Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord

Now, I’m thinking about increasing the population and securing personnel who can take on managerial roles, but it’s not that simple. We could tour nearby towns and recommend Seato Village, but the nobles governing each territory would probably resent us fiercely.

So, what should we do?

“Shall we request the Bell Rango Trading Company?”

Muttering this, Espada nodded.

“That’s the right choice.”

It seemed I had passed the test. I answered inwardly relieved.

“Hmph. First, let's have them go to the capital city and other large regional cities to recruit people who want to work away from home! We’ll prepare several types of jobs and offer wages higher than the capital city’s standard! At the same time, we’ll place orders with the adventurers’ guild for escorts and dungeon explorations! That way, people will think, ‘Seato Village must be a wonderfully prosperous place,’ right? Then we’ll also put out large-scale requests to mercenary groups! Famous and costly mercenary groups moving around would be a huge promotional effect by itself!”

I excitedly shared my ideas. Come on, Espada. Praise me to your heart’s content!

I looked at Espada with that thought, but he gazed at me with a very calm expression.

“...The Bell Rango Trading Company has already been promoting Seato Village and recruiting craftsmen in the capital city and the Fertio Marquisate. Additionally, we have placed orders with the adventurers’ guild. I’ve reviewed their reports...”

“Ah! I’ve seen that! You mean that, right!? I know about it!”

Cutting off Espada’s words, I feigned full knowledge with all my might. I had to act naturally so I wouldn’t get caught, or else the dreaded double study session would be waiting for me. Wiping the cold sweat from my forehead with flair, I gave a sly smile.

“I’m well aware of that! What I’m saying is, let’s also advertise in other big cities! Also, maybe we can ask Bell Rango Trading Company to buy slaves again! If they’re serious people, there’s plenty of work in my territory!”

Espada narrowed his eyes at me for a moment, then let out a shallow breath and averted his gaze.

“...Well, very well then. I will arrange for that as well. By the way, what budget are you thinking of?”

Here it comes, a killer pass. Espada’s question triggered my well-honed Espada radar. If I had been looking at the reports, I could have answered how many platinum coins were needed, but to be honest, I couldn’t remember the finances of Seato Village at all right now. After all, we joined the war, repaired and modified the fortress city, and there were all sorts of things.

However, the study demon (Espada) would not accept such excuses.

“...Let’s see. When we purchased before, I heard that about 150 young and healthy slaves cost around three platinum coins. Then, this time, maybe we could buy for about ten platinum coins.”

I gave a somewhat vague but clear number. Espada raised one eyebrow and paused for a moment. After a few seconds of silence, he finally replied.

“I see. Given Seato Village’s assets, I think we could afford three times that amount, but why limit it to ten platinum coins?”

“Well, if too many people move in at once, it would be difficult to arrange education and housing. Besides, buying that many slaves at once at the slave market might attract suspicious looks, and the slave market would also be troubled. It’s better to buy a moderate number regularly, I think.”

I answered as if I had carefully considered many things. Espada slightly relaxed his expression and nodded.

“I see. So there was a deep thought behind it. In that case, I won’t say anything further. By the way, regarding the equipment replenishment requested by the knight order...”

After more than two hours, I was finally freed and escaped the lord’s manor as if fleeing.

“...I’m so tired.”

I walked with my back hunched and sighed deeply. Seeing this, Til and Arte smiled wryly and spoke.

“Thank you for your hard work.”