Chapter 208 (2/2)

“Even if that forest is near the coast, it’s still on the Dark Continent so….”

Edita Sensei’s words trailed off at the end.

Is she worried about me?

I’m overjoyed.

However, a knock on the door kept her from continuing. Knock, knock, knock, the rhythmic tapping on the door followed by a man’s voice.

“Excuse me, I was told the I could find Baron Tanaka here.”

“Yes, come in….”

“Are you sure? I don’t wish to intrude.”

“Please.”

What’s with this overly polite introduction? The person on the other side of the door now had everyone’s attention as the door slowly opened. Then, he appeared. It’s someone whose voice I should’ve recognized.

Neumann.

“It’s been a long time, Neumann-san.”

“Yes, Baron Tanaka, it has been too long.”

Hearing this man in particular  refer to me using honorifics made my spine tingle.

That tone of a company slave is all too familiar to me.

“When did you get here?”

“I left the capital shortly after our brief exchange during your audience with the King.”

“I see.”

“I had planned on meeting with you earlier, Baron, but you were always away whenever I previously visited. I apologize for the delay.”

It’s true that I have been flying all over the place in order to complete my important mission. Immediately after arriving back from the capital, I embarked on a sacred quest that involved me clearing a dungeon, defeating a boss, and earning a bag full of gold.

“By the way, Neumann-san, there’s something I’d like to say.”

“What’s that?”

“Ester-san may have said something about calling me Baron but you don’t need to worry about it. Whenever you refer to me in that way, I just feel like I’m going to be sent to the frontlines again.”

“That’s out of the question. There’s no chance I’d ever be so rude to a member of the nobility….”

“Isn’t it fine? You saw how things went in the castle. I may be a baron now but who knows when Viscount FitzClarence’s opinion of me may change? By this time next year, I could be a commoner again and working under you as an adventurer once more.”

“….”

“Just think of it as things returning to how they were before.”

It’s similar to a junior transferring to a new division before eventually being promoted to the boss then his old boss is transferred to his division under him. Right now I’m in the position of boss and it’s making everything awkward.

“…well, if that is what you wish, then I have no reason to refuse.”

“Then I would be grateful if we could speak more casually moving forward.”

“I understand.”

Neumann sighed before continuing in a more casual tone.

“What work would you have me do for you? I’ve been working in the capital on my own all this time, but His Majesty has assigned me here to aid you in whatever I can, Tanaka. I will fulfill that duty to the best of my ability, at least until the deadline has been met.”

“In that case, I’d appreciate your help in running the city, Neumann-san. I’m certain someone like you that has held your position for so long would be more capable than someone like me and I’d appreciate you teaching me whatever I may need.”

“Certainly I have been assigned many different responsibilities that could prove useful to operating a city, but the grander view of what is to be made of the city and the overall territory comes down to what you want as its ruler. A recent trend amongst the nobility is handing all of their responsibilities to several different officials and claiming responsibility for the positives while blaming their officials for any difficulties that may arise.”

So the managers of this world are like that.

The type that hides in the office while claiming they’re busy with conferences or meetings.

“I will take responsibility for everything, so you may act with that fact in mind.”

“If that is what you wish….”

Neumann most likely views his new position as a punishment. The King one-sidedly decided to station him here, under the rule of a new baron who has been positioned to fail.

I’m genuinely sorry for this and want to do everything I can to make this a better experience for him.

I was actually hoping for Neumann’s help in investigating whatever the Prime Minister may be planning with the land around Tricklis, but that would be causing him a lot of unnecessary trouble. For now, I think it’s fine for him to stay here and peacefully run the city.

“Feel free to take some time off in order for your mind and body to recover.”

Eh…n-no, I’ve only just arrived. I have no problem getting straight to work….”

“You look tired and I’m sure the work you had to do in the capital was exhausting.”

I’m certain that someone working directly for the King must be exhausted.

But Neumann’s response was not what I expected and I could even detect a hint of desperation.

“I may be tired, but I can still do it. No, I must do it!”

“Really? Are you sure…?”

“I’m sorry if I ever made it seem like I don’t wish to be here, but I have a family to feed….”

Aah, he’s just misunderstanding.

That’s my fault.

“I’m sorry, Neumann-san, there seems to be a small misunderstanding. I really do think you look tired, so I just want you to take around ten days off to recuperate. There are even hot springs here for you to freely use.”

“…are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“….”

When he finally realized what I was telling him, he seemed to shut down. This is just my own one-sided thoughts, but while I was working as an adventurer, I may have given him the impression that I’m a reckless person that doesn’t think things through.

“You don’t have to worry about us lacking manpower. We have the representative of the city, Christina as well as the Twilight Company led by Gonzalez to help run the city while you recover. Sophia-san also plays a major part in keeping everything running smoothly.”

“Yes, I met with everyone while you were away. I was most surprised to see the Twilight Company working here.”

“How so?”

“That Gonzalez you mentioned, the leader of the Twilight Company. I can’t say for sure, but I believe he is the legitimate heir to the Aufschnaiter family. I never expected the last surviving member of that family to be working for any nobility related to the Penny Empire. At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

“So that’s what you meant.”

I wonder if Gon-chan has any issues working for me.

I never thought about it much because he looked so happy with his loli harem. It would probably be best for me to look into this Aufschnaiter family. Gonzalez may be one of the best men I’ve met in this world. If my entire city was to crumble to dust, I’d still want him to remain by my side.

“And I haven’t met the mayor, Christina I believe. I’d like to introduce myself if possible….”

“I’m sorry, but the mayor is currently away.”

“Is she taking care of some business related to the town?”

“Not exactly. That woman is a bit of a free spirit, but she is more than capable of protecting the town. It’s also important for you to know that she possesses a short temper and it would be best if you act respectfully around her.”

“I…see.”

“If things ever seem like they’re getting out of hand with her, come get me straight away.”

“I’m not sure to say until I’ve met this person myself, but I understand.”

“Thank you.”

It should be fine. Neumann excelled at his position in the capital where every day he had to act overly respectful to everyone he spoke to. However, for now, I think it’s best for him to relax and recover so he can do his best.

“I’m sure everything between you two will go well.”

“The more you say that the more worried I get, Tanaka.”

“I’m sorry, just be careful.”

This type of relationship is nice.

It’s no longer an employee and his boss; it’s more like we’re colleagues.

“I look forward to working together, Neumann-san.”

“As do I, Tanaka.”

It would be nice if we could hold a welcoming party for him.

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

We should do it soon.

Damn. That means that the Sophia-chan’s viewing party that’s been happening in the office will end. Once Neumann starts working, he’ll probably need Sophia-chan’s help on a regular basis and these peaceful days of sitting together in my office will come to an end.

I hoped to enjoy them for a while longer.

“All right then, I still have some work of my own to take care of if you all will excuse me.”

He bowed to everyone before leaving the room.