Chapter 10

As the night deepened and the banquet ended, the three members of the Crowren family returned home. At first, both Sir Jeet and Sir Gragas seemed to struggle to speak, but as the alcohol took effect and the conversation became less tense, they gradually became more at ease with the other guests.

After the cleanup of the banquet was nearly complete, I took another sip of the additional drink.

"Hmm..."

A warm breath overflowed from the depths of my stomach. I finally felt at ease.

Although it was unexpected that the reward was paid in kind, overall, it was not a bad deal. Due to the lack of established preservation methods, some of the crops would inevitably rot. If I could use the surplus inventory that would otherwise be discarded and gain the support of a prestigious martial family, it was a good outcome.

That boy might have half-realized that he was being manipulated. However, since he had nodded in agreement, it would not be easy for him to back out.

"...Are you still drinking?"

As I reflected on the day's events, I was interrupted by Bix, who looked exasperated. I sighed and finished the drink in my cup.

"The negotiations went well. Thanks to that second son, we were able to proceed in a way that was advantageous to us. The way they were willing to part with valuable combatants shows that they are indeed commoners."

"Hmm, is that so?"

Unusually, my son disagreed.

"Am I wrong?"

"Not exactly wrong, but I think it was a win-win deal. Didn't you hear during the banquet? The Crowren family has excess combatants during peacetime, so it's more beneficial to use them rather than let them sit idle."

I hadn't heard that. If that was the case, it made sense why they didn't insist on the movement of combatants.

Bix continued.

"Besides, whether it's a gain or a loss, it doesn't really matter to Sir Felis."

"Huh, why not?"

"Sir Felis is planning to leave the family after this matter is resolved. Even if things go wrong after he's gone, it won't affect him much."

So that's it. He just made sure not to cross any lines and then decided on the rest on his own?

"---K, Hahaha! I see, I was the one being manipulated!"

I don't know if the plans were drawn up by Sir Felis or Lady Milka, but I can appreciate someone who can make me feel good while also securing their own benefit.

They are different from the nobles who only look out for their own interests.

Ah, that's right.

"The Crowren family's predecessor was a merchant. ...I see, that's why they are different from ordinary nobles."

"I'm glad you understand."

"Indeed, I'm satisfied. But..."

"Hmm?"

There is one important issue that cannot be overlooked.

"You just ate and didn't contribute anything. Calm down, sit there."

I grabbed Bix's shoulder and forced him into a chair. Before I could deal with Sir Felis, I needed to address this evaluation issue.

The night was still long.

---

"Ah, what a great morning."

"Indeed."

It felt like a lie that I had been worrying about what would happen if we failed.

After returning to the inn, we slept deeply, forgetting everything. We woke up later than usual, washed our faces, and faced each other with a refreshing clarity. Meanwhile, Brother Jeet had gone for his daily run as usual.

Well, if we need to discuss the future, just the two of us are enough.

While eating the fruits we received from the earl's family for breakfast, we discussed how to report to Sister Mil.

"At the very least, if we follow their request, we need to focus on the magic squad. Brother Jeet and Captain Gragas are confirmed. The rest... considering the battlefield, it might be better to avoid fire mages. ...Hmm, in order of least impact, wind, water, and light, perhaps."

"What about earth?"

"Plants are living things, and their beds shouldn't be disturbed. There's a strong wind from the mountains, and a river nearby, so wind and water shouldn't disrupt the environment. Also, light is more for enhancement than direct attack. ...In the end, it will be difficult if they can't control it properly."

Captain Gragas looked serious at my words.

"Hmm... If you require that much, it will be difficult to bring anyone below the top ten."

"True. But eventually, they need to be able to do it. We should use the lower ranks as well."

If it were just about killing, anyone could do it. Since they are in the defense force, they are all elite soldiers, and we can trust them with the job. However, to move beyond being just an elite soldier, they need to add value to themselves.

The first step is to master the fine control of magic. It's not exciting, it's a tedious training, and it takes time to see results, but that's where a mage's foundation is built.

Yes, the more you do, the more you grow.

This is not a metaphor. According to the gods themselves, while some may grow more slowly due to lack of talent, no one fails to grow. There is no set growth limit at the time of creation.

Therefore, if you want to grow, you must believe in yourself and continue training. This is true in both my past life and this one.

"Sir Felis is strict."

"Is that so? I can't help but demand results, but I don't expect them immediately. It takes time for things to take shape, and Brother Jeet understands that."

"Brother Jeet is surprisingly observant in that regard."

Brother Jeet is tolerant of those who challenge, regardless of whether their efforts bear fruit. In that sense, while Brother Jeet is in charge, it's better for the field personnel to actively make mistakes. If the result is a serious effort, that man will not abandon his subordinates.

"For now, I think it would be good to bring about three people from the top ten. It would be just right for training the younger ones. If the lower ranks don't improve, the upper ranks won't feel a sense of crisis either."

"Indeed... Speaking of which, Sir Felis's duel seems to have stirred up a sense of crisis among the defense force."

"Then, it would be good to ask Sister Mil for training. She seems to have lingering feelings for the field, and she'll be happy to help."

I don't want to go through such a tough match again.

Captain Gragas also seemed to be thinking, but realizing that no one could or would be Sister Mil's opponent, he slowly shook his head.

"Well, regardless of who can satisfy her. We've decided on the general direction, so are the two of you planning to return a bit earlier?"

"It depends on Brother Jeet, but we'll probably stay for another two days. He seems to be getting bored."

"Indeed... If Brother Jeet wants to train seriously, he needs an opponent with a strength of over 5000. From what I've investigated, there are only three such people in the earl's domain, and they are all civilians. We can't ask outsiders to fight. He might get bored after a day of rest, so two days is probably the right estimate."

In that case, my job will be done.

"Two more days..."

"Yes, two more days. ...I'll miss it. Regardless of the others, Sir Felis was a comrade to me."

"...Yeah, I know."

Brother Jeet and Sister Mil always dragged me and Captain Gragas into their crazy schemes, even though we weren't their attendants. We were often caught up in most of the commotions.

Sometimes we were dragged into a sudden sweep from one end of the domain to the other. Other times, we were forced to break into the house of a mysterious rich old woman (later revealed to be a kidnapper). There are many more memories.

It wasn't that it was hard.

It wasn't that it was difficult.

It was just that suddenly, busy and chaotic days would descend upon us, and we would somehow deal with them together.

---That's why Captain Gragas was not only a comrade but also a battle companion.

"If anything happens, just contact me through the guild. If Captain Gragas calls, I'll make time."

"Thank you. Whether something happens or not, please drop by if you're in the area."

I had been working hard to leave the family. The family was often troublesome, and the environment was not ideal.

But I don't think those days were bad.

Having a place to return to is surely a fortunate thing.

"...He said to reach the advanced level in five years. When you're ready, come back and see me. So, don't retire."

"Yes, I look forward to it."

We smiled at each other.

The farewell was approaching quietly and surely.

This is where it ends.

Thank you for reading.

Daily updates have reached their limit. From now on, I aim to update at least once a week.