Published: September 10, 2025
Satou here. In news and fiction, you often see the adoption of daughters or sons, but I’ve never heard of it happening among people close to me. It’s probably not that common.
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“—Count Pendragon.”
Near the castle gate, Ukel approached the carriage and spoke.
“You really care about your elder sister—”
“Lord Marienthal.”
Another knight accompanying us interrupted Ukel’s question.
It felt like they didn’t want Ukel and me to have this conversation.
Ignoring the atmosphere, I decided to speak to Ukel first.
“Marie—”
“Count Pendragon!”
Just then, another voice interrupted me at a terribly bad moment.
“—Your Excellency the Count.”
Of all people, it was Count Seryu.
I couldn’t ignore his greeting and talk to Ukel instead.
Although we’re equal in rank, since he controls the City Core, his position is higher than mine.
He seemed to have been out somewhere, riding a magnificent white horse.
“Long time no see, Count Seryu.”
“You’re as active as ever, Count Pendragon.”
Count Seryu dismounted his horse and, in an oddly friendly manner, gave me a hug, then invited me into the castle like an old friend of over ten years.
When someone is this friendly, I can’t help but suspect there’s an ulterior motive.
Apparently, this friendly side of Count Seryu is rare, as the servants and officials who saw us bowed with surprised faces.
“—First, I must thank you. Thanks to your assistance, we can start full-fledged labyrinth operations early next year.”
As soon as we settled in the reception room deep inside the castle, Count Seryu said this.
It must be about helping his subordinates train at the Explorer’s Guild in Labyrinth City Selbira.
“I didn’t do much. It’s the results of your subordinates’ hard work.”
“Please don’t call me ‘Your Excellency.’ You are a minister and should remember you are also addressed as such. Just call me Ros.”
Count Rosward Seryu made an unreasonable request.
“Then, Lord Ros.”
“You’re still stiff, but I can’t help it. May I call you Satou-don?”
I nodded at Count Seryu.
“Satou-don, as promised, I have assigned 2,000 demi-human slaves to work on the expansion and remodeling of labyrinth-related facilities. They are available for transfer anytime. Due to their number, the transfer period is expected to take about half a month, according to the clerks.”
“Then I will arrange an airship to transport the slaves. I think we can have a ship ready within the year, so I will send an agent from the Marquisate of Muno soon.”
I’ll delegate this part to Regent Nina of the Marquisate of Muno.
The Marquisate reclaimed all cities and towns from monsters, including Brighton City, where I serve as prefect. Many lands lack population, so they’ll appreciate this.
I intend to free them once they can be self-sufficient.
“An airship for transporting demi-humans? Why not just make them walk to the Marquisate of Muno?”
“Fatigue from travel is no joke.”
I gave a mock-evil answer to Count Seryu, who seemed exasperated.
I hate to imagine how many would die if I made 2,000 low-level demi-human slaves walk there.
“I’ve also issued a decree banning discrimination against demi-humans as promised.”
Count Seryu said proudly.
But, the situation at the gate inns still seemed the same as before.
“Hmm, based on your dissatisfied face, you must be saying discrimination still remains.”
He looked like a teacher gently scolding a misbehaving child.
“Of course, merely issuing a decree isn’t enough. I’ve instructed city patrol guards to arrest anyone seen committing unjust violence against demi-humans.”
Rumor has it some citizens have been punished or even executed.
“But public discriminatory attitudes run deep. It will be a while before true discrimination against demi-humans disappears.”
That makes sense.
If banning discrimination could alone eliminate it, governing wouldn’t be so difficult.
Even with harsh penalties, discrimination just shifts to hidden, insidious forms where the government’s eyes don’t reach.