CHAPTER 767

[T.L: punisher87]

[My ko-fi link:- https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 ]

August 20, 1803.

It had been about a month since Luet returned to the human world.

As soon as she started her duties as the head butler, she quickly took control of the clan, proving her abilities.

[10th Flagbearer, it seems we should strengthen support for neutral zone contamination. Zipfel has been increasingly passive in supporting neutral contamination zones, so we need to engage with them and incorporate their support.]

"Ms. Head Butler, the areas where Zipfel is passively supporting are mostly places where we won't gain much. In fact, it would cost us more in reconstruction expenses if we were to include them in the Huphester alliance."

[I'm aware. There are hardly any viable resources, and most of the areas are practically in ruins. But what's important now is the image of Runcandel. Even from a humanitarian perspective, if we reduce our sleep, we can save that many more lives.]

"Understood."

[Moreover, this is a crucial time for talent, and talent can emerge from anywhere unexpectedly. Someone we desperately need may suddenly appear in the areas we've provided relief to. Just like the engineers who emerged from the relief zones the other time, such occurrences were frequent in my time as well.]

Luet was not just the head butler; she was the ancestor who kept Runcandel alive to this day.

Even the former patriarch of the clan, who were the eldest among the previous generations, were distant descendants to her.

Furthermore, after witnessing Luet's administrative abilities, Jin granted her the authority to wield complete power in internal affairs, making her the de facto second-in-command of Runcandel.

[Chief instructor, Dame Tasha.]

[Speak, Ms. Head butler.]

[The new recruits we received this time are all excellent. After the team leaders are selected, provide each of them with a fine sword.]

[I already have several selected swords.]

[Also, pay special attention to the newcomers who have been struggling on the existing stages. We must ensure that unnecessary factions do not arise. It's good to stimulate fighting spirit through competition, but it's not the appropriate method for the current situation. Always strive together and set goals that must be achieved through cooperation.]

[I will do so.]

[Sir Vallas, how is the Black Sword Association these days?]

[Hahaha, there is no day where blood doesn't stain my sword as I eliminate those who siphon off reconstruction funds. They're all lowlifes, but still.]

[Very well. If there is corruption happening within Huphester, the Black Sword Association must continue to demonstrate that they will take direct action and enforce the law. However, no innocent individuals should suffer.]

[Don't worry, anyone who seems even slightly doubtful is being taken to the Princess of Tikan to confirm the truth. However, it seems we'll need to enhance our power. So, it would be good if the Chief instructor could send some promising individuals our way.]

[The guardian of law has been enthusiastic about compiling the clan's law lately. From what I've read, Section 5 seems overly strict overall. How about easing the criteria for each exemplary law?]

[Ms. Head butler, I believe that compromising on that matter would be inappropriate. No matter how chaotic the times, the law should remain true to its nature.]

[You make a valid point.]

[However, we can add provisions that allow for relaxation depending on exceptional circumstances.]

[That's a splendid alternative. Proceed with that. And the chief guardian of the civilian, Sir Tellot."

"Yes, MsHead butler."

[It's very commendable that you personally go around encouraging the existing residents and immigrants and proactively prevent various conflicts. As the Chief of the guardian of civilians, it's only natural. However, for now, it would be better if you focus more on personally examining the talented individuals among the relief residents.]

"Understood, Ms. Head butler."

[First-class butler, Petro.]

"Yes! Ms. Head butler."

[The financial reports of the clan need to be better organized. Make an effort to ensure closer collaboration and sharing between departments. You are the First -class butler and the exclusive butler of the young patriarch, so you should at least do that much. Also, there was one missing item in the Lutero Federation black market sales information. I cannot tolerate such mistakes twice.]

"I apologize, I will rectify it immediately."

[That should be enough for now. Let's return to our positions and continue our work. The next meeting will be held at 2 am.]

The members of Runcandel were going through challenging days like no other.

But there was no one harboring discontent.

Luet had a peculiar power that made everyone obey her commands while constantly infusing them with vitality.

After everyone left to carry out Luet's orders, Jin went to the meeting room.

Luet stood up and greeted him with courtesy.

"Head butler."

[Have you arrived, young patriarch?]

"I heard that you haven't been able to get enough rest for several days. Are you okay?"

[To the fairies, this is nothing to be concerned about. Thanks to your excellent overall management, I am working smoothly. You smell like soil and iron, young patriarch. Have you been to the Empire?]

"Yes, I inspected the construction site of the shipyard facility. The foundation work for digging the underground space has already been completed, and now we have started the internal construction."

[We seem to be lacking in engineers. Highly skilled construction engineers were scarce even in my time.]

"I believe so. However, we are doing our best to recruit engineers, but the bigger problem is the absence of a construction supervisor and the shortage of engineers to build the fleet after the completion of the shipyard facility."

Originally, even digging the underground space of the Sword emperor's territory required tremendous technical expertise. However, that part was resolved quickly thanks to the power of the high-ranking knights, various forms of magic, and the power of Myriad Ice.

Literally, they dug the ground with their strength and prevented it from collapsing with the power of Myriad ice and mana.

But the actual internal construction couldn't proceed in the same manner.

To realize Qwaul's design, they needed construction engineers of the highest caliber in the world.

The overall responsibility currently lies with Qwaul, but his main profession is magical engineering.

No matter how much of a genius he may be, the field of architectural technology posed a different problem.

Even the Empire's top engineers were facing difficulties in realizing Qwaul's design.

"According to Dr. Qwaul, we would need at least Zipfel's top engineers or someone on the level of Bubare to complete the work perfectly. Or, a new contractor of the god of architecture appears."

[I emphasize the continuous recruitment of talents, but we cannot determine how much time it will take. And if we need geniuses of that caliber... honestly, we have to rely on chance. If we fail to find the engineers, it doesn't mean the completion of the project is impossible.]

"Yes, that's what I said. It will just require more time and resources."

[How much more? We already have limited financial resources. Wait, did you mention a new contractor of the god of architecture?]

"Yes, something crossed your mind. Do you have any thoughts on it?"

[Let's check when and where the last new contractor of the god of architecture appeared.]

Luet called for the scribe and gathered the historical records about the contractors kept within the clan.

[Let me see... Ah, here it is. In March 1666, a person named Clap Modal from the Brakle Autonomous District of the Lutero Magical Federation was the last known contractor. He passed away in 1701. The previous contractor was Kien Salasa from the Brakle Autonomous District in 1603, and before that, it was Harriet Bayer in 1541, also from the Brakle Autonomous District.]

"...All of them are from the Brakle Autonomous District?"

[The former name of the Brakle Autonomous District was the Kingdom of Brakle. It was known as a kingdom that the god of architecture particularly favored. Ah, now I remember. During our time, we sent knights to try to obtain the contractor of the god of architecture from the Kingdom of Brakle.]

"If the God of architecture is still exclusively contracting with individuals from the Brakle Autonomous District, there is a high possibility that they are already affiliated with Zipfel."

[Most likely. However, if there is a contractor in the Brakle Autonomous District, it might be worth a try. We can't invade like a thousand years ago. We can use the compass to confirm the existence of a contractor within Brakle, and if they exist, gather information through the Seven-Colored Peacock and send an anonymous invitation.]

It was a risky method that could potentially escalate into a major conflict.

However, as Luet said, it was necessary to use the compass to confirm the existence of a contractor first.

Jin immediately went to Tikan on a red owl and returned with the compass.

The compass only indicated the presence of a contractor with a red dot in the respective region.

It didn't provide precise location information or any other details.

Using the compass, they discovered multiple red dots in the Brakle Autonomous District.

"...It seems there are more than five contractors in Brakle."

Since Brakle was close to Drakka, it was a region frequently visited by Zipfel's contracted mages.

[For the time being, I will examine the red dots in the Brakle Autonomous District while I continue my work. I will observe the fluctuating numbers…]

Before Luet could finish her sentence, someone entered the meeting room.

"Ms. Head butler and young patriarch."

"Sir Tellot."

[What's the matter, Sir Tellot?]

Tellot, cleared his throat and showed a slightly embarrassed expression.

"I came because there is a boy among the refugees who claims to be the contractor of the god of architecture. I tried to confirm it in advance, but it seems that we might need the help of the Princess of Tikan or Ms. Head butler. When I asked him to demonstrate his power, he only spoke nonsense."

Jin and Luet glanced at each other for a few seconds.

[What did he say, exactly?]

"He said that he is a reserve contractor and that there must be some trial for a proper contract. Anyway, the guy is in the corridor."

Normally, Tellot would dismiss the boy's words as nonsense, but knowing how desperate the situation was for a contractor of the god of architecture, he came to the meeting room.

[Since we need to meet him first, please ask him to come in.]

Tellot gave the order outside, and the waiting knights escorted the boy into the meeting room.

He had the typical appearance of a desperate refugee, and his eyes held the peculiar determination of a lost boy.

Throughout the encounter, he didn't back down in front of Tellot.

"Ah, I really am the reserve contractor of the god of architecture! You shouldn't handle me so roughly... Oh! Sir Jin! You're really Sir Jin Runcandel, right!?"

And upon seeing Jin, the boy's angry face transformed into a sparkling expression.

It was the gaze of finally meeting an idol.

Jin paused for a moment, thinking about where he had seen that expression before.

It was when he first met Enya.

[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]

[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]