Kuro no Senki (LN)

July 433 of the Imperial Calendar - Red and white curtains were erected in the gardens of the Marquis Mansion. Inside it is Chrono and several clerks, a large number of soldiers.

On the other side of the stage stands a beast man. It's a werewolf with a gray fur. One of the oldest soldiers and his name is Gray.

Gray is squeezing his expression and staring at Chrono. Most of all, the only thing I'm fixing is my expression and my tail is shaking like a thousand pieces.

If you look closely, your expression is starting to loosen up subtly. The equilibrium between joy and tension is beginning to break fast. Needless to say which is the advantage.

Chrono stared at the deed stacked on the stage. It is Japanese paper made in the paper workshop of the Marquis Mansion that is used in the deed.

Unlike what we are wholesale to the Pics Chamber of Commerce, the Baron Crawford family crest is applied by watermarking.

The watermark seems to make a difference in thickness when combing paper. Goldie said it wasn't that difficult of a technique, but you can't pepper it.

Chrono took the deed at the top. Then a large number of soldiers behind Gray breathed.

"… Diploma awards"

When Chrono told him sternly, the soldiers turned. As the words of the diploma award indicate, today is the graduation ceremony.

Unfortunately, I can't give soldiers a break at the same time because it's a graduation ceremony, and I've been supposed to do my first graduation many times, but I can't spare the trouble for my cute men.

This kind of thing should be done properly. Well, maybe I think of it that way because I didn't get a jazz while I graduated from military school.

"You certify that you have completed the Primary Education Program. Krono Crawford, Lord of the Marquis of Elakis, July 43 of the Empire Calendar"

As Chrono read out his diploma, Gray shook his body in pulls and small pieces. I guess I'm impressed that I've been recognized for my ability to strive to acquire it.

The elementary education curriculum refers to reading, writing, and four-rule arithmetic. I have difficulty responding when asked how much knowledge I have gained, but if I consider that I have acquired knowledge of the primary school graduation level, I am sure.

This is phenomenal. It feels long when it comes to two years of education, but given the form of classes, the substantial duration of education should be less than six months.

Not to mention they're soldiers...... you can't just focus on studying. I was able to complete my elementary education course because I spared my time studying.

No one failed in the graduation exam. I'm proud to be able to give them my diploma as my boss.

"Congratulations, Gray. I sincerely hope that the knowledge you have will illuminate your future."

"Ah, thankful happiness" (but)

When Chrono offered her diploma with a word, Gray saluted and received her diploma with trembling hands.

Gray salutes Krono again and the new clerk opens his mouth.

"No. 253, Drago"

"... Ha" (shu ~)

A rookie clerk's voice sounds through a magic item for loudspeaking, and one Lizardman stands slightly apart.

It tells the story of the misery of a training ground with carved wounds all over its body diving through. As Drago walks out, Gray walks away from Chrono.

My tail is shaking like a pat. Joy still seems to be burning him from the inside out. I hope in my heart that the knowledge I have acquired will illuminate your future.

I guess that's what makes you think that because you can't promise an absolute guarantee. Unexpectedly, my vision blinds me.

Drago stood in front of the stage.

"… diploma award, you certify that you have completed the elementary education course. Krono Crawford, Lord of the Marquis of Elakis, July 43 of the Empire Calendar"

Chrono took his diploma and read out the text.

"Happy graduation, Drago. I sincerely hope that the knowledge you acquire will illuminate your future."

"... Ha" (shu ~)

Drago received the diploma offered by Chrono when he saluted him. I don't know the look on Lizardman's face alone, but still, I feel somewhat happy.

"No. 254…"

The new clerk called the name of the next graduate.

"... due to weather irregularities, the harvest is expected to fall below 70% last year"

Betil was listening to the director of the Bowties Treasury in the conference room at Alfilc Castle. Harvest falls below 70% last year.

It's supposed to be amazing, except for the agenda that has been repeated over and over again. Honestly, I'm sick of it.

I may not have felt this way if he'd changed the incision, but he demands the same thing by talking the same agenda the same way.

It should be said that no one is fed up with this occasion. Alfort is rubbing his eyes tightly, and Commissioner Burkmeyer is repeatedly sleeping and awakening.

Military Secretary Ralph Libra doesn't even move with his head down.

"It is obvious that it will be a reduction in revenue! I would ask you to delegate all powers regarding the casino to our Treasury so as not to interfere with state operations!

Bowties Treasurer knocked on the desk with a dong. If it was a civilian ascent, I might have been afraid of the sword screen.

But Betil comes from a knight. I wouldn't serve as the Kingsguard Knights Commander or anything if I was freaking out as much as I was slapped on the desk.

If the timing of the beating can be expected, it is even more unfortunate. That said, it seemed to have had a degree of effect in bringing the three people who were trapped in their sleep back to reality.

Betil opened her mouth making sure everyone woke up.

"Casino profits are for saving the poor. If the harvest is 70%, you can't give the Treasury the authority."

"I thought you said the Treasury would do the bailout for the poor!

Bowties Treasurer vandalized his voice.

"That's my job"

"... Gu"

When Betil answered pale, Bowties Treasurer clogged the words. I think you can give him away if he's someone you can trust, but unfortunately I can't trust him.

I also cannot trust the assertion that, at last, it will be no more than 70%. Because tax collectors sometimes estimate the expected yield low.

If you estimate the expected yield low, you can accommodate the difference in your nostalgia. How can you believe a treasury bureau turned into a nest of corrupt officials?

But all Betil can do is claim to be his job. If you say the expected harvest is untrustworthy, Bowties Treasurer will plead innocence in tears.

I may declare that I will self-determination in defence of my honour. What will Alford do when that happens?

I'm sure you'll say you believe it. An emperor who believes in nobility and such a man who is dressed in innocent sin and who tries to defend his honour with his life at stake.

It is a subject that is likely to be used in a scene of opera. I don't intend to go along with such a trilogy play until I jeopardize my position.

"If the price of wheat goes up, folk grass will starve, and security in Imperial City will get even worse."

"Isn't security in Imperial Capital on the way to deterioration!

"... you know what deterrence is?

I know it's your fault! Swallow and speak the word.

"You say the security of the Imperial capital is on the way to deterioration, but don't you think it's done to this extent because we're providing relief for the poor?

"Don't you see that!

"Yes, I don't know"

Yes, I repeat in my heart that I don't know anything. I don't know what situation the Empire is in right now.

There seems to be nothing wrong with the material presented by the Bowties Treasurer, the Burkmeyer Promissory Director, and Military Secretary Ralph Libra, but that can't be true.

I felt like I was fighting in the fog. Where I am, where my enemies are, and under what circumstances are my men?

What do you say we do in a situation where we don't know anything? At the very least, something that wouldn't have happened if Prime Minister Alcor had successfully taken over the system he created.

"It's the first time I know when it's no longer deterrent. You can't stop because you're uncertain about the deterrent effect."

If you misrespond, the people will die. How can you not know such a simple thing when you said that you were also a local lord?

On the other hand, I don't think you know because you're a local lord.

"In the unlikely event of a riot, we must send out an army of His Majesty the Emperor's Knights of Kingsguard."

……

Speaking to include, Bowties Treasurer turned his gaze to Alfort to seek salvation.

"As I said before, the casino is under the jurisdiction of Chancellor Betil. I'm sorry, but I need you to be patient for a while now."

"Ha, whatever you want"

I nodded honestly, but we're gonna steam the same story back at the next meeting anyway.

"But. It is true that the security of the Imperial capital is deteriorating."

"... in fear"

"Allow to speak"

When Betil asked, Alford nodded as she let her nose snap so well.

"What is the matter with good offices to the poor?

"... Bowties Treasurer"

"We are progressing without delay on the matter."

When Alford glanced at him, Bowties Treasurer replied without precipitation.

"Let's not."

"Excuse me."

Betil bowed her head deeply. Alford can't investigate at this rate. No, is it och that the salmon play begins?

"… Your Majesty"

"Ralph Libra, military director, allow me to speak"

"Is His Majesty aware of the trend of the Empress Tilia?

"I'm not interested in that stuff"

Alfort told him to throw it away, but he was upset or his eyes were cramped into small pieces.

"Anything like Princess Tilia being the initiator and launching an economic alliance."

"Economic alliance?

"We have heard that we have abolished taxes associated with movement between territories and have harmonized the commercial system… rules on the opening of outdoor stores"

Ralph Libra is inspired by the story of the military director. Most importantly, it is not against the Empress Tilia or Chrono.

Because I realized that my ability to gather information was exceptionally inferior to his. If left unattended, they could be caught underfoot.

"Did I say outdoor?

"Exactly."

Military Secretary Ralph Libra grins calmly.

"That would be poverty, no, for civilians to earn a dime, wouldn't it? What are we going to do with a unified system of such things?

"I don't know about that, but it's true that the system was introduced in seven territories."

It's the market that Betil comes up with when she's said to be an outdoor store, but thank you. The two seem to imagine something else.

"Hmm, my sister-in-law (ah) looks like she wants to sell her charm to folk grass upstairs. No, maybe you feel empowered by putting together the Lords of the Border."

"Poor thing."

"No, what a mess"

Alfort tells him to mock, and Bowties Treasury Director and Burkmeyer Promissory Director follow.

Military Secretary Ralph Libra is smiling calmly at what he is thinking.

"What do you think of Chancellor Betil?

I thought you were right.

Betil lied. It is the Empress of Tilia who is the initiator, but it will undoubtedly be Chrono who is in the lead.

"If you say so, the Empress of Tilia is making out with the Marquis of Elakis."

"... hmm, Marquis Elakis"

When Military Secretary Ralph Libra said, Alfort frowned hard. I assume I have eyes on Chrono, but it would be a late reaction.

"My current sister-in-law."

"Right."

"You're making a deal."

I'm impressed through sympathy that it's something I can take lightly to this point. If you are behaving in such a way, it is a talent to be afraid of.

"… so here's the next agenda"

Alfort shook another topic as if he had lost interest.

At the end of the meeting, Betil turned to the base of the Nicole group in the twelfth block. Naturally, not on foot, but using a boxcarriage.

The hustle and noise along the way was terrible, but the vicinity of Nicole's base was quiet as lies.

"... Hmm"

Betil stepped out of the box carriage and let her gaze through. Despite being the twelfth neighborhood, the hustle and noise are far away and the roads well cleaned.

After a while the door opened and a beautiful dressed young man came out.

"Go ahead, this way"

"You stay here."

Order the knight of the escort, followed by the youth. It was the reception room that was put through. You're not ready, you don't look like Nicole.

Betil lowered her hips on the couch and let her gaze through. The furniture and conditioning placed there doesn't extend to that of Alphirque Castle, but it looks like a first-class item.

"Hey, you kept me waiting."

I don't mind.

The bald-headed big man...... Nicole put a bottle of wine and a glass on the table and slowly lowered her hips on the couch.

"So, what can I do for you? Prompting for a bribe?

"Don't be stupid. If I get a bribe from someone like you, they're gonna shave me to the bone."

"So, what can I do for you?

Nicole has asked without looking offended.

"I've come to purchase information"

"Expensive?

"I used my name on my own. Serve."

Chip, and Nicole pounded her tongue.

"When did you notice?

"You can see what's going on around this building."

Even though the security of the Imperial City is on the way to deterioration, the area around this building is quiet. Perhaps Nicole took control of the twelfth block.

"Well, I did use the Chancellor's name. Is that such a bad thing?

"You must have fooled me, right?

Inquiring, Nicole struck her tongue again.

"All right, all right. Don't look so scared. You're here to buy information, aren't you? So what kind of information do you want?

"How's the security in Imperial City?

"But it's not the worst yet."

Are you saying it's going to be worse?

"What's going on with the unemployment measures?

"That's no good. I'm telling you, he's dead."

"Right."

It should still be said, Bowties Treasurer was lying.

"I didn't do anything to them. But that's it. Criminals get caught, they get killed, they die, they resist."

Nicole opened the bottle and poured the wine into the glass.

Betil sighed. I hadn't expected anything from the start, but I didn't think it was a factor that made the security of the Imperial capital worse.

"How's the wheat coming along?

"Come on, I have to explain that to you."

Nicole said it like she was sick of it, but inside she would be screaming for pleasure. The imperial prime minister has no idea what the situation is.

You must be thinking about how to use it.

"Don't listen to me say the harvest is going to be less than usual."

"How much?

"80%, no, about 90%."

"... right"

Betil tried to answer calmly. Nicole may think you're stupid, but this one is desperate to contain her anger.

Seventy percent. I was told that because of the weather irregularities, the harvest would be depressed up to 70% last year, and in fact 90%.

That's all I can say.

Nicole threw up and threw herself out.

"So what are we gonna do?

"What do you mean?

"You know, with this information, you're gonna lose your political enemies and all that."

Nicole said as frustrated.

"Do you have an obligation to answer that?

"Hey, hey, hey."

Nicole told him to throw up and wrap the glass around. Important information, but you won't be able to let the Bowties Treasury Director lose his leg.

It's over with the reps being punished for pointing out that the yield estimate is wrong. Just buying a grudge doesn't do you any good.

Nicole is pushing Betty to play a dangerous role, and if she succeeds, it will result in a spill, and if she fails, she will be looking for a new parasite.

"Well, I'll be excused for this"

"Hope to see you again."

"Oh, yeah"

Betil nodded quietly. I know he/she intends to provoke, but I agree from the bottom of my heart. My position is hard to say.

Reach for the door knob and look back.

"What can I do for you yet?

"Why did a man like you follow the Marquis Elakis?

"Do I need to tell you?

"No, I'm just curious"

Ha, and Nicole laughed, pointing at her like she was rotten.

"... I was told I was born when I first met her. I thought I'd listen to you."

"Oh, Marquis Elakis would say"

Betil smiled bitterly.

In the evening, Betil returned to her home in Third Street. On the doorstep stands a man in a white military uniform, a testament to the Kingsguard knight.

Bad eyesight, thick, rounded nose. Most of those who saw him would remember a body comparable to that of a large subhuman, rather than his appearance.

Name is Simon Arden. He's a junior aristocrat and his grades in military school are not impressive. Regardless of his practical skills, seating was close to the bottom.

I'm not supposed to be able to put my sleeve through a white military uniform, but I had no choice but to allow myself to join the 12th Kingsguard to rebuild the Knights.

Simon saluted by stretching his spine when he noticed this one.

"Good day, Chancellor Betil."

"Is there anything I should report?

"Nothing"

Low, he had a roaring voice.

"Good luck. Keep encouraging your duties"

"Ha, even if I switched lives"

A heart beat jumps on that word. I can't laugh off that it would be tough if the security of the mansion made things life-threatening.

When I opened the front door and went inside, my wife welcomed me as usual.

"Welcome home. Always good luck."

"... just left"

Bettil answered between them. Since when has my wife come to accompany me with a word that she's always tired?

I'm only certain it hasn't been recently. This meant that I couldn't afford to remain unaware of my wife's care.

When you touch kindness, guilt springs up. I wish I hadn't made a mistress or something if I was to feel this way.

If my wife worked infidelity, I would die in shock.

"Do I look so tired?

"Yeah, very"

My wife nodded with a worried look.

"... if I do"

"Yes."

"No, it's nothing"

Betil shook her head. Would you follow me if I told you that I wanted to resign from my position as Chancellor and live in the country?

The swallowed words were fascinating. So much so that I wonder why I swallowed this word.

I can assure you that there is no untrained prime minister's position. Then how did you swallow the words?

Betil shook her head again.

"Would you like to have a meal? Or is it a hot tub?

"Hot tub."

"I thought I'd say so, and I'm ready."

My wife laughs just a little happily.

"I left herbs floating to help restore fatigue"

I'm sorry.

The back of the eye is paralyzed with gin. How could I have imitated myself to scorn my wife for doing so much?

"I'll warm the soup up again by the time you get out."

"Oh, thank you"

If I can get my time back, I won't make mistresses or anything this time.

"With that said, what's the price of wheat?

"What did you do to the stick?

"No, I was worried about the weather."

Right, and his wife puts her index finger on her lips like she thinks.

"You've been up a little lately"

"Recently?"

"Yeah, for about two or three months now"

I had a bad feeling. The current Treasury would be fine and leak the expected harvest to the merchants. What do the merchants do when they find out about it?

It is decided to buy up and soar the price. Now it must be at a stage where we are preparing underneath to soar prices.

"Can you buy wheat?

"Yesterday, they just delivered this month's worth, didn't they?

"Can you?

Yeah, and his wife nodded with a surprised look on her face.

"How much should I buy?

"… a year"

"A year?

I opened my eyes as my wife was surprised.

"... ok. You'd better not ask why."

"Sorry."

Betil drowned her head.

"I'll send a letter to my father, too, just in case. I'll stick to the right reasons."

"Oh, thank you"

"You're welcome."

That's what I said, my wife laughed embarrassingly.