able to return home.

And finally, I turn my gaze back on the squire.

"Lydia and I are all together. Well, this is natural...... and I'll take Luna with me"

That's where the squire gets a surprise look.

"It's safer with Zach and the others," my father says, "but it's something I also decided to think about the village.

If the enemies of the gods are after Luna, they'd better stay with us. You won't be attacking me with just that much force, but it's possible you'll be using tangled hands. If that happens, it's safer with us than leaving it in the village.

If the village is also in its current system, 300 or 400 orcs can defeat it adequately without us Zaksextet. I mean, if it's about last year's orc herd, we can handle it almost fine.

My father gives further instructions.

"I will ask your father to divide everything up while I'm away. Teito, and you're going to Wellburn, so think you can't come back for six months. As usual, ask Walt and the others for your father's assistance. I can barely take the prep period, but don't fail to prep, including taking over"

So look at my face,

"You'll need something to offer. I think booze is best, Zach, but you pick it out."

After all the stories are over, I'm going to hang the words of blessing on the Walts.

I'll whisper to Sim in particular, "Now you can be with Angie". He looked surprised and whispered back, "Did you know that?"

"If I go to Welburn, why don't I ask my father to let me go to Angie's parents"

When I said that, it turned bright red and I panicked, "No, it's".

Viscount Radford then returned and reported on his future policy. The Viscount didn't say anything in particular, but he had a satisfying grin, so I guess our choice wasn't wrong.

"So may I use the bath? I'd appreciate a bath of barley."

"Please, use it. Zach, you're with me. I'll have the barley delivered later."

As my father instructed, I headed with Viscount Radford to the public baths.

It's already past 4pm, but the bath is empty. The arrival of the Angel today means that he has stopped training for the vigilante, because there are no vigilantes who should normally be there.

Soaking in water, the Viscount spoke to me.

"We're going to manage to improve the quality of Seawell wines."

"That's good to hear."

"Still anxious. I'd like you to stop by the Marquis of Seawell on your way to the Imperial City to see the area."

The Marquis of Seawell territory is northeast from the imperial capital, but off the central street, which is the main street. That being said, it is not a great distance, it is a place where you can stop sufficiently, and my father should not be opposed to stopping by to greet the Marquis either.

"We are happy to help. Because I believe it is locally that the best Seawell wines will be produced. Of course, on the condition that when you have the best things, you give them to me."

In my words, the Viscount said, "Hahaha! Got it! But that's Lord Zacharias. Not at all," he laughed.

"I want to make something beyond your wine, too. I'm not convinced you can't drink the best Seawell wine without Rasmore, not Seawell."

"Dear Ignacious, you don't blur at all. To be honest, I was very concerned about going to Imperial City, but now I'm motivated by the story."

The Viscount nods satisfactorily, but gets a serious look.

"Whatever I say, the Seawell family is not so powerful a home among the imperial nobles. In Imperial Capital, the Seawell Marquis will keep the Lockhart family, but you can't be alarmed. You can handle the Crown Prince and the Crown Prince. [M] Except His Excellency the Chancellor. That one is horrible. It's selfless and fair, but it's the Empire that comes first..."

I am anxious that the cheerful Viscount has a serious look on his face.

"Not so much..."

"What I care about is that you are taken in by His Excellency the Chancellor. Perhaps His Excellency would like to nominate Lord Etherlington as his successor. Lord Ezarrington doesn't have a clear back shield like Lord Ingolslop's commercial guild for the Crown Prince, and Grand Duke Langton's army for the Leopold Prince. The Chancellor might want to use your blacksmith's guild, your magician's guild's pipe."

The Crown Prince has the economy, the Leopold Prince has the military, but the Neutral, led by the Prime Minister, has the administration. But it is only at the hands of the Chancellor, Lord Feelobisher, that the neutrals are in control of the administration. If Lord Feelobisher were to retire, the neutrals would lose power at once.

If either the Crown Prince or the Crown Prince are politically competent and give priority to the public interest over private greed, there is no problem, but so far the Crown Prince, who is just a speaker in a commercial guild, is totally untrustworthy, and the Crown Prince threatens to take reckless military action, and this one is hard to trust.

As Prime Minister, I would like to nominate Lord Ezarrington, a brilliant politician, as my successor, so that whoever becomes the next emperor will not be like the imperial stall tilting. But it takes some time for Lord Ezarrington, who is only forty-two years old and young, to show his arm. Lord Feelobisher will be the back shield, but sometimes he's old enough to crave visible power.

"Sure it seems possible, but I don't think he's going to set anything up with a chick who can't even be a young builder like me, whether he's the prime minister of the empire or not?

"No, that one doesn't give a shit about age, race, etc. It depends on whether you have pure power or not. Even the Marquis Seawell family thinks it's appreciated in terms of getting information from a variety of places through wine. Of course, there are times when your museum deserves credit."

All I could do was say "Really..."

"That's right. And the Miyagi told me that His Excellency the Chancellor knew that you were called" the son of the god of alcohol "by the Dwarves."

I listened to the Viscount and felt darkened.

He even looked dark after he left the bath, telling the Viscount, "Now think about the booze. Because I want to drink the best," she said with a laugh.

"Surely now you should think about booze. Shall we drink barley in the best possible condition?"

That's what I said. I headed to the barrel of barley my father made me prepare.