I Became the Older Brother of a Villainess - Chapter 9.2
As the master, I also needed to manage my reputation. Being labeled as fickle, firing employees arbitrarily and roaming around, was not an assessment I could tolerate.
“Additionally, I may have to dismiss a few more for a while, but fill the vacancies through referrals. Especially among the employees frequenting the market, pick a few trustworthy ones, make them proud of their increased wages, working for the Glutoni Duchy. Provide unfamiliar treats to the young employees that they haven’t tasted from other households, and give them free time during the day for leisure.”
“Understood. Please leave it to me,” said the loyal chief in a trustworthy voice.
“With this, the personnel matters should be settled for now.”
I nodded in relief at his reassuring words.
“I was thinking today, it would be good to have at least one bodyguard. It bothers me, especially after discovering a spy.”
“Are you referring to a bodyguard? But, Your Grace, you are a magician. Haven’t you said that training in magic is sufficient to protect yourself?”
“Did I say that?”
Did Cierra say something like that? Well, I wouldn’t know for sure. Promises are meant to be broken, and words can be twisted.
“If you believe a bodyguard is necessary, then so be it.”
“If that’s your wish, Your Grace, I’ll choose an outstanding individual among the Glutoni Duchy’s soldiers and appoint them as a bodyguard.”
“No. I’ll be bringing in the bodyguard from the outside,” I firmly stated, as I already had something in mind.
“Have you heard of the Slos Mercenary Corps?”
“If it’s the Slos Mercenary Corps, isn’t it a gathering place for skilled individuals? If you hire a bodyguard from there… I agree. It seems it could also aid in Your Grace’s training.”
“In that sense, I want to go there personally to hire someone. There’s a small village near the mercenary corps base. Staying there for a day or two should be enough.”
“In a place where my territory meets the deep forest, there’s a small village. The people there have built a modest life based on hunting. It’s truly rural, even among rural areas.
It’s a village one might find in any fantasy world, devoid of any remarkable specialties.Though it belongs to the Glutoni Duchy, the land is nearly abandoned. However, this place holds one treasure buried there that is unparalleled anywhere else.
That person is none other than the male lead, the warrior Pippin.
“Whether it’s a mercenary or a knight, there’s a more important goal.”
My real purpose is to find Pippin.
I’m not really interested in bodyguards. The Slos Mercenary Corps was just an excuse. I needed an excuse to visit the village where Pippin lives. The mercenary base and Pippin’s village are geographically close because Pippin’s master is a giant within the Slos Mercenary Corps.
Pippin pledged loyalty to the crown prince, awakened as a warrior, and defeated all the monsters. He conquered the land of the recluse and, in the process, captured the heart of the female lead.
Of course, that’s a story for the future, something that hasn’t happened yet. The current Pippin is an inexperienced countryside lad who knows nothing about the world, a young lad.
If I defeat this guy now, it not only reduces the power of the crown prince but also eliminates one more perverted individual who might get entangled with Daria.
Isn’t this a good opportunity? At most, this guy, who probably used his muscles to dig potatoes, can’t be that strong.Testing my tactics against him would be a good challenge. If things go well, I’ll bring him in and use him as a pawn for surveillance. In the worst case, he might need to be eliminated.
“Prepare thoroughly.”
Because we need to get rid of the sprout of a promising tree.
***
About a week after the funeral.
I made preparations to go out with the butler, Dandel. Since there was still no trustworthy person inside the mansion, it seemed advisable for the butler to stay behind in the mansion.
The dawn was beginning to break, and the chief butler, who appeared as if he had never experienced drowsiness in his life, came out to see me off with a neat appearance.
“Although you emphasized the need for haste, I have prepared quickly. However, from next time, it would be inconvenient if you suddenly go out like this. Sir, you need to inspect the estate, and…”
The chief butler continued his nagging while stroking his mustache. The attendants who followed us loaded luggage onto the carriage. It was a bundle containing a change of clothes, provisions, a lunchbox, and the like.
“Please travel with ease, as if it were a simple journey. However, staying away for more than a week would be difficult. If you happen to be delayed even a little, make sure to send word. Don’t forget to contact us as soon as you arrive.”
“Got it, got it. Am I some kind of kid…?”
As I tried to continue, I realized that Cierra might be seen as a kid. After all, he’s just fifteen now, right? The chief butler might have some nagging to do.
“Anyway, don’t worry. Nothing serious will happen. Think of it as a light excursion.”
Even though it’s a journey that makes someone else’s throat feel light. But if I just take down the neck of the warrior Pippin, there won’t be any issues.
Seemingly satisfied with my response, the chief butler nodded and took out an ornament from his pocket as if it were an Olympic gold medal. Accepting it, I noticed the delicate craftsmanship. It was the emblem of the family. The circular design, composed of intricate characters and shapes, somehow resembled a manhole cover from the future world.
“I will provide you with money, but if by any chance you need to purchase something expensive in a hurry, please show this voucher to the merchant. I will settle the payment later if you put it on credit.”
“Got it.”
Is this the fantasy world’s black card?
