Chapter 253: Mephistopheles’ Smile

Senior Knight Josel was heading towards Nabal’s shop. Well, now it was closed, and one might call it the future site of the Second Knight Order’s quarters.

Nabal used to be a traveling merchant living in the fortress city. However, he lost his son and daughter-in-law to bandits attacking their carriage. Josel avenged them, and Nabal now worked as his collaborator. He aimed to establish a proper security organization in this territory to prevent further sacrifices like his son and daughter-in-law. It was his way of atoning for abandoning his family.

“Nabal, I’m coming in.”

Without waiting for a response, Josel entered, finding someone besides Nabal inside.

“Oh, Josel-san, welcome.”

Claudia was there, lounging around as if it were her own home. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable having a woman he was not fond of invade his territory, Josel answered curtly and took a seat on a new chair.

Nabal, an old man at the back of the room, bowed slightly. His face, which had been ashen immediately after the incident, had regained much of its color. Josel felt relieved seeing him looking better.

“What are you doing here, Claudia-san?”

When Josel asked, Claudia, with an exaggerated gesture of being offended, replied.

”Isn’t it obvious? When the Second Knight Order is involved, there’s a lot to discuss about weapons, horses, food, and such. So, I occasionally come here to discuss various matters and secure cheap and stable supply routes.”

I see, Josel glanced at Nabal, who nodded slightly.

“So, Josel-san, have you secured the budget? Hope it won’t end up being just empty promises.”

Though not expecting much, her attitude conveyed a hint of skepticism. Josel replied, slightly annoyed, 

“The Count has assured us a budget of fifty gold coins annually.”

“Hmm, that’s not much.”

 Claudia bluntly remarked.

While such comments were not uncommon, Josel felt a pang of sadness seeing disappointment on Navar’s face.

“Does the Count truly understand the importance of maintaining law and order?”

“…If results are achieved, additional budget will be allocated.”

“You shouldn’t put too much hope in such promises.”

She was truly unpleasant. What Josel found distasteful was not just her, but the undeniable fact that he couldn’t expect much. There was nothing less reliable than a noble’s “later.” They might have already forgotten such promises by now.

“By the way, Josel-san, I didn’t come here today to be sarcastic.”

“It’s good to be aware that you’re being sarcastic. So, what’s the matter?”

Suppressing the urge to grab this woman by the scruff of her neck like a stray cat, Josel asked.

“Have you secured enough personnel for the Second Knight Order? Don’t just talk like a bureaucrat saying you’ll make weapons without knowing who’ll wield them.”

“Always have a lot to say, huh… Well, we’re considering recruiting from the vigilante group.”

“Not very reliable, are they?”

“No, they’re not.”

Josel replied with a click of his tongue. He could no longer hide his frustration.

Dislike, discomfort, unease. Despite all that, he had no choice but to rely on this woman. It was frustrating to admit, but he had the confidence that Claudia, who had no respect for nobility, would come up with a good solution.

The city’s security was essentially maintained by a vigilante group established by citizens pooling their money, as the miscreants of the First Knight Order were of little help. However, they were not trained in combat, and their combat capability was unreliable. What Josel wanted was an immediate force capable of eliminating bandits on the highways.

He knew there were no such talents just lying around. He had also consulted Ricardo, the Count’s adventurer, about scouting adventurers for the Second Knight Order. However, Ricardo’s face showed not just surprise but a look of utter disbelief.

“I won’t last three days.”

Despite always saying he wanted money, honor, and stability, adventurers were fundamentally free-spirited and loathed being tied down. On the first day, they would stand tall with enthusiasm, on the second day, slump with boredom, and on the third day, simply not show up. That was bound to happen.

“I warned you.”

If you want to scout, go ahead, but it’s not my responsibility. He was brushed off with this dismissive attitude.

“Hmm, seems like you’re troubled?”

Claudia spoke in a voice that seemed to be enjoying the situation.

“Just get to the point already. I don’t have time to indulge in a woman’s long-winded talk.”

“You’re impatient, aren’t you? Is it the same even in bed?”

“I love my wife. In the morning, at noon, and of course at night… No, I don’t want to talk about that!”

Claudia chuckled inwardly, finding Josel surprisingly easygoing. Josel was not fond of this female merchant, while Claudia disliked knights. Despite that, there was a strange relationship where they felt inclined to listen to each other’s words.

“There’s a village where we can easily recruit experienced personnel, pick and choose.”

“What, such a place… Ah, I see.”

Josel immediately understood. The dream village Claudia was proposing was likely the village run by Princess Listille, where returning soldiers resided. Claudia had made substantial investments in this village and developed a personal friendship with Listille.

“They know well the pain of poverty and the fear of being expelled. If we warmly welcome them and provide salaries, they’ll work diligently. But please, ensure there’s no delay or reluctance in paying their salaries.”

“That’s all well and good, but…”

“Oh, is there something else?”

“I wanted to promote employment within the territory, if possible…”

Josel, groaning his words, was about to express his concerns when Nabal, who had been listening quietly until now, stood up and offered advice.

“Sir Josel, you must surely understand the consequences of gathering and employing unusable personnel.”

“…There’s no counterargument.”

The current Knight Order was comprised of second and third sons of minor nobles, who had no hope in life after failing to inherit their family titles. They were not useful, which led to the establishment of the Second Knight Order. But Josel couldn’t afford to make the same mistake again.

It was frustrating to admit, but there was another concern. Even if warriors were brought in from the pioneer village, where would their loyalty lie? Despite receiving the count’s stipend, they might still remain loyal to Listille. Furthermore, it would be tied to Claudia’s influence.

And this discussion wouldn’t happen without Claudia’s mediation. Josel could foresee being turned away if he went alone.

It was an unthinkable, almost absurd situation, but if Claudia were to propose to Listille, “Let’s assassinate the count,” the members of the Second Knight Order might all turn into assassins on the spot, except for Josel.

He didn’t have the confidence to gather troops with suspicion looming over him. So, should he refuse or continue to endanger the people with his selfishness? He couldn’t do that.

…Because I am Senior Knight Josel.

Even if not understood by others, that reason was sufficient.

Josel growled lowly and spoke with a voice squeezed from the depths of his abdomen.

“I want to personally select the soldiers on-site. Is that acceptable?”

Claudia beamed with a bright smile, as if she had expected to be asked that from the beginning.

“Of course. Let’s all make arrangements and go together, shall we?”

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