Chapter 45 Part 2

Chapter 45: Princess Parvela and Familis

Now that I've been appointed as the lord of the Rocha region, I must take on the responsibilities of a marshal.

Since the next marshal hasn't been confirmed yet, naturally, the transition will fall to Alectem.

"Alectem, do your best as the acting marshal."

"While not much will change from before, it seems you won't be accompanying me after all."

"Well, you know. Now that the mainland of Nonette is connected to the Imperial Territory and the Rocha region, I believe peace will continue. But due to two wars, the number of standing troops has greatly diminished. It's better for Alectem to handle things here than a new marshal trying to steer the ship. It's a smaller problem this way."

"While the mainland surrounded by mountains may remain peaceful, the Rocha region under Lord Milimos's rule is likely to get caught up in conflicts. In that case, I should also..."

"No, that won't work. Even if we lose the Rocha region, Nonette will remain. But if Nonette falls, the Rocha region becomes a part of a fallen nation. Rebuilding the Nonette country's military is an urgent matter."

I tried my best to make Alectem understand through my words.

However, I felt that there wasn't much need to worry about the future of the Rocha region.

"If my prediction is correct, the overseers of the Knight Country should be coming to see me."

"Why do you think that?"

"Reading tactical books, I realized that there are generally two paths for the ruler who takes over a conquered territory. One is to commit mass slaughter and fundamentally change the structure of the place. The other is to use the existing structure and make further improvements."

"How does that relate to the Knight Country?"

"The Knight Country probably won't endorse mass slaughter. As the new ruler, they would want to see if I behave as a 'proper' leader who governs the land correctly."

"Indeed, that seems plausible. Besides, Lord Milimos is only twelve years old. If such a young ruler takes charge, the Knight Country would surely pay attention."

In this way, having outsiders meddle in the governance of another country's affairs is often a source of conflict.

But for me, the fact that the Knight Country's people are nearby can be advantageous.

"Because the Knight Country's people are watching, the residents of the Rocha region can accept my rule with confidence. If I were to do something wrong, those overseers would surely point it out."

"If the people of the Knight Country, who uphold righteous deeds, don't act, then Lord Milimos's governance methods would serve as proof of 'rightness.'"

"Conversely, if the local residents or land administrators make requests that are misguided, those overseers might refuse on my behalf."

"The Knight Country's standards are applied not only to rulers."

Rather than considering the overseers from the Knight Country as mere watchmen or obstacles, if they are viewed as certificates of a ruler's righteousness, there could be no more reliable presence.

Well, considering that these certificates determine the morality of actions, is that paper that changes color in acid or alkali, as we did in science class, more accurate?

Anyway, with such a certificate of immunity in hand, it's almost as if I don't need Alectem's help to grasp control over the Rocha region.

"So, that's why I'm starting to feel that way."

"What are you talking about?"

In response to Alectem's question, the door to the office was knocked.

Granting permission to enter, as I expected, Princess Parvela and Familis came in.

Princess Parvela lifted the hem of her skirt and delivered congratulations.

"Lord Milimos Nonette. Congratulations on attaining the title of duke and becoming the lord of the Rocha region."

"Thank you, Princess Parvela. Due to circumstances, it might become more difficult to take care of both of you. I deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused by our country's circumstances."

After exchanging pleasantries as princess and prince, we returned to our usual conversation.

"I must say, I was surprised. Milimos-kun, becoming the lord of a territory you won at the age of twelve."

"I was surprised too. In terms of age and achievements, I had expected my older brother, Futtero, to become the lord."

"Instead of your older brother, isn't it possible that Milimos-kun is being eyed as the next king by King Cholex?"

"Well, who knows? They might be saying, 'I'll give you that territory, so forget about becoming king,' or something like that."

While exchanging trivial conversations, Familis interrupted.

"Because Prince Milimos has become the lord, the Holy Knight Nation has a request."

"I understand. They want to send overseers from the Knight Country to assess my performance as lord, right?"

Upon revealing what I had discussed with Alectem earlier, Familis's expression stiffened.

"...Where did you hear about that?"

"It's not that I heard about it; I anticipated it. Since the Knight Country lent a hand to the birth of a twelve-year-old ruler, they might want to take responsibility for overseeing its governance."

"You had anticipated it, so you'll accept the overseers?"

"Of course. I want them to properly supervise whether my governance is just."

Having made this declaration, a sudden doubt crossed my mind.

"So, who will be coming as the observer from the Knight Kingdom? Could it be that person in the black armor we saw during the battle with Rocha?"

In response to this question, Famiris looked terribly disappointed, and Princess Parubella was trying to hide her expression of joy.

Noticing their expressions, Famiris let out a sigh.

"Unfortunately, Princess Parubella and I have been appointed as observers by the Knight King."

"...Huh. Both of you?"

Surprised, I asked, causing Princess Parubella's expression to turn sad.

"You... don't like the idea?"

"No, it's not that. On one hand, there's the princess of the Knight Royal Family, and on the other hand, the knight who serves as her guardian. I just thought it might be a bit excessive for those overseeing a territory's ruler."

Hastily explaining, Princess Parubella seemed relieved, while Famiris gave me a stern look.

"It's not my intention either. However, if it's an order from the Knight King, we can't refuse."

"But, um, are you both okay with that?"

"Prince Milimos, what do you mean?"

"Well, in our country too, a princess would need maids, right? Since the former Rocha nation had a representative system rather than a monarchy, I assume there might be a shortage of such attendants."

Famiris chuckled at this concern.

"Please don't treat our princesses on par with other weak princesses. The members of the Knight Royal Family are individuals who charge onto the battlefield alongside soldiers and knights. If they can't take care of their own surroundings, they wouldn't be recognized as part of the Knight Royal Family."

"So, um, does that mean Princess Parubella can take care of herself?"

"Princess Parubella may not excel in the art of war, but she possesses remarkable skills in cooking, laundry, and mending. Taking care of her own surroundings is a piece of cake!"

"Hey, Famiris, don't say such exaggerations to Milimos-kun! Um, I can really only do basic things, so please don't expect too much."

"What are you saying! The pastries Princess Parubella made for us were heavenly sweet and delightful!"

"Oh, Famiris, please, just be quiet!"

Blushing, Princess Parubella tried to cover Famiris' mouth as he continued talking.

The height difference between them made her attempt to press down on his mouth while bouncing up and down seem cute, like a small animal.

I could tease her about her domestic skills, but I decided to let it slide here, as she seemed like she might burst into tears if I went too far.