My na is Hermann von Benno Bauister.
Im a novice noble succeeding a certain hinterland territory.
However, although that territory might be in the sticks, a large-scale developnt of the adjoining Savage Lands has begun.
There are plans to connect a road to the Bauister Earldom, which is close to the original Savage Lands. If that happens, the contact with the outside will increase as well. It will enliven my territory, which was completely isolated before.
But, the path up to here wasnt easy at all.
Originally I was the second son.
The second son, born to a noble household, has always been reputed to be the spare of the eldest son.
While free-loading at ho as adult, their marriage will be later than that of the eldest son, too.
And, there are many, who cant marry, either.
At worst, if the succeeding eldest son is unable to produce children, the second son will remain for life in the provided room of the mansion.
In my childhood I didnt know that.
The eldest son, Kurt, who was the heir, was by no ans a bad person, although he was diocre.
However, once he grew up, he gradually grasped the situation of the household and territory.
Given that Kurt was the heir, he was cherished. My treatnt was considerably befitting.
As there was also a mistress, younger brothers and sisters were gradually multiplying, but their situation might have still been better.
My younger brothers, who were born by mother, who is the legal wife, were preparing to leave elsewhere since they couldnt succeed the household anyway.
As red-bloods*, they would beco village headn or assist their elder brothers. For the younger sisters it would be fine as long as they married, even if it was a wealthy farr.(*T/N: in contrast to the blue-bloods, aka nobles)
However, I was living in a room as Kurts spare.
I was given a private room more or less, but I couldnt regard it as anything but a jail without bars.
That doesnt an that I particularly hated father or mother.
I just hated the established rules of the nobles.
It reached the point that I vented that resentnt into my sword training.
And also into the training of the ford guard unit, which consisted of the second and third sons of farrs in a similar situation.
That guard unit was usually responsible for maintaining the public order.
In an ergency it would naturally beco the core of the feudal army.
Even if I say that, criminals or such rarely appeared here since it was a remote countryside which had been isolated from other regions.
Even the feudal army shouldnt have an opportunity to get a turn, if there wasnt that previous expedition to the Demon Forest, which caused heavy losses, though I didnt go there myself.
Besides, although it might be called a guard unit which acted to maintain the public order, they stopped the occasional brawls between fellow farrs, who got drunk on sake, or diated violent matrimonial quarrels.
In this territory the guard unit was dispatched for incidents of that level.
It was a job, that finished with several people rushing on-site, listening to the argunts and splitting up the fellow related parties.
Also, there was the occasional subjugation of wild boars and bears, who lost their way into the fields, I guess?
Those were defeated in cooperation with the hunters, but there were many cases where the animals were driven away or defeated by the hunters before the guard unit ca running.
There wasnt a considerable amount of work for the guard unit.
Sotis it was limited to gathering the unit mbers for training.
Be that as it may, the mbers had ordinary jobs, too.
A regulation for the amount of training had been decided more or less, but it was never obeyed.
As it didnt make sense to abandon the fields in order to carry out the training according to the regulation, father, who is the previous feudal lord, carried out a large-scale reclamation saying that it was for the sake of increasing the tax revenue.
Given that reclamation was more important than training, I mainly helped out with that as well.
Hermann, the place you are in charge of today is over there. (Artur)
Digging up the soil at the place designated by father, I chopped down hindering trees and uprooted their stumps from the ground with several people.
Removing large stones and blocks was quite the labor.
However, as the field, which was assigned today, had been properly prepared by the unit mbers, it was decided that Helge would receive it.
He was a third son, who was unable to succeed his hos fields.
Therefore he couldnt afford failures in this reclamation.
Thank you, Hermann-sama. (Helge)
Lets not say such stuff to each other. If you didnt remain in this territory, the already shabby guard unit would have beco even more shabby. (Hermann)
Hermann-sama, thats a taboo word. (Helge)
We had a great laughter with the guard unit mbers, who were assisting in another reclamation.
As everyone was a second son and below, there were only people in the sa circumstances. The thod of laughing rather than sighing, even if it was masochistic, ended up comforting us emotionally.
You have been paying a large amount of money as taxes. So, dont hold back. (Hermann)
Helge, who beca 20 years old this year, was a survivor of the Demon Forest expedition, although it was difficult to see that.
In those days he had just beco an adult with 12 years, but he was recomnded by his ho, who thought it wouldnt be a problem for him to die as he was the third son.
No, it was probably correct to call it getting rid of a nuisance.
Theres no difference between nobles and commoners in handling a problem like this.
To be frank, Im believing that it was good for , who was 18 years old at that ti, to no be dispatched with the army.
Instead, the annihilation of the Junior Commander, who was my grand-uncle, and his three sons caused the currently icy relationship between the main family and the branch family.
It was obvious, once you looked, that the won had to help with the reclamation since there werent enough male helpers and subordinate warriors, serving the branch family.
They were following fathers order, but once in a while they were looking at father and Kurt with piercing gazes.
I beca their target as well, however that was probably inevitable.
Im still alive due to the sacrifice of grand-uncles group after all.
Possessing that much money, there was also the option to go sowhere else. Seeing that it was taken away, you have to properly receive a field, Helge. (Hermann)
It wasnt like Helge was particularly excelling in swordsmanship. His body was also short and slender.
However, by being skilled with the bow and furthermore having a robust body, he had stamina. And above all that, he had a strong spirit.
He, who was treated as underling due to his age, worked as ssenger in the expeditionary force.
On the surface they should have an equal status, but when the Bauister feudal army and the Breithilde feudal army rged, there was naturally no way for it to be that simple.
For the previous Margrave Breithilde grand-uncles group was the retainers of his retainer.
A large gap gradually ford between the two armies thanks to Margrave Breithilde treating them as retainers.
Grand-uncle kept the Bauister feudal army a bit away from the feudal army of Margrave Breithilde.
It was probably because there were problems in their treatnt, but maybe he predicted their fate to a certain extent.
Because more than 20 people of that small force survived, I have no doubt that he was likely preparing for the failure of the expedition.
However, the option to escape with few victims was no viable.
It was likely that it would beco a problem in the future, if the Bauister feudal army had almost no victims while the Breithilde feudal army got annihilated.
Especially, seeing that our supply route for goods such as salt was in the hands of the Margrave Breithilde household, it wouldnt do with only them escaping.
Even so, he wanted to let the young n escape as much as possible.
All of the 20 survivors were youngsters ranging from 12 years to early twenties.
It was the best outco grand-uncle was able to leave behind with his sphere of influence.
He risked his own life and the lives of his sons.
However, it was cruel for fathers evaluation.
He parted with valuable residents without resistance and such.
Even so, father had the position of feudal lord.
On the surface it was necessary for him to reprimand grand-uncle, who lost 80% of the war potential.
Certainly, its just as father says. (Kurt)
Following up on father, my elder brother, Kurt, criticized grand-uncle, too.
As Kurt was a diocre man, it was only natural for him to make such statent since he was properly listening to what father told him.
But, with that brief comnt I noticed Kurts lack of military talent.
At the sa ti I didnt miss fathers instant expression of disappointnt.
Father likely wanted Kurt to praise grand-uncle.
Since he was the feudal lord, he wasnt able to praise grand-uncle, who lost the majority of our war potential.
However, if the succeeding son praised grand-uncle for returning as many young n as he could, it would have been possible to sowhat alleviate the anger of people of the branch family.
Although I wasnt that intelligent, I at least understood this much.
Be that as it may, Kurt didnt realize that.
Father likely felt dejected in his heart.
Such things should be arranged ahead of ti, was the only thing I could think.
Putting that aside, we have to thank those who were able to co back. (Hermann)
I considered it butting in, but I proposed that father should directly call out to the people, who were able to return.
Such concern couldnt be expected of Kurt at any rate.
Lacking manpower due to the expeditionary force, it was only , who was regularly patrolling by leading the still remaining inhabitants, but it was also necessary to rebuke and properly correct the group I was leading, if they made a mistake. They had to at least know what to not do, if they wanted to be praised and achieve accomplishnts.
They had survived the hell, which cost us 80% of our military forces.
Rewarding their efforts, it was necessary for father to give them days off and rewards, even if it was only for their feelings.
Certainly, thats necessary. (Artur)
Father consented with my opinion.
And it actually took place, but maybe the plan to put into the branch family might have been polished at that ti.
Holidays and such are unnecessary. Rather, it would be better to make them work in cultivating new land to allow them to forget that hell. (Kurt)
Kurt had such opinion, however once I considered that standpoint, it wasnt like his view was wrong either.
With all of the surviving young n being second sons and below, they were in no position to succeed a family in reality.
Given that those, who no one would mind dying either, luckily ca back, he probably judged that their manpower should be imdiately used.
It was probably a necessary decision for the sake of the territorys growth, but his way of thinking was owed to the fact that he had the position of eldest son.
Although I could comprehend it, I wasnt pleased with it on an emotional level.
And, although the young n were able to co back, the majority of them had collapsed ntally.
During grand-uncles absence I read books in fathers study thinking it was necessary to study as it was an activity on the level of a patrol unit with several people, but within the books there was a description about mind sickness due to war.
If you go through a too bitter experience on the battlefield, there will be people, whose mind becos sick and who will beco useless as soldiers.
According to their story,a large army of monsters ca for a night attack.
Thanks to that, they reached the point of even becoming afraid of the nights darkness and the mysterious sounds, which occur then.
Since the male help of grand-uncles family was completely gone, I wasnt able to do anything but a sham patrol by leading a few guards around for a while.
I had hope for them, who had actual combat experience, but it was probably impossible to invite them as they were in such state.
I will be alright. (Helge)
However, luckily it resulted in several young n, who had a strong mind, to participate in the guard unit.
The one who was especially solid among them was the previously introduced Helge.
Grand-uncle had appointed Helge as ssenger to stay in touch with the Breithilde feudal army.
For the sake of clearing the dangerous mood between the two armies, even if only a bit, he sent the youngest.
And that attempt was slightly successful.
The leaders of the Breithilde feudal army were as high-handed as usual, but with Helge, whose parents were in the sa generation as the soldiers, regularly coming for communication, the soldiers apparently were affectionate towards him.
For you its a disaster as well. You were dragged into a competition of obstinacy between fellow authorities.
I dont mind since it will becoming horsemanship training, if Im working as ssenger. (Helge)
You have a great character. Since we grilled at of monsters, we hunted, go back after eating so of it.
Thank you. (Helge)
Youngsters have to eat their fill without holding back.
He was favored by the lower soldiers with such feelings.
And then that fateful day ca.
As Helge was heading into the direction of the Breithilde feudal armys encampnt to carry out his ssenger duty, they gave a certain sothing to Helge.
We probably wont be able to return alive. Boy, you have to survive at any cost. We will give you this.
He didnt quite understand anything, but he received several monster fangs.
And he was successful in escaping alongside others from the Demon Forest due to handling his horse skilfully thanks to his ssenger duty.
Together with the other survivors they barely managed to reach the Bauister territory one way or another, but after that he was assaulted by the blaming feelings in his chest.
Father collected the taxes from them, including Helge, who survived at great pains.
Because they were given a reward by Margrave Breithilde in addition to going to hunt at the ti they entered the Demon Forest, they paid it with the coins they possessed.
Father, thats probably crude, as one would expect. (Hermann)
It might be as you say, but even so, the law is the law. (Artur)
However, even the reward, they had, was substantially reduced to zero.
Besides, its probably not almost all money they have on hand (Artur)
Certainly, it was as father said.
He might have taken the tax as planned since father definitely understood it as well.
Everyone of the surviving group was second son and below.
As according to his conjecture of their treatnt at their hos, the majority of the money, they earned by risking their lives, was snatched away.
Especially Helge, as the received monsters fangs would beco ingredients for high-priced dicine, those were imdiately bought by the rchant group, who had money, for 200.000 cents.
Even so, the money, Helge received from his parents, was re 1000 cents.
The money, he earned by putting his life on the line, was completely exploited by his ho.
(Its a story, which is really sickening). (Hermann)
Be that as it may, this is the reality of an agricultural community in the countryside.
Given that it is important for the continuation of the family, second sons and below arent considered as anything but mountain grapes, which you squeeze for their juice.
Recently the number of young people leaving the Bauister territory together with the rchant group was increasing, but I was able to understand their feelings.
Even father was considering this to not be a good thing.
However, too radical asures would shake his reign in the territory.
If there was sothing like a rebellion in such isolated territory, the Bauister territory would suffer fatal damage. Thats probably why he was trying to promote the encouragent for reclamation as much as possible to allow the second sons and below to stand on their own feet.
I didnt believe that the eldest son, Kurt, noticed fathers forethought though.
If it was from his point of view, it was likely the level of perception that the tax yield would increase, if the arable lands expanded.
Hermann, you will enter the branch family as son-in-law. (Artur)
At the ti when I heard that story from father, my realization was no more than Will it be less objectionable because its now, I wonder?
Completing the first stage of the large-scale reclamation, it was the ti when Kurts wife was finally decided.
I was told to work in the position of Junior Commander by being adopted into the branch family.
With the failure of the expedition, the military forces of the Bauister feudal army still hadnt recovered.
In the case of an ergency it was our duty to fight with all young n, but reserve soldiers, who would keep training, were also necessary to a certain degree.
Even so, while I was looking for possibilities in the books in the study, the 20 second sons and below, in na only, went through the trouble by learning through imitation from .
One of the few results was Helge becoming my right-hand man by accumulating experience.
Although I felt sorry for troubling them with hardships in addition to the farm work on the fields, which were reclaid just recently, the at that ti had no other way to entertain them.
For Kurt, who had realized his secure position through being surrounded by the heirs of wealthy farrs and craftsn from the sa generation, such hardships were likely unnecessary.
Moreover, it seed like Kurt was jealous of my military talent.
At the ti I heard that story, I ended up laughing as it was far too ridiculous.
Certainly, I was the most proficient in swordsmanship within the territory. I didnt believe I would lose in archery to the hunter group either.
If it was a vigilante corps and a certain extent of a guard unit, I would probably be able to command them more skilfully than father and Kurt.
But, what about it?
While it may be true that I was the best in such isolated, rural territory, there should exist as many skilled guys as there were stars in the sky, who were more skilled than , once you went outside.
Kurts jealousy was nothing but false accusation in my view.
Afterwards his jealousy vanished at the sa ti when I was adopted into the branch family.
He was probably relived because his rival beca the head of the branch family.
He was a truly happy-go-lucky next family head.For soone like the branch family was a bed of thorns.
Being adopted into the branch family as groom ended up getting delayed since father waited for Marlene, who is the direct granddaughter of granduncle, to beco an adult.
Actually, once I was adopted, I was baffled by the attitude of my wife, Marlene.
From the branch familys point of view the main family was apparently recognised as having killed granduncles group in a plan to hijack the branch family.
I didnt know what father was thinking, but it would have been fine, if he had at least dispatched only as well.
The appearance of Marlene was lovely. There was nothing I wanted to complain about given that I was able to marry her.
Once she had taken an attitude of It cant be helped since its for the sake of making a child in the first night, even I was bothered.
Even during the ti of eating, I was plainly treated as unwanted guest.
As expected, even I would end up ntally strained by that, however I was saved by an unexpected person.
I have many siblings.
Even with only the children born by my mother, the legal wife, theres the third son Paul, the fourth son Helmut and the fifth son Erich.
And, being the youngest boy, the eighth son, Wendelin.
They weredaily running about preparing to leave to the capital as they couldnt succeed the household anyway.
For , who spent his teens as spare to be ready just in case, it was very enviable.
Instead, we will be on our own. (Paul)
Paul said so, but even so I was jealous of them being able to leave elsewhere.
I had no lingering affections towards being a noble or such. I wouldnt be a noble anymore at the mont I beca the head of the branch family anyway.
Even at that point in ti I had the dream to leave to the outside world and try becoming an adventurer or such like Paul, if possible.
I have no other choice but to leave and go travelling. In all honesty, I have no attachnt to this place either though. (Paul)
Although he was able to succeed in the future, Kurt discovered a new target for his jealousy.
It was the fifth son, Erich.
That guy was a man, making you believe that it was a mistake in itself for him having been born into the Bauister household.
Great looks, unmatchable archery skills, even for , and an outstandingly excellent intellect.
Of course his popularity with the fiefs population was high.
And naturally it reached a point that they deed him to be appropriate as next feudal lord.
I didnt believe that this territory would have any dealings with other feudal lords, but it would be better for the feudal lord to have a dignified appearance, since hes the face of the territory.
Even in regards to ability Erich outclassed Kurt by far.
Kurts jealousy was a matter of course, however that vanished with the declaration that Erich would leave the territory in the future.
And in the end an even more outrageous younger brother appeared.
It was the eighth son, Wendelin.
At the beginning this child also read books and such from an age of 3 years and I thought he was a similar type as Erich.
However, gradually he displayed his talent in magic.
For a child, which has talent in magic, to appear in this hinterland territory was close to a miracle.
Father imdiately took counterasures.
Those ended up being complete non-interference.
Although father told him to make sure to not contribute to the territory as much as possible, he made overwhelming contributions with stuff like at and supplies.
Even at the ti, when I was still at ho, the stuff we received to eat often was the at of helted guinea fowl.
It was freely provided by Wendelin.
From morning until evening he probably carried out special training in magic.
Occasionally it reached the point of him focussing on his magic training to the degree of spending the night sowhere else.
Naturally the flas of jealousy flared up within Kurt once again.
From my point of view, I wanted to strongly advise him to study, if he had so much spare ti.
And although it was mainly directed at him, I believed that Wendelin had a good character.
Without considering soone like Kurt, he did as he liked due to his independence.
(Once I looked at Wendelin, everything seed absurd.) (Hermann)
I was adopted into the branch family according to fathers and Kurts intention and even my wife had reservations towards .
I was fed up with such life.
Certainly I was the second son of the main family, but I had already beco a forr second son.
Currently, as head of the branch family it was necessary to work for father and Kurt as retainer, but there was no necessity to obey in other matters.
Several days after the day, I decided to do so, I attended a certain eting.
This eting was for listening to the opinions of those in the main village, which is a gathering of those who immigrated in the early days.
They were taken into consideration because they were the feudal lords support base.
However, if this was always done, the guys from the other villages naturally wouldnt find that amusing.
It was necessary to resolve that in the future, however at that ti I was in a position of speaking about those benefits on behalf of others as head of the branch family.
We want to request of you to reduce the irresponsible labour. (Hermann)
Even without that, the branch family had few n.
For that reason even the won of the branch family had to help in the reclamation work.
There are several subordinate warriors in the branch family as well, but they usually spend a busy life as farrs.
They were at their limit with the help they could provide to us.
For that reason we sent the male helper, Hermann, though. (Kurt)
There are limits with it just being . (Hermann)
Kurt didnt think anything of but being one of his henchn after all.
Since he sent that henchman to the branch family, he didnt consider the branch family as anything else but an usable tool.
Indeed, once analysed calmly, sothing like a stable reign of the Bauister territory with priority on the main village was no more than a house built on sand.
Father and the village headman, Klaus, sensed the impeding danger, but they didnt find an innovative solution. Kurt didnt even notice that danger.
(In a certain aning thats enviable, huh?) Thanks to the labour, the amount of manufactured honey liquor has gone down. (Hermann)
The branch families occupation was traditional apiculture and the production of honey liquor by making use of that.
Even so, by expediting an increase of work in an extre labour shortage, the production output fell.
Also, I want you to pay the bills for the honey liquor. (Hermann)
Alcohol was precious in this territory.
The harvest of wheat increased, but since father frowned, if it was made into alcohol, only a small amount of ho-made ale was created at most.
Therefore, the honey liquor, made by the branch family, was collected and distributed to the fiefs population, but the branch family was displeased because the paynt of the bills was delayed.
That was why my position beca a bed of thorns.
We will pay sooner or later.
Is that so? Well, then we will suspend the supply of honey liquor until the paynt is completed. It fits well as we dont have enough manpower anyway. I request the settlent of the debts, which have piled up until now, as well. (Hermann)
Hermann! (Kurt)
For so reason Kurt got enraged.
Sothing like the branch family imposing demands on the main family was probably considered as incorrigible arrogance by him.
Also, this was what I was thinking,
Father and Kurt had the duty to govern this territory in stability, but that didnt an that they were free to do whatever they wanted.
No matter how much manpower they lacked, if they only made the branch family do the unreasonable, that would only result in them becoming anti-main family.
(Did you plan to sacrifice as well!?) (Hermann)
Gradually I boiled with anger within my mind.
Why had only I, among the siblings of the Bauister household, to suffer like this?
Although I might be unable to beco a noble, I was envious of Paul, Helmut and Erich.
They would go living in the outside world, without being imprisoned in this fenced-in, shit-like, rural territory.
Who appeared next in my mind was the one, who was allowed to freely act in order to prevent an inheritance dispute.
But, Wendelin was called the lazy eighth son by the fiefs population.
Although he was still very young, Wendelin was acting to his own hearts satisfaction.
That was also because he had talent in magic, but even if it was gossiped What is he thinking!? by his surroundings, he truly lived as he pleased.
The face of Wendelin, who went out early in the morning everyday and ca back in the evening, didnt seem to have a shred of grief or doubt.
I didnt talk with him overly much.
With our ages being far apart from the start and since the at that ti had the position as head of the branch family, Kurt would likely be over-sensitive just by us talking.
If I and Wendelin joined up, Kurts status would be stolen.
It was a kind of wild fantasy, but it was also possible that Kurt would believe in it, if he had strong suspicions.
At any rate, I want you to accept the previous terms. (Hermann)
Even if I wasnt at Wendelins level, I should walk my own path.
Father and Kurt were already people from another family and I was the head of the branch family.
Since thats the case, I had to consider how to get the most gains for the branch family.
The reclamation has completed the first stage. We will pay the accumulated debts. (Artur)
Father! (Kurt)
Our side has caused problems due to the reclamation project. Its only natural to pay, I believe. (Artur)
In the end father would apparently pay the bills with such reasoning.
For the people of the branch family back then father didnt even deserve their trust anymore, though, I guess.
And Kurt apparently believed that it wasnt necessary to pay or sothing like that.
In my opinion Kurt would be able to manage sohow or another, if he had plenty of money as noble.
However, what did he plan to do by making the branch family into an enemy?
(Currently the combination of father and Kurt is sohow restraining the conservatives of the main village and the territory is at peace, but) (Hermann)
Due to the discord with the branch family, which stemd from the Demon Forest expedition, there was backlash towards the old people of the conservative class by the young people in the main village, too.
The remaining two villages were at a level of following father and Kurt as it couldnt be helped since they were the feudal lords.
This territory had beco shaky in around hundred years after its establishnt.
(If sothing is stabbed with a single needle, this territory will probably explode). (Hermann)
And that would beco the fall of father and Kurt as leaders of this territory.
(It might be my delusion, but) (Hermann)
After this eting I was finally approved of by the people of the branch family, it seems.
Since my wife beca wife-like, this was probably a lucky break as well.
Kurts face turned sullen, but that guy couldnt win in physical strength against anyway.
And several years elapsed, however what ca afterwards had been already explained many tis.
Father retired, I beca the head of this Bauister territory, Paul had a territory allocated to him as well and lastly, Wendelin beca an Earl and was given the majority of the Savage Lands.
It will probably be better to not talk about Kurts matter anymore.
That guy blew himself up by not following into the future of the Bauister territory, which would be to open up towards relations with the outside.
Thats how it is.
Oi, Klaus. As expected, this is just too foolish. (Hermann)
I, who beca the 5th generations family head of the Knight Bauister territory after a certain incident, summoned the village headman of the main village, Klaus.
Father and Kurt had recognised the abilities of this man called Klaus, but I doubted his motives within my mind.
Besides, he was affected by the deaths of his son and the fianc of his daughter, however the truth behind that has already been clarified.
Indeed, I think he wont do sothing like scheming the change of the feudal lord behind the scenes anymore.
As Wendelin doesnt distrust him in that area either, he remained as village headman of the main village.
He, who had desired a change of feudal lord as village headman, has begun to interact with other territories. The neighbouring territories of Paul and Wendelin were currently in the middle of a developnt rush.
It has reached the point that my territory is visited by rchants from outside as well. The cultivated land has also increased. And the production of honey liquor, which is our special product, has started to be supported by the capitals rchants, who were introduced by Wendelin.
With an increase in new residents, there are now 5 villages. My territory is busy with things like the reclamation of the Savage Lands and the reception of new immigrants.
On the whole it was entirely good things, but in fact one troubling problem occurred.
Walters and Karls behaviour is intolerable. Do sothing about it. (Hermann)
Klaus is an excellent man, who has been acknowledged by father, and my brothers.
But, he has a flaw as well.
Thats in educating children, no, he probably failed in the education of his grandchildren because they are the children of his daughter.
Although I have been watching father getting terribly sabotaged by Kurt, I have now called Klaus because Im getting sabotaged by his grandchildren.
He seems to sohow pamper them partially since they are his grandchildren and not his children.
From the view of father it might be relieving for Klaus to be a human as well, but for they are no more than the pri cause for instability generated in the territory once again.
It was necessary to deal with it imdiately.
Im sorry. I have reprimanded them many tis, but (Klaus)
That there wasnt the excellent village headman, but nothing more than a gentle grandfather, who simply apologizes for his grandchildren.
Ive heard that they are even inciting the young people. Klaus, you do know what will happen, if you dont reign them in properly, dont you? (Hermann)
The beginning of the problems has started because of the treatnt towards Klaus after that incident.
Father had retired and moved to Pauls territory, but Klaus had no reason to retire and remained as the one responsible for financial affairs and as a village headman of the Knight Bauister territorys main village.
In a part of the territory voices were raised for Klaus to retire as well since he carried out political incitent, but the current Bauister territory lacked capable personnel.
Seeing that there is no substitute for him, I have no choice but having him continue his work without change.
Father and my other brothers are likely thinking that Klaus has already returned to his position as normal village headman and is working as such.
Since I thought so as well, I left him alone.
In reality he returned as excellent village headman, who does his job silently.
With an age of over 60 years, he himself has apparently already decided to retire in several years.
It has reached the point that he is gradually entrusting the work of the main villages headman to his grandchild Walter, who is the eldest son of Leila. He has been gathering and training candidates from other villages for tasks like tax collection, too.
He has beco an old man, who completely lacked resentnt and ambitions. He is silently endeavouring in his job.
Half the group of the other villages believes that to be eerie and the other half regards that favourably.
For the lot from the villages, which were freshly established, he is no more than a kind grandfather, who thoroughly teaches the job to the next generation because they dont know about the circumstances of the forr Klaus.
The lot of the other villages, who have lived here since before, is apparently thinking What is he planning this ti?
However, given that he is releasing his monopoly on the tax collection task, they are getting taught by him obediently, at least on the surface.
Klaus obtained a monopoly on the tax collection task after he presented his daughter Leila as mistress to father.
At least thats what those from the other villages are thinking.
Therefore I wanted everyone to have the impression that this favour will disappear once Klaus retires.
Klaus shared that opinion as well.
The reason is that main village has already beco nothing more but a na.
By now there are 2 other villages, which were built by the residents who immigrated just recently. The village headn over there are chosen by them.
After I beca the feudal lord, the eting, which was held to listen to the opinions of the fiefs population though it was previously limited to the main village, was attended by representative from all villages.
With the developnt being far from over, the number of villages will gradually increase and complete strangers will be chosen as village headn by them.
Even at the current ti the influence of the main village has decreased quite a bit.
Besides, in relation to the efficiency of ruling, if the developnt of the Savage Lands advances even more, we will be moving the location of the Bauister households main residence.
Once that happens, the main village will likely be called capital village.
This was the flow of ti. Klaus doesnt seem to have any complaints either.
I will grow old and die while watching the growth of the Bauister territory as is. (Klaus)
So ti ago Klaus leaked in a whisper as if talking to himself.
However, a problem has occurred from another direction.
It was Klaus grandchildren, Walter and Karl, who have beco half brothers to .
I want Karl to beco the village headman of another village.
Right when I beca feudal lord, Walter and Karl ca along and started with such petition.
Moreover, as it was an ill-natured affair, both of them were accompanied by Leila-san and I was asked by her as well.
(Father, I curse you) (Hermann)
Leila-san didnt follow father at the ti he moved to Pauls territory after his retirent.
Even though Leila-san beca fathers mistress, she didnt live in the sa house as him to begin with. Her responsibility was to give birth to children.
She hasnt divorced him or anything, but she probably hated sothing like a secluded life and eting my mother, the legal wife.
Therefore she remained with us, however by no ans did I expect her to make a political petition at this point.
Dont ask unreasonable things. (Hermann)
It was impossible if you consider our relation with the two other villages, which were here since before.
Besides, they believe the current change to be desirable and are supporting as new feudal lord.
If I pushed the younger brother from a different mother, Karl, onto them as village headman out of personal interest, theres no doubt that they will oppose it strongly.
Given that they have no offences like falsifying the taxes or such either, there isnt even any basis to dismiss the current village headn.
Although there arent kind of cris, you are trying to take the village headns places by dismissal.
There are the villages of the immigrants, right?
Even so, thats impossible.
The new immigrant group is deciding their new village headman by themselves.
Its not like they are defying , who is their feudal lord, either. It will likely beco a problem, if I suddenly dismiss their village headman and send in Karl.
There are plans to establish a new village again. I will entrust the position of village headman of that place to you. Wendelin has rushed it to so degree, but a few small finishing touches and I will have you lead those, who ca immigrating. I will dispatch personnel and Norbert as help from my side as well. (Hermann)
Norbert was the husband of Agnes, who is my half-sister.
Also, I will entrust the managent of the shop, left behind by Wendelin, to Reiner. (Hermann)
Right after Wendelin beca an Earl, he finished the short lifeti of that developnt special ward.
That mansion, which beca the border to the Savage Lands, was relocated to the city, which carried the na Baulburg, and afterwards everything was assigned to .
Among that is the shop, which is selling various items. I decided to leave the managent of it to Rainer, the husband of Korona, whos also a half-sister of mine.
(It ca after all) (Hermann)
In fact their petition was sothing that father, Wendelin and perfectly anticipated.
They are my half brothers and younger sisters and Wendelins half brothers and elder sisters.
Although all of the brothers from the legal wife have beco nobles, the red-blooded them, whose mother is the mistress, havent received many benefits.
This is why its natural for dissatisfaction to appear.
(However, Leila-san has appeared at this point, huh?) (Hermann)
In my opinion she is also soone, who ended up having her life toyed with thanks to the power relationship within the territory.
Losing her fiance in her youth, she beca fathers mistress.
Its likely not really funny for mother either. From the start she has been living in Klaus mansion together with the children, she bore, with the reason of her social standing being different.
So far she appeared in public rarely. Honestly, its at a level that it was surprising for her to co together with Walter and Karl for making a petition.
Her holding her own children very dear is probably also a reason why father ended up leaving the territory.
(This woman is as beautiful as ever). (Hermann)
Although shes already past 40 years old, she still doesnt look as anything but around 30.
Father had likely made her his mistress for the sake of reinforcing his ruling system, but there should have been side benefits as well.
Thank you very much. (Leila)
Leila-san bowed together with Walter and Karl and excused herself from my location.
The petition at this ti and its contents are in range with my assumptions.
Even father has deed it necessary to make him village headman or make an under-the-table pay-off to so extent.
Wendelin said Wouldnt it be better to split off territory sowhere? though.
This was prevented by father and as expected.
Wendelin isnt dumb either, but he has so naive parts.
I believe it to be evil, but it will beco a big problem, if we make our red-blooded half sisters and brothers into nobles.
The nobles of the central governnt will probably kick up a fuss. A large crowd of idiots, who want to beco nobles, will co rushing saying We are your fathers children, so acknowledge us.
It will be fine, if I leave it to my children, who would be born by my wives, once the number of branch families increased in a foreseeable future.
I did compromise adequately, didnt I? (Hermann)
Yes (Klaus)
Walter will beco the village headman of this main village. Karl will beco the village headman of a village in a newly developed area, too.
Naturally I will give him enough assistance. The husbands of my half sisters have been considered properly too.
And yet Walter and Karl still seem to be unhappy.
No, they ended up getting carried away, once they got this compromise under-the-table.
Currently I dont go beyond being a village headman, but in the future its very likely for to be allocated a territory! I will beco a noble!
Rumours ca flowing in that they have ford a ruling party by gathering the young people within the territory while saying that.
Klaus, did you properly explain it to them? (Hermann)
That is, because Wendelin-sama beca an Earl in one generation, they might have a misunderstanding (Klaus)
Wendelin was born with blue blood, but if he had no talent in magic, his children would have undoubtedly fallen to commoner status after his death.
Although he had such circumstances, he beca an Earl at an age of 15 years.
Since Wendelin is seen as noble, who suddenly rose in society to a higher position, by Walters group, they seem to be thinking that its very likely for them to beco nobles as they have half blue blood as well.
Given that all of his elder brothers from the sa mother received peerage and territory, they believe that they can be promoted as his elder half brothers.
Anyway, stop them! Do you want to get even your grandchildren killed? (Hermann)
Yes, I will definitely (Klaus)
Occasionally there are people, who beco nobles by successfully developing uninhibited backward regions, among forr rchants and commoners.
Since such people dont have ancestral retainers, they have no choice but to form a retainer group from among their commoner friends and family.
Given that retainers are existences similar to half nobles, they believe they will be given territory as nobles as their are further up in rank.
Do sothing about it right away! Dont you understand that its pointless even if I stick up for them? (Hermann)
That is, of course (Klaus)
Since we have been entangled in the profits of the large-scale Savage Lands developnt, there is a possibility that imprudent speech and conduct will incur the anger of His Majesty and the big nobles.
Even Kurt, who was the original heir, ended up being a target for removal once he caught their attention.
They will dispose of soone like Walters group without any kind of hesitation.
Walters group is half connected by blood with Wendelin. Therefore, they are too foolish! (Hermann)
Its not unlikely for a person similar to a second Baron Rckner to appear.
They will manipulate from behind the scenes by agitating Walters group.
You couldnt say that there are no nobles scheming such plans.
Among Wendelins new retainers there are many with strong pipes to the central governnt. (Hermann)
There are third sons and below as well as many illegitimate children of cabinet ministers and big nobles.
Sothing like an existence, which sabotages a rising Earl household which accepted such people, will clearly be disposed as if swatting an annoying fly.
By all ans, I will restrain them. (Klaus)
Klaus, the way things are going, cant you tell them father-like things? (Hermann)
Its because they are my grandchildren. Im troubled because it sothing else than with my children. (Klaus)
He has surely pulled back one level in the parts requiring a stern education.
I rembered the saying A grandfathers child is cheaper than 3 cent, I saw in so book.
At any rate, I leave it to you. (Hermann)
One week after I gave a warning to Klaus, as expected, he moved actively. I didnt hear any rumours about their moves.
Walters group seems to be silently preparing to immigrate to the next pioneered village and to work as next village headman.
Good grief, for now I feel relieved. (Hermann)
Recently the number of people, who visit the Bauister territory, increased.
There werent many rchants, but instead the number of adventurers has grown.
They apparently ca to investigate whether they can hunt the wyvrens and flying dragons living in the northern mountain range.
It looks like they are considering the establishnt of a adventurers guild branch. The raw materials of dragons are expensive after all. (Hermann)
If it turns out well, we can hope for employnt for the fiefs population in facilities for dismantling dragons and for taxes from the guild and the adventurers.
It might also be possible to invite workshops, which process raw materials, and such.
I see, thats a good story.
Klaus, who brought along several of those adventurer representatives, and talked about the bright future of this territory.
However, imdiately after that I have been plunged into an abyss of despair.
Those adventurers suddenly thrust swords at .
Next, sounds of arguing and voices of quarrelling between people from outside are audible.
Oy, Klaus! (Hermann)
I wish for you to not resist too much. Severely injured people and accidental deaths will decrease the population of this territory. (Klaus)
Klaus answered my question in his usual calm tone.
Furthermore, he hadnt swords thrust at him by the adventurers.
Klaus, you (Hermann)
Hermann-sama, please stay obedient. This isnt a rebellion. Thinking about the future of this Bauister territory, we will do a direct petitioning with the long-standing sympathisers here. (Klaus)
A short ti later my wife, my two children, the servants, the subordinate warriors and my retainers are gathered in this room with swords thrust at them by Walter, Karl and the adventurers.
Walter and Karl, too, eh? Thats no wonder though. (Hermann)
In the first place, they are also the group, who made a fuss to be made into nobles.
The quietness in this place for around one week was because they prepared this rebellion.
By no ans did I expect you, Klaus, to take part in such conduct. (Hermann)
Putting aside Walter and Karl, who were misguided in their education by Klaus, I never expected the person himself to join in on such foolish deed.
Having continued to employ Klaus, who wasnt trusted much by father, conversely he did sothing unnecessary since I thought he wouldnt do such stupid thing given how smart he is.
Hermann-sama, do you believe that I do sothing like this without any chance for success? (Klaus)
Well, now. Cant you please explain it in a way that a foolish feudal lord like can understand it as well? (Hermann)
Please look outside the window. (Klaus)
Doing as told by Klaus, I can see around ten-odd adventurers and young residents, who were likely approved by Walter and Karl, surrounding the mansion, installing a wooden wall or carrying in supplies like food and bows into the mansion.
You strengthened your war potential by hiring adventurers as rchants? (Hermann)
No, Klaus shouldnt be convinced of his prospects of victory in this battle with having obtained at most ten-odd reinforcents.
Currently magic airships are periodically operating in the Savage Lands.
If they use those, Wendelin, Margrave Breithilde and even the troops from the royal capital could be deployed right away, if its a military force of around several hundreds.
Even if they installed walls around this mansion, to a degree like hair grows in a family of wealthy farrs, it will likely be impossible to defend this place in the first place,
Did you take us hostage as safety precaution? (Hermann)
No, thats not it either.
For better or worse, Im unimportant as noble as well.
Just because I was taken hostage, its unlikely for them being able to declare that they want Wendelin to accept their demands.
Although I want him to save my wife and children if possible, there are several relatives, who can beco the new feudal lord even if my family gets annihilated here.
It will be fine if we are burned to death all together for the sake of severing future anxieties.
(The reason why Klaus moved is) (Hermann)
Once I begin to probe the situation in the surroundings in order to pursue the truth, even if its only for a bit, I felt a sense of discomfort from the reinforcing adventurers.
(They are commanding too much) (Hermann)
Adventurer is an occupation renown for its wide range, from best to worse, regarding human nature.
If you say that there is a group among them, who earns even more than nobles and who has character to the degree of using that money for charity, there will also be many folks, who are bandits or beggars.
Once I wondered whether they would rummage through this mansion for booty after having occupied it, the several representatives, who were brought along by Klaus, are briskly preparing for a defensive battle using even Walters and Karls group.
Their movents were completely like soldiers.
(Are they so nobles retainers?) (Hermann)
For an instant I rember the younger brother of Finance Minister Rckner, who provided the magic tool to Kurt, but they shouldnt be that mans retainers.
For the sake of getting rid of the adventurer, who gave the magic tool to Kurt, in the northern mountain range, around four of that mans retainers entered the mountain range from the side of Magraviate Breithilde, however two of them died in the process of attacking that adventurer.
One heavily wounded died on his descent. The remaining one was captured by the subordinates of Margrave Breithilde in a totally exhausted state.
There shouldnt be any other guys besides them.
(If thats the case, from which household are they?) (Hermann)
The more I think about it, the less I know the answer to it.
(Since it has already turned out like this, there is no other choice but having Wendelin do sothing about it, huh?) Oy, would you at least let go to the toilet for a piss? (Hermann)
That of course. We will also be troubled, if you leak here. (Klaus)
I beca defiant and chose to be obediently confined here together with my family and retainers.
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