Chapter 254: Vectors of Loyalty

“Are you afraid of having your balls squeezed by a woman?”

“Master, I understand what you’re getting at, but the way you put it…”

Josel stopped by Gerhardt’s workshop to discuss Claudia’s proposal, and these were the words that came out.

Even if they pull soldiers from the pioneer village of the returning soldiers, their loyalty will ultimately remain with the princess. That seems to accurately express the concern, but it’s still too blunt.

To the correcting apprentice, the old craftsman waved his hand in annoyance.

“No matter how you sugarcoat it, the essence remains the same. This isn’t the royal palace or the audience chamber; the most important thing is clarity.”

“That may be so, but…”

Switching the topic, Josel lightly cleared his throat.

“It’s best to go along with Claudia’s proposal. I understand that and have already agreed to it. However, as knights, we cannot ignore where our loyalty lies.”

One cannot entrust their back to those who do not hold loyalty towards the Count, or towards this domain. He didn’t want to start the Second Knight Order, responsible for the security and development of the Count’s domain, with lingering doubts.

“You said you were going to scout them out yourself, right? That was a good decision.”

Gerhardt praised him, but honestly, Josel didn’t agree wholeheartedly. He proposed it more as a way to oppose Claudia or to avoid being obedient, so he couldn’t nod in agreement.

“Even if all the returning soldiers are Princess-lovers, there will still be individual differences.”

“Individual differences, you say?”

“Some may genuinely want to dedicate their lives to the princess, some may just be grateful for being taken in, and others may only be going along with it because everyone else is. There’s a variety. From among them, we just need to choose those who haven’t been tainted by Princess worship.”

“I see…”

“They’re probably struggling in their cramped lives, trying to scrape by. If there’s a chance to have a decent home, a meager salary, and maybe even start a family with hard work, they’ll jump at it, forgetting old debts.”

“Um, Master. Your remarks have been rather harsh since earlier, haven’t they?”

“Is that so? …Maybe.”

Gerhardt twisted his neck, reconsidering the words that had come out of his mouth. The choice of words was poor, but it’s not like he dislikes the princess and the returning soldiers. He’s just not interested. Right now, he’s only concerned about what happened to 13th Knight Commander Leonard’s sword.

“Don’t worry about it, there’s no ill intention. What’s more important to consider is whether those who aren’t loyal to the princess will be any different here. Well, it’s still better than dragging them in from the Alliance or the Empire.”

“I’ll make them fall for me.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ll make them fall for my charm, as a man.”

“…Huh, what are you talking about?”

Seeing his master’s puzzled expression, Josel finally realized that he had also chosen his words poorly.

“My apologies. In other words, I will prove through my actions and achievements that I am worthy of being the commander of the Knight Order and a reliable partner.”

“I see, quite confident of yourself.”

Gerhardt said with a hint of amusement.

“I’m not confident. But I’ll do it.”

“Hmm.”

“Master, please continue to guide me in the future.”

“Very well, I’ll accompany you. However, I alone have limitations. Make sure to deepen your relationship with Lutz and Claudia.”

It’s not something to do immediately, but there’s always the problem of lifespan. In fact, Gerhardt’s friend died from a bad heart. There’s no guarantee that the same won’t happen to him.

For young people, it’s necessary to have connections with each other. Gerhardt showed a slightly lonely expression as he said that.

“As for this Claudia…”

“What, still not comfortable with her?”

“I don’t quite understand what she’s thinking.”

Calling Claudia just a female merchant is underestimating her influence. It was still eerie to not understand the mindset of such a woman.

“Her principles of action are surprisingly simple. She loves Lutz, she loves the princess, she wants to ensure the safety of merchants, and nobles are crap. Those are the four main points.”

“The fourth point seems a bit troublesome, doesn’t it?”

“Well, that can’t be helped. Once you understand her principles of action and if our interests align, she’ll become a reliable ally. She might make sarcastic remarks, but she seems to agree with the idea of creating a decent security maintenance organization.”

“Certainly,” Josel nodded. Looking at the results alone, Claudia has been working diligently for the establishment of the Second Knight Order. Other than the somewhat untrustworthy aspect, there are no problems, and Josel should be grateful instead.

“Yeah, well, I understand what you’re saying. Neither the Count nor Claudia show any signs of trying to please the other.”

“Yes, I feel a precariousness that they might disappear one day.”

“Among the Count’s close aides, there are some who say that since the swordmaking technique has been passed on to the city blacksmiths, Lutz and Claudia are no longer needed. What do you think?”

“That person must be an idiot.”

“Heh, heh… You’re quite harsh too.”

“Oh, I apologize for that.”

Josel hurriedly bowed his head. Gerhardt nodded with a face that seemed more amused than concerned.

“And so, does the Count gradually start feeling that way because he keeps hearing such comments?”

“No, he actually became more calm after seeing how foolish his close aides were. He might not be a perfect ruler, but it’s really relieving to see that he has some decency at his core.”

He also spoke bluntly to his liege.

“Now then,” Gerhardt muttered, reluctantly patting his hips as he stood up.

“I’ll inform the Count that I’ll be away for a while. You prepare to finalize the arrangements for the trip to the capital with Claudia.”

“The capital? But isn’t our destination the border?”

“We’ll go to the capital first, then to the border. Don’t worry, Claudia knows the situation well around there.”

“U-Understood. Then, I’ll be off.”

Watching Josel hurry out of the room, Gerhardt stroked his white chin beard with a triumphant smile.

“I might be able to create a second enhanced magic weapon. And it might be with the famous sword wielded by the man known as the Grim Reaper in his final moments. Truly, the world never ceases to keep this old man entertained.”

The old craftsman walked lightly, locking the door behind him before heading to the Count’s private chamber.

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