Chapter 19 (1/2)

Beginning of Territory Affairs

As Ritone was growing accustomed to the Mother Dragon’s h.e.l.lish training and his studies to become a n.o.ble, one day he was summoned by Eagle.

「Grandfather, I’m intruding.」

Upon entering the office, he saw an unexpected individual.

「Gold-sama?」

「Ritone-sama, it’s been a while.」

Gold, who seems more composed than before, bowed to Ritone who was coming inside the room.

「Why is Gold-sama here?」

「Umm, to tell you the truth, it’s nearly time for the kingdom’s annual budgeting session. For the next half a year, I must stay at the capital.」

Showing the decree from the Kingdom, Eagle declared.

「That reminds me, Grandfather is the Minister of Financial Affairs.」

「Yes, to be honest, I don’t care a bit about the kingdom, but the king begged me in tears. If I don’t arrange the budget, the kingdom won’t be able to handle it. However, since I was anxious about leaving Ritone alone, I called Gold over.」

At this time, with a markedly stern look on his face, Eagle set eyes on Gold.

「Hear this, even though he is an excellent summoner, and has received the blessing of the Mother Dragon, he is but a 12-year-old boy. It would be unreasonable to have him act in my stead. Gold, you will aid him with the practical matters of the affairs of state.」

「Yes, as you order!」

Gold bowed exaggeratedly, and accepted his order.

「Ritone. As the heir of the Shylock House, you will be deeply involved in the territory’s affairs (or politics). It will be the best to study under Gold, and learn about the territory’s affairs from him. 」

「Yes, I will do my best. Gold-sama, I’ll be in your care.」

「Likewise, Ritone-sama.」

Looking at Ritone and Gold, Eagle revealed a relieved smile.

After Eagle headed to the kingdom’s capital, Ritone was with Gold learning about the territory’s affairs throughout the morning.

「Ritone-sama, this is the data for each village’s harvest. The quant.i.ty fluctuates every year, but the crop yield of grain averages around 2.5 million. However, thanks to the development of new granary fields, the amount has reached around 4 million. Our subordinates number around 2 million, and there are around 80 n.o.ble families that have owners.h.i.+p of villages and cities. And aside from them, people will have to be paid for the harvesting work.」

Ritone receives a detailed explanation about the internal states of affairs of the Shylock House.

「The salary for our subordinates is set for 2 million bushels* of grain. And the other expenses reach up to 3 million bushels.」