Published: January 15, 2026
I sent a letter to Murcia, requesting that he return to Seato Village after a long absence.
Since half of the forces from the Seato Village knight order and the Espada knight order are stationed there, the defense of the fortress city Murcia has sufficient manpower. Now, not only has a proper road been established from Seato Village to the fortress city Murcia, but there are also countless adventurers helping with travel. He will probably return in about two weeks.
Things are about to get busy. I felt this keenly as I looked at the pile of documents stacked up in the lord's manor.
"Now then, the first important matter is the change in the system. If Lord Freitliner is to become the magistrate, I would like to request about two months for a handover period. Also, I have brought the administrators and clerks whom I have been training, so let's assign them their duties."
"Administrators and clerks?"
As I looked resentfully at the desk piled high with documents, Espada uttered a curious phrase. I couldn’t help but ask again, and Espada’s eyes narrowed sharply.
"Have you forgotten?"
"Th-they were former slaves, weren’t they…?"
I hurriedly traced my memory and answered. Espada nodded while stroking his own beard with his finger.
"...Well, let’s consider that acceptable. As you recall, Lord Van, we selected five talented individuals from among the slaves and trained them. Additionally, we chose two outstanding individuals from among the immigrants who later came to Seato Village and provided them with the same education. Especially the first five we trained should be capable of serving as magistrates for a small town."
Saying that, Espada called a maid to guide the people into the office. The newcomers were men and women in their twenties to thirties. Although the training period was supposed to be about one to two years, all seven of them stood upright with the demeanor of soldiers. It had been about a year since I last saw them, but I clearly remembered the first five.
"Jiu and Julietta... huh? Wasn’t Emira currently assisting Brother Murcia?"
I wondered why she was here, and when I asked, Espada shook his head.
"Emira returned immediately after the victory against the Yelinetta Kingdom. I had expected more immigration requests from His Majesty, so I was planning to have Lord Van reconsider the personnel assignments."
"Oh, then that’s perfect timing. How did things go with Brother Murcia? I imagine it must have been especially tough while His Majesty was present..."
At my question, Emira’s gaze became distant.
"Yes, it was very... With the cooperation of the knights and the retainers of various nobles, I managed to fulfill my duties somehow..."
Apparently, she had gone through quite a fierce ordeal. I felt genuinely sorry.
"Y-yeah, that makes sense. Well then, since immigration is expected to increase, maybe we should send a few more people to the fortress city Murcia."
"Please...! I beg you...!"
Emira bowed deeply with a voice like she was coughing up blood. The others also cast sympathetic glances.
"By the way, are you all able to assist the magistrate sufficiently?"
When I asked, Espada nodded.
"Yes. The first five we began training have no problems. The other two are also reasonably capable. About a year ago, Lord Van, you instructed us to train ten magistrates and ten knight commanders; so far, these seven have completed their training. As for the ten knight commander candidates, Vice Commander Dee has not had enough time, so their training is still incomplete."
"No, this is sufficient for now. Initially, I thought we would have to fight hard while securing the coastline against the desperate resistance of Yelinetta. Also, the only new territory for now is the fortress city Murcia."
I replied, and Espada exhaled sharply.
"It’s certain the numbers will increase eventually. We can never have too many capable people... Now then, let me introduce the two currently in training."
When Espada said that, two people standing in the back stepped forward as if prepared. The first was a thirty-five-year-old man. He was a former lower-ranking noble’s butler who became a slave as a war prisoner after the family he served fell. He answered briskly about his own abilities.